25 Best Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

25 Best Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

The capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a historical and vibrant place with original traditional values and culture. Ethnicity and religion are considered at the most important parts of their society, these elements can be attributed as one of the reasons behind the success of Kuala Lumpur as a leading global city. Distilled with an Asian history and modernized with many western characteristics, Kuala Lumpur merges tradition and experiences to create a hub for shopping, dining and nightlife activities.

Kuala Lumpur is one of the most culturally diverse cities around with many great attractions and entertainment options. Most tourists are bound to find something that appeals to their tastes, be it shopping or boating. There’s even a dinosaur park for the kids! Whatever you feel like doing during your time in Kuala Lumpur, there’s sure to be an option that fits your particular tastes and interests.

Whether you prefer an afternoon meandering along leafy gardens or shopping in a massive mall with clothes, books, new gadgets and tasty eats, Kuala Lumpur has something to satisfy everyone of all ages and budgets. We’ll take you on your very own magical mystery tour of the most exciting things to do in our vibrant capital.

1. Visit the PETRONAS Towers in Kuala Lumpur

The Petronas Towers are, according to what it says in the Guinness World Records book, the tallest twin towers in the world. These iconic buildings feature postmodern architecture and a touch of Islamic style as they stand in Malaysia which is a Muslim majority country. Getting to walk over the pedestrian sky bridge that connects these two amazing skyscrapers for some added skyline views of Kuala Lumpur is just one more thing that makes visiting this must-see attraction a worthwhile event.

2. Take in the history at Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Established in the 19th century, Sri Mahamariamman Temple is accessible on Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, Kuala Lumpur where it’s a premier attraction. It’s best recognized by its brightly colored wall that features various Hindu Deities depicted across its surface to bring the legends and myths of India to life in a colorful and unique way. This temple serves as an active place of worship for local Tamil communities, but it also remains open to tourists wishing to explore and marvel at the structure and setting.

3. Sample some local flavor with Nasi Kandar

Nasi Kandar is a type of curry that originates from South India and is encompassing of Malaysian cuisine. Nasi Kandar resembles the plain white rice it accompanies but with variations including toppings, sauces, and gravies. Common Nasi Kandar dishes include onions, garlic and chili as well as a variety of spices and meats such as spicy fried chicken and fish head soup.

4. Make some feathery friends at Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

Covering over 20 acres, the enormous aviary is home to over 3000 birds. The park’s mission is to educate and promote understanding of local flora and fauna. The focus of the aviary is on encouraging people to find a respect for all types of species but visitors can see some imported species housed in this biggest public aviary park in the world. Spanning across 21 hectares, visitors are encouraged to learn about native Austrialia as well as other areas of the world thriving ecosystems along with our local bird life.

5. Enjoy the culture at the National Museum

Malaysia’s National Museum is a house-shaped architectural marvel that beautifully blends new with old. Find out all about the nation’s historic and cultural heritage by taking in replicas of Malay houses, wedding performances, and hunting displays. There are also traditional costumes and instruments on show! The museum has two parts: the main building and the Central Hall. Temporary exhibitions are held at the Hall throughout the year, as well as permanent ones that can be found in the main building.

6. Have some fun at Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

Located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Sunway Lagoon provides fun for all the family. The theme park boasts a host of thrilling attractions and exciting rides, as well as the multiple award-winning Sunway Lagoon Water Park on its premises. Other attractions include safari tours and wildlife experiences, water parks, wave and surf pools and even a zoo. There are several shopping and dining options available to visitors.

7. Scan the depths at Aquaria KLCC

At the essence of Aquaria KLCC isn’t merely a showcase of exotic marine life from around the great Malaysian waters. It is designed specifically to educate audiences on the planet Earth’s waterways, teaching them about not just creatures of the deep but also how to protect and preserve these very rivers and swamps, where aquatic life so readily comes into being in nature.

