Besides the Obvious

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia. It is also one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia and has more than one million residents. The city is a key economic hub and transportation center in Malaysia. As a result, it’s a great place to visit as a traveler and the starting point of many possible Asian routes. In this article we will see what to do in the capital of Malaysia and the top attractions of Kuala Lumpur. 

There’s a lot to see and do in this exciting city. The city is also home to many great shopping centers, night clubs and bars. Tourists spend their days exploring the city and its sights. At night they return to their hotel or hostel to rest up for another day of sightseeing. Many people stay in Kuala Lumpur for months at a time without ever seeing all of its best features. 

What to expect from Kuala Lumpur

Most travelers spend time in Kuala Lumpur exploring the city’s culture, cuisine and natural beauty. Here are some general ideas for what to do and the top attractions of Kuala Lumpur for your visit. 

Visit Historic Buildings

Many historical buildings remain from previous Malaysian governments and traditions. Some of these structures are now museums, while others are still used as government offices or businesses. Visitors can tour historic buildings on their own or join guided tours to learn more about them. Some popular sites include the building that housed Mahathir Mohamad’s office when he was Malaysia’s prime minister and the Padang Gustakabu National Park – an old palace complex built by Kedah’s sultan Langawi Begendi in 1483.

Explore the Hawker Centers and Markets

One of the best things about visiting Kuala Lumpur as a traveler is that you can eat like a local for very cheap. The city has several open-air food markets where hawkers sell regional foods and street food. You can also find restaurants where you can order regional food from your waiter like a local would. One unique food to try is loh muh laan or stingray tail soup. You’ll typically order this dish from your waiter after sitting down at a restaurant.

Local eateries typically offer good value for money and provide tourists with an authentic experience of Malaysian culture. For example, many restaurants offer table service where you wait at a table while your food is brought to you. Other places allow you to select your meats and vegetables to grow in front of you while preserving the flavor. Some restaurants even allow you to select the spices used in your dishes to create a unique taste experience. Additionally, waiters typically bring all of the necessary condiments for your meal when you order their specialty dishes.

Shop for Unique Items

Local artists display their works at various art galleries throughout the city every year. Gallery owners then put on art shows where local artists share their creations with the public at affordable prices. Some of the best pieces can be found at art auction houses where art collectors buy unique pieces from artists around the world. These auctions are popular among locals due to their access to international artists’ work and low prices compared to retail stores.

Based on what I know about Kuala Lumpur, it seems like a great place for travelers to visit as they explore new cultural tastes and sites of historical significance. The city has plenty of good food, interesting history and beautiful architecture that makes it a great place to spend time with friends or family. Plus, locals are typically friendly towards visitors and willing to share information they have about their home country with outsiders. Anyone interested in experiencing Malaysia should consider visiting Kuala Lumpur. 

The top attractions of Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Twin Towers 

These iconic buildings were the tallest twin towers in the world. They were designed by a Malaysian architect and built by the Malaysian oil and gas company. The towers are beautiful both inside and out and they are the icon of the city. They’re a must-see for anyone visiting or living in Malaysia. They are easily accessible from anywhere in the city. Many different transportation options head there, including trains, subways and taxis. Tourists can also rent cars or motorcycles to explore the city on their own schedule. For a bird’s-eye view of the city, you can tour the Petronas Towers observation deck. These are famously known as the tallest twin buildings in Southeast Asia at 451 feet high. 

National Mosque of Malaysia

This is one of the most visited sites in Kuala Lumpur and is an architectural marvel. To get there, visitors must trek through a warren of shops, residences and other structures that make up the heart of the city. Getting there will be a journey in itself; once there, you can marvel at its huge dome, intricate designs and ornate minarets. As you marvel at this breathtaking structure, take some time to reflect on the peaceful coexistence that led to this place existing in the first place.

National Museum of Malaysia

This is a modern building located just off Merdeka Square. It features several floors of galleries featuring contemporary art, ancient artifacts and cultural treasures from around Malaysia. Though it’s free to enter, visitors will have to pay for certain exhibits— but it’s worth it! This museum has some of the most impressive architecture in KL, making it an ideal place for a post-tour photo shoot.

Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur

Kuala lumpur has different neighborhoods which each have their own characteristics. The old neighborhood called klang tunee is filled with Indian restaurants, tailors, and gold shops. On the other hand, Chinese can be found in merdeka township which has a Chinatown area complete with a dragon temple and goldfish bowl architecture. 

The gateway to Petaling Street is undoubtedly one of the landmarks of Chinatown and even Kuala Lumpur as a whole. Petaling Street is the center of Chinatown. Apart from very cheap accommodation and hotels, the street is full of shops and street stalls selling typical Chinese food. If you’re walking down the street, you’ll come to Flea Petaling Street Market, an area of ​​street stalls selling all sorts of really cheap stuff. In the same area of ​​Petaling Street, we can also visit the Chinese Guanyin Temple dating back to 1880 and Chen Clan Academy.

Little India of Kuala Lumpur

Located in the Brickfields district, Little India is home to the largest Hindu community in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia. Home to the descendants of the first immigrants from India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Little India is the perfect place to learn about its culture, shop and most importantly enjoy a variety of culinary delights.

Little India was once known as the area around Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (Kuala Lumpur city center). However, in 2009, the Malaysian government and the mayor of Kuala Lumpur decided to relocate the entire neighborhood and its businesses to Brickfields. Little India came to the area for the simple economic reason of creating a new business district in the capital. The neighborhood has deep Hindu roots, who built what is today Kuala Lumpur in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, Little India in Kuala Lumpur is a street-lined area filled with restaurants where you can enjoy the best Indian food, clothing stores with items like saris and costume jewelry, Bollywood music stores and cheap electronics.

Batu Caves

These caves are home to several statues and shrines depicting various Hindu deities. There are also several caves where visitors can witness stalactites shaped like Buddhist stupas (stages) or Buddha images by water seepage. Batu Caves is a popular tourist spot thanks to its proximity to Kuala Lumpur; however, many people overlook this location since they aren’t interested in Hinduism or Buddhism. But regardless of your religious affiliations, this site is beautiful both inside and out and should definitely be added to your travel bucket list!

Merdeka square 

Merdeka square is a lively, chaotic and colorful square in downtown kuala lumpur. In Kuala Lumpur’s colonial heartland, where the vestiges of the British Empire are particularly evident, Merdeka Square appears to be nothing more than a center of manicured green lawns and the world’s tallest flagpole (95 metres), which proudly flies the Jalur Gemilang (Malaysian flag) ) are on display. On the corner of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Raja Laut, Merdeka Square consists of a grass field (field) that was once the Selangor Club cricket ground.

Merdeka square is the symbol of independence and national unity. This is where Malaysians gather every year on 31st August to celebrate our Independence Day. A picture of our first Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Haji, is proudly displayed next to the national flag. 

We recommend you to admire the beautiful colonial and historical buildings around Merdeka Square, namely Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Clock Tower, Kuala Lumpur City Gallery and Royal Selangor Club. Then walk along the River of Life until you reach its junction (near the Agricultural Bank). Take photos with the river and Masjid Jamek (one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur) as the backdrop. Merdeka square is also a popular tourist destination and a popular viewing point surrounded by buildings such as the National Textile Museum and the City Art Gallery.

Jalan alor street

Jalan Alor is a famous street in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The street is famous for its night market and lively atmosphere. It’s also a popular shopping destination for fashion items such as shoes, bags, textiles and jewelry. Jalan Alor is also known for its delicious cuisine that draws in many tourists. Food stalls and restaurants offer popular dishes such as roti canai, laksa, char kuey teow and nasi lemak. In addition to food, the street also hosts a variety of shops selling clothing, toys, home goods and souvenirs. Many traditional Malay items can be found at Jalan Alor shops, including batik sarongs, songket fabrics, gold jewelry and kites.

