Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur

Choose from 52 Fun Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur

Khoo Kongsi Clan House

Hidden in a maze of alleyways in Georgetown sits one of Malaysia’s most important clan houses, the Khoo Kongsi Clan House. During Malaysia’s economic boom in the nineteenth century, many Chinese families relocated to Penang and built kongsi, or clan houses, to promote a sense of community.

The Khoo clan was one of the most prosperous in Malaysia -- considered one of the “Five Big Clans” that made up the Hokkien Chinese community in Penang. The Khoo Kongsi Clan House comprises a main clan house -- one that resembles a Chinese temple, an administrative building, an opera state and more than 60 houses and shops.

The original kongsi was built in 1851 but was destroyed by fire in 1894. The current clan house dates back to 1906. Inside, you’ll find intricate carvings, ornamental architecture, painted murals and beautiful traditional Chinese ceramic sculptures. After touring the clan house, be sure to visit the administrative building and terraced houses of the complex, and notice how the architecture changes from distinctly Chinese to incorporating elements of British colonial style.

18 Cannon Square, Penang 10200, Malaysia

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

RM 10/pax

From $ 10

Aquaria KLCC

Located on the concourse level of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in the middle of the Golden Triangle, Aquaria KLCC houses some 5,000 aquatic and marine creatures representing more than 150 species. The 60,000-square-foot (5,574-square-meter) aquarium explores the marine and freshwater flora and fauna of the Malaysian region and the world. Highlights include a 295-foot (90-meter) glass tunnel with a moving walkway, where visitors pass beneath giant stingrays, sand tiger sharks, sea turtles and schools of fish, as well as a wave tank and simulated glass bottom boat.

Throughout the day, the oceanarium’s team of scuba divers drop into the tanks for interactive animal feeding shows. Those who want a closer look at the animals can sign up for Dive with Sharks or Cage Rage experiences.

Practical Info

Aquaria KLCC is open daily until 8pm. Check feeding times online before you go so you don’t miss seeing your favorite animals chowing down.

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Complex, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Daily 10:30am–8pm

From $ 15

Crab Island (Pulau Ketam)

Crab Island (Pulau Ketam) is a small fishing community located off the coast of Klang in Malaysia. Divided into two villages, around 6000 people—mainly Chinese settlers—live here permanently, but you wouldn't be able to guess that from a glance on the street. There are no cars or motorcycles, and the only way to get around is by walking or cycling the narrow boardwalks that connect the island.

Visitors to Crab Island will experience the unique lifestyle of this small corner of the world, from its 'floating houses' perched on long wooden stilts above the mangrove swamps, to its renowned seafood cuisine. True to its name, the island is know for delicious fresh crab, as well as prawns and fish.

To get an insight into the history and culture of Pulau Ketam, book a full-day trip to Crab Island from Kuala Lumpur, or join a Pulau Ketam village tour that also includes a visit to Thean Hou Temple. Because the island is something of a haven for seafood fans, most tours include lunch as part of the deal.

Practical Info

If not arriving as part of an organized tour where transport is included, you can reach Crab Island by taking a ferry from the jetty at Port Klang. To reach the port from Kuala Lumpur, take a KTM Komuter train from KL Sentral to Pelabuhan Kelang.

Did You Know? Despite the recent rise in tourism, Pulau Ketam still gets most of its income from fishing; the island is strategically located in a key stopover point for fishermen en-route to the rich fishing territories beyond.

Off the coast of Port Klang, Klang, Malaysia

From $ 40

Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary

Observe rare Borneo Pygmy elephants, a type of Asian elephant, at the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary outside of Kuala Lumpur. Established in 1989 within the Krau Wildlife Reserve, the Malaysian Wildlife Society-managed sanctuary takes in elephants orphaned by poaching or logging and raises them until they can be reintroduced to the wild.

The Basics

The elephant sanctuary is one of the most popular day trips from Kuala Lumpur. A typical visit starts with a short documentary video screening about the conservation activities at the park. Visitors then make the short walk to the elephant enclosure, where several rescued elephants live.

Guided tours to the sanctuary often include a stop at the Batu Caves in Gombak and can be combined with an evening firefly boat tour of Kuala Selangor as well.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary is a must-see for nature lovers and families traveling with kids.
The trip to the sanctuary from Kuala Lumpur takes about two hours by car.
Most day trips to the sanctuary include hotel pickup and drop-off in Kuala Lumpur.
Don’t forget to bring rain gear, as showers can happen suddenly throughout the year.

