Choose from 52 Fun Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur
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Sri Mahamariamman Temple
The extravagantly decorated Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Malaysia—and a popular stop for locals and visitors navigating the streets of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown. Rising 75 feet (23 meters) above the busy marketplace, the temple’s five-tiered tower is adorned with colorful tiles, precious stones and hundreds of carvings of Hindu deities, rendering the building a popular attraction as well as a place of worship.
The main prayer hall inside the temple is as ornate as its exterior, with murals and frescos lining the walls and shrines beneath the embellished dome ceiling. At the back of the complex, you’ll find the shrine of South Indian mother goddess Mariamman, also known as Parvati, as well as smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga. During the Hindu festival of Thaipusam, held in January and February, the sculpture of Lord Muruga is transported from the temple to Batu Caves on a silver chariot, drawing crowds in the tens of thousands.
You can visit Sri Mahamariamman Temple on a walk through bustling Petaling Street or as a part of a variety of cultural heritage tours, including city walking and night tours. Expect to be in the company of devotees in prayer, especially if visiting early morning or late evening.
Practical Info
Sri Mahamariamman Temple is tucked away on Jalan Tun HS Lee, which runs parallel to Chinatown’s Petaling Street. Though hours differ depending on special events, the temple is generally open Sunday through Thursday from 6am to 8:30pm; Friday from 6am to 9:30pm; and Saturday from 6am to 9pm. The temple can be viewed in less than an hour, and is always free to visit, although you may wish to donate a few ringgits towards maintenance. Be sure to dress conservatively and remember to leave your shoes outside.
The temple is easily accessible by metro: take any line that stops at Pasar Seni LRT station, just a three-minute walk away from the destination. Alternatively, you can take a taxi as drivers are quite familiar with this popular location.
Did You Know? The Sri Mahamariamman Temple was built in 1873, with the current building replacing the original structure in 1968.
Address: 165 Jalan Tun H. S. Lee, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hours: Sun–Thurs 6am–8:30pm; Fri 6am–9:30pm; Sat 6am–9pm
From $ 17
Johor Bahru
The capital of the Malaysian state of Johor, Johor Bahru (or Johore Bahru) is located on peninsular Malaysia, just across the causeway from Singapore. Though the city had the reputation of being a crazy border town, it has recently seen revitalization. Now, the city's museums, thriving food hawker scene, interesting architecture and vibrant nightlife are drawing visitors from around the world. Visiting Johor Bahru (or JB, as it's called) is a quick trip from Singapore but gives an interesting glimpse into Malaysian life and culture. It's also a great place to base yourself if you're looking for cheaper accommodations than you might find in Singapore.
Singaporeans love visiting JB for its shopping (taking advantage of the strong SGD), so be sure to check out the varieties of shops, including those selling handmade batik"”a craft that's famous in Malaysia. After a bit of retail therapy, visit one the historic mosques in town, like Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, which also boasts impressive views. There are several sights of interest, including the Royal Mausoleum, which is not only of architectural interest, but historical interest as well. JB is in for even more changes in the future, so visiting now to see the "pre-" version is a good idea. With Danga Bay, located just a few kilometers from the causeway, slated to become a financial and commercial center, the next time you visit JB it may have a fancy new face.
Practical Info
Johor Bahru is accessible from Singapore by both motorway and train. There are frequent buses between Singapore's Queen Street bus terminal and JB's Larkin bus station and the train runs between the two cities at regular intervals. Be sure to take your passport as there are border checks between the two cities.
Address: Johor Bahru, Malaysia
From $ 20
Taman Negara National Park
Encompassing 1,677 square miles (4,343 square kilometers) of lush tropical rain forest, Taman Negara is the largest national park in peninsular Malaysia, famous for its rich biodiversity. Sprawling through the peaks and valleys of the Titiwangsa Mountains, it’s one of the oldest rain forests in the world.
The Basics
For many years, Taman Negara National Park was only accessible by boat, and jungle cruises remain one of the most popular means of wildlife spotting. It's possible to take in the highlights on a long day tour from Kuala Lumpur. A typical itinerary includes a boat ride along Tembeling River, a trek to Bukit Teresek (Teresek Hill), and wildlife watching from the suspension bridge Canopy Walkway.
More intrepid travelers can hire a tour guide for treks into the rain forest that vary in length from a few hours to several days. Multi-day tours offer plenty of time for activities such as hiking, rapid shooting (cruises over the river rapids), and exploring Orang Asli settlements, and often include nearby sites such as the Cameron Highlands or the Batu Caves.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors are not allowed to enter the park or fish without the appropriate permit or license, so it is best to go with a guide.
- The national park has a number of accommodation options, including the popular Mutiara Taman Negara resort.
- Bring comfortable hiking shoes, mosquito repellant, sun protection, a light rain coat or poncho, and plenty of water.
- There are few public amenities in the national park, so it’s best to bring everything that you need with you.
How to Get There
Taman Negara National Park is about 155 miles (250 kilometers) northeast of Kuala Lumpur. The main gateway to the park is the small town of Kuala Tahan, reachable by boat. To get there from Kuala Lumpur, it’s around a 3-hour drive to the village of Kuala Tembeling, just outside Jerantut, then a 2.5-hour boat trip to Kuala Tahan.
When to Get There
Peak season runs from May to August; to avoid the crowds, opt for a multi-day tour, allowing you to make an early start before the day tours arrive. The dry season (February to September) is the best time for trekking, while visitors in monsoon season (December to February) are advised to keep a close eye on the weather forecast and only visit with a guide.
