Choose from 52 Fun Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 52 listings.
Masjid Jamek
The oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Masjid Jamek, is also its most delightful. Large cream onion domes and red-and-white-striped minarets stand among a palm tree grove at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers. This was the site where Kuala Lumpur’s first settlers had their settlement.
It was built by the English architect Arthur Bennison Hubbock who was inspired by the Moorish style of Moghul mosques in India. It was opened in 1909.
When visiting the mosque it is important to respect the rules of dressing, make sure your limbs are covered and women must wear a headscarf.
Practical Info
The mosque is situated next to Masjid Jamek railway station and is walking distance from Chinatown, Little India and Merdaka Square.
Address: Jalan Tun Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Royal Selangor Visitor Centre
Royal Selangor is one of the world’s largest pewter manufacturers, founded in 1885 at the start of Malaysia’s Tin Rush by a young Chinese immigrant named Yong Koon. The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre offers insight into Malaysia’s cultural heritage with a museum, store, factory tours, and hands-on pewter workshops.
The Basics
Tours of the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre are free. Make advance reservations for one of the two paid workshops—the 30-minute School of Hard Knocks or the hour-long Foundry—and take home your own pewter piece. Most Kuala Lumpur city tours stop at the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre, and a handful include participation in one of the company’s workshops.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Quirky as it may sound, the visitor center is a must for anyone with an interest in crafts, and the workshops are great for older kids.
- Royal Selangor has kept up with the times, selling products that run the gamut from traditional Malay/Indonesian keris (daggers) to flash drives.
- The on-site museum, which explains the role of tin in Malaysia’s history, is worth a visit for history buffs.
How to Get There
Royal Selangor runs a free shuttle bus from more than 30 downtown Kuala Lumpur hotels to its suburban location; book through your hotel concierge. Alternatively, the visitor center is about a 20-minute taxi ride from the center of town or a 5-minute taxi ride from Wangsa Maju LRT stop on the Kelana Jaya line.
When to Get There
The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre and pewter factory is open daily year-round. Weekends are the busiest times, so it’s best to go midweek, particularly if you hope to do a workshop. Just after opening is the quietest time of day.
What Is Pewter, and Why Malaysia?
Pewter is a silver-colored metal alloy made mainly from tin; Royal Selangor’s pewter contains around 96% tin. During the Tin Rush period (roughly 1880–1930), the region now known as Malaysia was the world’s number one tin producer. Malay artisans who had worked with gold, silver, and brass began to employ traditional metalworking techniques with pewter, creating a new tradition.
Address: 4, Jalan Ushawan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
From $ 10
Sekinchan Paddy Fields
Sekinchan is a small fishing village located around 100 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur. It is one of the major rice producing towns in Malaysia, and has become a popular place for tourists and KL locals to visit in a bid to escape the city and enjoy a slower pace of life. The Sekinchan Paddy Fields are the major attraction here, along with the delicious fresh seafood on offer.
Even the journey to Sekinchan begins the process of easing out of city life, as you wind along coastal roads lined with oil palm plantations. Finally, upon reaching the paddy fields – an expansive carpet of brilliant green that seems to go on forever – the bustle of city life seems like a distant memory. A walk through the paddy fields is quite the experience, and nature enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that dragonflies and a number of bird species, such as swiftlets, are part of the ecosystem here.
You can also stop by the Sekinchan Paddy Fields Processing Factory during your visit, which features a small museum charting how rice is harvested and how these methods have changed over the years.
Visiting the Sekinchan Paddy Fields is best enjoyed as part of a full-day Sekinchan sightseeing trip from Kuala Lumpur, which usually includes a delicious seafood lunch and stops at Redang Beach and Nan Tian Temple.
Practical Info
Sekinchan is located approximately 100 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur’s city center. The most convenient way to reach the town and see the paddy fields is by joining an organized tour, although it can also be reached by taking a bus from Pudu Sentral (Puduraya) Bus Terminal.
Did You Know? Sekinchan in Chinese means ‘village suitable for plantation’, and this small town is responsible for the highest rice production per acre in the whole country.
