Kuala Lumpur’s Top Attractions: 10 Things to See and Do
Are you looking for things to do in Kuala Lumpur? Then start making your list, because there are plenty of attractions in Kuala Lumpur to choose from during your vacation. I’ve visited Kuala Lumpur twice during my travels and always discovered new things. Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is one of the hubs in Asia that you definitely must visit. The city is a well-known stopover on the way to other world cities in Asia, but Kuala Lumpur can also be the starting point of your journey through Malaysia. In any case, a mini-vacation in Kuala Lumpur is definitely worthwhile. Kuala Lumpur boasts dozens of attractions and plenty of things to do, so you can easily entertain yourself for a few days. These are my tips for Kuala Lumpur, from the world-famous Petronas Towers to the Hindu Batu Caves and delightful evening markets.
One of Kuala Lumpur’s most famous attractions: The Petronas Towers
The Petronas Towers are Kuala Lumpur’s most famous landmark. There’s no tourist who skips a visit to the city’s tallest towers. Until 2004, the Petronas Towers, with their 452 meters, were even the tallest towers in the world! You can take different lifts up to the 86th floor for a fantastic view of the city. I definitely enjoyed doing this in Kuala Lumpur! Tip: if you want to do this, it’s smart to purchase a skip-the-line ticket to avoid long waiting times.
Shopping during your Kuala Lumpur vacation
Kuala Lumpur is known for its many shopping malls. Next to the Petronas Towers is the Suria KLCC mall. And while you’re in the area, take a look at this shopping center too. The mall has 6 floors filled with designer stores. There’s also a food court where you can grab a bite to eat.
KLCC Park
Another fun Kuala Lumpur tip: just outside the shopping mall is KLCC Park, where you can relax in the afternoon when the sun isn’t shining as brightly. And if you’re traveling with children, this is an ideal spot. You’ll find a huge swimming pool (or actually more like a paddling pool, as it’s very shallow) where you can cool off. And you’ll also have a view of Kuala Lumpur’s most famous attraction: the Petronas Towers! I visited KLCC Park with my toddler, who had just started walking, and it was a lot of fun! In addition to the pool, there’s also a huge playground in the park. When the sun is shining, it can get quite warm, so if you’re planning to visit with your children, it’s best to do so at the beginning or end of the day. Entrance to KLCC Park, the playground, and the pool is free.
View from the Menara Kuala Lumpur, the KL Tower
Within walking distance of the Petronas Towers (or take a Grab taxi) is another top attraction of Kuala Lumpur: the KL Tower. This telecommunications tower is one of the tallest in the world, and from here, you’ll have a great view. You can see the Petronas Towers and the rest of the city. Some even say that the view from the KL Tower is better than from the Petronas Towers. You can visit the skydeck, a covered area, or the more expensive open deck to take photos of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline. You can also grab a bite to eat at the restaurant at the top of the tower.
Souvenir shopping in the streets of Chinatown
The area around Jalan Petaling is very popular among tourists. Here, you can shop and enjoy delicious street food; Chinese delicacies, but also Malaysian dishes. There are stalls on the street with plastic chairs where you can sit and watch your food being prepared. There’s always something happening in the Chinese neighborhood day and night. Additionally, there are several beautiful temples and colonial buildings to explore. In Chinatown, you’ll also find the central market, which is a great place to buy souvenirs.
Viewing Kuala Lumpur’s Attractions from an Infinity Pool
Perhaps nowhere else is it as accessible to stay in a hotel/apartment with an infinity pool as in this city. And really, your vacation in Kuala Lumpur wouldn’t be complete without a night in a lovely accommodation with a magnificent view. It’s a fun experience to gaze out over the skyscrapers of the Malaysian capital while floating at the edge of the pool. Both times I stayed in Kuala Lumpur, I booked a hotel with an infinity pool, simply because it’s so enjoyable!
