Looking for fun things to do in Kuala Lumpur? Check out this list of the very best sights and things to do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is an exciting and lively metropolis with something for everyone. When traveling in Asia and Oceania, making a stopover in Kuala Lumpur is extremely popular. However, most people only spend a few days in the big city.
Unfortunately, Kuala Lumpur has a slightly bad reputation and therefore it is often opted out in favor of other popular Asian cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bangkok. I must honestly admit that I didn’t particularly like Kuala Lumpur to begin with either. But there’s actually an incredible number of tourists who fall in love with the city after several visits.
If you’re planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur, I would like to recommend 16 must-see sights and things to do in Kuala Lumpur. They’ll hopefully make it easier to fall in love with the city on your very first visit.
Table of Contents
1. Petronas Towers
Petronas Towers is the largest and most famous landmark in Kuala Lumpur – probably also in the rest of Malaysia. The magnificent Twin Towers are an absolute must-see sight in Kuala Lumpur! They sit high above the city with their 451.9 meters and 88 floors. They were actually the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004, and today they’re still the tallest twin towers in the world.
Enjoy the view from a distance or take the elevator up to Skybridge, connecting the two towers. It is located on the 41st and 42nd floors at a height of 170 meters, making it the world’s highest placed bridge on two floors. Afterward, you can continue all the way up to the observation deck on the 86th floor at 370 meters altitude. The views of Kuala Lumpur are spectacular from here!
You should be aware that only a limited number of tickets are sold daily. Therefore, it may be a good idea to buy your tickets online, but you can also buy tickets at the towers if they’re not sold out. At the foot of Petronas Towers, you’ll find the huge shopping center Suria KLCC with 380 shops spread over 6 floors. It is one of the best and most popular shopping malls in all of Kuala Lumpur.
Admission: 80 MYR for adults, 42 MYR for seniors over 61 years, 33 MYR for children from 3 to 12 years, and free for children under 3 years. / Official site: https://www.petronastwintowers.com.my/
2. KLCC Park
Behind Petronas Towers is KLCC Park, one of the most popular parks in Kuala Lumpur. It is a beautiful green oasis in the middle of the noise of the big city with green lawns, sparkling fountains, sculptures, and winding paths. If you are traveling to Kuala Lumpur with children, there is also a large playground and a paddling pool.
One of the big highlights in the park is the large man-made Lake Symphony with two musical fountains. Every night at 08:00 pm, 09:00 pm, and 10:00 pm, you can experience a fountain show with lights and music. You can also just watch the fountain lit up every night at 07:30 pm, 08:30 pm, and 09:30 pm.
Admission: Free to visit. / Official site: https://www.suriaklcc.com.my/attractions/klcc-park/
3. Central Market
Housed in a beautiful old art deco building, Central Market is a multicultural market with crafts and delicacies from several different ethnic nationalities. Visit the Malaysian, Indian, or Chinese areas, each with its own specialties and local products.
The market has more than 300 shops and stalls selling everything from spices and tea to scarves, bags, clothes, jewelry, and handicrafts. Central Market is the perfect place to buy souvenirs in Kuala Lumpur! Oh, and by the way, on the top floor, you’ll find a dining area with cheap local food.
Admission: Free to visit. / Official site: https://www.centralmarket.com.my/index.php
4. Chinatown
The lively and colorful Chinatown is centered around Petaling Street and is one of the most popular things to do in Kuala Lumpur. Here you’ll find hundreds of small shops and stalls selling everything from Chinese specialties to fake bags, clothes, and souvenirs at cheap prices. Remember to haggle over the price but be aware that the Chinese sellers may be a little insistent.
In addition to shopping, Chinatown also offers exciting culinary experiences in the countless restaurants and food stalls selling tasty traditional Chinese and Malaysian dishes. In the evening, Petaling Street is transformed into a lively and popular night market.
After shopping and eating your way through Chinatown, I recommend visiting some of the ancient and impressive temples of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown. The most popular is Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Malaysia. Another popular temple in Chinatown is the Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, the oldest Taoist temple in Kuala Lumpur.
5. National Mosque of Malaysia
The National Mosque of Malaysia, also called the Masjid Negara Mosque, is one of the most important places to visit in Kuala Lumpur if you’re interested in religion. The most widespread religion in Malaysia is Islam – and the National Mosque is their main gathering point.
The mosque was built in 1965 in a unique and modern style with one 73-meter-high minaret, a 16-point star-shaped blue roof, and five Islamist columns. The mosque is huge and can accommodate up to 15,000 people at once!
Since it’s an active mosque, you should be aware that the opening hours are limited. It is also important that you wear appropriate clothing, but don’t worry you can borrow scarves and coats at the entrance.
