The 9 Best Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Known locally as ‘KL’, Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and also the youngest capital in South East Asia. A concrete jungle filled with towering skyscrapers that are interwoven with traditional shopping streets and jungly greenspaces, the city has evolved in a rapid metamorphosis to become a pioneer of Malaysian innovation. In fact, it’s hard to keep up with the rate of its evolution, with building schemes, new road systems, and great architectural feats always in the making in an attempt to keep up with the rapid rise in Far Eastern economic influence.

And what’s more impressive is that KL still manages to preserve its many captivating historical landmarks that tell the stories of its significant past, some of which have been present since the city was a seedling that was only just beginning to sprout into the thriving metropolis it is today. From vibrant temples to lofty monuments and museums that will enrich your mind, these pieces of history remain some of the most remarkable aspects of the city, despite its rapid industrialisation.

The city is home primarily to the Indian Malays in the north of the city and the Chinese Malays in the south, giving KL a grand bi-cultural feel. And with its residents’ beliefs ranging from Islam to Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism, Kuala Lumpur is truly a harmonious amalgamation of religious beliefs, making it one of the most culturally and religiously diverse cities in the Far East.

It’s no doubt that Kuala Lumpur is a well-beaten track amongst travellers, with Thailand, Singapore, and South East Asia all reachable over land, and increasingly now by Western-style, low-cost airlines. So, if you haven’t already visited Kuala Lumpur on your travels, you shouldn’t hesitate to add it to your bucket list. 

If you’re tempted by the prospects that this ever-evolving cityscape has to offer, you’re in the right place as this blog post reveals the nine best things to do in Kuala Lumpur that will have you experiencing its most beguiling, awe-inspiring, and unforgettable qualities and sights.

Take to New Heights at the Petronas Twin Towers

One look at these soaring spires and you’ll see why the iconic Petronas Towers are a must-visit during any trip to KL. Together they idolise the civic centre of the city and its identity amongst the world’s most influential cities.

Dominating the Kuala Lumpur skyline, it’s hard to find a street where they can’t be seen from in Kuala Lumpur city centre. If you want sensational views across the cityscape then you need to navigate your way to the 41st floor and to the famous ‘Skybridge’ and observation deck. We’d recommend planning your visit to arrive at the bottom of the towers (accessible via the Suria KLCC shopping mall) at its opening time, as the queues can stretch to dizzying lengths later on and only a certain number of visitors are permitted to enter every day. 

You can, however, purchase your tickets in advance with a dedicated time slot so you can avoid the hassle of long queues and skip the line to savour these panoramic views!

Shop at Suria KLCC Mall

On your way to the Petronas Twin Towers, you will pass through the Suria KLCC Mall and you will see that it’s no ordinary shopping destination. You could quite easily shop until you drop here, which explains why it is regarded as one of the best shopping locations in Malaysia.

Not only is the mall home to a plethora of shops and restaurants, but also to the educatory Petrosains Discovery Centre, the stunning and slightly surreal underwater aquarium, a vast concert hall, and even a huge multiplex cinema.

It also houses flagship shops from all over the world, including Marks and Spencer from the UK and Kinokuniya, the Japanese bookstore. More than that, the Suria (meaning ‘Sunshine’) is one of the best places to eat in Kuala Lumpur because, like most of the city, it incorporates cultural influences from around the globe. Head to Signatures Food Court for a unique opportunity to compare tastes – which is the best: Indian or Malaysian Biryani? You’ll have to find out!

Family shopping at KLCC Mall, Kuala Lumpur

Explore Petaling Street Market

Nestled within Kuala Lumpur’s neverending maze of skyscrapers, Petaling Street Market is the most famous in the entire city. Also known as Jalan Petaling, it is the Chinatown area’s bustling shopping district brimming with street vendors selling an array of goods – from dried herbs to knock-off luxury brands, electronics, and more. The majority of these are reasonably priced, but be prepared to haggle for the price that you want, which is more than acceptable in this market. 

There isn’t a time of day when Petaling Street isn’t heaving with tourists and locals alike finding the best gifts to take home, mooching for something new, or securing a deal. Around Petaling Street, you’ll also find some of the very best places to eat, with authentic Chinese meals that are guaranteed to soothe the soul. And if you’re wanting to soothe your mind and body also, Petaling Street is known for being home to some of the best stalls and shops with traditional remedies from Chinese medicine to ensure you’re kept in tip-top shape whilst you’re visiting Kuala Lumpur. 

Visiting Petaling Street Market is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur at night when its neon lights are ablaze, the sweet and savoury aromas of restaurants and vendors are in the air, and the electric hum of hundreds of locals and visitors can be heard for miles.

Soak in the Views at the Top of KL Tower

Stretching 335 metres high, The Kuala Lumpur Tower, also known as Menara Kuala Lumpur, is another structure that – much like the Petronas Towers – dominates the city’s skyline. The structure provides a panoramic glimpse into Kuala Lumpur from above where the entire city opens up before you like a book. 

The place you have to head to soak in these exceptional views is undoubtedly the visitor’s observation deck, which is the highest point open to the public within the city. Many visit early in the morning, at or just after opening time, to be some of the first to view the city as it awakens for the day. Or, sunset is an equally popular time to see the orange sunlight cast its glow on the city’s skyscrapers and streets. You can purchase tickets in advance of your trip to KL Tower for added convenience.

