There are lots of amazing things to do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city, and it seems like we’re discovering more every time we visit.
Not only is Kuala Lumpur the biggest city in Malaysia, but it’s also the 6th most-visited city in the world. If you take any regional flights in Southeast Asia, chances are you’ll transit in KL at some point.
It’s a fun city for families and couples, and it’s pretty easy to get around. The cherry on top is that it’s also very affordable. We’ve stayed in Kuala Lumpur many times over the years, and we always love to go back.
Three of the world’s 10 biggest malls are in KL, and it’s an all-around exciting city for shopping, food, zoos, museums, architecture, and everything else there is to enjoy in a city.
Without further ado, here’s our travel guide for the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur city!
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Where To Stay
Best Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
1. See The Petronas Twin Towers
The Petronas Towers are Kuala Lumpur’s most famous landmark, and they were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004 (when they were bumped off by Taipei 101). They’re still the tallest ‘twin’ towers in the world.
The towers are equally impressive when they’re lit up at night. You can admire them from below, or take a lift up to the top for views of KL city. Either way, good photo ops abound!
If you plan to go to the top of the towers, it’s a good idea to reserve your tickets in advance due to possible long queues.
2. Shop At Suria KLCC Mall
Suria is a fancy mall located on the ground floor of the Petronas Towers. With more than 300 stores, it’s one of the biggest shopping malls in Malaysia.
While many stores cater to the luxury crowd, there is something for everyone.
It’s a great spot to eat, featuring a good mix of street food vendors, dessert shops, and international fast-food chains.
3. Visit Aquaria KLCC
This state-of-the-art 5,500 square meter aquarium opened in 2005. If you’re scuba certified, you can even dive with sharks here.
Aquaria features over 250 different species and more than 5,000 land and aquatic animals from Malaysia and around the world.
4. Explore Merdeka Square
This historical square features interesting buildings from Malaysia’s colonial period and its independence, aptly named Independence Square.
The highlight for photographers is the 19th-century Sultan Abdul Samad Building, adorned with a clock tower and copper domes.
5. Visit Thean Hou Temple
This stunning Chinese temple in Kuala Lumpur showcases marvelous architecture and is free to visit.
Although contemporary (from the 1980s), it includes classic features typical of traditional Chinese cultural sites.
6. Wander Bukit Bintang
Bukit Bintang serves as the shopping and entertainment district of KL, brimming with malls, clubs, night markets, and more. It offers a diverse selection of Chinese, Indian, and Vietnamese cuisine, along with many other international options.
Major shopping malls here include Pavilion KL, Fahrenheit 88, Starhill Gallery, and Berjaya Times Square—some boasting over 500 shops each!
You can also find engaging museums like MinNature Malaysia, the Museum of Illusions, and the Selfie Museum.
7. Stroll Jalan Alor Street
This vibrant street in the Bukit Bintang district is known for its street food and colorful art, making it a fantastic spot for photography.
Look out for vivid murals depicting various themes, and explore side streets for additional artistic displays.
8. Climb The KL Tower
The KL Tower, the 7th tallest freestanding tower in the world, offers a spectacular 360-degree view of Kuala Lumpur.
Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck, which wraps around the tower. There’s also a glass cube called the Sky Box for an exhilarating photo opportunity above the city.
9. Visit KL Bird Park
This expansive bird park houses nearly 3,000 local and exotic birds, representing over 200 species.
Although it doesn’t quite measure up to the Bali Bird Park in Indonesia, it is still well worth a visit, with immersive aviaries allowing birds to fly freely.
10. Explore The Batu Caves
Located just a 20-minute drive from the city, the Batu Caves provide a refreshing contrast to Kuala Lumpur’s skyline.
These magnificent limestone hills are home to expansive caves accessible via a vibrant set of 272 rainbow stairs, alongside a 40-meter golden statue of a Hindu deity.
Visitors can explore the caves and encounter friendly wild monkeys.
11. See The Monkeys Of Bukit Melawati
Located about an hour from the city, this destination is among the best experiences near Kuala Lumpur. Accessible by private taxi, bus, or tour, it features a scenic hill with views overlooking the Malacca Strait, along with colonial remnants.
The silver leaf monkeys are the star attraction, along with the gray wild macaques. These friendly monkeys offer perfect photo opportunities, especially the young ones with bright orange fur.
12. Swim In A Rooftop Pool
Kuala Lumpur boasts numerous hotels featuring stunning rooftop pools, perfect for a refreshing swim while enjoying picturesque views of landmarks like the Petronas Towers and KL Tower.
These lodgings are quite affordable, with prices sometimes starting around 200 Ringgit ($50 USD) per night. Consider checking out:
13. See The Putra Mosque
This stunning pink domed mosque located in Putrajaya, about 30 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur, welcomes tourists for free explorations.
Its Persian architecture is breathtaking both inside and out and creates a fantastic backdrop for photographs!
14. Day Trip To Malacca
A visit to Kuala Lumpur isn’t complete without venturing on a day trip to Malacca, the historic coastal city where Malaysia began.
Only a 2-hour drive from KL, you can visit iconic landmarks like St. Peter’s Church, Jonker Street, and the Portuguese settlement.
15. Day Trip To Cameron Highlands
The Cameron Highlands offer another excellent day trip destination from Kuala Lumpur, albeit a longer drive of about 12 hours. A morning pickup and evening return are essential for a full day of exploration.
Visitors can enjoy the refreshing mountain air and see attractions like tea plantations, strawberry farms, and Lata Iskandar waterfall.
How To Get Around Kuala Lumpur
There are plenty of options for getting around Kuala Lumpur city, including train, bus, taxi, self-drive, and ride-hailing services.
For convenience, we often use the Grab app for short trips, alongside the train or bus for longer journeys. Grab serves as the local equivalent of Uber, and it’s a reliable solution for traversing KL.
The city’s trains connect iconic attractions like KLCC and the Central Market, while free purple ‘Go KL’ buses navigate popular tourist sites and shopping areas.
Using the Grab app is the simplest way to travel, with fares generally more reasonable compared to Western car services, allowing for enhanced safety against scams.
