What to do in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, boasts a stunning array of historic monuments, towering skyscrapers, lush botanical parks, and extravagant shopping malls. The city pulses with energy, from its bustling street markets like Petaling Street to its vibrant nightlife. A crucial element of this dynamic landscape is the incense-scented, lavishly decorated mosques and temples that reflect the rich cultures of the Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities.

It will not take you long to realise, despite the heat, this is a city best explored on foot. Take to the Streets and walk and you can catch all the action. KL has a very efficient metro (LRT – Red Line) and Monorail system (MRT – Green Line) that is cheap and clean, although at peak travel times can prove a little tricky.

The Petronas Towers

Located in the KLCC district, opened in 1998, the 88 story twin towers are nearly 1482ft  (452m) tall was once the tallest buildings in the world, however, they have slid down the list to 18th place (as of 2025). These shimmering stainless steel-clad towers, the headquarters of the national oil and gas company Petronas, are the epitomy of contemporary KL. The Petronas Towers are featured heavily in the 1999 film ‘Entrapment’ starring Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

You can purchase tickets for RM98 (GB£17.90) that gives access to the central bridge connecting the two towers. You spend about 10 minutes here before returning to the lift where you are taken to the top of the towers for a panoramic view of the city.

Tickets go on sale at 7am and sell out fast! There are only a few tickets for sale each day.  Click here  to access the ticket booking system to buy in advance.

Saloma Link Bridge

A short stroll from the Petronas Towers this bridge offers a lovely view of the buildings, however, you’ll want to return in the evening when the bridge and towers are in full illumination.

KLCC and Bukit Bintang

If you wanting to shop in some the best stores and find a bargain on those designer labels then head to KLCC and KL Pavillion. Centred near ‘Bukit Bintang’  the Golden Triangle is roughly the area bounded by the districts of Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Sultan Ismail.  

It is home to a cluster of major shopping malls and many excellent places to eat and drink, not least of which is Jalan Alor, Kuala Lumpur’s most famous food street.  

KLCC, which stands for Kuala Lumpur City Centre, is located at the Petronas Towers, a vast development surrounding the base of the towers with a small water pool offering nightly fountain shows timed to music and lights, beautifully manicured gardens and walk ways.

KL Pavillion

A shopping mecca located in Bukit Bintang. Amid the many familiar international luxury labels there are some good local options. In this mall you will find all the usual high street stores that you would find at home. 

Menara KL Tower

Constructed in 1994, the tower stands at 1380ft (421m) offering spectacular view of the city. This gleaming towers spindle like apex is visible from almost anywhere in Kuala Lumpur.  Menara KL’s viewing deck is, at 905ft (276m);  the view is marvelous during the day and even better at night observing the city fully illuminated.

KL Bird Park

This fabulous 21 hectare aviary houses some 3000 birds comprising 200 species of (mostly) Asian birds. Entrance fee into the park is RM76.50 (GB£14). 

The park is divided into four sections: in the first two sections birds fly at liberty beneath an enormous canopy. Section three features the native hornbills, while section four offers the less-edifying spectacle of caged species.  To purchase tickets for the park click here.

Petaling Street Market

Take the Monorail to Maharajalela station (on leaving Maharajalela turn right out of the station)

Petaling street is a hive of excitement. It is absolutely my favourite place in the world to eat and shop! A Chinese market where you can purchase almost anything from electricals to clothing to souvenirs. The key here is to barter over the price. The stall traders begin high, you start low and you mutually agree on a price. It is all done in good taste and humour.

Central Market

For Central Market take the LTR to Pasar Seni, turn right out of the station across the bus drop off area and you will find a large white building. Central Market is a little more up market from Petaling Market and prices are fixed, but can peruse the stalls of traditional Malay fabrics, other clothing, trinkets and food.

Batu Caves

No visit to Kuala Lumpur would be complete without a visit to Batu Caves. An area celebrating the Hindu faith. The temple is a 30 minute train journey by KTM Komuter from ‘KL Sentral’ station on a direct line from platform 5 (Purple Line). Fares are RM2.50 (GB45p). Batu caves is the last stop on the line.

To enter the caves is free. This trip literally took only 3 hours to do including the train journey so don’t plan a full day for it. The second point you notice is the huge Hindu God at the base of what seems like a never ending mountain of steps!