Address: Jalan Tali Air 5, Ban 2, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Admission: RM5
From $ 49
Petrosains Science Discovery Centre
The Petrosains Science Discovery Centre occupies levels four and five of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. It’s a fun and interactive science discovery center that focuses on the petroleum industry, yet embraces all the general sciences. Full of rides and unconventional exhibits, this is a family-friendly attraction that’s good for a few hours of fun-filled activities.
Since its opening in 1999, this hands-on interactive science museum has been popular with locals as well as international visitors. Arranged in an easy-to-navigate way, the center is divided into 11 main interactive galleries, showcasing everything from space age exhibits to fossils. It explores and explains science and technology in a fun and interesting style, with plenty of information on display for each exhibit.
A trip to the Petrosains Science Discovery Centre can be enjoyed as part of a Kuala Lumpur Petronas Twin Towers exploration tour. This combines a visit to the center with climbing the Skybridge that links the towers together, complete with sweeping views of Kuala Lumpur from the 86th-floor observation deck. It also includes visits to the onsite art gallery, and the exquisite 51-acre As Syakirin mosque.
Insider’s Tip: Weekends at the center tend to get busy. The best time to visit is on a weekday in the late afternoon when most of the school trips are over.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, take a train to KLCC Station and head to the Petronas Twin Towers. The entrance to the Petrosains Science Discovery Centre is located on the fourth floor of the Suria KLCC shopping mall here.
Address: Level 4, Suria KLCC, Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur 50088, Malaysia
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:30am-5:30pm; Weekends and public holidays 9:30am-6:30pm
Admission: Adult: RM 30 / Child (3-12 years): RM 18.00 / Child (under 2 years): Free
From $ 15
National Mosque (Masjid Negara)
National Mosque (Masjid Negara)
Beside the Lake Gardens of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s National Mosque (Masjid Negara) reinvents traditional Islamic architecture with its angular lines and neutral color scheme. Built in 1965, the mosque was designed as a symbol of Malaysia’s independence and is a center of Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant Muslim community.
The Basics
The cultural significance of the National Mosque makes it an integral part of most Kuala Lumpur sightseeing tours. The 18-pointed star dome is said to represent Islam’s five pillars and the 13 states of the Malaysian archipelago. The majority of tours combine a visit to the National Mosque with stops at the famous Petronas Towers as well as the Batu Caves, one of the world’s largest Hindu shrines.
For travelers that want to combine culture with nature, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park and Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park are both within a 10-minute walk of the mosque.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Photography is allowed inside the mosque, but phones must be in silent mode.
- Traditional attire, which include robes for men and a headscarf for women, is provided for travelers who want to go inside the mosque.
- A must-see for lovers of religious architecture.
- The National Mosque is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
You can either take a taxi to the mosque using a ride hailing app or go by public transport. The mosque is diagonally across from Kuala Lumpur railway station, and there is an underground walkway that goes underneath Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin. Alternatively, book a tour that includes round-trip transport.
When to Get There
During prayer times, which occur six times per day, the National Mosque is closed to the public. Make sure to check the most up-to-date times online as they’re subject to change according to the position of the sun.
Religious Harmony in Kuala Lumpur
If you want to get an overview of Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant multiculturalism, combine a visit to the National Mosque with a stop at Thean Hou Temple, a bright Buddhist monument, and Sri Mahamariamman Temple, an extravagantly decorated temple that’s one of the oldest in Malaysia.
Address: Jalan Perdana, Kuala Lumpur 50480, Malaysia
Hours: Open daily
From $ 8
Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower)
Looming 1,381 feet (421 meters) atop the Bukit Nanas (Pineapple Hill) in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower) is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Visible from all around, it also affords a spectacular 360-degree view from its observation deck.
The Basics
The KL Tower offers different viewing experiences: standard admission tickets for the enclosed Observation Deck and additional tickets for the open-air Sky Deck and Sky Box. For the best value, combine a visit to the KL Tower with the nearby Petronas Twin Towers, visit as part of a Kuala Lumpur city tour that also includes sights like the Central Market and Batu Caves, or opt for a night tour that includes a buffet dinner at the tower’s revolving restaurant.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Pre-book a skip-the-line ticket to avoid the queues, which tend to be long.