Admission: Free to visit. / Opening hours: You can visit the mosque every day from 09:00 am to 12:00 pm and again at 03:00 pm to 04:00 pm and from 05:30 pm to 06:30 pm. However, it is closed on Friday mornings.
6. Batu Caves
Just outside the city, you’ll find Batu Caves, one of the absolute best sights in all of Kuala Lumpur! Here you’ll be greeted by breathtaking nature and a 43-meter-high gold-plated statue that is said to be the world’s largest statue of the Hindu goddess of war Murugan.
Climb the 272 colorful steps up to the sacred Hindu limestone caves but watch out for the monkeys along the way. They may look cute, but they love to tease and steal from visitors. So, for your own good, you should leave loose items and food at the hotel.
Once you have climbed the stairs and avoided the monkeys in the heat of battle, you’ll be rewarded with a special sight in an ancient limestone cave that is still used for worship today. You can only enter the Cathedral Cave on your own, which is also called Temple Cave due to the Hindu temple in the limestone cave.
Although Batu Caves is just outside Kuala Lumpur, it is super easy to get there by bus or train.
Admission: Free to visit.
7. Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower
If you’re looking for the best vantage point in Kuala Lumpur, do not miss Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower. It was built in 1994 and serves as both a communication tower and a popular tourist attraction in Kuala Lumpur. Using the antenna at the top of the tower, it reaches a height of 421 meters, making it the 7th tallest free-standing tower in the world.
Take the lightning-fast elevator up to the observation deck at an altitude of 276 meters, from where there is an absolutely stunning view of Kuala Lumpur! If you want to get even higher, you can pay a little extra to get up to an outdoor observation deck at 300 meters altitude. Here you can step into a glass box and stand at staggering heights with the city beneath your feet! Another option is to enjoy dinner or a drink at an altitude of 282 meters at the revolving restaurant Atmosphere 360.
The views from Menara KL Tower are beautiful both in the daytime and in the evening, but I would still recommend arriving shortly before sunset. This way you can experience Kuala Lumpur as darkness descends over the city and millions of lights are turned on. A beautiful sight in Kuala Lumpur!
Admission: 33 MYR for the lower observation deck or 81 MYR for all the observation decks. / Official site: https://www.menarakl.com.my/
8. Berjaya Times Square KL Shopping Mall
Kuala Lumpur is a true paradise for any shopper who dreams of a great variety of shopping options. The largest shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur is Berjaya Times Square KL Shopping Mall with more than 1,000 shops, 65 eateries, and multi-story entertainment options.
When you need a break, you can relax in an IMAX 2D and 3D cinema. Or maybe it’s more tempting to visit a huge indoor theme park? Yes, you heard right! On the lower floors of the shopping center, you’ll find the largest indoor theme park in Malaysia and the 2nd largest in Asia! Here are lots of fun rides and activities that are perfect for those traveling with children in Kuala Lumpur.
Admission: Free to visit the center, but payment is required to try the rides at the theme park. / Official site: https://berjayatimessquarekl.com/
9. Merdeka Square
Merdeka Square is also called Independence Square. This was the place where Malaysia declared independence from Britain and let the Malaysian flag flutter for the first time in 1957. There are several important and historic buildings around the square, but the most dominant is the Sultan Abdul Samad building. The beautiful building originally served as the government office of British colonial rule but is today used as the office of the Ministry.
Across the square is the Royal Selangor Club, an old clubhouse founded by the British in 1884. Merdeka Square is one of the most historic areas in Kuala Lumpur and therefore there are also many other historic sites such as St. Mary’s Cathedral and Old Market Square.
Oh, and by the way… You must not forget to take a picture in front of the I Love KL sign! It is one of the most iconic and popular places to take a travel photo in Kuala Lumpur. However, you should be aware that the queue can be unbearably long.
10. Masjid Jamek
Right next to Merdeka Square you’ll find Masjid Jamek, one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia. It was built in 1909 and is located right where the Klang and Gombat rivers meet at the exact spot where Kuala Lumpur was founded in 1857.
It isn’t exactly the largest mosque in the world, but it’s in turn very beautiful and historic. If you would like to visit the mosque, please note that opening hours are limited. It is still an active mosque and therefore you must wear appropriate attire. But don’t worry, you can borrow scarves and robes at the entrance for a small donation.
Admission: Free to visit. / Opening hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and again at 02:30 pm to 04:00 pm. However, it is closed on Fridays.
11. Perdana Botanical Garden
Perdana Botanical Garden, also called Lake Gardens, is one of the very best things to do in Kuala Lumpur. It was founded by the British in 1888 and is the first and largest recreational park in Kuala Lumpur. It covers a huge green area and is a wonderful getaway in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Take a walk along the shores of the large lake Tasik Perdana or visit one of the many attractions in the park. Some of the most popular are Sunken Garden, Sculpture Garden, Orchid Garden, Hibiscus Garden, and Herb & Spice Garden. In addition, Deer Park and Leman Perdana are also some incredibly popular attractions in the Perdana Botanical Garden.
