Malaysia's sleek, modern capital is famed for its incredible food, Olympic-level shopping, and welcoming vibes. At once forward-thinking and rooted proudly in tradition, KL, as it is commonly called, is symbolized as much by the vibrant cultural mix of its neighborhoods as by its shimmering, futuristic Petronas Towers. To make the most of your time—and to avoid the city's notoriously heavy traffic—guided tours are highly recommended. Book your skip-the-line tickets and take in the dizzying view from Petronas Skybridge, then visit city highlights such as the King's Palace, Merdaka Square, and the National Museum. Take a street food tour to sample local specialties like nasi lemak (spicy coconut rice with vegetables, anchovy, and peanuts), or one of the countless varieties of Malay-style curries, sopped up with a generous helping of naan or roti. Other popular attractions include the Batu Caves, which house an enormous, golden statue of Lord Murugan and hundreds of fearless macaques. For families, the Sunway Lagoon theme park and KL Forest Eco Park offer plenty of outdoor fun. For something completely different, try an exhilarating hot-air balloon flight over Putrajaya. Malaysia’s capital also makes a convenient gateway for day trips to colonial Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Farther afield, tours of the Cameron Highlands' tea plantations, the fauna-rich Taman Negara rainforest, and the magical evening firefly displays at Kuala Selangor are sure to enchant.
Kuala Lumpur has the same weather report year-round: hot and humid with a chance of rain. Luckily, the city comes to life at night—when cooler temperatures make for more comfortable exploration— with markets and street fairs. Get a taste of KL’s global traditions in the winter, when Diwali, Lunar New Year, and Thaipusam bring non-stop celebrations.
Kuala Lumpur’s most famous landmark is the Petronas Towers, twin steel-and-glass skyscrapers linked by a soaring Skybridge—even though the 1,460-foot (445-meter) Exchange 106 is taller. Travelers flock to this multicultural city for malls, mosques, markets, museums, temples and galleries, as well as world-class street food.
...MoreMost travelers find 2–3 days enough to get a taste of Kuala Lumpur. That includes sampling delicious Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, and hybrid street foods, checking out the Petronas Towers and Merdeka Square, heading out of town to the Batu Caves, and exploring the old town, known as Kampung Baru.
...MoreYes. As Malaysia’s capital, this green, leafy city is worth visiting. It has less history than Penang or Melaka and no beach, but offers fantastic food, lovely gardens, an evolving waterfront district, and heritage buildings including the Indo-Saracenic Jamek Mosque, the Sri Mariamman Temple, and the Guan Di Temple.
...MoreKuala Lumpur has a diverse nightlife scene that runs from street stalls, bars, and restaurants to EDM clubs, karaoke joints, and live music venues. Night markets like Taman Connaught offer the chance to shop and snack till you drop, while high-rise venues like Heli Lounge Bar deliver on city views.
...MoreThe Petronas Towers, a Malaysian icon, are probably the most visited place in Kuala Lumpur. Guided tours with strictly limited numbers cover the Skybridge and the 86th-floor Observation Deck. The lower floors host a mall and Petrosains the Discovery Centre, a science museum sponsored by the fossil fuel company Petronas.
...MoreYes. Violent crime against female travelers is rare in Kuala Lumpur. However, do watch for drink spiking, pickpockets, and bag snatchers on motorcycles. Don't leave drinks unattended in nightclubs, carry bags on the side of the body that faces away from the highway, and avoid same-sex displays of affection.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 51 |
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Number of Tours | 2,038 |
Number of Reviews | 6,872 |
Currency | MYR |
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