A Bike Tour in Kuala Lumpur
A real tip for Kuala Lumpur is to do a bike tour, preferably right after arriving. Because how fun is it to explore the city by bike? Ride past skyscrapers, through lively markets, and to colorful temples: the guide will take you to the most charming spots! Especially if you have limited time in the Malaysian capital, a bike tour is the ideal way to see all of Kuala Lumpur’s attractions in a short time. Baja Bikes offers a super fun bike tour of the Malaysian capital. With this tour, you’ll discover not only the main Kuala Lumpur attractions but also some off-the-beaten-path highlights. Really fun to do in Kuala Lumpur!
Hutong Lot10 Food Market: A Foodie Paradise in the Malaysian Capital
The Hutong food market in the Lot10 shopping mall is a paradise for foodies among us. With 30+ food stalls, there’s a wide range of variety, including some of the most authentic Malaysian dishes. The great thing about this food market is that you don’t have to enjoy your meal in the bright sun. The stalls are indoors where the air conditioning is on, and you can comfortably eat all the delicacies at a table. An indoor street food experience! A recommendation is to try the wantan noodles at Ho Weng Kee’s or the beef noodles at Soong Kee’s.
Strolling Around Pasar Seni, the Central Market
Also fun to do in Kuala Lumpur: strolling around Pasar Seni, or Central Market. Central Market is one of those Kuala Lumpur attractions where you can still see the authenticity of the city very well. From various charming craft shops selling jewelry, food, fabrics, and clothing to unique Malaysian architecture seen in the buildings around the market. You can score your souvenirs here or simply wander around for a local experience.
The Unique Hindu Temples in the Batu Caves
The Batu Caves are caverns nestled inside limestone rocks and are one of the attractions in Kuala Lumpur that you must not miss. Discovered in the 17th century, the caves have since been utilized as a sacred place for Hindus, housing various temples and shrines inside the rock. You can reach the Batu Caves within half an hour from the city center via the KTM Komuter (train).
To reach the entrance, you must climb 272 steps, which can be quite warm under the blazing sun! But I found the climb up definitely worth it! Visit this Kuala Lumpur attraction early in the morning or in the afternoon when the sun isn’t at its brightest. It’s good to know that there are monkeys roaming everywhere in and around the cave, and they can be quite cheeky, so you really need to keep an eye on your belongings.
Dining at Height in a Rooftop Restaurant in the Malaysian Capital
Delicious food often tastes even better in the right setting. How about a fantastic view over the skyline of Kuala Lumpur in a well-appointed restaurant? It contrasts sharply with perhaps your lunch in Chinatown or Central Market, but that diversity showcases the different facets of the city well. Spread throughout the city, you’ll find many rooftop restaurants with 360-degree views at various price levels. From high-end fine dining to a more accessible buffet. Of course, a delightful cocktail beforehand is a must for an experience like this! The photos below were taken at the rooftop restaurant Fuego, a lovely restaurant with a South American cuisine.
Practical Information about Bustling Kuala Lumpur
KLIA, the Airport of the Malaysian Capital
KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) consists of two terminals. KLIA1 from where the international flights depart with Malaysia Airlines and KLIA2 where all AirAsia flights depart. KLIA2 is also called KLIA LCC: Kuala Lumpur International Airport Low Cost Carriers. At the train station (but also at the airport), there are luggage lockers, ATMs, currency exchange offices, and plenty of coffee and food outlets.
Using the KLIA Express from the Airport to the Center of Kuala Lumpur
The KLIA Express departs from both terminals (which are about 10 minutes apart) towards the center of the Malaysian capital. This journey takes about 40 minutes. A round trip costs around 100 ringgit (€20). The KLIA Express stops at KL Central from where you can take a metro, monorail (an attraction in itself), or bus to explore the city. You can also opt to use the hop-on-hop-off bus or take a taxi/uber to your accommodation.
Tips for Transportation in Kuala Lumpur
By far the easiest and fastest way to get around in Kuala Lumpur is by Grab taxi (similar to Uber). Not only is Grab more reliable and safer, but it’s also much cheaper than a regular taxi in Kuala Lumpur. Simply download the Grab app for this.
Additionally, there are free buses for tourists in Kuala Lumpur, the GO KL City Buses. This is also highly recommended. There are multiple routes, and you can just hop on and off at different stops. You can find more information about the routes in the GoKL app (Apple or Android).