Choose from 52 Fun Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur
Chan See Shu Yuen Temple
Practical Info
Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
Practical Info
Kuala Lumpur Chinatown (Petaling Street)
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.
Practical Info
Batu Caves
- 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.
Khoo Kongsi Clan House
Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)
Practical Info
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.
Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary
- 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.
Kuala Lumpur National Monument
- 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.
Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
Practical Info
Bintang Walk
Practical Info
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.
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
- 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.
Central Market Kuala Lumpur
Practical Info
Crab Island (Pulau Ketam)
Practical Info
Aquaria KLCC
Practical Info
Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park
- 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.
Boh Tea Plantation
Practical Info
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.
Kuala Lumpur Cruise Port
- 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.