- The panoramic views from the tower span the Kuala Lumpur skyline and, on a clear day, can stretch as far as the Genting Highlands, Pahang, and South China Sea.
- The tower is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get to There
The Kuala Lumpur Tower is located within the KL Forest Eco Park, just a short walk from the Petronas Towers; free shuttles run from the park’s main entrance up the hill to the KL Tower. The closest stations are Bukit Nenas on the KL Monorail and Dang Wangi station on the PUTRA LRT line.
When to Get There
The tower is open daily year round,and can get busy, especially in peak season (December and January). Opt to visit in the morning to avoid the crowds or in the evening for a dazzling nighttime view.
The KL Forest Park
The KL Tower is just one of the many family-friendly attractions in the KL Forest Eco Park. After looking down over the city from the Sky Deck, venture into the surrounding rainforest to brave the canopy walk, visit the Malaysian Cultural Village, or spot wildlife along the nature trails. There’s also the Blue Coral Aquarium, where you can see sharks and clown fish, and a mini zoo with monkeys, parrots, and snakes.
Address: Menara Kuala Lumpur, No. 2 Jalan Punchak, Kuala Lumpur 50250, Malaysia
Admission: Varies
From $ 4
Royal King's Palace (Istana Negara)
In Malaysian, “Istana Negara” translates to “National Palace,” and Kuala Lumpur’s Royal King’s Palace (Istana Negara) serves as the official residence of the supreme King of Malaysia. The king relocated to a newly built Istana Negara in 2011, and while you can’t enter, it’s possible to see the beautiful architecture of the palace from afar and watch the hourly changing of the guards.
Before 2011, the Royal King’s Palace occupied another mansion. The structure was originally built in 1928 by a wealthy Chinese immigrant on a plot overlooking the Klang River. During the Japanese Occupation during World War II, the mansion became the home of the Japanese Governor before becoming a British military office after the Japanese surrendered in 1945. In 1950, the Sultan of Selangor moved into the residence and lived there until Malaysian independence in 1957.
Today, the former Istana Negara houses the Royal Museum, where visitors can tour the grounds and get a sense of the opulence of Malaysian royal life.
Address: Jalan Istana, Kuala Lumpur 50566, Malaysia
Hours: Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission: RM10
From $ 8
Sanrio Hello Kitty Town
The popularity of this Sanrio character has warranted a theme park to be dedicated to it. Johor's Hello Kitty Town is the first Hello Kitty theme park outside of Japan. It features various Hello Kitty rides, walkthrough attractions, and interactive activities.
Highlights at the park include Black Wonder, a stateoftheart interactive experience, and Kitty House, a complete Hello Kitty house, with living room, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.
Friendship Land features a playground, where the little ones can enjoy the tea cup rides and have their photos taken with Hello Kitty and friends, and there are also live performances at
the park’s ‘Purrfect’ stage.
Other attractions include the Wishful Studio, where visitors can get involved with jewelry and costume making, and then dress up at the photo studio, and there’s even a nail salon where
fans can decorate their nails with Hello Kitty art. In addition, visitors can make Hello Kitty shaped cookies at the park’s Cookie Studio.
Practical Info
Sanrio Hello Kitty Town is located at Puteri Harbour, close to the Legoland Resort, so a trip to both theme parks can be enjoyed in one day. Many choose to visit as part of a tour package, including transport and entry into several theme parks in the area.
Address: Puteri Harbour, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Hours: 10am-6pm
Admission: Varies depending on package
From $ 17
Kuala Selangor Fireflies
Bask in the bioluminescence of thousands of fireflies as they do their mating dance around the berembang trees along the Selangor River at Malaysia’s Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park, in Kuala Selangor. Each species of firefly has a different light pattern and together, as they swarm around their chosen branches, they create a symphony of light in the mangrove swamps—one of Mother Nature’s most spectacular displays.