8. Do some shopping at Central Market

The Central Market Kuala Lumpur, also known as Pasar Seni, is a firm hotspot for tourists in Malaysia and was heavily influenced by traditional Indian and Chinese culture. The market has since evolved from selling fruit and vegetable to including different sections that reflect the different influences of Malaysians like the Chinese, Indians and Malays. There are also performers here at night if you feel like staying late which really adds to its popularity with tourists.

9.  Learn about rail transport at Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

No longer Kuala Lumpur’s main railway station, having been usurped by the more modern KL Sentral, come to Kuala Lumpur Railway Station to learn about how transportation over long distances has evolved. Constructed during the British colonial period and completed in 1886, the train station was a mix of European and Asian styles with its wooden floors and iron pillars. Today, visitors can gaze at replicas of locomotives that once chugged along the tracks laid out throughout Malaysia such as those manufactured in England, Australia, and other parts of Asia while they investigate exhibits featuring models of carriages that transported Malaysians from era to era.

10. Eat some street food at Hutong

The food court is housed inside Lot 10 Mall and houses many of the favorite local street foods in Kuala Lumpur. One of the most popular street foods at Hutong is the beef wrap. It is made with a type of Marinate that is tasty and will give you enough energy to face your day or night full of action. Another one of their famous dishes is the chili crab – a luscious tradition for all your seafood lovers out there.

11. Visit a working pewter museum at the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre

A hidden gem, the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre includes a museum that showcases early samples of their work, historical photographs and even period garb for visitors to try on (including a jacket with your name embroidered on it!). A guided tour of their working factory follows and you will get to hold a piece of pewter as well as fashion one yourself! There’s also picturesque scenery outside for photos.

12. Take in the views at Kuala Lumpur Tower

To enhance the viewing scenarios of visitors and to provide a platform for leisure and entertainment, Menara Kuala Lumpur is a 335-meter tall tower with an observation deck that can offer stunning panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur city. There are various functions performed here, including acting as an observation tower for sighting Ramadan moon from here to mark the beginning of Muslim holy month of Ramadan. To promote health and fitness, there is annual race to the top event to reach the observation deck.

13. Slow down at Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park

For a somewhat different approach to spending your day, consider Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park and be mesmerized by hundreds of different colorful butterflies! This park is modeled on a jungle forest environment and offers visitors footpaths, walkways, ponds and gazebos as well as plenty of local flora and fauna to discover. There are educational explanations of the life cycle of butterflies that are present in the facility, making it a fantastic day out for families. Here you can learn about how the park is helping support species conservation.

14. Shop till you drop at Suria KLCC

Suria KLCC is a mall that includes everything you could ever want for a fun day out in Kuala Lumpur. On the top floor one can indulge in food from all over Malaysia at Rasa Food Court featuring the best of Malaysian cuisine. Suites with spectacular views are also available on this floor and give visitors an opportunity to dine with an incredible vista. In the basement, there are rows of souvenirs and arts and crafts vendors selling merchandise ranging from clothing to ornaments.

15. Head to a food haven at Alor Street

In the past, Alor street was known for its red light district. However, it’s often visited nowadays by both tourists and locals alike who want to enjoy a wide variety of traditional specialties from different countries. You’ll find that most stalls and restaurants here only open during night hours. To get the most authentic experience, we recommend visiting after dark to catch the festivities in full swing! Most food vendors specialize in serving one signature dish, so you’re in for a treat if you come with an empty stomach!

16. Meander around Jamek Mosque

Built in the early 1900s, Jamek Mosque is one of Malaysia’s oldest mosques and for many years was the primary Muslim place of worship in Kuala Lumpur. It is mainly known for its Moorish architectural style and its location, as it sits at the site where the Klang and Gombak rivers meet. Visitors to this stunning mosque can tour parts of it (in appropriate dress) and can also take in the views across both water bodies from here. During its time as a central place of worship, several notable religious figures including political leaders have spoken here.

