The Wonders of Kuala Lumpur – What to see, where to go and more

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, boasts of gleaming and towering skyscrapers, colonial architecture, charming and attractive locals amidst a myriad of natural attractions. This city is divided into numerous small and large districts with the central hub called the Golden Triangle that has the Bukit Bintang, KLCC and Chinatown. Kuala Lumpur has many things to do and is recognized. Its famous landmarks include the Petronas Twin Towers (the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers), Batu Caves, which are over 400 million years old and the Petaling Street Flea Market. 

Upscale shopping malls host a range of top brands and an abundance of places that satisfy gastronomic delights. They serve every imaginable type of delicacy – Kuala Lumpur must be on every traveler’s bucket list. With a skyline that is filled with minarets, vibrant food stalls lined streets that are shaded by a canopy of banyan trees and Moghul style domes and skyscrapers – Kuala Lumpur has a perfect blend of ancient heritage and modernity to offer the discerning traveler.

Attractions – What to see, where to go, things to do

The city’s iconic landmarks, both natural and human-made, showcase the best Kuala Lumpur has to offer. It is home to a diverse and multicultural community that comprises of Malay, Chinese, and Indian residents. It has resulted in a culmination of festivities and cultures that are celebrated all over the city.

The local markets and sites offer a glimpse into the popular culture and lifestyle. You can visit the places here that are considered the essence and nucleus of the city. And for that, we have compiled a list of the best attractions of Kuala Lumpur. This list of things to do in Kuala Lumpur will make your experience a memorable and enriching one. Read on to get a deep insight into the fabric and soul of the city as a holiday destination.

Petronas Towers

One of the tallest and most iconic buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers, is an 88 floors building designed by Cesar Pelli and Associates. The uniqueness is the towers are joined at the 41st and 42nd floors by a 58-meter long double-decker Sky Bridge. The architecture of the Petronas Twin Tower in Kuala Lumpur city center is more Islamic inspired, and the buildings house the headquarters of the Petronas Company and other offices.

By the side of the Petronas Twin Towers is this spacious, sprawling, and well-manicured landscaped KLCC Park. It also hosts the Petronas Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, and the Petrosains Science Centre that has exciting exhibits showcasing the petroleum industry and a discovery center. On Level, 86 of Petronas Twin Towers’ is an observation deck where visitors get a view of the spire of the tower and digital displays and exhibits of the history of the tower.

Open Hours: 9:00 hrs – 19:00 hrs (closed on Friday for prayers from 13:00 – 14:30)

Location: Near Concorde Hotel Monorail stop, between Jalan Ampang and Jalan Raja Chulan

Menara KL Tower

Another popular tourist attraction in Kuala Lumpur, the Menara KL Tower, stands at 421 meters and gives the most spectacular view of the city. The spindle-like apex of the gleaming tower is visible almost from anywhere in Kuala Lumpur. The view from the viewing deck is marvelous during the day and even better at night when the city sparkles and dazzles.

Erected atop the Bukit Nanas (Pineapple Hill) Forest Reserve is home to some indigenous flora and fauna peculiar to the tropical climate. The towering structure has “Muqarnas,” a corbel kind of decorative piece traditional to Islamic and Persian architecture. The main lobby is decorated with exquisite glass-clad domes that sparkle like a jewel and the pinnacle inspired by a spinning top. Atmosphere 360, a revolving restaurant lets you dine with a panoramic view of the city center.

Open Hours: 9:00 hrs – 22:00 hrs (daily)

Location: Jalan Puncak, Off Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Chinatown

Kuala Lumpur, a city that never sleeps, bustling, colorful, glamorous, and its equally dazzling neighbors, KLCC and Bukit Bintang Chinatown (also known as Chee Cheong Kai- Starch Factory Street) based in Petaling Street is a famous attraction. Chinatown, with its deep oriental culture, history, and heritage, is a popular attraction. It must be on a “things to do” list in Kuala Lumpur.

A bargain hunter’s paradise, you will find everything from Chinese herbs, clothing, souvenirs, and tea along with a lively and vibrant night market. The place has many Chinese restaurants and hawker stalls that sell unique delicacies from steamed buns to authentic Chinese cuisine. The rows of pubs and restaurants in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur, offer excellent music, food, exotic drinks, and entertainment. You can also indulge in a spa therapy by checking into the numerous foot massage parlors and foot reflexology centers.

Location: Get the monorail to Maharajalela Station at the southern end of Petaling Street and walk to Bukit Bintang

Batu Caves

Another frequented tourist attraction of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is a limestone hill that has three significant caves surrounded by several smaller ones. About 11 km to the north of the city, this temple, which is over ten decades old, has idols and statues erected inside these main caves and all around it.