Jalan Alor is also home to several cultural events which take place throughout the year. The annual Thai New Year celebration occurs here along with several religious festivals. Many cultural fairs are held on the street to promote local arts and crafts. The street also hosts several live music events featuring local bands. In addition to these events, Jalan Alor hosts several traditional dance performances as well as martial arts demonstrations by local kung fu schools. These events help promote cultural heritage in Malaysia and add to the lively atmosphere of Jalan Alor.

Changkat Avenue

Changkat Avenue is a popular hangout spot in Kuala Lumpur. It is a major avenue with lots of shops, restaurants and bars. Many events happen there every week, both for local and international audiences. There’s also a small skateboarding park at the end of Changkat Avenue.

Changkat Avenue is known for its restaurants and bars. Many popular restaurants are located on this avenue. Most of them specialize in Chinese, Thai or Indian cuisine. There’s also a wide selection of international food options available. Plus, there are plenty of bars and clubs along this avenue as well. These are great places to go after work or during your free time. The restaurants and bars host nightly events, drawing crowds every evening. People come from all over the city to eat, drink and socialize at Changkat Avenue.

Changkat Avenue is also popular for hosting public events and parties. Many local and international festivals occur here annually. Locals and tourists alike attend these events to have fun and eat delicious food. Additionally, Changkat Avenue is a good place to find any type of party you’re looking for. There are several nightclubs along this avenue that host nightly events. Lastly, this avenue is home to a small skatepark where people like to hang out too. The park has different ramps and rails for skateboarders to play on; there’s even a few picnic tables nearby so people can sit down when they’re not skating. 

Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu, located in the state of Kelantan, is one of the oldest cities in Malaysia. Initially, it was just a small settlement on the banks of the Kelantan River. However, it soon grew into a major city. Today, Kota Bharu is an important commercial and transportation hub. Many travelers visit the city to experience its rich history and culture. Kota Bharu has several interesting sites to offer— including a historic fort and a museum.

Kota Bharu and Kuala are both well-connected by road, rail and air transport. Both cities have benefited from their proximity to each other. In addition, they host an annual festival together which celebrates their intertwined history. This festival is called the Merdeka festival and features live performances, food stalls and more. Tourism has increased throughout both cities ever since this festival began.

The most famous landmark in Kota Bharu is its royal mosque named Masjid Zahir. This mosque is over 200 years old and still stands as one of the oldest structures in Malaysia today. Next, travelers should check out the Kota Bharu Royal Palace Museum to learn more about the city’s history and heritage. 

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur

Many hotels and hostels exist in the city, so finding accommodations is easy. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from— something for every budget and taste preference. Basically, it’s very easy to visit and enjoy Kuala Lumpur. 

How to get to Kuala Lumpur

Plane

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is one of the world’s most modern airports and it’s also one of the world’s busiest airports. This explains why 40 million passengers pass through the doors every year. In addition, nearly 600 air cargo carriers pass through every month, making it one of the world’s largest cargo hubs as well as an airport. Passengers have access to over 120 lounges at their convenience, including standalone business and first-class lounge spaces as well as family-style food court options. All told, there are over 250 facilities available at KLIA for travelers’ convenience. To make traveling easier, you can park your car at KLIA so you don’t have to spend money on gas while visiting Kuala Lumpur. 

There are two different airports, Kuala Lumpur Airport 1 and 2. You should check which one is your departure before flying. 

Getting to the center from Kuala Lumpur Airport

The fastest way to get to the city center and vice versa is by taking the KLIA express train which runs every 15-30 minutes to KL Sentral and the journey should not take more than 20 minutes. 50 ringgit per person, although a bit pricey.

The cheapest way is to take a direct bus to KL Sentral, which costs only RM12 and takes about an hour. From the airport terminal, you’ll need to head north through the Gateway Shopping Center to the finish line (location shown here), where you can buy your ticket at the SkyBus kiosk. Buses run every 30 minutes. 

Bus

Many travelers choose to visit Kuala Lumpur by bus since it’s cheaper and faster than flying. All buses arrive at the same bus station in Kuala Lumpur. From Singapore buses depart from different pick up spots and take 5 hours to get to Kuala Lumpur. There are several connections with the rest of the important cities of the country. You can check here all the schedules and routes. 

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