The Basics
Head down to the jetty after sunset, alight into one of the silent electric boats, and glide over the dark river to watch the amazing light show provided by these little luminescent lovelies. While it’s possible to make your way to the small fishing village of Kuala Selangor on your own, many visitors find it convenient to join a guided tour from Kuala Lumpur, which often includes hotel transfer, a boat ride to see the spectacle, and a waterfront seafood dinner. You can also combine the fireflies display with an afternoon visit to Kota Melawati (Fort Altingsburg), where you may be able to spot silvered-leaf monkeys.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Kuala Selangor fireflies are a must-see for nature lovers and kids.
- The use of flash photography is not permitted during firefly tours.
- Tours to Kuala Selangor from Kuala Lumpur can last anywhere from four to eight hours, depending on the option you choose.
- Most guided fireflies tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Kuala Lumpur.
How to Get There
Reaching the jetty in Kuala Selangor from which firefly tours depart can be a bit complicated; taking your own car or joining a guided tour make for the most convenient experience. If you visit independently, make sure to arrange your return transportation ahead of time or plan to spend the night in the village.
When to Get There
Kuala Selangor’s fireflies are visible throughout the year thanks to Malaysia’s tropical climate. During the monsoon season, from October to December, be prepared for heavy showers that could disrupt the viewing experience.
Things to Do in Kuala Selangor
Situated off the beaten tourist path, this village at the mouth of the Selangor River maintains a traditional atmosphere that feels worlds away from the big city. The fireflies might be the biggest draw, but there are plenty of other attractions in the area as well, including the 19th-century Bukit Melawati fortress, Sri Shakti Temple, and the outdoor sanctuary of Kuala Selangor Nature Park.
Address: Jalan Haji Omar, Kampung Bukit Belimbing, Kuala Selangor 45000, Malaysia
Hours: Boats leave nightly
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
National Museum
Malaysia’s National Museum (Muzium Negara), housed within a beautiful Minangkabau-style building in Kuala Lumpur, is one of the city’s best and an excellent place to learn about Malaysia’s long and rich multicultural heritage. Completed in 1961 and opened two years later, the museum takes visitors on a journey through time with beautifully curated displays divided into four themed galleries.
The Prehistory gallery displays stone tools and other Paleolithic artifacts dating back thousands of years, including the Perak Man, the oldest mostly intact human skeleton in Southeast Asia. The second gallery, The Malay Kingdoms, contains art and artifacts that trace the various people groups and kingdoms that once existed on the Malay Peninsula and in the Borneo Islands. The Colonial Era gallery recounts the period from 1511 to 1945 when foreign powers ruled the nation, and the final gallery, Malaysia Today, highlights the national movement and Malaysia’s many achievements since gaining independence.
Try to time your visit to take advantage of a free docent-led English tour of the museum. They take place several times throughout the week.
Practical Info
The National Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Entrance costs 5 RM for adult foreigners and 2 RM for foreign children between the ages of 6 and 12. Children ages 6 and under enter for free. The museum is accessible by the RapidKL bus No. 115, and it is stop number 12 on Kuala Lumpur hop-on, hop-off buses. There is also ample parking available for 3 RM per car.
Address: Muzium Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Admission: Adult Foreigners 5 RM, Children 6-12 2 RM, Children ages 6 and under enter for free.
From $ 8
Melaka River
The Melaka River cuts across the city of the same name on its way to the Straits of Melaka (Malacca). In recent years, the river has been revitalized into a top destination, with both Malaysians and international visitors coming to soak in its history and marvel at the diverse architecture from the city’s Portuguese, Dutch, and British heritage.
The Basics
One of the best ways to take in the colonial architecture of UNESCO World Heritage Site of Melaka is aboard a Melaka River cruise sailing past picturesque riverbanks and beneath numerous landmark bridges. A typical day trip from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore might include such a cruise, as well as visits to the Dutch Museum, St. Peter’s Church, and Jonker Street.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A cruise on the Melaka River is a must for families and first-time visitors.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the river has little shade.
- River cruises last about 45 minutes round-trip.
How to Get There
If you’re not visiting the river as part of a guided tour, you can make your way there yourself by walking along Jonker Street until it meets the river.
When to Get There
The best time to enjoy the Melaka River and other outdoor attractions is during the dry season—typically April, early May, and October. Plan your cruise in the morning or early evening to avoid the worst of the heat.