How to Get There

The center sits about 9 miles (14 kilometers) outside of Lanchang. With no public transportation options, visitors either need to drive themselves or join a guided tour.

When to Get There

While the sanctuary is open daily, the best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October. January and February tend to be the busiest months, so if you’re traveling during this period, plan to book your tour ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

Wild Elephants of Malaysia

While the elephant sanctuary offers one of the best opportunities to see and learn about this rare subspecies of Asian elephant, it’s also possible to see them in the wild. The best place to see them in their natural habitat is along the Kinabatangan River in Sabah on the island of Borneo, as well as nearby Lake Kenyir.

Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, Temerloh, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Daily

From $ 12

Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)

The neighborhood known as Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) is quite literally the heart of the Malaysian capital and home to some of the country’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Petronas Twin Towers. A commercial development project that began in 1993 envisioned KLCC as “a city within a city,” one that would leave visitors to Kuala Lumpur feeling like they could quite comfortably never leave the area.

Besides housing myriad bars, restaurants and shops, Kuala Lumpur City Centre houses Suria KLCC, a massive six-floor shopping mall occupying the lower levels of the Petronas Twin Towers and filled with international retailers and an excellent supermarket.

Those looking for a green escape from the bustle of Kuala Lumpur can find refuge in KLCC Park with its artificial lake, jogging paths, fountains and playgrounds. The neighborhood is also home to the beautiful and modern Assyakirin Mosque, set at the base of the world’s tallest twin towers.

Practical Info

Kuala Lumpur City Centre is served by the Kelana Jaya public transportation line through KLCC LRT station. It is also accessible via the RapidKL bus, and there is an underground public parking garage in the area.

Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Daily

From $ 70

Kek Lok Si Temple

Translated from Hokkien the Kek Lok Si Temple, or 'Temple of Serene Bliss', sits majestically on a hill, a focal point of the local Chinese community, generous donations mean this temple continues to grow.

The 7-story white & gold pagoda is the largest Buddhist temple in SE Asia, its design - Chinese Octagonal base, Thai middle tier and Burmese crown - reflects its respects to Mahayana and Theravana Buddhism.

On the hillside above is an impressive 100ft (30m) bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.

Practical Info

Kek Lok Si Temple is situated on the spiritually revered hills in Ayer Itam, out past the western suburbs of Pulau Penang / Georgetown. It is much celebrated and decorated with a sea of lanterns around the month of Chinese New Year.

Penang, Malaysia

Open daily

free

From $ 5

Chan See Shu Yuen Temple

Chan See Shu Yuen Temple sits on Jalan Petaling in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, and is one of the largest and oldest Buddhist temples in Malaysia. Built at the turn of the 20th century, this elaborate temple makes an impact upon first sight, with its intricately carved roof and terracotta friezes depicting mythological Chinese scenes. Inside are colorful paintings, wood carvings, and ceramic lamps. The interior of the main hall features pillars adorned with scenes of warriors battling lions, dragons, and other mythical creatures. Behind a glass wall, there are statues of the temple's three main deities, and above these, a mural of a bright golden sun.

Most tours of Kuala Lumpur include a trip to the city’s vibrant Chinatown, situated around Jalan Petaling. Choose from a range of options, including a half- or full-day walking tour of the city, with lunch and round-trip transportation.

Insider’s Tip: While you’re in the area, combine your visit to Chan See Shu Yuen with another of the city’s elaborate and iconic temples, such as the Hindu Sri Mahamariamman Temple, located in the neighboring street.

Practical Info

The Chan See Shu Yuen Temple is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown. You can reach the attraction via train, alighting at Pasar Seni LRT station. The temple is open 8am to 6pm daily.

72 Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur 50000, Malaysia

8am–6pm

From $ 20

Cameron Highlands

Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands, a hill station approximately the size of Singapore, is one of the country’s largest resort areas and a popular escape from the heat and humidity of Kuala Lumpur. Located in the west of the country, about 124 miles (200 kilometers) from Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands enjoy a mean annual temperature of 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius), and temperatures rarely rise above 77 Fahrenheit (25 Celsius).