Visit Thean Hou Temple

One of the most iconic religious places to visit in Kuala Lumpur, Thean Hou Temple is a decorative masterpiece. 

An ocean of red lanterns awaits its visitors, which beckon them towards the arched golden rooftops of the temple. With ornate signs, murals, and paintings dotting its walkways and halls, Thean Hou will inspire you from each and every angle.

You can wander through the temple freely, visiting its prayer halls and meandering through its shaded walkways, which are found across multiple floors which compose its signature six-tier structure. When contemplating the best things to see and do in Kuala Lumpur, there’s no doubt that Thean Hou Temple should make your list.

Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur

Buy a Souvenir at Central Market

Central Market is another of Kuala Lumpur’s most famed marketplaces. Packed with vendors which line its exteriors, there’s no doubt you’ll be pulled aside by a keen stall owner at some point who’s hoping that some of their merchandise has caught your eye!

The Central Market building itself is a historic one indeed. Having opened in 1888, it was originally a ‘wet’ market which sold cuts of fish, meat, and vegetables. Since, however, it has transformed into a treasure trove for tourists looking to take a souvenir from their travels home with them. Its insides are lined with permanent storefronts that sell everything from precious stone jewellery to clothes and postcards. 

Central Market’s charming simple exterior and the hum of visitors in search of their next purchase is enough to lure you through its doors, which is why it’s one of the most popular Kuala Lumpur tourist attractions.

Climb the Rainbow Stairs at Batu Caves

Batu Caves gazes over the borders of Kuala Lumpur city centre, with its colossal golden Murugan, a Hindu god, statue standing proudly at its site. 

Taking roughly half an hour to reach by car from the city centre, the Batu Caves are truly a sight to behold. Built into soaring limestone cliffs, visitors can venture into the caves up a rainbow-painted staircase that is one of the most iconic photo opportunities to be had in Kuala Lumpur. 

Whilst not in the city centre, when it comes to things to see in Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves consistently tops the list. Once you reach the top of the 272 vibrant steps, expect to find Hindu temples within its  cavernous interior that are beautifully ornate and colourful.  

But, a word of caution – beware of the monkeys! Whilst these furry creatures might look cute they’ve grown all too accustomed to travellers, many of which try to snap a photo or sneak them a bite to eat, and they’re likely to pester you if they can sense any food within their reach.

Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur

Marvel at Marine Life in Aquaria KLCC

As Kuala Lumpur’s city aquarium, Aquaria KLCC is the ideal location to visit for lovers of all marine life. It’s truly an attraction in which any age group will be enraptured by colourful aquatic life and replica marine landscapes. 

There’s even an area in which you can touch some of the marine life for yourself, making for a full sensory experience in which you can feel like you’ve been transported underwater whilst still being in the heart of Kuala Lumpur city centre. 

Not to mention, for those who are feeling adventurous, the ‘Cage Rage’ experience at the aquarium is where you can fully immerse yourself by literally swimming with the fishes, sharks, stingrays, and other aquatic life, within an underwater cage.

For a little bit of the ocean in the bustling cityscape, you can purchase your admission to this Kuala Lumpur attraction, which is certainly one you won’t want to miss.

Aquaria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur

Stop by Sri Maha Mariamman Temple

The magnificent multicoloured Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is truly a feast for the eyes. A multi-layered, vibrant testimony to Hindu creativity and ingenuity, this historic building is truly mesmerising in structure and design, with many figurines of gods and men lining its archways and dotting its Gopuram (entrance).   

In fact, it is the oldest Hindu temple in the country, making it not only one of the most historic attractions in Kuala Lumpur but also the most significant Hindu attraction in Malaysia. Situated in Chinatown, Sri Maha Mariamman is conveniently located if you’re exploring the Kuala Lumpur city centre.

You can enter the temple and visit its Prayer Hall, where you can make an offering, or discover its many delicate, ornate statues and murals. For this alone, we feel it’s one of the best things to see when you visit Kuala Lumpur.

Summary

Kuala Lumpur is certainly not short of its fair share of Malaysian attractions. From tranquil religious sights to bustling markets and venturing to new heights, when you next visit Kuala Lumpur you can be sure that there’ll be something, if not many things, that will pique your interest. And we hope that these nine suggestions of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur have offered you some inspiration for when you venture to the city on your next Far Eastern and Asian adventure.

FAQs

Is Kuala Lumpur Cheap or Expensive?

As a capital city, compared to the rest of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur can be considered to be quite expensive. But don’t be put off by this as the city is one of the world’s most affordable, with many travellers being able to spend as little as £30 or $40 a day, inclusive of accommodation, meals, transport, and attraction fees.

How Many Days Is Ideal for Kuala Lumpur?  

We would recommend spending at least 4 days in Kuala Lumpur. The city is large and with that, there’s plenty to see and do during your time visiting Kuala Lumpur. You also won’t want to be rushing between sites each day, particularly as many of Kuala Lumpur’s attractions are spread across the city, so 4 days give you ample time to take your trip at a leisurely pace to savour and enjoy your trip in KL.

If you like the look of KL, then why not check out some other great travel destinations in Asia….

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About the Author

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Charlie Whitaker

Charlie Whitaker is a skilled content writer and PR professional currently writing pieces for, and working with, clients in the travel, tourism, and recruitment industries. With a passion for travel and creative writing, you can most likely find her travelling to the next destination on her bucket list or enjoying some down time in the countryside of the north of England, which she calls home.