Attractions to Visit Before or After Your Cruise
The departure point for Melaka River cruises is centrally located in the heart of the historic city. If you have some free time before or after a boat trip on the river, plan to spend some time visiting other nearby attractions, such as the Stadthuys in Red Square, Christ Church, the Maritime Museum, or Jonker Street (also called Jonker Walk).
Address: Melaka River, Melaka, Malaysia
Admission: Varies
From $ 28
Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka)
Impeccable Merdaka Square - or Dataran Merdeka - was a cricket ground in colonial times. The cricket ground was overlooked by the Royal Selangor Club which housed a club for the colonial rulers. When independence for Malaysia was declared, it was here that the Union Jack flag was lowered and the Malay flag was first raised. The flag still flies on a massive flagpole on the edge of the square.
The square is surrounded by historic buildings, the most majestic of which is the Sultan Abdul Samad building which housed the British administration and now houses the Ministry for Heritage, Culture and the Arts. The Moorish style building is dominated by a tall clock tower nicknamed "Big Ben."
The square is now the focus of many of the city’s celebrations and the Independence Day festival is held here on August 31st.
Practical Info
Merdaka Square is easily reached by catching the train to Masjid Jamek and walking a short distance across the river.
Address: Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hours: Open daily
From $ 8
Petronas Twin Towers
The twin 88-story steel and glass buildings known as the Petronas Twin Towers, completed in 1996, are icons of Malaysia. Designed to symbolize courage and the country’s advancement, the two towers are connected by a double-decker Skybridge between the 41st and 42nd floor—the world’s highest two-story bridge of its kind—to form the shape of an “M” for Malaysia.
The Basics
The views from the Petronas Twin Towers are a highlight of a trip to Kuala Lumpur. The 1,482-foot (452-meter) towers are so popular that just 1,700 passes are distributed each morning on a first-come, first-serve basis, and most are gone by 9am. Advance tickets are available, or visitors can avoid the long lines to view Kuala Lumpur’s dramatic cityscape from above by booking a tour that includes a skip-the-line ticket. Some tours focus on the towers, providing in-depth immersion in the history and architecture, while other city tours combine a quick stop at the towers with visits to additional Kuala Lumpur landmarks, such as the National Monument, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, National Museum, and KL Tower.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The towers are a must-see for architecture buffs.
- Day-of tickets are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so consider booking ahead.
- Choose an attraction ticket to the 86th-floor observation deck, or visit the towers as part of a guided Kuala Lumpur tour.
- Cameras are allowed in the towers, but additional equipment such as tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted.
- Visitors can leave their belongings at a bag check before entering the Petronas Towers.
How to Get to the Petronas Twin Towers
The easiest ways to reach the Petronas Twin Towers are by taxi or as part of an organized tour. By public transportation, take the LRT to the KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) station and walk from there.
When to Get There
The towers are generally open Tuesday through Sunday from 9am to 9pm. If you want one of the limited number of day-of tickets, arrive at the Twin Towers first thing in the morning. The ticket office opens at 8:30am, 30 minutes before the first entrance, and tickets often sell out within hours. The Petronas Twin Towers are closed on Mondays and for a 90-minute period on Friday afternoons.
Interesting Facts About the Petronas Towers
The floor plan for the towers was designed with the Islamic eight-point star in mind, and the five sections of each skyscraper are meant to represent the five pillars of Islam. Climbing to the top of one tower would require scaling 2,170 steps, and each tower weighs more than 300,000 tons—that’s equivalent to 42,857 elephants.
Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur 50088, Malaysia
Hours: Tues–Sun 9am–9pm (closed 1–2:30pm on Fridays)
Admission: Adults RM85, kids RM35, seniors RM45
From $ 11
Perdana Botanical Garden (Lake Gardens)
Located in the heart of the city, the Perdana Botanical Garden (formerly known as the Lake Gardens) is Kuala Lumpur’s oldest public park. This 225-acre (91-hectare) site is home to a bird park, hibiscus and orchid garden, butterfly sanctuary and a deer park, with the main attraction being its central lake surrounded by lush greenery.
