01706 753 636 
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital manages to be simultaneously efficient yet colourfully chaotic and is a must visit on any Malaysia multi centre holiday. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find skyscrapers sitting next to bustling markets, and where you can haggle with street sellers just steps away from designer shopping malls. When it comes to holidaying in Malaysia, a few days in KL is a no-brainer – not just for the sights and experiences within the city itself, but also as it’s the perfect starting point for exploring the rest of the country.
We’ve whittled down our top 6 must-visit places in KL:
You can’t visit KL without seeing the Petronas Twin Towers. Standing at 452 metres with 88 floors each, they were the world’s tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004. The skybridge connecting the towers on the 41st and 42nd floors offers wonderful views, but heading up even higher to the observation deck on the 86th floor gives you the full panoramic experience of the city spread out below. Make sure you book tickets online in advance, as it can get very busy.
At the base of the towers, you’ll find Suria KLCC, a huge mall with shops, cafés and restaurants. The neighbouring KLCC Park provides a green escape with paths, fountains, and evening light shows making it a lovely place to head out to after the sun sets.
For an alternative viewpoint, head to KL Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur), a communications and observation tower built in the 1990s, where you’ll also find wonderfully panoramic views over the city.
Kuala Lumpur was under British rule from 1874 to 1957, and the city’s colonial past is very evident in its old city centre. This is especially noticeable around Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), where Malaysia declared independence in 1957. Head to the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, with its Moorish arches and copper domes and the National Textiles Museum, an interesting, small museum showcasing Malaysia’s textile traditions.
Just a short walk from the square, in the heart of the old town, is Masjid Jamek, one of KL’s oldest mosques, dating back to 1909, with striking white domes and minarets, set where the Klang and Gombak rivers come together. A little further away is the National Mosque (Masjid Negara), another architectural must-see, with a unique Malay-Islamic design and distinctive umbrella-like roof.
Nearby, the Lake Gardens offer a peaceful escape with pretty gardens, and the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, and Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia are both interesting spots if you have time.
For a day trip just out side the city centre, Batu Caves is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India. The 140-foot golden statue of Lord Murugan guards the entrance, and you’ll need to climb 272 rainbow-coloured steps to reach the main cave temple.
It may feel like a bit of a slog in the heat, but the huge cave cathedral is extremely impressive (just watch your belongings around the monkeys!)
In a city with a strong Chinese influence, the bustling Petaling Street is where the magic happens in KL’s Chinatown. During the day, the narrow streets are packed with stalls selling everything from souvenirs to traditional Chinese goods, and haggling is all part of the fun. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s a fascinating place to people-watch. Just nearby you’ll find Central Market where you can pick up crafts, batik, and souvenirs. Also close by Kwai Chai Hong is a trendy street lined with murals and shophouses.
When it comes to temples, Sri Mahamariamman Temple is a particular highlight. Founded in 1873, this ornate Hindu temple features a five-tiered gopuram at the entrance, which is adorned with over 200 colourful Hindu deities. Nearby, the Sze Ya Temple is KL’s oldest Chinese temple.
Little India might be tiny, but it has a wonderful atmosphere. The main street is lined with shops selling Indian textiles, jewellery, and spices, whilst the restaurants serve up proper Madras curries. The colour, noise, and energy here are brilliant, and you could almost forget you’re in Malaysia! Also in Little India, you’ll find the colourful Sri Kandaswamy Temple.
For KL’s modern side, you’ll need to head to its business district. Bukit Bintang is the main shopping strip, home to huge malls including Pavilion KL, Lot 10, and Berjaya Times Square. It’s also where you’ll find Jalan Alor, an absolute must for food lovers. By night, the street fills with food stalls and sizzling woks, making it one of KL’s liveliest places to eat.
The area is known for its nightlife, with rooftop bars offering skyline views such as the SkyBar or Heli Lounge Bar, set on a former helipad.
Getting around KL is fairly easy, with efficient, air-conditioned trains. The KLCC LRT station puts you right at the Petronas Towers, but if you don’t fancy public transport, Grab (the equivalent of Uber) is reliable and good value. The weather is hot and humid year-round with occasional tropical downpours. As Malaysia is predominantly Muslim, you’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting mosques and temples.
KL is ideal to include as part of a multi-centre trip, and we’d love to help you plan your ideal adventure in Malaysia or beyond in Southeast Asia. Simply get in touch with our team!
Inspired by the guide? We’ve handpicked a few holidays that bring it to life—perfect for turning travel ideas into reality.
