Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's bustling capital, is one of Asia's most modern cities. In this city, Chinese, Malay and Indian influences converge everywhere: from the vibrant Chinatown and ultramodern neighbourhoods full of impressive architecture to colourful temples, street food markets, and even surprising bits of nature. This impressive mix ensures that there is something for everyone. In other words; the perfect place to start or end your Malaysia tour. Curious about what to do in Kuala Lumpur? Check out our tips for the 10 best sights!
General information on Malaysia
Are you planning your trip to Malaysia? Then check out our tips for the best travel period, daily budget and applying for a visa. You can find all the information you need about Malaysia here.
How do you travel to Kuala Lumpur?
Kuala Lumpur is easily accessible from several cities in Malaysia. Transport is well arranged and you have several options to choose from. Many travellers make the trip from Malacca, Cameron Highlands or Langkawi to the capital, and we did just that! Here's how to easily travel to Kuala Lumpur from these destinations.
From Malacca to Kuala Lumpur
The bus is the most practical and also an economical way to travel from Melaka to Kuala Lumpur. For just a few euros, you'll be in Kuala Lumpur in about 2.5 hours. See current departure times and prices and reserve a seat on the bus in advance!
Tip: Opt for buses whenever possible. This is by far the cheapest option, and tickets are easy to book through websites such as 12GoAsia.
From Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur
Bus: As you can choose from several departure times daily and tickets are affordable, the bus is one of the most accessible means of transport on this route. All buses depart from Tanah Rata and, depending on the bus you choose, will take you to KL Sentral or Terminal Bersepadu Selatan in Kuala Lumpur. View here current departure times and prices.
Bus + train: We personally did not opt for this, but if you want to make a stop in the city of Ipoh, this is definitely a good option. You first travel by bus for a few euros to the Amanjaya Terminal in Ipoh, where you can transfer to a local bus to the city centre. From the centre, you can then take the train to Kuala Lumpur. Train tickets are best booked in advance via 12Go.Asia.
From Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur
Plane: Want to travel quickly from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur? Then plane is the best choice. The flight takes just one hour and is operated daily by several budget airlines. Check and compare easily all available flights to find the best deal.
Bus + boat: If you are not time-constrained and want to travel budget-friendly, this is a great option! From Langkawi (Kuah), a number of ferries leave for Kuala Perlis every day. Once you arrive at the port, it's about a 5-minute walk to the bus station. From there, direct buses leave for Kuala Lumpur. The total journey takes about 7.5 hours. We recommend you get on your bus tickets to be booked in advance via 12GoAsia.
Tips for transport in Kuala Lumpur
The most convenient way to get around Kuala Lumpur is by taxi or rather, a Grab-taxi. We use this app during all our trips in Asia (when available) and are fans! This is because the Grab app allows you to arrange a ride to any location in the city easily, safely and inexpensively. In the app, you simply specify your pick-up and drop-off points, and a driver is usually immediately available. Even from the airport, a Grab taxi is the best choice if you ask us!
In addition, you have the choice of going by public transport such as the metro Whether the GO KL City buses. The metro is a quick and efficient way to travel longer distances (though you shouldn't be in a hurry). Each station has clear maps showing all lines and stops, making it easy to plan your route.
The green/pink GO KL City buses are another convenient option to explore the city. These buses run fixed routes past many popular sights. Although the buses are no longer free, they remain an economical way to move around the city. Just keep in mind that the buses do not indicate which stop you are at. Therefore, make sure you have Google Maps handy so you know where to get off!
Finally, of course, you can opt for the old-fashioned leg carriage. Indeed, Kuala Lumpur is a fine city to explore on foot. Many of the sights are located in or around the city centre and are easy to reach without having to use transport.
Tip: For the Grab app or you need internet! It is therefore convenient to buy a local SIM card or arrange an e-sim card, for example through Airalo.
What to do in Kuala Lumpur?
Kuala Lumpur has an awful lot to offer! From the impressive skyline and colourful Batu Caves to cosy neighbourhoods and delicious restaurants. Although Kuala Lumpur is not the cheapest destination in Southeast Asia, there are plenty of free activities to explore. Read on to plan your trip to Kuala Lumpur!
1. Climb the steps of Batu Caves
Just outside the centre of Kuala Lumpur, you'll find the colourful steps to the Batu Caves. No doubt you've seen this spot pass by once on Instagram and many consider it an absolute must-see. As soon as you arrive, the first thing you see is the 42-metre-high golden statue of Hindu war god Murugan and next to it the colourful staircase to the Batu Caves. The temple is used daily for Hindu ceremonies and many locals come to pray. It is a holy site so dress appropriately by covering your shoulders and knees. Want to know more about this unique location? Read our blog The Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur. Find out everything you need to know!
