Things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a fascinating combination of old colonial charms and modern high rises and specific ethnic districts that offer a mixture of delights, including various cuisines and markets as well as religious and cultural attractions. Chinatown and Little India make great areas for exploring, while must-sees include the Petronas Towers, which offer stunning panoramas of the city from the viewing deck, and the Lake Gardens district, which is simply packed with sightseeing opportunities.

Chinatown

Chinatown is one of the more atmospheric parts of the city, closely competing with Little India. Here, you can explore the bustling Petaling market day or night, where everything from Chinese snacks to fruit, clothing and handicrafts are available. The busy, colourful streets of Chinatown are ideal for exploration on foot, where an afternoon stroll will take you past historic shop fronts, street vendors, Medan Pesar (originally the site of the city’s first market and gambling houses), temples and Central Market, a haven for handicrafts and artworks.

Lake Gardens

This district, developed in colonial times, is centred on a hilly landscape, where the fine houses of the wealthy British elite once stood, with some examples still standing. The gardens’ focal point is Tasik Perdana, a beautiful lake where visitors and residents alike can rent boats at the weekends. Attractions in this district include Taman Rama Rama, where you can get up close with native insects and spiders; Bird Park (tel: +60 2273 5423), an aviary housing over 160 species of birds; Taman Orkid, a picturesque orchid garden; Taman Bunga Raya, the city’s Hibiscus garden; and the National Planetarium, offering adventures through space.

Masjid Jamek

KL’s most impressive mosque is set amid a tranquil setting of palm trees. Built in 1907 and designed by British designer AB Hubbock, its onion-shaped domes and towering minarets form an impressive sight, with the design having been influenced by Moghul mosques in India. Located at the confluence of the Klang and Gomback rivers, the site which is said to be the first inhabited by early tin miners, places the mosque at the centre of the city.

Petaling Market

One of the city’s most famous markets, this is where to head day or night if you have the munchies or are looking to stock up on some bargain souvenirs. Set in the heart of Chinatown, the market attracts plenty of action, with both locals and tourists wandering among the clothes and fruit stalls and well as in and out of the street-side noodle shops. Many of the vendors set up plastic chairs and tables for diners to sit on. 

Petronas Towers

Set in the heart of the Golden Triangle, the Petronas Towers lie at the hub of the business district, towering over the city and visible from almost any part of KL. Standing 451.9 metres high, the 88-storey twin towers are an impressive sight. Visitors can take the lift up to the 41st floor observation deck, where the Skybridge links the two buildings; visitors cannot access floors above this level. Only 800 tickets are issued daily, making it imperative to arrive here early if you want to enjoy the stunning views from the viewing deck. Underneath the towers sit the Suria KLCC shopping complex, with its upmarket boutiques and eateries.

Temples

Among the city’s most significant temples are Sri Mahamariamman Temple and
The former Hindu temple, situated in Chinatown, is characterised by its impressive gate tower. Its wonderfully decorative and colourful tower, depicting Hindu gods, stands in stark contrast to the surrounding buildings. Visitors can remove their shoes and explore the temple, which houses a silver chariot that is paraded to the Batu Caves during the Hindu festival of Thaipusam each year. Thean Hou Temple is dedicated to the Chinese Queen of Heaven, protector of seafarers (tel: +60 2274 7088). The goddess is represented as well as several other Buddhist goddesses only with some Taoist influences, making it an interesting amalgamation of religious representations.

Museums

KL has several museums that are worthy of a visit, with among the most popular being the National Museum, with its colourful exhibitions on Malaysian history as well as displays covering the country’s culture, handicrafts, motor vehicles and arts (tel: +60 2282 6255). Art lovers will enjoy the National Art Gallery and Theatre (tel: +60 4025 4990), where works by contemporary Malaysian artists are exhibited, while the Islamic Arts Museum is home to scale models of the world’s greatest mosques and other religious artworks (tel: +60 2274 2020). The city has various other museums catering to specialist tastes such as the Air Force Museum and the Royal Malaysian Police Museum (tel: +60 2272 5689).