Batu Caves Murugan Statue, is the tallest statue of a Hindu deity in Malaysia
From the magnificent Petronas Twin Towers to the elegantly extravagant Sri Mahamariamman Temple, there are plenty of things to do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city. The perfect place to relax, enjoy mouthwatering street food, and absorb the colorful Asian culture.
Top Things to do in Kuala Lumpur
The name ‘Kuala Lumpur’ literally means “muddy confluence.” Risen from the humid forest, this modern metropolis boasts a wide range of cultural diversity. Chinese, Indian and Malay people occupy the city, creating a beautiful combination of diverse architecture, food, music, and culture.
At first glance, this bubbling city might be a bit overwhelming for travelers, but there are many ways to enjoy Kuala Lumpur. Here’s a list of amazing things to do in Kuala Lumpur.
Don’t get close to the monkeys at the Batu Caves, they’re quite aggressive in their scrounging for food!
One of the free things to do in Kuala Lumpur and also one of the top things to do is visiting the Batu caves. A must-see location featuring a series of caves and cave temples that are watched over by a giant statue. These caves are built into limestone hills, located only a 20 – 25 minute drive from the city center. The Batu Caves also boast idols and statues that are over 100 years old; some devout Hindus come here to worship, but it’s free for guests who want to sight see or take selfies with the massive golden statue of the Hindu deity, Murugan.
One of the best things you can do here is to climb the 272 vibrantly colored cave steps with other travelers and religious practitioners. Although climbing the stairs will make you all sweaty, it will be worth it as you come across great views of the surroundings and animals like monkeys and pigeons hanging around.
Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park
One of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur (that is not mentioned enough) is visiting the Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park. Here, you can marvel at over 5,000 colorful butterflies in different shapes, patterns, sizes, and colors. The park also exudes a jungle experience with its walkways, lakes, ponds, gazebos, fauna, and flora.
Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park is the largest butterfly garden in the world! Here, you can view over 120 species of butterfly, and if you have time, you can enjoy other attractions like their museum with a large collection of insects from around the world. Or, join one of the educational sessions on the life of butterflies.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Built in the 19th century, Sri Mahamariamman Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Kuala Lumpur and totally worth seeing. The temple is close to the Kuala Lumpur Central Market and Chinatown and boasts an impressive front entrance filled with its vibrant facade and colorful statues of Hindu deities. Shoes are not allowed in the temple, and you need to cover your shoulders and knees before you enter. Visitors can, however, get an extra scarf at the temple if they need one.
Petronas Towers
Can’t skip a picture with the Petronas Towers
One of the most iconic sights in Kuala Lumpur is the Petronas Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world. At some point (between 1998 and 2004), they were also the tallest buildings in the world. It is impossible not to mention them when talking about Kuala Lumpur things to do. Make sure you also visit them at night, when they’re lit up, and be prepared to have an aching neck staring up at the 88 stories.
To get a great view of the magnificent twin towers, featuring postmodern architecture and some unique Islamic designs, go to the Kuala Lumpur City Center Park. You can also walk over the sky bridge that joins the two towers together and take in the breathtaking views of the stretch across the city. The best place to take pictures of the twin towers is in front of them in the KLCC Park, behind the water feature, or behind the towers, especially in the evening when there is the nightly Symphony Lake Water Show.
*Keep reading to find some of the best rooftop bars Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Where you can get astonishing views of the Petronas Towers.
National Mosque of Malaysia
Looking for free things to do in Kuala Lumpur? A visit to the National Mosque of Malaysia is a great way to soak up Malaysia’s true history and culture. The National Mosque of Malaysia is open to guests, but note that you can only visit the mosque after prayers, and one must be appropriately dressed to be granted entrance. The mosque’s design and architecture are based on the Grand Mosque in Mecca, featuring a 75-meter-high minaret and a domed roof with 18 points representing Malaysia’s 13 states and the 5 Pillars of Islam.
The National Mosque of Malaysia is considerably large and can accommodate up to 15,000 people. Also, the mosque is surrounded by trees, water features, and a great view of the old railway building.
Jamek Mosque
Head to the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Jamek Mosque, built in 1907. This mosque is bright white and features beautiful domes and symmetrical minarets. Jamek Mosque is located right on the river, and its courtyard is full of trees that provide shade against the heat of the day.