The gardens between the park’s attractions are dotted with sculptures (including a miniature model of England's Stonehenge) plus plenty of walking paths and benches for strolling around and relaxing in the shade. The gardens feature native and foreign plants, with sections dedicated to ferns, rare trees, medicinal herbs and aquatic plants.
The park offers an escape from the bustling metropolis of the city, and you’ll spot locals taking full advantage of this with running and early morning t'ai serving as popular activities here. A visit to the Perdana Botanical Garden is included in a variety of Kuala Lumpur tours, including photography tours (which include tickets to the Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower) plus half-day and full-day city sightseeing tours, which often include the Batu Caves.
Insider’s Tip: The gardens are laid out with pathways and boardwalks, but there is very little signage. If you want to learn more about the Perdana Botanical Garden and its orientation, take a Lake Gardens tour, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, the Perdana Botanical Garden can be reached by train, taxi or public bus from any location in the city. Entrances are on Jalan Parlimen and behind the National Mosque.
Address: Jalan Kebun Bunga, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hours: Open daily 7am–8pm
From $ 35
Penang Bridge
Opened in 1985 after 15 years of planning, the Penang Bridge connects George Town in Penang with Seberang Prai on the Malaysian mainland. With a total length of 8.4 miles (13.5 kilometers), the cable-stayed toll bridge is the second largest in the country and the fifth largest in Southeast Asia. One of the best ways to see the bridge up close, apart from driving over it, is on a ferry ride across the Malacca Strait.
Each November, Penang hosts its Penang Bridge International Marathon, an event that has taken place each year since the bridge opened.
Address: Penang, Malaysia
From $ 24
Little India (Jalan Masjid India)
One of two South Asian enclaves in Kuala Lumpur—the other, also known as Little India, is in Brickfields—Little India sits conveniently near Chinatown, making the pair an easy destination for food tours. Set around Jalan Masjid India (Indian Mosque Street), this bustling district offers rewards from markets and sari stores to eateries.
The Basics
You don’t need a tour to soak up the atmosphere in downtown Kuala Lumpur and, needless to say, there’s no entrance fee to Little India. It’s often a quick photo stop on Kuala Lumpur orientation tours.
However, if discovering Kuala Lumpur’s diverse cuisine is on your to-do list—and it should be—then a food tour that explores the Indian food on offer either here or in Brickfields is a must. You’ll cover more ground than you would independently, head straight to the good stuff, and taste more than you’d be able to taste outside the food-tour context.
Things to Know Before You Go
- No visit to Kuala Lumpur is complete without discovering the city’s delicious Indian food.
- From saris to spices, Little India is retail therapy writ large—bring cash.
- The Little India in Brickfields is larger than the Little India on Jalan Masjid India, but Jalan Masjid India is more central. Whether to visit one or both is up to you.
- Chettinad cooking, from the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is big in this Little India, both in street eateries and more formal restaurants.
How to Get There
Jalan Masjid India is conveniently placed in the heart of town, within easy walking distance of Chinatown and the Central Market. If you’re coming from elsewhere in Kuala Lumpur, hop on a Light Rail Transit (LRT) train to Masjid Jamek. The station connects lines 3, 4, and 5 (Ampang, Sri Petaling, and Kelana Jaya, respectively).
When to Get There
Little India can be visited at any time of day but is particularly charming early in the evening when the night market on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman is in full flow. To enjoy the best breads, particularly the area’s signature roti canai, come in the morning, as these are primarily breakfast snacks.
Kuala Lumpur’s Multicultural Food
It was Chinese miners who founded the city of Kuala Lumpur, during a tin boom in the 19th century. Ever since its inception, under British colonial forces, the city has been a mixture of South Asian, Chinese, and Malay influences. Besides classically Indian food, look out for Malay Indian fusions known as “Mamak” when touring LIttle India.
Address: Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Admission: Free
From $ 8
Putrajaya Bridge
Putrajaya Bridge, perhaps the most important bridge in Malaysia, spans Putrajaya Lake at a length of 1,427 feet (435 meters). Inspired by the Khaji Bridge in Iran, the Putrajaya Bridge combines cable backstays and steel tiebacks to create an elegant, sail-like appearance reminiscent of Santiago Calatrava’s sculptural bridges.