The vast area is largely agricultural, making it possible to tour tea plantations, visit bee and butterfly farms, stroll through flower-filled gardens or stay in one of the charming inns that looks straight out of Tudor-era England. Like in much of Malaysia, adventure travelers come to trek in the Cameron Highlands, where you might get lucky and spot the Rafflesia flower, the largest flower in the world.

Malaysia

From $ 29

Kuala Lumpur City Gallery

Set in an old colonial building beside Merdeka Square, the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is a great place to learn about the history of the Malaysian capital. It features a collection of paintings and photographs recording the city’s past, plus miniature-scale models of its most famous landmarks.

A huge timeline chronicles the city’s history, from its origins in the 1850s up until the present day. The two main attractions at the gallery include the small-scale model of the historic Medeka Square, as well as the Spectacular City Model Show, which represents modern-day Kuala Lumpur. There are videos of the city’s proudest and most important events, such as the 16th Commonwealth Games, and photographs of the progress of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. The museum also features displays on the country’s multicultural population, with traditional national dress such as baju kurungs and sarees on display.

Before leaving, visitors can enjoy some Malaysian food at the gallery’s ARCH Cafe, before taking a look around the gift shop, which offers locally-made handicrafts like batik, pewter, and hand-woven items.

Insider’s Tip: Be sure to pick up the gallery’s free Walks & Tours Map – it was initiated by the gallery founder, Andrew Lee, and has all the best Kuala Lumpur landmarks highlighted.

Practical Info

The Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is easily accessible by bus, taxi or LRT, and is located at the southern end of Merdeka Square – a must-see on any Kuala Lumpur city highlights tour. The closest LRT stations are Masjid Jamek and Pasar Seni.

27 Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur 50050, Malaysia

9am-6:30pm

Free; RM5 for the Spectacular City Model Show

From $ 2

Fort Cornwallis

When Captain Francis Light landed on this spot in 1786 and took the island from the Sultan he built a wooden fort, Fort Cornwallis, to defend it against the French, Kedah and pirates during the Napoleonic Wars.

Rebuilt in 1808 using Indian convict labour it is the largest and most intact fort in Malaysia. Once protected by a great moat this was filled in after a malaria outbreak in the 1920s.

The famous great cannons guarding Fort Cornwallis date back as far as the 17th century.

Practical Info

On the edge of water on Jalan T. S. S. Barakbah (off Lebuh Light), Fort Cornwallis can easily be reached on foot from central Georgetown.

Grass Lawns and park areas nearby along the esplanade offer a popular spot to picnic and cool off with ice cream in the shade.

Padang Kota Lama, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, Penang 10200, Malaysia

From $ 10

Batu Caves

Home to a 154-foot (47-meter) statue of the resplendent gold Lord Murugan, the Batu Caves are a must-see for anyone visiting Kuala Lumpur for the first-time. The UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of four limestone caves—Temple Cave, Dark Cave, Cave Villa, and Ramayana Cave—which are famously frequented by long-tailed gray macaques.

The Basics

Due to their location just 8 miles (13 kilometers) outside downtown Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves are an integral part of most city sightseeing tours. And, with the 272 steps leading up to Temple Cave recently painted in vibrant colors, the scene is now even more impressive for photos. Tours that combine a visit to the Batu Caves with an evening boat ride to see the Kuala Selangor fireflies are a popular choice with nature lovers, while activity-packed city tours, some of which include skip-the-line entry to the Petronas Towers, are ideal if you’re on a time budget.

Things to Know Before You Go

Be mindful that the Batu Caves are a sacred site so be sure to dress modestly.
Avoid feeding the monkeys as they can behave unpredictably.
Make sure you stop at the easy-to-miss Cave Villa, located halfway up the steps.
If you want to explore the Dark Cave, make sure you book a tour in advance.

How to Get There

From downtown Kuala Lumpur, you can either take the bus or train, or opt for a cheap private car using a taxi app. If you want to combine multiple attractions while avoiding the hassle of car hire, a sightseeing tour is the most convenient option.

When to Get There

In the early morning, the Batu Caves are far less crowded and much cooler, making for a much easier climb to the top. Plus, less people means better photos on the brightly colored steps. During the Hindu festival of Thaipusam, which generally occurs in January, millions of devotees flock to the caves.

