Last Updated on June 19, 2023
Kuala Lumpur (also known as KL) is the capital of Malaysia and is located in Southeast Asia; it is a vibrant, chaotic, and multicultural city with incredible skyscrapers and a wide range of attractions. in the city modernity and tradition go hand in hand, making it an unparalleled destination to visit. Kuala Lumpur is one of the 10 most visited cities in the world; tourists come in droves to see the city’s interesting architecture and historical sites.
If you’re wondering about the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur, worry not: the city boasts warm weather year-round, with the most variation in rainfall and not temperature. If you want to visit in the warmest months, go in March, April, and May (an average temperature of 91F); if you want to visit during the dry season, visit in the summer months of June, July, and August. March, April, October, and November are rainier, but don’t let that stop you; over these months there are fewer tourists and the air feels cleaner. The city is great to visit no matter the time of year.
This Asian city is an inexhaustible source of tourist attractions and has many peculiarities to discover. Below is a list of 30 things you can do on your visit to Kuala Lumpur:
1. Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
The Kuala Lumpur City Gallery should be the first stop for all visitors. The gallery is considered a tourist center because of all the information available; grab a map with all of the city attractions marked and a description of the tours available. You can also take a fun photo with the I Love KL monument.
2. Petronas Towers
These two towers are a must-see for visitors to Kuala Lumpur (and they are hard to miss!). The two twin towers are nearly 1500 feet tall and for years were jointly the tallest buildings in the world; they are still a symbol of modernity in Malaysia.
A visit up a tower costs 80 ringgits (about $20). On the tour you can cross the skybridge at the 41st floor (at 557 feet high) as well as climb to the 86th floor of Tower 2; at the top you will find dramatic views across the city.
3. Berjaya Times Square
Berjaya Times Square is an entertainment center within two twin towers. Here you will find a shopping center with more than 1000 shops selling clothing, food, and more. There is also a 5-star hotel with 1200 suites. Both towers are 666 feet tall and have 48 floors. Malaysia’s largest indoor theme park is also on-site.
4. Batu Caves
The caves are dedicated to the warrior god of Hinduism, Lord Murugan. Discovered in 1878, the caves are 400 million years old and are fronted by a 137-foot-tall golden statue of Lord Murugan. There is a steep 272-step climb to the main cave, but the experience is worth it.
Some of the caves are free to enter.
5. Petaling Street Market
At Petaling Street Market you’ll find imitation goods and a diverse range of food options. Vendors offer everything from designer bags to fried noodles. It’s a chaotic but charming place.
The market is perfect for the tourist on a budget: prices are low.
6. Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) is a 50-acre development with shopping, hotels, and recreation amenities. The site includes a public park and is the perfect place to have a walk and connect with nature while still inside the frenetic city center. Many locals use the area to exercise and enjoy the quiet away from the city.
7. Merdeka Square
Merdeka Square (Independence Square) is a historic square in Kuala Lumpur. It was here where the Malaysian flag was first raised on August 31, 1957, when Malaysia officially became an independent country. All major Malaysian celebrations are held here.
Saturday nights are a good time to visit as there are usually food trucks on the street.
8. Kuala Lumpur Tower
This telecommunications tower is one of the tallest buildings in Kuala Lumpur; the roof of the tower is at 1100 feet while the antenna pushes 1,380 feet.
On the upper floors is Atmosphere 360, a revolving restaurant with some of the best views of Kuala Lumpur. The restaurant can accommodate up to 250 people and is open until 11 p.m.
9. Chinatown
The city’s Chinatown is one of the most famous and visited districts. You will find many stalls with clothes, food, souvenirs, and more.
The surrounding neighborhood also has some of the most economical accommodation in the city; it is considered the neighborhood of backpackers.
10. Guan Di Temple
A few minutes from Chinatown is one of the city’s most impressive temples, Guan Di. It is a beautiful Taoist temple dedicated to the god of war and his combat skills.
11. Aquaria KLCC
This amazing aquarium is located near the Petronas Towers. There are more than 5000 aquatic and terrestrial animals in the exhibits. There is also a 300-foot underwater tunnel where you can experience the ocean’s depths without getting wet.
12. Perdana Botanical Garden
Established in 1888, Perdana Botanical Garden began as a park and gradually evolved into an amazing botanical garden. At the garden, you can view a variety of plants and trees native to the region as well as imported species. There is also a beautiful waterfall.
Admission is free. The garden is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is a good place to take a break and connect with nature.
13. National Palace
The Istana Negara is Malaysia’s National Palace, located along Jalan Istana and built in 1928. As it is the official residence of the Malaysian monarch, the building is not open to the public. Tourists cannot enter but usually visit the entrance for photos of the beautiful architecture.
14. Little India Markets
Kuala Lumpur is home to a sizeable Indian community. In the Little India area of the city you can find stalls selling trinkets as well as authentic Indian restaurants. You are likely to hear music throughout the streets as you explore.
On Saturdays after 6 p.m. the vendors set up a much larger market that is worth visiting.
