Kuala Lumpur is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations, thanks to its many attractions and activities.
Kuala Lumpur is the capital and most populous city of Malaysia. In recent decades, it has undergone significant development, becoming one of Asia’s centers for tourism and economy.
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Kuala Lumpur attractions
Petronas Twin Towers
Kuala Lumpur’s iconic building, consisting of two towers connected by a skybridge.
At 452 meters tall and 88 stories high, it was the world’s tallest building until 2003. The two towers are connected by a two-level steel bridge (Skybridge) at 170 meters (41st and 42nd floors).
The Observation Deck is on the 86th floor. It’s advisable to buy tickets online, as many people want to enjoy the panoramic view. Visitors can go up to the observation deck in groups, with staff taking up a set number of participants at a time.
All information can be found here!
Dancing Fountain
Located behind the Petronas Twin Towers, at the base of Suria KLCC mall.
You can see a musical fountain show on Symphony Lake in the evenings. Beautiful lights complement the performance. There are 150 programmed shows, so you’re unlikely to see the same one twice.
Aquaria KLCC
This aquarium is located next to the dancing fountain.
While not huge in size, it houses many tropical fish, turtles, sharks, and various marine creatures.
All information can be found here!
Menara Kuala Lumpur
The KL Tower is not just a telecommunications tower but also functions as an observation deck. It also houses several restaurants.
It offers a magnificent view from the top. A major advantage is the excellent view of the Petronas Twin Towers from here.
There are two observation decks: an enclosed one (Observation deck) and an open one (Sky deck). You can buy tickets for both, and the Sky deck ticket also allows access to the enclosed deck.
Although you can buy tickets online in advance, be aware that the observation deck closes in bad weather.
Unfortunately, I experienced this when the deck was closed due to an approaching thunderstorm. I could have returned the next day with the same ticket, but I was leaving. So, try to go on a good weather day!
Interestingly, there’s an annual race to see who can climb the stairs to the top fastest. You can test your fitness level! 😊
All information can be found here!
Batu Caves
This limestone cave with a huge golden statue in front is located north of the city. It’s a pilgrimage site for Hindus.
The statue itself is 42 meters tall and depicts Lord Murugan, the god of war in Hindu religion.
272 steps lead to the upper caves, but you can only ascend wearing pants that cover your knees. There are many monkeys along the way and at the top. Be careful, as they like to snatch valuables. 😊
To the left of the complex entrance, you’ll find a temple in the Ramayana cave. It has beautiful paintings and decorations, a mystical place. There’s an entrance fee for this (5 ringgit in 2019).
The Thaipusam festival is held at the beginning of the year, attracting many Hindus. They walk from downtown to Batu Caves, performing rituals along the way. Upon climbing to the cave, they inflict wounds on themselves to prove their faith to the Hindu god.
How to get there: Take the Komuter train (KTM) from KL Sentral station to Batu Caves terminal station. The schedule of the train is here!
Thean Hou Temple
While Kuala Lumpur has a more Indian atmosphere, this temple evokes China. It’s one of the largest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia.
The temple was built in honor of Thean Hou, the goddess of the sea. It features characteristics of Chinese architecture, including orange-tiled pagodas.
It’s a popular wedding venue due to its beautiful panoramic view of the city.
Bird Park
Home to more than 3,000 birds, where you’ll find extremely tame avians. When I visited, right after the entrance, a beautiful parrot landed on my shoulder. It wasn’t bothered at all. 😊
The park is divided into four areas. In three of these areas, birds can fly freely, making it currently the world’s largest bird park of its kind.
From personal experience, I recommend including it in your Kuala Lumpur itinerary, as you can encounter incredibly beautiful and gentle birds.
All information can be found here!
Butterfly Park
Located next to the Bird Park. Numerous butterflies flutter in a net-covered area.
If you love colorful, beautiful butterflies, it’s definitely worth a visit!
All information can be found here!
Islamic Arts Museum
The largest museum of its kind in Southeast Asia. More than 7,000 artworks can be seen in 12 galleries.
One of its most beautiful sections features miniature replicas of mosques. Additionally, various artifacts, ceramics, weapons, and jewelry from ancient times are on display.
All information can be found here!
Merdeka Square
Independence Square is the central part of Kuala Lumpur. It’s surrounded by magnificent buildings and offers a great view.
There’s also a large grassy area in the square where you often see people picnicking, and events are frequently held here.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building
A prominent building on Merdeka Square, it’s one of the most famous historical buildings in Malaysia.
It was built in the late 19th century based on designs by British architect Arthur Benison Hubback. It’s named after Sultan Abdul Samad, who was the Sultan of Selangor state at the time of the building’s construction. The building originally housed British colonial government offices. Currently, it serves as the office of the Malaysian Supreme Court and Federal Court.
The central feature of the building is the 41-meter-high clock tower, modeled after Big Ben. The building is crowned by three large copper domes, characteristic of Islamic architecture.
Bukit Bintang
Kuala Lumpur’s shopping district. It’s lined with elegant shops, shopping centers, and restaurants.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
The most beautiful Hindu temple in the city. Above the entrance is a trapezoidal section with numerous statues. It’s definitely worth seeing from the outside.
The interior can also be visited, but you need to leave your shoes at the entrance. You might even witness a ceremony.
Titiwangsa Lake
One of Kuala Lumpur’s most popular parks, located in the northern part of the city.
The park is extensive, spanning several hectares and encompassing a large lake. It’s a well-known leisure and recreational spot for both locals and tourists.
What’s notable is the great view of the downtown area and the Petronas Twin Towers from here.
National Mosque (Masjid Negara)
The mosque is a symbol of the Malaysian Islamic community and national unity, with a unique external form.
After gaining independence in 1957, it was decided to build a mosque that symbolizes the achievement of independence. Completed in 1965, it combines traditional elements of Islamic architecture with modern lines.
The main dome of the building forms a 16-segment star, symbolizing the unity of 13 states of Malaysian Islamic rulers and three territories of the Malaysian federal states. The mosque’s minaret is 74 meters high and is one of the city’s most recognizable symbols.
It’s actually a multi-functional complex: prayer room, conference hall, cemetery, library, office, courtyard, tower, royal chamber, and priests’ room are all found here.
The mosque is open to visitors, but entry is only allowed during certain periods. Admission is free!
Markets
An Asian trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting markets! Needless to say, Kuala Lumpur has numerous excellent markets. Not to mention, the food here is perhaps the most delicious!
One of the most popular is the Jalan Masjid Indian market. I visited this one, where all sorts of things can be bought across several streets.
The Taman Connaught night market is held every Wednesday. It’s nearly 2 km long, with hundreds of vendors offering their goods.
The Chinese market can be found on Petaling Street (Jalan Petaling). If you’ve been to a Chinese market before, you know you can find everything there. 😊 And of course, the place is full of restaurants too.
Weather
The climate is tropical, with high humidity and heat every day of the year.
Rainfall is more intense from November to January, and around April-May. Local rains are common.
The temperature is quite consistent, with no colder or warmer months. The average temperature is 30°C (86°F).