Top 7 of The Best Things to Do and See in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Itinerary planning for a visit to KL

MALAYSIA

Adam Shaw

12/28/20244 min read

I absolutely loved my trip to Kuala Lumpur, it is a a very modern city with a broad mix of cultures, fantastic variety of food options and some iconic landmarks to explore. So whether you are a history buff, a foodie or an architecture enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. Here are my top 7 things to do there;

1. Petronas Twin Towers

No trip to Kuala Lumpur would be complete without seeing The Petronas Towers, it would in fact be hard to miss them, as they stand at 452 meters tall (1,483 feet) and are the tallest twin skyscrapers in the world, dominating Kuala Lumpur's skyline! Designed by Argentine architect Cesar Pelli, the interlinked 88 storey towers are an iconic symbol of Malayasia, featuring a steel and glass facade, which was inspired by Islamic art motifs.

Highlights:

  • Walk the Skybridge (interlinking the towers) for stunning views across the city.

  • Admire the city’s skyline from the observation deck on the 86th floor.

  • Take photos of the illuminated towers at night (as pictured).

2. Batu Caves

Second on my list to visit is The Batu Caves, which is just a short taxi ride to the north from the city centre. When you arrive you are presented with an absolutely stunning limestone hill, and 272 colourful steps leading up to the main temple cave, which is adorned with Hindu shrines. At the entrance there is a ginormous golden statue of Lord Murugan, standing at 42.7 meters (140 feet) in height, which is a great spot for photos.

Highlights:

  • Climb the colourful 272 steps to the caves.

  • Golden statue of Lord Murugan.

  • Explore the Dark Cave for a guided eco-tour.

  • Encounter monkeys on the steps

3. Merdeka Square

If you enjoy learning about history, then I would recommend a visit to the historic landmark Merdeka Square, symbolising Malaysia's independence. It was here on August 31, 1957, that the Malayan flag was first raised, marking the nation’s freedom from British rule. The square features a 95 meter flagpole, which I learned was one of the tallest in the world, and is surrounded by stunning colonial era architecture, with beautifully landscaped open space.

Highlights:

  • Admire the colonial architecture of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

  • Visit the National Textile Museum and Kuala Lumpur City Gallery nearby.

  • Enjoy the open space for a leisurely walk and photos.

4. Bukit Bintang

During my visit I stayed in the lively Bukit Bintang area, which is Kuala Lumpur’s main entertainment and shopping district and is active 24/7. It features some amazing malls like Pavilion KL and Fahrenheit 88, offering luxury brands and local boutiques. The area really comes alive at night, with many cool bars and restaurants to visit, and if you are a real food enthusiast then I would suggest heading to Jalan Alor, a famous street lined with stalls serving tasty authentic Malaysian and international dishes.

Highlights:

  • Shop at Pavilion KL and Fahrenheit 88 malls.

  • Indulge in street food at Jalan Alor.

  • Explore trendy bars, live music venues and rooftop lounges.

5. KL Tower

Number 5 on my list is KL Tower, which is one of the tallest buildings in the world, at 421 meter tall. The tower houses telecommunications and unique attractions like the Observation Deck, Sky Deck and Sky Box, which has a glass platform for daring photos. I bought a package for all 3, but to be honest I think getting the package for just Sky Deck and Sky Box is enough. Fine dining can also be enjoyed at Atmosphere 360, a revolving restaurant with views across the city. The building is surrounded by KL Forest Eco Park, so you can go for a walk amongst nature after your visit.

Highlights:

  • Sky Deck for thrilling open air views.

  • Dine at the revolving Atmosphere 360 restaurant.

  • Visit during sunset to capture some beautiful photos of the cities skyline.

6. Chinatown (Petaling Street)

Petaling Street is an exciting and vibrant market situated in KLs Chinatown. The street is famous for its atmosphere and is great for some bargain shopping, lined with stalls selling everything from clothes, accessories, souvenirs and electronics. Is a great place to sample Malaysian street food, including char kway teow, asam laksa and refreshing air mata kucing drinks. The area is really rich in culture, featuring landmarks like the ornate Sri Mahamariamman Temple and Guan Di Temple.

Highlights:

  • Souvenirs shopping at Petaling Street Market.

  • Visit the historic Sri Mahamariamman Temple and Guan Di Temple.

  • Try local food like char kway teow and clay pot chicken rice.

7. Perdana Botanical Gardens

If you want a peaceful break from the city, then take a wander around The Perdana Botanical Gardens. Spanning over 90 hectares, it features beautifully landscaped gardens, scenic walking trails, tranquil lakes and some great picnic spots.

Highlights:

  • Visit the KL Bird Park, featuring exotic bird species.

  • Wander through the Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens.

  • Relax by the lake or rent a bike for a scenic ride.