How to Tour the Dark Caves

If you’ve got an appetite for adventure, don’t miss out on a caving tour of the Dark Cave, during which you’ll crawl through narrow tunnels and admire its most spectacular stalactites and rock formations.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Varies

From $ 10

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is the largest free-flight aviary of its kind, with 20 acres (8.1 hectares) of space for more than 3,000 birds to roam. Home to iridescent blue peacocks, flamingos, hornbills, ostriches, and many more bird species, this Malaysian park is a popular choice with nature lovers and families.

The Basics

Throughout the day, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park invites visitors to watch bird shows and hourly feeding times. A visit to the park typically lasts an hour, leaving plenty of time to check out other nearby attractions on the same day. Typically, tours that visit Kuala Lumpur Bird Park also include a stop at Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park and the Orchid Garden, both of which are reachable via a short stroll through Perdana Botanical Garden.

Things to Know Before You Go

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is a must-see for nature lovers and birds enthusiasts.
With some steep hills and many steps, the bird park isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Be sure to visit a feeding point to watch different birds eat.
Combine the bird park with a visit to the Butterfly Park and Orchid Garden.

How to Get There

The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is located in the Perdana Botanical Garden, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. To get there by train, hop off at Kuala Lumpur central station, a 5-minute walk from the park. Alternatively, most of KL’s hop-on hop-off bus tours go past the park. If you want to visit the National Mosque before or after, that’s a short 10-minute walk from the bird park.

When to Get There

As with many of Kuala Lumpur’s top attractions, the early morning is the best time to visit the bird park: With far fewer crowds, you’ll feel like you have to expansive bird park all to yourself. If you want to catch one of the bird shows, you should arrive around lunchtime to secure a spot.

Delve Deeper into Malaysia’s Natural Heritage

If you want to discover more of Malaysia’s natural biodiversity, take a day trip from Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara, the largest national park in the country. With luck, you’ll spot monkeys, deer, and exotic birds.

920 Jalan Cenderawasih, Kuala Lumpur 50480, Malaysia

Varies

From $ 50

Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat in Ipoh claims to be Malaysia’s first luxury natural hot springs center. Offering a wide range of wellness facilities and relaxation treatments, the Banjaran’s real star quality is the beautiful natural landscape in which it’s situated. The retreat is characterized by dramatic limestone rocks, gushing waterfalls, geothermal hot springs, and natural caves, plus it’s surrounded by lush rainforest-carpeted hills.

Ideal for both a romantic retreat for couples (they even do weddings) as well as solo travelers, the Banjaran offer Garden Villas and Water Villas to choose from for sleeping, plus a wide range of treatments and relaxing features to help you unwind. At its center is a huge geothermic lake, flanked by a cascading waterfall on one side and natural caves on the other. The shimmering mist of vapor above the lake and the dramatic limestone hill in the background combine to create a natural setting that - like the rest of the resort - is as beautiful as it is enchanting.

Practical Info

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is located at 1 Persiaran Lagun Sunway 3, in the heart of Tambun in Ipoh. It’s around a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.

1 Persiaran Lagun Sunway 3, PK 31150 Ipoh, Malaysia

Daily

Varies

From $ 1,001

Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park

Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park, one of the largest butterfly gardens in the world, is home to more than 6,000 species. Its tropical rain forest setting provides a tranquil escape from the bustle of Kuala Lumpur and offers an engaging and educational experience for kids and adults alike.

The Basics

The majority of tours combine a visit to Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park with a stop at Kuala Lumpur Bird Park and Orchid Garden, both of which are within a few minutes’ walk of the reserve in the city’s Lake Gardens. Ideal for nature lovers, these tours transport you to a natural haven right in the center of Malaysia’s metropolitan capital. Visits to the butterfly park generally last around 45 minutes to an hour, giving you plenty of time to tick off other attractions in the same day. The butterfly reserve is also home to an insect museum, which exhibits Malaysia’s giant spider and centipede species.

Things to Know Before You Go

Butterflies are most active during sunshine and tend to hide in the rain.
The park is a must-do for nature lovers and families.
Combine your visit to the butterfly park with a stop at the nearby National Mosque.

How to Get There

Take a local bus or taxi to Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park, or visit as part of a sightseeing tour in order to avoid the hassle of navigating an unfamiliar city on your own.

When to Get There

Due to the grand scale of the Lake Gardens, crowds are generally quite evenly dispersed throughout each park, making the butterfly garden accessible during any time of day.