- Costs: Free entry for the Cathedral Cave.
- Dress code: Covered shoulders and legs.
- Opening hours: Daily from 6am to 9pm.
Tip: Want to see several temples or combine a visit to the Batu Caves with other sights in Kuala Lumpur? Then check out Getyourguide or Tiqets! You can choose from many different day tours here.
2. Stroll through KLCC Park and admire the Petronas Towers
The Petronas Twin Towers are the iconic image of Kuala Lumpur. The two silver towers are more than 450 metres high and connected by a bridge, also called a skybridge. The KLCC park, located at the foot of the Petronas Towers, is a nice place to escape the crowds and the ideal location to view the Petronas Twin Towers. Stroll through the green garden or take a look at the public swimming pool.
- Costs: Free entry to KLCC park.
- Water show: Every evening there is a free water show at 20:00, 21:00 and 22:00.
Tip: It is possible to use the Petronas Twin Towers to climb. From the Skybridge, you have a great view of the city. Order your ticket online, so you don't have to queue up. If you are already in the area, you can also buy tickets a day in advance at the physical counter.
Another good view is from the KL Tower / Menara Kuala Lumpur. This is one of the world's tallest telecommunications towers with a height of a whopping 421 metres. You can easily buy a ticket online for this too!
3. Explore the districts of Bukit Bintang and Chinatown
One of our favourite neighbourhoods is Bukit Bintang, despite being one of the busiest places in Kuala Lumpur. Many compare it to Times Square in New York because of the large billboards, various street vendors and busy zebra crossings. You will also find the famous street Jalan Alor. This is a nice street right in the centre of Bukit Bintang with hundreds of restaurants where you can have a nice meal!
And while you're in Bukit Bintang, walk on to Chinatown. You'll find cosy eating spots, beautiful murals and in the evening, the street is lit up with colourful lanterns. Petaling Street is the heart of this area, a bustling market where you can find everything from clothes to local food.
4. Visit the Thean Hou Temple
There are super many temples in Kuala Lumpur, but as far as we are concerned, this is one of the most beautiful! The Thean Hou Temple is a Chinese temple and is quite striking with its colourful roofs, bright orange lanterns, red pillars and golden dragons. At the central square, you can enter the temple, just remember to take off your shoes and wear respectful clothes when entering the temple itself. Staying alone in the central square? Then you don't have to. Besides, come as early as possible, as it can get crowded quickly and besides, it's boiling hot in the afternoon.
- Costs: Free admission.
- Dress code for the temple: Covered shoulders and legs.
- Opening hours: Daily from 8am to 9pm.
Tip: Do you have a rental car? No problem, as there is plenty of parking on site.
5. Find peace at Perdana Botanical Garden
The Perdana Botanical Gardens is a green oasis in the middle of Kuala Lumpur, located west of Chinatown. It is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. Stroll past impressive works of art, tropical plants, fountains, flowers and, with a bit of luck, you might even spot deer.
Although we have not been there ourselves, we hear many good stories about the Butterfly Garden, part of the Perdana Botanical Gardens. Unfortunately, we have heard less positive stories about the Bird Garden, which is also located in this park. The living conditions of the birds there seem to be very poor. This is therefore a reason for us not to go. Although much of Perdana Botanical Gardens is free, Butterfly Garden and Bird Garden are paid.
- Costs: Entry to the park is free, with the exception of the Butterfly Garden and Bird Garden.
- Opening hours: Daily from 7am to 8pm.
Read also: 11 great tips for your trip to Penang & Georgetown, Malaysia
Read also: The Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur. Find out everything you need to know!
6. Head to the Little India district
For us, it took some searching but we didn't want to miss a ride to Little India. With the diversity of cultures in Kuala Lumpur, and in Malaysia in general, you will discover unique neighbourhoods, each with its own charm. The Indian community has settled in the Brickfields district, better known as Little India. As you pass through the colourful main street walk, you will pass countless Indian restaurants, shops full of traditional clothes and stalls.
7. Admire Sultan Abdul Samad and Merdeka Square
The Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the Merdeka Square opposite form the historic heart of Kuala Lumpur. Built in 1897 and thus one of the city's oldest, Sultan Abdul Samad is named after the sultan of the time. It once served as the seat of the British colonial government and today houses several Malaysian ministries.
Merdeka Square, which literally means “Independence Square”, is a place full of history. This is where Malaysia's independence was declared on 31 August 1957. So definitely a place you want to walk past!