You can speak with the religious leader who is usually at the mosque and happy to provide information about the history and significance of the mosque. The mosque is free to enter, but closes during prayer times. Also, women will be given a robe to cover their bodies before they enter, and men in shorts will get covers for their legs.
Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park
Visiting the Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park is a great way to enjoy nature away from the bustle of the city. Located only 3 km (1.86 miles) away from the city center, this eco park offers the only remaining area of tropical rainforest in central Kuala Lumpur. The canopy walk is something tons of travelers look forward to doing at the park. It typically takes about 30–45 minutes to finish the canopy walk. And, while here, you can also enjoy glimpses of free-roaming monkeys, and all the flora and fauna that are unique to Malaysia’s tropical rainforest.
Shopping is One of the Top Things to do in KL!
I visited during Christmas and witnessed the dreamy decorations inside the malls!
Considering there are over 50 shopping centers in Kuala Lumpur, most of them located in the city center, shopping is definitely one of the top things to do in Kuala Lumpur.
One of the favorite places to shop in is the Central Market. Built in 1888, this air-conditioned and orderly market is an interesting place to find the best handicrafts and Malaysian antiques. Here you will find over 350 shops and kiosks. But, don’t forget to negotiate prices before you buy anything!
Another ultimate shopping destination in Kuala Lumpur is the Bukit Bintang Shopping District. In this international shopping haven, you will find hundreds of stores and even the most popular and modern shopping malls. The top one being the Pavilion Mall, located in the center of the district, this shopping center consists of a massive mall, 2 residential towers, a 5-star hotel, and an office block.
The Pavilion Mall offers everything from luxury brands to big-box retailers to cute boutique stores. You can find all the most glamorous and popular names in the fashion industry, like Prada, Dior, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and Balenciaga. As well as, all the mid-range labels like Zara, Forever 21, Adidas, Aldo, and the list goes on and on.
Shoppers can also combine shopping with other fun onsite attractions, like ice skating, bowling, cinema, and laser tag.
As you can see, Kuala Lumpur takes retail therapy very seriously. When in Kuala Lumpur you will find everything from street markets to high-street brands, to local labels, and much more. Each with a unique atmosphere, resulting in a different shopping experience at each place.
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Learn about the rich culture and traditions of Malaysia by visiting the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM). The building is bright white with modern architecture and a colorful display of more than 10,000 artifacts and collectibles. There are plenty of rotating exhibitions that change every few months, and some of the displays you will find include textiles, jewelry, architecture, and China and India galleries.
IAMM is located near many other attractions such as the National Mosque, The Royal Malaysian Police Museum, National Planetarium, Tun Abdul Razak Memorial, and the National Bird Park. And, it is easy to get there, either by train (the nearest train station is the KTM Komuter Kuala Lumpur and LRT Pasar Seni) or you can opt to take the RapidKL bus.
Discover Fireflies On A Night River Cruise
There are several exciting things to do in Selangor, one of them is to visit the Selangor River, where you can try out the Fireflies Boat Cruise Experience. An enchanting night boat ride through the firefly park in Kuala Selangor. Here, you will see one of the largest firefly colonies in the world lighting up the mangroves. Located just 20 minutes from the city center. The cruise takes around 30 to 45 min to complete.
White Water Rafting KL
If you love thrilling adventures, then you will love to give white water rafting a try while in Kuala Lumpur. Crash down the scenic waters with an exciting and rapid river rafting adventure. Test your river skills and, don’t forget to take in the scenic views, lush rainforests, and fauna while enjoying the adrenaline-inducing race on the river.
Just at the corner of Central Market is Petaling Street and its surrounding blocks, also known as China Town. This area features many shops and stalls that form a shopper’s paradise, especially if you are looking for cheap bargains and fake designers. Here, you will find things at the lowest prices, provided you can bargain. If ripoffs aren’t your thing, there are still a ton of things you can do here, including exploring the delicious Chinese restaurants, visiting the Chinese cultural attractions like the temples, and viewing the beautiful street art. While you are in Chinatown, you can also pop into the Sri Mahamariamman Temple.
You can also tour Little India, a 10-minute drive from Chinatown. This street boasts the scents, tastes, and views of India, and you will definitely fall in love with the friendly locals and colorful scenes. You can shop from the stalls catering to Indian locals, or try out one of the many Indian restaurants on the street.
