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The capital city of Malaysia and the world of enthusiastic streets, Kuala Lumpur is the kingdom that runs on the wheels of historical beauties, engineering marvels, vibrant culture, and a passionate crowd. The city stores legends of the past as well as the anecdotes of tomorrow. It is an amazing mix of modernity and tradition. Tourists have age-old rustic sites on one hand and tall proudly standing world-class structures on the other. Visit Kuala Lumpur and explore its beauty spread across every corner, ranging from food streets to museums. Here is the list of the most winsome things to do in Kuala Lumpur.
Top Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur
1. Visit the Tallest Twin Towers in the World
The Petronas Towers are the icons of Kuala Lumpur and they are extraordinarily noted for their wonderful architecture shining from a distance. Following the tube in tube structure, these magnificent buildings reflect human artistry in the best way possible. Capture it on your camera. Walk the sky-bridge connecting the two towers and enjoy the beautiful panoramas of the city. A visit to Petronas Towers is surely one of the first things to do in Kuala Lumpur.
Recommended For: Photographers
Location: City Centre
Entry Fee: $20 per adult
Ideal Timings: 11:00 am to 04:00 pm
Pro Tip: Buy your tickets online to beat the queue.
2. Take Shopping to a New Level at Chinatown
Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur is quite a busy locality. It is the one place where you would find thousands of locals and tourists roaming around directionless yet they are focused on something. Chinatown is famous for its beautiful market reflecting aptly the culture of China. So, this is one place in Kuala Lumpur where you can actually visit China without visiting it. Shop for Chinese souvenirs and savor authentic Chinese delicacies here.
Recommended For: Shoppers, Explorers
Entry Fee: Nil
Pro Tip: Bargain for at least 25% discount on the amount quoted as tourists usually end up paying 25-30% more than the worth.
3. Explore the 400 Million-Year-Old Batu Caves
An amazing series of caves and cave temples, Batu Caves is definitely one of the most historic places to visit in Malaysia and the globe. The towering statue of Lord Murugan that stands at a height of about 140 feet is one of the noted attractions here. However, the intriguing interior is equally fascinating. The never-ending series of stairs is quite photogenic and one of the most-loved frames amongst photographers. Batu Caves is a site of great religious significance for Malaysian Hindus.
Recommended for: History Lovers, Families, Photographers
Location: Gombak
Average Fee: $5 per person
Timings: 06:00 am to 9:00 pm
Pro Tip: Be aware of the monkeys around you. Visit the place in the morning as early as possible to avoid the tourist crowd.
4. Treat Your Taste Buds at Jalan Alor
Jalan Alor is a great place in Kuala Lumpur to take your taste buds on an exciting tour. Though it was once a red-light district and had a bad reputation among travellers, today it serves as a food haven in the city. All the foodies and flavour explorers flock to Jalan Alor on their visit to Kuala Lumpur. Take a relaxing walk through the streets as you bite into local delicacies and relish distinct aromas. The place offers several local as well as international dishes.
Recommended For: Foodies, Explorers
Location: Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Average Price: $4- $8 per meal
Ideal Timings: 09:00 am to 10:00 pm
5. Relax in the Tranquil Surroundings of Perdana Botanical Gardens
Can there be a better way to relax on a weekend than spending time in the greenery of Perdana Botanical Gardens? Well, not really. That’s why a visit to this great lush site while in Kuala Lumpur is a must for every tourist. The park was established in the late 19th century and since then it has been serving as nature’s abode. Feel the freshness in the air by the lake or simply enjoy exploring manicured gardens. The place is a great site for morning and evening walks as well.
Recommended For: Nature Lovers, Families, Photographers
Location: Tasik Perdana, Kuala Lumpur
Entry Fee: Nil
Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm
6. Go Souvenir Shopping at Central Market
Central Market is one of the most significant shopping destinations in Kuala Lumpur. The place is filled with dozens of souvenir stores and innumerable fashion shops. The place is known to be a melting point for different cultures from China, Malaysia, India and other nations. That’s why hunting for souvenirs at Central Market is much more fun than it seems to be. Also, savour local delicacies and the colourful chaos of the street.
Recommended For: Party Lovers, Couples
Location: City Centre
Entry Fee: $1.30 for parking
Ideal Timings: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm
Pro Tip: Do try the fish spa here as it is quite amazing.
7. Catch Superb View from the Kuala Lumpur Tower
Get up the observation deck of the sky-touching Kuala Lumpur Tower and enjoy the 360 views of the city. The building also has an amazing revolving restaurant where you can dine with your family and friends while relishing the great vistas of Kuala Lumpur. That’s why the place is quite popular amongst tourists. The total height of the tower is about 421 metres.
Recommended For: Explorers, Photographers, Couples
Location: Jalan P. Ramlee
Average Entry fee: $13 per adult
Timings: 09:00 am to 10:00 pm
Pro Tip: Make sure you do not visit the tower on a rainy day as the sky deck remains closed then.