Considered an essential religious site by Hindus, the caves are lined with interior limestone formations that are over a million years old. Incidentally, the Cathedral Cave – one of the largest and popular caverns in Batu Caves, houses Hindu shrines underneath its 100-meter high arched ceiling. The Art Gallery Cave and Museum Cave are other closer attractions on the foothills of the cave with their fantastic Hindu statues and paintings. 

Open Hours: 6:00 hrs – 21:00 hrs (daily)

Location: Batu Caves, Sri Subramaniam Temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

A thriving satellite town, Sunway Lagoon Theme Park is based in Petaling Jaya. It is a combination of water rides and dry land activities, which offer several fun activities to spend a day. A human-made “river” ride, a surf beach, a wave pool, and water slides that swirl and twirl this 80-hectare park has five different zones – Scream Park, Amusement Park, Wildlife Park, Extreme Park, and Water Park which spell excitement and fun.

Open Hours: 10:00 hrs – 18:00 hrs (daily)

Location: 3, Jalan PJS 11/11, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya

Aquaria KLCC

Located on the concourse level of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Aquaria KLCC is a star attraction of Kuala Lumpur. It is home to 150 species of marine life with lethal sea snakes, sea horses, blue rays, and scary tiger sharks are their main attractions. Spend a few hours here, and you will see over 5000 marine creatures like arapaimas, giant groupers, garfish, and much more. The big tanks with gallons of water are also some highlights with their necklaces of kelp, coral, and fascinating sea creatures.

Open Hours: 10:00 hrs – 20:00 hrs (daily)

Location: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Complex, Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Central Market

A short walk away from Petaling Street, Central Market, also called Pasar Seni, is a top-rated attraction of Kuala Lumpur. It was revamped into a handicraft’s outlet to patronize the artistic community of the city. The host of boutiques, souvenir stalls, and handicraft outlets sell authentic and local merchandise like Malaysian batik prints. The place is opposite to the Dayabumi Complex, and the architecture of the site exhibits “Baroque” trimmings.

Open Hours: 10:00hrs  – 22:00 hrs

Location: Just around the KotaRaya Shopping Centre, No 10, 1st- 3rd floor, Jalan Hang Kasturi

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Among Kuala Lumpur’s Moorish style building, the iconic landmark is named after the reigning Sultan of Selangor at that time. The building has a historical significance that used to house the superior courts of Malaysia. The building is made entirely of brick. It features an unusual combination of Western, Moorish, and Gothic influence with an overarching porch, arches, and curved colonnades that inlined with shiny copper cupolas.

Open Hours: 24 hours daily

Location: Jalan Tun Perak (across from Dataran Merdeka on Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin)

Perdana Botanical Garden

Set within the Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park, it has the most extensive collection of the flower garden and animal parks in Kuala Lumpur vicinity. It is also known as Lake Gardens and has a beautiful recreational park at the center. The Orchid Garden is a five-minute walk from the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. The place is splendid in appeal with walking paths amidst human-made fountains, a rock garden, and a semi-circle pergola.

Open Hours: 07:00 hrs – 20:00 hrs (daily)

Location: Jalan Kebun Bunga, Tasik Perdana, Kuala Lumpur

Shopping, dining, and accommodation in Kuala Lumpur

The best way to connect with the locals is to indulge in their favorites: eating and shopping. Consumer behavior is at its zenith in Kuala Lumpur with its glistening malls like Pavilion KL, Suria KLCC and Mid Valley Megamall with its share of designer fashion and bargain brands.

Jalan Alor is the city’s cultural hub, with the local cuisine along a broad road lined with air-conditioned Chinese seafood restaurants. Hawker stalls have their domain with plastic tables and chairs spilling onto the street and serve everything from noodles, desserts, and barbecued meat – the cheapest in the city. Try the traditional Kopitiam (coffee shops) that beckon you with the aroma of local cuisine and freshly ground coffee.

The accommodation has a massive number of unique stays from hotels for backpackers, sprawling five-star hotels, villas, and B&Bs that offer breathtaking views of the city’s skyline. Finding the right accommodation is not a daunting task, as several places will fit your budget.

Kuala Lumpur, the sultry capital of Malaysia, is undoubtedly a feast for all. Lush parks, bustling street markets, steely skyscrapers, and historic monuments dot the skyline of the city. The city is perfectly balanced with ancient cultures and the intricacies of the modern world, and there is a certain reverence to the dynamic ethos of the place. 

Upgrade your perfect holiday to Kuala Lumpur by choosing redBus as a travel partner. Here, you will find many popular bus operators like Sani Express, Mayangsari Express, Perdana Express, etc., offering bus tickets for various routes.

To know bus ticketing in Malaysia in Malay, please visit: Tiket bas online