The lower level of the bridge accommodates motor traffic and a monorail across the lake, connecting the Government Precinct in the North to a Mixed Development Precinct in the South, while the upper level carries a pedestrian path for jogging, walking or cycling. It’s also a popular spot for watching the sun set over Putrajaya Lake in the evening. At night, changing colored lights illuminate the bridge.
Practical Info
The Putrajaya Bridge is located in the town of Putrajaya, about 40 minutes outside of Kuala Lumpur.
Address: Putrajaya, Malaysia
From $ 12
Rainforest and Canopy Walk
Get a taste of the local flora and fauna at Kuala Lumpur’s Forest Reserve Institute of Malaysia (FRIM). At over 3,775 acres, FRIM holds hundreds of plant species and both regenerated and secondary forest.
Visitors hike along shady trails past a river and waterfall cutting through the forest, as well as the remains of an old Orang Asli settlement. The Dipterocarp arboretum is a collection of living trees for botanical reference, and the Bambusetum features 30 different species of local bamboo.
The more adventurous may want to explore some of the four jungle tracks: Keruing Trail, Rover Track, Engkabang Trail and Salleh Trail, all of which pass through some of most spectacular secondary forests in Malaysia.
Also a highlight is the Canopy Walk, allowing up close exploration of the rainforest’s treetops. Canopy Walks are limited to 250 people per day and are closed Monday and Friday.
Visitors hike along shady trails past a river and waterfall cutting through the forest, as well as the remains of an old Orang Asli settlement. The Dipterocarp arboretum is a collection of living trees for botanical reference, and the Bambusetum features 30 different species of local bamboo.
The more adventurous may want to explore some of the four jungle tracks: Keruing Trail, Rover Track, Engkabang Trail and Salleh Trail, all of which pass through some of most spectacular secondary forests in Malaysia.
Also a highlight is the Canopy Walk, allowing up close exploration of the rainforest’s treetops. Canopy Walks are limited to 250 people per day and are closed Monday and Friday.
Address: Kepong, Selangor Darul Ehsan 52110, Malaysia
Hours: Open 9.30 am-1.30pm. Advance booking required. Hours subject to weather conditions. More info at http://www.frim.gov.my/.
Admission: RM10.00 (foreigner, adult), RM3.00 (students 13 yrs & up), RM1.00 (children 7-12 yrs)
From $ 839
Putrajaya
A fascinating exercise in building a city from scratch, Putrajaya is the administrative capital of Malaysia and located just south of Kuala Lumpur.
Planned as an "intelligent" and "garden" city the Putrajaya has wide boulevards and many lovely parks where the city’s population, mainly government workers, unwind and get back in touch with nature. The park offering the best views of the city is Taman Putra Perdana next to Perdana Putra.
The city is home to many showcase buildings including the Putra Mosque which is a vision in pink with the highest dome in South East Asia, it can fit 15,000 worshipers. Perdana Putra is the Prime Minister’s office and the jewel in the crown of Putrajaya. The educational Millennium Monument gives an insight into the history of Malaysia.
Practical Info
The best way to get to Putrajaya is by train catching the KLIA Transit from either Sentral railway station or the airport.
The public transportation is still fledgling in Putrajaya so it is a good idea to take an organized tour around the city or hire a car.
Address: Putrajaya, Malaysia
From $ 12
Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
Considered among the world’s most beautiful train stations, the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station showcases the Moorish style of architecture favored by the British during Malaysia’s colonial era. Built in 1911 and designed by A.B. Hubback, the station is one of the most recognizable (and most photographed) landmarks in the city, thanks to its white arched facade and onion domes on the roof.
Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station took over as the city’s major train transport hub in 2001, but the old station still operates on a smaller scale (for commuter trains mostly) and remains a popular sightseeing stop.
Practical Info
The Malayan Railway Administration Building, another beautiful British colonial structure, sits just across from the station.
Address: Jalan Hishamuddin, Kuala Lumpur 50000, Malaysia
From $ 20