15. Jamek Mosque
One of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest mosques, Jamek Mosque was built in 1907. Its design is inspired by the Indian Mughal style. Located along the Gombak and Klang River, the mosque is surrounded by vegetation and palm trees that make it a unique and beautiful place in the middle of the city.
Admission is free, but there are important rules to follow. Women must enter with their heads covered and both men and women must dress respectfully.
16. National Mosque of Malaysia
Inaugurated in 1965, the National Mosque of Malaysia is a modern place of worship and can receive up to 5000 people.
Non-Muslim tourists cannot enter but can admire the architecture from outside.
17. The ASEAN Sculpture Garden
Located near the Lake Gardens and next to the National Monument, the garden exhibits various award-winning sculptures by artists from the region. The sculptures are usually made of wood, iron, marble, and bamboo. It is a perfect place for those who want to enjoy some quiet time in nature while appreciating beautiful art.
18. Taman Eko Rimba Kuala Lumpur
Also known as KL Forest Eco Park, Taman Eko Rimba is located in Hutan Simpan Bukit Nanas, one of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest forests. The forest canopy is approximately 600 feet long. You can hike, camp, visit the viewpoints, and much more. This is a must-see nature reserve and a perfect place for photography. It’s also free!
19. Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
This Hindu temple is the oldest in Malaysia, is located in the center of Chinatown, and is dedicated to the goddess Mariamman. Its facade consists of five levels decorated with sculptures of Hindu gods. Remember that inside you must enter without shoes to keep the image of the goddess.
20. Thean Hou Temple
Thean Hou is one of Southeast Asia’s largest temples. The design is a combination of contemporary architecture and traditional elements and murals.
Many visitors worship the goddess of heaven or the goddess who protects fishermen. Worshippers will burn incense and leave an offering in front of the statues.
21. Tugu Negara
The Tugu Negara (National Monument) is a sculpture that pays tribute to all Malaysian men who died during the struggle for Malaysian independence. The monument is one of the tallest bronze statues in Asia and is surrounded by a large garden full of beautiful flowers; there are also fountains and other water elements. Visitors can spend a quiet moment here reflecting and cooling down.
22. Taman Tasik Titiwangsa Park
Northwest of Kuala Lumpur is amazing Titiwangsa Park. The main attraction of the park is a lake, but there are also tennis courts, a child play area, an exercise area, and water sports facilities. The park covers 235 acres; although it is not very large it provides a scenic environment to spend time with family.
23. Sunway City
Sunway City is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most popular entertainment centers. On 800 acres, the complex offers an extensive list of attractions for leisure and family fun. Inside you will find a water park, a shopping center, a collection of amazing hotels, and much more. We recommend visiting it using all-inclusive plans.
In the center of Sunway City is Sunway Lagoon, a theme park featuring a variety of water attractions, including spinning slides, a spinning boat, and an artificial beach for surfing. The park encompasses several areas: there is a water park, an extreme park, an amusement park, and a wildlife park. Every visitor will find fun here.
24. Central Market
Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market is just minutes from Chinatown. The market showcases local art from Malaysia, India, and China. Visitors can also buy handicrafts and traditional items. It is the perfect place to buy gifts and souvenirs. The market building retains a traditional style with art deco influences; construction began in 1888 and the building was completed in 1937.
25. Zoo Negara
The Zoo Negara (National Zoo) has more than 5000 animals from 450 species on exhibit. Visiting the zoo is a great learning experience for adults and children alike.
There is an amazing display of giant pandas on a 10-year loan from China that you shouldn’t miss.
26. Sky Deck KL Tower
This tower reaches nearly 1000 feet above the city, and from here you can enjoy spectacular views of the skyline. There is a transparent Sky Box where you can see Kuala Lumpur from above and take amazing photos. It’s a dizzying activity that you’ll never forget. Tickets cost 75 ringgit (about $18) for adults and 39 ringgit for children (about $10).
27. Kuala Lumpur Upside Down House
This iconic double-decker English cabin and all its décor are upside down. Even outside of the home you will see a floating car and a garden with trees and flowers that are also upside down.
The place makes for a great photo op, plus it is one of the most recommended places to visit with children.
28. Planetarium Negara
The Planetarium Negara (National Planetarium) is the place to visit to learn about astronomy and other sciences. It is a fun and educational stop. There are interactive exhibits such as Space Pod (an immersive 3D ride through the solar system) as well as a space theater.
29. Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park
Last but not least, the Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park is one of the largest butterfly parks in the world, with more than 6000 living butterflies from 120 species flying around you. The design of the place is beautiful; it is full of flowers, exotic plants, and vines that give it a colorful design.
Final Information and Recommendations
Recommended vaccines for visiting Malaysia are Hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, tetanus, and rabies.
The currency of Malaysia is the ringgit; you can exchange money before arriving or use a local ATM or vendor.
The official language of Malaysia is Malay, and Mandarin, Cantonese, and Tamil are also spoken. However many Malaysians also speak English.
Try to pass food, money, and other items with your right hand; passing with your left hand is considered an insult.
When visiting mosques, wear appropriate clothing, and avoid being uncovered or wearing bright clothing. In some temples you must leave your shoes outside.