8. Walk the Historical Lane at National Museum
Kuala Lumpur has a significant history to share and interesting legends to whisper. The National Museum in Kuala Lumpur is the perfect place to dig deep into the past and learn about the age-old lifestyle, culture, and traditions. From friezes depicting Malaysian history to ancient sculptures and traditional carts, everything is going to steal your attention. Visit it and observe the national heritage of Malaysia.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Explorers
Location: Jalan Damansara
Entry Fee: $1.30 per adult
Timings: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm
9. Marvel at the Majesty of Jamek Mosque
Jamek Mosque is one of the oldest places to visit in Kuala Lumpur for it has a history of more than 100 years. Also called the Friday Mosque, this wondrous beauty has its amazing architecture to explore. As the mosque also has a substantial history to its name, it is one of the must-visit oldest places in the city. Explore its coloured bricks and intricate patterns.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Photographers
Location: City Centre
Entry Fee: Nill
Timings: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm | 02:30 pm to 04:00 pm
10. Witness the Magic in Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
Spread over 20 acres, this beautiful aviary is home to about 3000 birds. The park focuses on promoting local species to visitors, although there are also some imported birds housed in the park. Visitors can enjoy learning about the local flora and fauna and bird watching at one of the largest public aviaries in the world. The park is also a well-respected scientific location and there is an emphasis on conservation and education. There are breeding programs and scientific studies of the birds in their natural habitat.
Recommended For: Bird Lovers, Families, Kids
Location: Jalan Cenderawasih
Entry Fee: $12.50 per adult
Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm
Pro Tip: Make sure to use sunscreen to avoid getting too tanned on sunny days.
11. Fathom the Depth of Aquaria KLCC
Touted not just as a basic aquarium but as an oceanarium and housed in the depths of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Aquaria KLCC has an area of over 60,000 square feet and features a 300-feett tunnel in the center. This allows visitors to explore the depths up close as they are surrounded on three sides by water. The attraction aims to educate visitors on Malaysian aquatic life from freshwater rivers and swamps to the vast ocean. There are also educational and interactive exhibits that emphasize the importance of conservation.
Recommended For: Explorers, Adventure Lovers
Location: Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur
Entry Fee: $17 for adults and $15 for children
Timings: 10:30 am to 08:00 pm
Pro Tip: Aquaria remains overcrowded during weekends and hence, book your tickets in advance. Also, bring along your kids as the exhibits here are quite educational.
12. Visit the Marvellous Istana Negara
Istana Negara used to be the palace of the former kings of Malaysia before a new palace was erected in the year 2011 and Istana Negara was designated as a royal museum. Visitors to the palace can learn about royal points of interest and visit some of the different rooms as well. There is also a changing of the guard ceremony every day for visitors to witness some of Malaysia’s royal and official ceremonial traditions.
Recommended For: Culture Explorers, History Lovers
Location: Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
Entry fee: $2.50 per person
Timings: Open 24 Hours
13. Learn the Significance of Maybank Numismaic Museum
One of the most unique places to visit in Kuala Lumpur is the beautiful Maybank Numismatic Museum. It is owned and managed by one of Malaysia’s biggest and best known banks, Maybank and is home to the largest money and coin collections in the country. The museum has a range of different attractions such as antique samples of coins and banknotes as well as a huge metal sculpture of a money tree. Visitors can also learn about the history of currency in Malaysia and greater South East Asia.
Recommended For: Culture Explorers
Location: Malay Tower, Kuala Lumpur
Entry Fee: Nil
Timings: 11:00 am to 05:30 pm
14. Lose Yourself at Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Famous for being the oldest Hindu temple in the entire Kuala Lumpur and having been built in the nineteenth century, Sri Mahamariamman Temple is well worth a visit for those who wish to learn about the diverse cultures and religions that make up the city. The temple has a vibrant and colorful façade featuring a range of Hindu deities depicting famous legends. The site is a working temple and serves as a place of worship for the local Tamil community. However, visitors can also explore the grounds and marvel at the architecture and atmosphere.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Culture Explorers
Location: City Centre, Kuala Lumpur
Entry Fee: Nil
Timings: 06:00 am to 08:30 pm
Pro Tip: Wear modest clothing while you are at the temple premise.
15. Explore Fun Nightlife at the Golden Triangle
A perfect place to get lost in the exuberance of Kuala Lumpur and admire its glittering world, the Golden Triangle is a famous place in the city that features a range of nightlife, bar, clubs, restaurants, and hotels. The area covers several streets where visitors can choose from a wide variety of venues to drink and party until dawn. This beautiful place also includes a large shopping centre for those looking for some retail therapy.
Recommended for: Night Owls, Party Lovers
Location: Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
Average Price: $20 – $30 per person
Timings: Open 24 Hours
Recommended Read: 10 Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Kuala Lumpur