Other Animals at Home in the Garden

Keep your eyes peeled for the butterfly park’s other inhabitants, which include Japanese koi carp—which you can feed with food purchased at the entrance counter—and freshwater turtles.

Jalan Cenderawasih, Tasik Perdana,, Kuala Lumpur 50480, Malaysia

Varies

From $ 19

Kuala Lumpur National Monument

The Kuala Lumpur National Monument (Tugu Negara) commemorates the 11,000 people who lost their lives fighting for Malaysian independence. The 51-foot (15.5-meter) bronze statue of seven soldiers, built to replace a colonial-era cenotaph that now stands behind it, is part of a site that also includes a central pavilion with regimental emblems.

The Basics

There is no entrance fee to visit the National Monument. It’s difficult to reach by public transport but quick to experience once you arrive, so the site is a popular stop on Kuala Lumpur day tours. Many tours visit simply as a photo stop, so military buffs who want to really take in the cenotaph—which has a list of fallen heroes from two world wars and more— should visit independently. Alternatively, work with a guide or driver on a private Kuala Lumpur National Monument tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

The National Monument (Tugu Negara) is a must-do for history and military buffs and anyone with a connection to Malaysia.
If you’d only like to see the sculpture, join a tour that visits the National Monument for a photo stop, or ride a hop-on hop-off bus.
The Kuala Lumpur National Monument is conveniently located near both the Perdana Botanical Garden (Lake Gardens) and the ASEAN Sculpture Garden.

How to Get There

The National Monument is an easy, scenic walk from the Perdana Botanical Garden (Lake Gardens) but fiddly to access from elsewhere. A taxi from Kuala Lumpur city center should take no more than 15 minutes. Alternatively, catch a KTM Komuter train from KL Sentral, get off at Bank Negara station and walk more than a mile (2 kilometers). Many will find it quicker and easier to join a tour or ride a hop-on hop-off bus.

When to Get There

The Kuala Lumpur National Monument is open seven days a week throughout the year, from 7am to 6pm. To beat the crowds, arrive early in the day. The site is often used for ceremonies on Remembrance Day (the Sunday closest to November 11), Warriors’ Day (July 31), and Malaysia Day (September 16).

From Kuala Lumpur to Iwo Jima

The most striking element of the Kuala Lumpur National Monument is the towering bronze sculpture of ascendant soldiers. If the style looks familiar, that’s because it shares a sculptor: Felix de Weldon, the man responsible for the famous depiction of U.S. Marines raising the flag over Iwo Jima during World War II. Like it, the bodies in the group are portrayed in energetic harmony.

Jalan Parlimen, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

From $ 8

Kuala Lumpur Cruise Port

Kuala Lumpur Cruise Port, located 40 miles (64 kilometers) outside of the city , provides a gateway to the metropolis of Kuala Lumpur. Unless you're a golfer looking to improve your handicap at Port Klang Golf Resort, the port is mostly used as a transport hub. Activity-packed shore excursions help you cover more ground in Kuala Lumpur.

The Basics

As Malaysia's capital city, Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of Chinese, Indian, and Malay cultures and Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic religions. On arrival at the cruise port, travelers generally head out on a sightseeing tour of the city's most photogenic attractions, which include the Batu Caves and the iconic Petronas Towers. Taking a private shore excursion means you can customize your itinerary and make the most of limited time in Kuala Lumpur as you visit only the sights that capture your interest.

Things to Know Before You Go

The majority of Kuala Lumpur shore excursions include pickup and drop-off from the port.
Port Klang's distance from the city center means most shore excursions involve a few hours of travel time.
If you don’t have much time, there’s a forest park and shopping mall a short drive from the port.

How to Get to Kuala Lumpur from Kuala Lumpur Cruise Port

To save time, you can take a chartered taxi into the center of Kuala Lumpur or opt to rent a car. Most Kuala Lumpur shore excursions include port pickup and drop-off, meaning you won’t have to spend the day worrying about missing your boat.

Port Information

The port has a taxi counter, free Wi-Fi, a lounge, and a shop selling essentials such as water and snacks. ATMs and money exchange bureaus are plentiful, and English is widely spoken at the port.