Kampung Baru Neighborhood
If you would like to have a feel of the original Malay culture, the Kampung Baru neighborhood is the place to go. Here, you will see the last remaining traditional wooden Malay homes in the city, a sharp contrast to the modern skyscrapers and high-rise buildings.
Rarely discovered by travelers, this 120±year-old rural suburb might face the threat of destruction, as there are rumors of new development plans given it is located in the heart of the city. While here, take the opportunity to enjoy some local cuisine.
Visit One of the Best Rooftop Bars in Kuala Lumpur
Enjoying the city views!
With many skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, one of the best things you can do here is make your way to a rooftop to enjoy great drinks, food, and, of course, the views. Some of the best rooftop bars in Kuala Lumpur include:
Vertigo & Horizon Grill at Banyan Tree Hotel – Here, you will find two rooftop bars and a fine dining rooftop restaurant. All with astounding panoramic views of KL.
$$$$ | 58-60TH FLOOR | BUKIT BINTANG
Blue at EQ Rooftop Bar
Blue at EQ hotel – Easily one of the best rooftop bars in Kuala Lumpur. This upscale speakeasy bar offers premium cocktails and snacks. Partially indoors and partially outdoors, here, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of KL in a sophisticated and vibrant ambiance.
$$$$ | 51ST FLOOR | EQUATORIAL PLAZA
Heli Lounge Bar – This rooftop bar offers 360o views of Kuala Lumpur as well as excellent signature drinks.
$$$$ | 34TH – 35TH FLOOR | RAJA CHULAN
The W rooftop bar
The W – With the Petronas Twin Towers as background, The W is a great spot to sight see and enjoy a harmonious blend of drinks. The bar also has an expansive pool.
$$$$ | 12TH FLOOR| JALAN AMPANG
Skyview Deck at the Kuala Lumpur Tower – Although it is not a rooftop, one of the most popular spots for panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur is the Skyview Deck at the Kuala Lumpur Tower. Located 300 m (984.25 feet) above the city, you can take panoramic photos from a glass Sky Box.
$$$$ | 33RD FLOOR | KLCC PARK
Things to Know Before Visiting Kuala Lumpur
How To Get Around KL
Bus:
Traveling around the city by bus is one of the easiest ways of getting around Kuala Lumpur. You can find the purple Go KL City Buses; they are free and make several stops around the popular tourist attractions, famous shopping districts, and train stations in the city. Another option is the RapidKL buses; you can travel further with these buses, as the Go KL City Bus only works within the city center.
Train:
Another great option to get around KL is by train. There is the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), the Light Rail Transit (LRT), monorail, and KTM Komuter. You can also invest in weekly passes for cheaper fares or the Touch ‘N’ Go card, which lets you preload money on it for cashless train and RapidKL bus rides.
Grab:
Grab is one of the most popular options. It is the Asian version of Uber. You just need to download the app and order a car, and you can pay through the app or in cash.
Taxis:
They are also a very comfortable way of moving around Kuala Lumpur. However, be sure the meter is on, as getting overcharged is a common scam.
What to Pack for KL
Due to the generally warm weather, it’s best to pack lightweight, breathable clothing; shorts, dresses, skirts, t-shirts, and tops. I would also recommend packing a nicer outfit for a night or two out.
Comfortable footwear is essential as you will probably be doing a lot of walking. I recommend bringing a pair of trainers and a pair of sandals.
Other things to bring:
Swimwear
Sunblock
Sunglasses
Rain Jacket or Umbrella
Power adaptors
Mosquito repellent
Hat
Extra Tips:
Shopping: Get comfortable haggling.
Language: You will be able to get by with English.
Dress code: Locals feel more comfortable with less revealing clothing.
Religion: Most Malaysians are Muslim.
Charging outlets: Malaysia’s outlets are Type G, so you may need to invest in an international adaptor.
Kuala Lumpur is a colorful, interesting, and exciting destination that promises loads of fun, unforgettable history, beautiful cultural and religious traditions, great cuisine, and a bustling city lifestyle. There is something fun to do for every type of traveler!
If you are planning to visit more countries in Asia, check these blog posts to get inspired!