17. Meet the animals at the National Zoo of Malaysia

Located to the north-east of Kuala Lumpur, there is a zoo where you can go and enjoy over 500 species of wildlife. It’s a great place for young and old alike. With animals from all over the world, this zoo has many fun things to see and do from seeing the reptiles in their habitat, to feeding fish at a tropical aquarium, or watching Asian birds come in to roost at night. Enjoy everything that’s on offer with educational tours around the site showing visitors how people help these animals in their natural habitats as well as plenty of opportunities to play with furry friends!

18. Wander through China Town

Kuala Lumpur boasts some fascinating and memorable sites to explore, and China Town is particularly unique as a cultural part of the city. Located in and around Petaling Street, visitors can enjoy markets, traditional Chinese cuisine (including street food supposedly best eaten at night), and local temples.

19. Learn some royal history at Istana Negara

Istana Negara is a building that used to be a palace but since 2011 it has been used by the royal household as a museum. Visitors to the palace can learn about its history and visit some of its rooms. It also has soldiers in both traditional uniforms and in modern clothes standing guard at the entrance, doing a “changing of the guard” ceremony every day for visitors to see.

20. Count some money at Maybank Numismatic Museum

Owned and managed by one of Malaysia’s biggest and best known banks, Maybank, the Maybank Numismatic Museum is now home to the largest money and coin collections in all of Malaysia. As one of the most recognizable buildings in KL, Malaysia’s busy capital city, it is clearly visible on the skyline just off Jalan Tun Razak. The “money tree” located within also serves as a welcome sight to tourists. Museum visitors can gain an appreciation for currency in Malaysia and its history through extensive information provided at each exhibit.

21. Marvel at the Islamic architecture of the National Mosque

Malaysia’s National Mosque is truly eye-catching. With a capacity of 15,000 worshippers, it was the first building in Malaysia to be build using concrete technology. It has an intricate design that heavily emphasizes water features like fountains and reflective pools that line the mosque complex and not just for appearance but also to create a serene atmosphere where peace can supposedly be felt in every corner. Ironically despite its huge size, only 10% of visitors a year are actually allowed inside as visitors must wear dress seen as appropriate by the facilities management before entering.

22. Go climbing in the Batu Caves

Located in the Selangor suburb of Malaysia, the Batu Caves are limestone cliffs that have been carved over millennia into caves and cave temples. These Hindu shrines are still considered important place of pilgrimage for many Tamil Malaysians. Visitors can marvel at rock formations and natural flora like wild monkeys who inhabit the area as well as famous cave-dwelling bats. There are also climbing opportunities at the site with over 160 climbing routes to choose from or those looking for less extreme activities can take a lighter trek through lush green forests.

23. Take a stroll in KLCC Park

Easily spotted below from the Petronas Towers Sky Bridge, no trip to KL is complete without a visit to KLCC Park, a specially designed area of Kuala Lumpur that provides the city with some much needed green space. The park stretches over 20 hectares and has jogging and walking trails for visitors wishing to exercise, and there is also a large lake and fountain attraction that features a water show twice daily. There are other water features dotted throughout the area such as ponds, fountains, and waterfalls, as well as a children’s garden for younger visitors. There is even a mosque within for park for Muslim visitors wishing to worship.

24. Explore a Buddhist Temple at Thean Hou Temple

Thean Hou Temple is a design icon in Kuala Lumpur. With its original six-tier design, it’s an instantly recognizable landmark that attracts tourists from all around the world. The interior of the temple features traditional decorative pieces from the fusion of Confucian, Tao and Buddhist architecture. There are red pillars inside to welcome visitors and promote prosperity as well as detailed carvings and decorated raised ceilings painted in red and gold.

25. Go for a night out at the Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is a famous place in Kuala Lumpur that features a range of nightlife, bar and club, restaurant and hotel options. The area is primarily located on Jalan P. Ramlee where visitors can choose from an assortment of venue types to drink and party until dawn. We recommend heading to Berjaya Times Square first for some retail therapy or simply just to buy trinkets before you head out for a night on the town.