Kuala Lumpur is a modern metropolis and the capital of Malaysia surrounded by culturally diverse suburbs slap bang in the middle of a jungle.
The overgrown, half-finished building works on the outskirts look like the remains of a hidden lost world and just a short train ride away you’ll discover ancient caves guarded by giant golden statues.
It’s not all rainforests and ruins though, Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC for short) is as modern as any European city (and much cleaner) with towering skyscrapers, underground malls and some great hidden gems.
Plan a city break to Kuala Lumpur and discover a vibrant city that features colonial architecture and lively markets.
Read on for our top five things to do in this epic and underrated city.
1. See The View From The Kuala Lumpur Tower
The most famous buildings in Kuala Lumpur are undoubtedly the Petronas Towers. Standing underneath them and gazing up at the sky bridge floating above, you would be forgiven for thinking that it’s the best place to get a view of the city. However, when you’re inside the towers gazing out… you can’t see them!
The skyline, stripped of their iconic shape, suddenly loses some of its flair and individuality. A good alternative is the Kuala Lumpur Tower. The viewing deck is actually much higher than the sky bridge and you have the chance to see the Kuala Lumpur skyline in its full glory.
2. Get Back To Nature
You may be in the middle of a city but you’re also in the middle of a jungle.
Kuala Lumpur has some fantastic nature sights including FRIM (Forest Research Institute Malaysia), a massive conservation and research area which boasts a canopy walkway, traditional Malay houses and nature trails (be on the look out for massive monitor lizards!).
If you prefer nature of the avian variety Kuala Lumpur also boasts the world’s largest free flight walk in aviary with over 200 species of birds.
3. Hit The Museums
The heat of the city can be intense. At midday an hour or two in an air conditioned building surrounded by interesting artefacts is too good a proposition to pass up.
Luckily Kuala Lumpur is home to some fascinating museums including the massive Islamic Arts Museum where you can learn about the history of the peninsular as well as Islamic art and culture.
Some of the best museum to visit include:
• Islamic Arts Museum
• National Museum (Muzium Negara)
• Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery
• National Textile Museum
• Royal Malaysian Police Museum
4. Sample the Street Food
Wherever you are in Asia, street food is one of the region’s true joys. Kuala Lumpur is no exception and, while you may have to go a little further afield to dodge the sterilised shopping centre cantinas, there’s plenty of good grub to be found.
One of the most popular street food stops is Jalan Alor, a small road just off the main drag of Bukit Bintang which comes alive at night with dozens of restaurants spilling out of the surrounding buildings and into the busy streets.
If you’re looking for good, cheap food in the city centre a hidden gem is Dharma Realm Guan Yin Sagely Monastery Canteen, a modest Buddhist temple surrounded by skyscrapers which serves some of the best vegetarian food in the city for around $1 per (massive) plate.
5. Shop Till You Drop
The cosmopolitan haven of Kuala Lumpur is the largest city in Malaysia and is a dynamic hub for commerce and shopping, encompassing everything from large shopping malls to local, traditional markets.
From the massive six story underground mall below the Petronus Towers to the infamous Petaling Street in the heart of China Town, Kuala Lumpur is a shopaholic’s paradise.
For something a little more authentic head to Chow Kit Market – the largest wet market in the city – where you can wind your way down tiny alleys past hundreds of stalls selling everything from fabric to fish to blow torched horses heads. Seriously.
Plan a Trip to Kuala Lumpur
What best place to start a south east Asia trip than the exciting capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. This cosmpolitan city is renowned for its iconic architecture and lofty skyscrapers, the most famous being the Petronas Twin Towers.
The colonial buildings of Dataran Merdeka and the bustling Petaling Street night market are reminiscent of Malaysia’s past. It is home to some of Malaysia’s most luxurious hotels, amazing shopping and fantastic restaurants.
Although there are so many more places to visit, we think the five experiences featured on our list are things you simply can’t miss in Kuala Lumpur. This city might not have the visitor numbers or recognisable tourist attractions in Bangkok, but it will really surprise you!
If you need more ideas for where to go in Malaysia, check out our reasons why you should visit the Perenthian Islands.