Admission: Free to visit. / Official site: http://www.klbotanicalgarden.gov.my/
12. Brickfields Little India
Little India in Brickfields is the Indian Quarter of Kuala Lumpur. The majority of the Indians in Kuala Lumpur live in this area which buzzes with life with an evocative Indian atmosphere.
As soon as you arrive in Little India, you are immediately greeted by colorful buildings, stalls, and fabric stores where Indian music flows out of the speakers. The sensuous impressions and scents of spices from all over the world are certainly not to be mistaken! Please forget about where in the world you are – just for a moment – and allow yourself to be carried away by the wonderful atmosphere. Remember to taste some of all the cheap and delicious Indian food in Little India.
13. Enjoy a drink at a sky bar
The beautiful and impressive skyline of the city becomes even more breathtaking in the evening and invites you to enjoy a drink at a sky bar in Kuala Lumpur. But there is seriously a myriad of sky bars in Kuala Lumpur and it can quickly become difficult to choose between them.
One of the most popular is the Heli Lounge Bar, which is actually a helicopter platform during the day and a bar in the evening. Here you can enjoy a drink on a helicopter platform with a breathtaking 360-degree view of Kuala Lumpur!
Another very popular sky bar in Kuala Lumpur is simply called SkyBar. This bar is a little more elegant than the Heli Lounge bar and is reminiscent of an exclusive nightclub with DJ’s and a swimming pool. The view of Kuala Lumpur is also amazing from here, even though it isn’t a 360-degree view.
Before visiting a sky bar in Kuala Lumpur, be aware that you need to wear appropriate attire. It isn’t allowed to visit a sky bar without buying something, so always make sure to buy at least one drink or beer per. person. Prices vary depending on the bar and time, but it is often cheaper to get a drink at a sky bar than to pay for the entrance to Petronas Towers for example.
Admission: Free, but you must buy at least one drink per. person.
14. Thean Hou Temple
One of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur is to visit the Thean Hou Temple which is located on a hilltop with a great view of Kuala Lumpur. It is one of the largest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia and consists of six levels with beautifully decorated architecture. The temple was completed in 1989 and was built in honor of the sea goddess Tian Hou.
In addition to enjoying the view of the temple itself and the view of Kuala Lumpur, you can also experience a Chinese medicinal herb garden, a sacred Bodhi tree, a turtle pond, and several shining statues. Thean Hou Temple is a religious place, so remember to be quiet and respectful of the worshipers.
Admission: Free to visit.
15. Bukit Bintang
Bukit Bintang is probably the most popular area in all of Kuala Lumpur and is of course an absolute must-see! It is the center of the city’s entertainment and shopping with a huge range of shops, malls, restaurants, bars, and activities. The majority of Kuala Lumpur’s shopping malls are actually located right here in Bukit Bintang, which has shops for all price ranges.
In the evening, Jalan Alor Street is transformed into one of the best eateries in Kuala Lumpur with a large selection of restaurants and stalls. You can taste all kinds of dishes from Malaysian cuisine but also Chinese cuisine, Thai cuisine, and so on. There are simply endless possibilities to experience delicious taste experiences in a great atmosphere!
If you want to party in Kuala Lumpur, I can recommend going to Changkat Street in Bukit Bintang. Although the street isn’t particularly long, it is still packed with restaurants and bars offering happy hour around the clock. It is one of the most popular places to go out in the evening in Kuala Lumpur, but the place is also great for a drink or beer during the day.
16. KL Forest Eco Park
If you want to experience a real tropical rainforest, you can just visit KL Forest Eco Park in the middle of the city. This is one of the oldest permanent forest reserves in all of Malaysia, but it has unfortunately been significantly reduced due to urbanization. When you walk around the quiet rainforest, it can quickly seem completely surreal that the high-rise buildings and the busy roads are right next doors.
The main attraction in KL Forest Eco Park is the Canopy Walk, a series of suspension bridges between the treetops. It is a very special thing to do in Kuala Lumpur with a great view of the rainforest and the city with the iconic Menara KL Tower. If you suffer from fear of heights, it may be advisable to stick to one of the many trails down on earth.
There are said to be monkeys, snakes, lizards, and many other small insects inside the forest. I haven’t seen any myself, except a few birds, but maybe you’re been lucky enough to see some?
Admission: Free to visit.
So that’s all on this list of the very best things to do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. What are your favorite things to do in Kuala Lumpur? What are you looking forward to on your trip to Kuala Lumpur? Feel free to leave a comment.
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