8. Walk across the suspension bridges in Eco Forest Park
In the heart of Kuala Lumpur lies the Eco Forest Park, one of Malaysia's oldest rainforests. Despite not being huge, this is another perfect place to escape the crowds for a while. Follow the signs to the canopy walk, a path of suspension bridges high among the treetops. Keep in mind that monkeys run loose here, so watch your belongings carefully.
- Costs: Ticket cost 40 MYR (€8.65)
- Opening hours: The park is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm (last ticket sale at 4:30 pm).
Tip: Visit the park right after opening time to avoid the crowds and heat.
9. Learn more about Islam at Wilayah Mosque
If there's one thing you don't want to miss, it's the Wilayah Mosque (Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan). This beautiful white marble mosque with turquoise domes is one of the most impressive places in Kuala Lumpur. At least... if you ask us! Before entering the mosque, you are given special clothes (djellabas) to wear, which, for men and women, cover the shoulders and knees. In addition, as a woman, you will also be given a headscarf (Hijab) to wear. You will then be taken inside by a guide and given all kinds of information about the architecture of the mosque and the Islamic faith. After the tour, you can continue exploring the mosque at your own pace.
- Costs: Free admission + guide
- Dress code: Covered shoulders and legs.
- Opening hours: The mosque is open daily from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. On Fridays, the mosque is open from 10:00 am to 11:30 am and from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm.
Tip: Check prayer times in advance at Wilayah Mosque's website. Indeed, during prayers, the mosque is not open to visitors.
10. Discover Kuala Lumpur's cutest street markets
Some we have already mentioned above but if you can't get enough of market stalls, souvenirs or just want delicious and affordable food, the streets markets below are definitely the place to be!
- Jalan Alor Street (Bukit Bintang): The place to enjoy delicious street food! This iconic street in Bukit Bintang comes fully alive at night with rows of food stalls and terraces. Open every day from 5pm until late at night, Jalan Alor is an absolute must-visit for foodies.
- Petaling Street (Chinatown): Petaling Street also really comes alive at night. From 18:00 to 23:00, you can stroll past stalls and eat delicious things! You can also visit here during the day, although it's a bit quieter (09:00 to 12:00).
- Chow Kit Market: This market offers a mix of fresh produce and other items. The “wet market” sells meat, fish, vegetables and fruit, while the “dry market” offers clothes, electronics, shoes and souvenirs. The colourful umbrellas make it extra cosy. Open from 09:00 to 17:00.
- Jalan Masjid India Market: In the heart of Little India, you'll find this market full of traditional Indian products. From spices and fabrics to colourful accessories - it is the place for lovers of Indian food and culture. This market is open daily from 09:00 to 22:00.
Good restaurants in Kuala Lumpur - Our favourites
If you are exploring, you need to eat well, and in Kuala Lumpur you can eat delicious food thanks to its unique blend of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences. From street food to stylish Western hotspots, here are our favourite places to eat:
- The Hungry Tapir: A super cosy place with only vegan food in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
- Dao Bao: For authentic dim sum and delicious bao buns, Dao Bao is the place to be. A cosy place where we had a delicious meal.
- VCR: VCR is the place for a good breakfast or a quiet brunch with dishes like pancakes and avocado toast. Combine this with a good cup of coffee and you start your morning off right.
- Feeka Coffee Roasters: A cosy place with a boho vibe. Feeka is known for their great coffees and healthy lunch dishes, such as salads and sandwiches.
- The Rabbit Hole: This was one of our favourite places. The atmosphere is good, they have good food and delicious juices. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
- Broom: Need a quick coffee and a croissant? Then Broom is the place to be.
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
This city has cosy markets, cool sights, great food and a wide range of accommodation, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Whether you are looking for an atmospheric boutique hotel or an affordable but comfortable place, the city has something for everyone. Most tourist attractions are located in the districts of Bukit Bintang, KLCC and Chinatown, also known as the “Golden Triangle” due to its central location. We therefore recommend staying in one of these districts. We ourselves stayed in Bukit Bintang and Chinatown.
Bukit Bintang: A lively, modern district full of shopping malls, street food and creative street art, we found Bukit Bintang an ideal base. You can enjoy shopping here during the day, while at night the neighbourhood turns into a vibrant nightlife area.
Chinatown: The ideal place for backpackers and foodies. Chinatown is a lively district with numerous food stalls, cheap accommodation and unique markets like the Central Market.
Looking for a nice place in Bukit Bintang or Chinatown? Check out these options on Booking.com!
Kuala Lumpur
We hope these tips help you plan your trip. Do you still have questions? Then feel free to drop us a line at Instagram.
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