NOTE: for women only, you must cover your shoulders and knees – so dress appropriately! If you don’t either (a) You will not be allowed to go any further than the gates, or, (b) You will have to rent a robe to wear…you do not get your money back! Men are fine as long as your shoulders are covered.

This is where the fun begins. There are a mountain of steps to climb. I counted 125 then lost count and I was not even at the top! The view is great once up there. The temple is populated with monkeys. They seem fairly good natured but I did not venture too close enough to one in the event my camera could be snatched. Inside the cave there are a few market stalls selling souvenirs and a few shrines peppered inside. At the far end of the cave is a large Hindu praying area populated with monkeys.

Merdeka Tower

Currently in the final stages of construction Merdeka Tower soars 2224ft (678m) becoming the second tallest building in the world (as of 2025), behind the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Located near Chinatown Merdeka Tower will open to the public by Q3 of 2026.

Kwai Chai Hong

Located near Chinatown, Kwai Chai Hong is a small alleyway adorned with beautiful wall murals and hanging lanterns bringing back the past charms of Chinatown from the golden days. Lovely during the day but visually stunning of an evening.

Independence Square

Situated in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building it was here that the British Flag was lowered and the Malaysian flag hoisted for the first time at midnight on 31 August 1957. Since then the Independence Square has been the usual venue for the annual Independence Day Parade.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

This 19th century building located opposite Independence Square. The building originally housed the offices of the British colonial administration and was known as the Government Offices in its early years. These days it’s now home to Malaysia’s tourism and Multimedia offices.

Jamek Mosque

Jamek Mosque, is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur. It is located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. The mosque was designed by British architect and soldier Arthur Benison Hubback, built in 1909. Use the LRT to Pasar Seni.

KL Statue

Located with Independence Square this is a great little statue to grab a selfie and move on.

Where to eat and drink

The food scene in Kuala Lumpur is varied and cheap. I find KL to be an exciting place and one of the best cities in the world for good Indian food (outside of India that is).

I love Kuala Lumpur and all its evening nightlife. I find it such a great place to wind down after a days exploring with a coffee and cake or an ice cold beer, people watching. I have decided to mention a few of my favourite haunts.

Weissbrau –https://www.pavilion-kl.com/store/weissbrau

Located inside the Pavillion in Bukit Bintang is a great relaxed bar that offers bar food and great beers.

Traders Sky Bar – shangri-la.com/kualalumpur/traders/dining/bars-lounges/sky-bar

Located on the 33rd floor of the Traders Hotel is by far one of my favourite places to grab a drink and food and admire the majesty of the Petronas Towers, especially of a night.

Baan PhadThai – https://www.pavilion-kl.com/store/baan-phadthai

Situated in The Pavilion is a relaxed little bistro bar serving drinks and Asian style cuisine. It’s a great little place to people watch.

Petaling Street

Situated in the China Town district is a maze of avenues walled with stalls selling all sorts of products.  It’s a great place to eat and drink to recharge those batteries before the onslaught of more shopping.

Jalan Alor Street

Like Petaling Street, if the traditional street food scene is your thing then head to Jalan Alor at Bukit Bintang. It’s a long street brimmed with food stalls offering meats, noodles, and desserts.

Beef Roti

At some point make time for a traditional beef Roti. It’s a minced beef pattie cocooned in pastry – delicious. These are often served by the road side from small stalls.

If you have time…

Grab the monorail or LRT ride to KL Sentral station and explore a beautiful area known as Brickfields, otherwise, ‘Little India’. Here you will discover delicious Indian cuisine and Hindu temples filling the air with the scent of incense.

Thean Hou Temple

Thean Hou Temple is a multi tiered temple of the Chinese sea goddess Mazu located on top of Robson Heights on Lorong Bellamy, overlooking Jalan Syed Putra. It was completed in 1987 and officially opened to the public in 1989.

Final Thought

I often find peoples opinions of KL to be mixed. I make a point of visiting Kuala Lumpur each time I visit SE Asia. I adore this city and country, and, I have yet to become stuck of something to do or see. I stay in the Bukit Bintang area as I find the hotels are of a fairer price and is fairly central for most things. The monorail stop (Bukit Bintang) is usually only 5 minutes walk away and from here. The LRT and Monorail services are extremely reliable, cheap, clean and easy to navigate.

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