Kuala Lumpur Cruise Port, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

From $ 137

Central Market Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market was established in 1888 as an open wet market for the local communities and ended up being so popular and conveniently located that it underwent several expansions and eventually moved into the Art-Deco structure it lives in today. The wet market moved out in the 1980s, but the Malaysian Heritage Society managed to save the original structure from demolition, instead renovating it into an arts center and heritage site.

Today, the beautifully restored building houses vendors selling handicrafts, souvenirs and artwork, as well as a batik emporium. The Annexe, located behind the main building, has gallery space for art exhibitions and film screenings, and a recently added covered pedestrian lane called Kasturi Walk lines the building’s exterior with even more kiosks and stalls to browse through. The Kasturi Walk is also a great place to sample some typical Malaysian street food as you shop.

Practical Info

The Central Market operates daily from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. It is located along the Klang River on Jalan Hang Kasturi.

Jalan Hang Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Daily from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

From $ 10

Boh Tea Plantation

The Boh Tea Plantation is one of those must-visit places when in the Cameron Highlands. The largest manufacturer of tea in Malaysia, Boh Plantations have a tea shop, factory, and around 8000 acres of planted tea at this site, all set against a backdrop of rolling green hills.

The Boh Tea Plantation is not particularly easy to reach, with a narrow, seven-kilometer access road winding up the hill to the plantation. It’s therefore recommended to visit as part of a larger tour so that transport is taken care of, allowing you to gaze out at the scenery along the way. A trip to the plantation can be combined with a visit to Tanah Rata Town, the Strawberry Farm, Brinchang Temple, and a number of local markets.

On arrival at the Boh Tea Plantation, you’ll be able to tour the factory where the tea is processed. There’s also an open-air tea shop, where you can sample tea (and cakes) while taking in the vistas of undulating slopes with neat rows of planted tea. Taking a guided tour of the processing plant is especially fascinating, particularly for avid tea lovers, with the five steps of the tea making process explained in detail.

Practical Info

The access route to the Boh Tea Plantation lies around three kilometers beyond Ringlet Town, or six kilometers before Tanah Rata along the main road. Joining an organized tour is not essential, but recommended.

Did You Know? Between Boh Plantations' four tea gardens, nearly 9 million pounds (4 million kilograms) of tea are produced each year.

39200 Ringlet, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia, Malaysia

9am-4:30pm Tuesday to Sunday

Free; dependent on tour

From $ 42

Bintang Walk

To truly feel the pulse of Kuala Lumpur, plan to spend a few hours walking one of its busiest streets, Bintang Walk. Located in the heart of Bukit Bintang, a neighborhood with the highest concentration of shopping outlets in the city, Bintang Walk runs along the area’s main artery, Jalan Bukit Bintang, but has come to encompass the surrounding area as well.

While the shopping scene is what initially attracted tourists and locals to the area, Bintang Walk has grown beyond a mere commercial center. There’s plenty of shopping to be done, but the streets here are also lined with cafes, hip nightclubs, eateries and vendors serving up just about anything one could want. This is also one of the best areas in the city to find Arabian food.

While Bintang Walk is buzzing throughout the week, weekend evenings are the prime time to see the area at its peak of activity, as a mixture of local youth and foreign tourists congregate to shop, eat, drink, see and be seen.

Practical Info

Bintang Walk is a popular area near Kuala Lumpur’s center with its own metro station.

Bintang Walk, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Daily

From $ 41

Kuala Lumpur Chinatown (Petaling Street)

Bustling Petaling Street is the main thoroughfare of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown. The street is effectively one long market which specialises in counterfeit clothes, watches and shoes. It sets up mid-morning and is busy until almost dawn with locals and tourists haggling for cheap wares.

Look past the pirated goods stalls and you will see a heritage area of old Chinese shop houses selling spices and food stalls selling local dishes like Hainanese chicken rice and nasi lemak. The side streets leading from Petaling Street are where you will find wet markets and shops selling everything from spices to electronics to funereal wreaths.

Other highlights of Chinatown besides shopping are the temples, some of the finest examples in Kuala Lumpur. There is the stunning Hindu temple Sri Mahamariamman and the two late 19th-century Chinese temples Koon Yam and Chan See Shu Yuen.

Practical Info

Petaling Street is very central and you can take any of the many bus that travel through Chinatown. if you’re taking the train then it is a 5-minute walk from Pasar Seni railway station.

Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

From $ 9