The capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a diverse place that has Tamil, Chinese, Malay, and indigenous populations. The city is filled with numerous Things to Do which makes a traveller contended while on a vacation. The most populous city in the state, Kuala Lumpur is spread over 200 rectangular kilometres. It also merges with neighbouring suburbs to create a hub of activity and trade.
Tourism is a primary focus in Kuala Lumpur and as such there are a large variety of attractions for visitors to pick from, starting from the more traditional to the extra contemporary depending on your tastes. Finally, there are temples and mosques that reflect the city vibes, long futuristic towers and skyscrapers, local markets and avenue food, and pretty much anything else you may believe. Let’s look at the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur!
Located 11 km to the north of Kuala Lumpur, inside the suburb of Selangor lie the Batu Caves is a 400 million-year-old limestone hill (with a 100-year old temple incorporated within it), best known for its limestone caves and 227 feet tall Murugan statue. The caves and temples are Hindu shrines and a crucial place of pilgrimage for the many Tamil residents of Malaysia. Cathedral Cave – the biggest and most popular cave in Batu Caves – houses numerous Hindu shrines underneath its 100 meters excessive arched ceiling.
At the foot of Batu Hill are two other cave temples – the Art Gallery Cave and Museum Cave – which houses numerous Hindu statues and artwork. There is also rock climbing experiences with over 160 climbing routes in the area and simple treks for less experienced visitors.
One of the most iconic sights in the world, the PETRONAS Towers, or the PETRONAS Twin Towers are the tallest twin towers in the world. These 88-story buildings were built by Cesar Pelli & Associates with the towers joined at the 41st and 42nd floors by a 58 meter-long, double-decker Bridge providing some of the breathtaking views of the city of Kuala Lumpur. Apart from the mall and park, the Petronas Twin Towers has a host of other attractions including the Petronas Art Gallery and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and is one of the Must-visit attractions in the city.
At the heart of Kuala Lumpur is a place which never sleeps, and a long way extra colourful and bustling than its bigger and greater glamourous neighbours, KLCC & Bukit Bintang. Chinatown, in Petaling Street, is also called ‘Chee Cheong Kai’ (Starch Factory Street) well known as the bargain hunter’s paradise. Here you can find a variety of stuff from Chinese herbs to imitation goods. At night, Petaling Street transforms into a more lively and vibrant place, with hundreds of stalls offering all kinds of goods at dirt-cheap prices.
Aquaria KLCC, located at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, is one of the biggest aquariums in Southeast Asia. Home to over 150 species of marine life which includes frightening tiger sharks, deadly sea snakes, blue rays, vibrant coral fish, seahorses, and more is a must-visit attraction ranging from families with kids and elderly to adventure-seeking couples.
Aquaria KLCC spans over 60,000 square feet and features a 300-foot tunnel in the centre which allows visitors to explore the depths up close as they are surrounded by water on three sides. In addition, there are also educational exhibits emphasizing the importance of conservation and it houses over 5000 aquatic creatures for the visitors to enjoy!
Also called Kuala Lumpur tower, this tower stands at 335 meters and has an observation deck that gives stunning panoramic views of the town. The towers serve many functions in addition to acting as a commentary tower for the sighting of the moon to mark the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and there is also an annual race to the top to promote health and fitness. The visitor deck is the highest point in the city and is open to the public and it takes 54 seconds for the lifts to ascend to the site. We recommend visiting around dusk to observe night falling across the city.
From hosting hawker stalls and seafood eating places, Jalan Alor is one of the most well-known streets in Kuala Lumpur for its food. Located simply behind Jalan Bukit Bintang and a brief stroll away from Changkat Bukit Bintang, it’s a favourite after-clubbing dining spot in the Golden Triangle location.
However, this street glows up in the night with a wide variety of seafood to desserts and has a mix of multiple cuisines for the visitors to explore from. The easiest mode of transportation is via monorail: alight at the Bukit Bintang stop and head north along Jalan Bukit Bintang. It is a one-minute walk to Jalan Alor from here.
Lying in the suburb of Petaling Jaya, Sunway Lagoon Theme Park has offered a fun experience for all since it opened in 1997. Their slogan is ‘Come Feel the Fun’ and visitors experience not just a theme park but also a water park that is located on the same site. However, there is a wildlife and ‘extreme’ park with wilder rides for more adventurous types. This complex includes theme park rides, interactive video games, wave and surf pools, and even a zoo. Additionally, the park has many dining and shopping options for those who need to grab some souvenirs.
As a tourist destination, the city of Kuala Lumpur has many more things to offer and experience various cultures and traditions here. If you are looking for some travel tips and suggestions for your trip to Malaysia, reach out to the Malaysian destination expert at Pickyourtrail- a one-stop place where you can craft your own customized itineraries!
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