The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is one of our favorite places to visit in the country. It is such a diverse city with plenty of things to do and tons of food to try. Although it is a city, there are plenty of green areas, such as KL Forest Eco Park mixed in with the skyscrapers and stunning architecture.
Kuala Lumpur is also a great city for shopping as there are tons of malls all over the city. If that isn’t enough to inspire you to visit Kuala Lumpur, maybe these 24 pictures will!
Batu Caves
Although Batu Caves is 13 km outside Kuala Lumpur, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations. Getting to Batu Caves is super easy as you can take a half an hour train ride there. Taxis are also super affordable in Kuala Lumpur, so if you are in a hurry, that’s a great option.
Once you get to Batu Caves, you will be greeted by a gold, 140-feet statue of Murugan next to 272 colorful steps. You can climb to the top for free; just beware that this is a popular area for monkeys. Put away all your food and don’t touch any plastic around them as they associate the noise with getting food. At the top, you can explore Temple Cave.
Mosques, palaces, and clock towers
As Malaysia is predominantly Muslim, there are plenty of beautiful temples in Kuala Lumpur. While temples are a place of worship for the Muslim community, many welcome respectful tourists. Many mosques offer veils and robes for free, so you can enter the mosque.
Our favorite mosques are the National Mosque of Malaysia, Masjid Jamek Mosque, and Blue Mosque Selangor.
If the mosques weren’t exciting enough, maybe visiting a palace will be! Istana Negara was the former palace of Malaysia’s kings. As a new one was built in 2011, tourists can now visit and explore Istana Negara. There is also a great changing of the guard ceremony every day that attracts many visitors.
Another great building to visit is the old railway station. Kuala Lumpur Railway station is a stunning white and gold building that used to be the main railway station for the city. It was built during the British colonial period in 1886, so the architecture is a unique mix of British and Asian architecture.
The railway now houses a museum with models and replicas of the old trains that used to run through the station. So, it is a great place for architecture and history lovers.
Thean Hou Temple
Another great tourist destination outside of Kuala Lumpur is the Buddhist temple, Thean Hou. Although Malaysia is predominantly a Muslim country, there are plenty of cultures and religions in Kuala Lumpur, and Buddhism is one.
The Thean Hou Temple is one of the largest and oldest temples in all of Southeast Asia as it has been around since 1894. The temple is stunning with arched gateways, red pillars, dragon columns, ornate carvings, and it is usually decorated with red lanterns.
Visitors are welcome, but it is still an active temple with devotees using the space to pray, so be respectful if you visit. There is no required dress code, but just ensure you dress respectfully.
Getting to Thean Hou Temple with public transport can be tough, so it’s better to take a taxi.
Petronas Towers
One of the most well-known sights in Kuala Lumpur is the Petronas Towers, as you can see them from miles away. The Petronas Towers are the tallest twin towers in the world. The unique design is inspired by postmodern architecture and Islamic designs to honor the country’s dominant religion.
A sky-bridge connects the two towers, which tourists can go up and cross. Then, you can go to the top observation deck to get a great view of the city. The towers are closed on Mondays, and tickets can run out quickly, so make sure to buy them in advance if you want to visit.
Explore Downtown
Bukit Bintang is one of our favorite areas in Kuala Lumpur. It is the city’s shopping and entertainment district, so you can find tons of shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, night markets, and even hawker markets.
You can also find the 13th biggest shopping mall in the world here, Berjaya Times Square. It’s so big that there is even a theme park inside. Another great shopping mall in Bukit Bintang is Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. With over 700 retail outlets and restaurants, you’re sure to find something, especially if you love haute couture.
Many tourists stay in Bukit Bintang because of how central it is. If you’re looking for a great hotel, Hotel Meliá Kuala Lumpur is one of the best options. There is a stunning rooftop hotel with a view of the Petronas Towers, and you’ll have easy access to the rest of the city.
Kuala Lumpur Tower
Another great destination in Downtown Kuala Lumpur is Kuala Lumpur Tower. Although it is a communications tower, visitors can go to the top to get a great view of the city. There’s even a revolving restaurant at the top, perfect for a meal or high tea.
If you want to get a great view of the tower, head to the Heli Lounge Bar instead. It is a fully functioning helipad in the day, and at night, it turns into a unique bar with an unparalleled view of the city.
The Bottom Line
There’s plenty to do with so many great restaurants, attractions, parks, and stunning buildings in Kuala Lumpur. As it is Malaysia’s capital city, it is quite different from the rest of the tropical country, making it well worth a visit.