Wildlife Watching in Taman Negara
Taman Negara is home to an enormous variety of exotic and endangered species including elephants, sambar deer, wild boar, leopards, and numerous bird and insect species. Night walks and 4WD safaris offer some of the best opportunities to admire the rain forest wildlife, with sightings including nocturnal flowers, glow-in-the-dark fungi, water dragons, and monitor lizards. If you’re really lucky you might even spot a tiger or leopard.
Address: Taman Negara National Park, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
From $ 38
Genting Highlands Theme Park
Perched atop the Genting Highlands, almost 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) above sea level, the Genting Highlands Theme Park is a comprehensive leisure and amusement resort in a truly unique Malaysian setting.
The park's First World Indoor area offers various rides within themed zones, each named after famous cities and landmarks around the world. The Snow World attraction is particularly popular with children, featuring a play area, log cabin, igloo and toboggan slides, while the Rainforest Splash Pool is also made for kids.
The outdoor theme park also has a range of amusements and attractions that can be enjoyed in a cool climate due to the altitude of the park. Here, travelers will find the usual roller coasters, ferris wheels, carousels, train, car and ship rides, plus boating, archery and a whole host of other activities.
For the ultra-adventurous, there's also a free-fall skydiving simulator, plus a 50-foot-high (15-meter) rock-climbing wall with a 20-foot (six-meter) overhang. The bowling alley, video arcade, cineplex and Malaysia's only casino also provide entertainment for all ages.
Practical Info
The drive up to the Genting Highlands Theme Park is an incredibly scenic one. It can be reached in approximately one hour via the Karak Highway, while a Kuala Lumpur to Genting direct bus service is also available from KL Sentral, Jalan Duta Coach Station and Gombak LRT Station. A cable car spans about two miles (3.5 kilometers) of tropical rain forest from the base station at Gohtong Jaya to the resort, and a complimentary shuttle service is available to transport visitors to and from hotels and cable car stations.
Address: Genting Highlands Resort, Genting Highlands, Malaysia
Hours: 10am-midnight
Admission: Varies
From $ 143
Islamic Civilization Park
Opened in 2008, the Islamic Civilization Park treats visitors to the perfect mix of education and entertainment. Five interactive monuments and 21 replicas of the world's most iconic Islamic structures pay homage to the influence of this culture and its people all across the globe. From the Al-Hambra Citadel in Spain to the Taj Mahal in India, visitors can take an international tour without leaving Terengganu. The 23-hectares park also includes a beautiful Crystal Mosque, constructed with crystal shine glass and reflective steel panels. Though many of the international replicas are still under construction, visitors say this impressive mosque still makes the park worth a trip.
Practical Info
The Islamic Civilization Park is stationed on Wan Man Island off the east coast of Terengganu. An express bus makes four trips a day from the Hentian Pura station in Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu. Scenic river cruises offer an alternative way to see the park and Crystal Mosque from afar.
Address: Pulau Wan Man, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
Hours: Fri-Sun 9am-7pm;Mon, Wed, Thurs: 10am-7pm
Admission: Adults: RM25; Seniors RM15; Children (7-12) RM15; Children 6 and under are free.
From $ 725
Taman Warisan Pertanian Agriculture Heritage Park
The Taman Warisan Pertanian Agriculture Heritage Park is a leisure park that also serves as a living museum. It cultivates various crops that are native to Malaysia, such as cocoa, palm oil, rubber, and a variety of tropical fruits and herbs.
The park’s fruit trees include jackfruit, guava, mango, dragon fruit, star fruit, and many more. You’ll notice that some of the fruits have plastic bags wrapped around them to deter pests, and there are also signs with information on each fruit species, such as their health benefits. The herbs and spices at the park include things like lemongrass and black pepper, while the commercial crops, such as the rubber tree groves, have demonstrations on how they are transformed into their final products.
While you’re not allowed to pick the fruit as you wander around the park, the hilly pathways and abundance of trees and crops makes for a pleasant experience. The whole park is built on a hill, and there’s an observation platform with views across Putrajaya at the top.
A visit to the Taman Warisan Pertanian Agriculture Heritage Park is part of the itinerary of various Putrajaya day trips from Kuala Lumpur, including a private half-day tour of the city with a cruise on Putrajaya Lake.
Insider’s Tip: If you can, plan your visit to coincide with a meal time. Taman Warisan has a food court area with a number of stalls selling various Malaysian-style dishes. The food here is so good that many local residents of Putrajaya are said to visit the park just for the food!
Practical Info
As you enter Taman Warisan, you will find an information center and a map at the top of some steps. You can choose to walk around the park or hire a buggy to navigate the hilly paths. The most convenient way to reach the park is with an organized tour that includes roundtrip transfers.
Address: No 7, Jalan P16, Precinct 16, Putrajaya, Malaysia
Hours: Daily 9am-7pm
Admission: RM2
From $ 12
Stadthuys
This 16th-century landmark in Melaka (Malacca)—believed to be the oldest Dutch building in Asia—was modeled after the Hoorn city hall in the Netherlands. It once served as the Melaka town hall and residence of the Dutch governor, and today houses several small museums, including the Museum of History and Ethnography.
The Basics
The Stadthuys, also known as Red Square or Dutch Square, is one of Melaka’s most popular meeting points and photo op spots. Just about every sightseeing tour, including day trips from Kuala Lumpur, of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed city stops at the Dutch colonial building. The collection housed within the museums includes costumes and relics from Melaka’s centuries-long history, including musical instruments, wedding costumes, kitchenware, weapons, stamps, and currency that paint a picture of what life was like for the trade port’s various communities throughout its history.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Stadthuys is a must-see for history buffs and first-time visitors to Melaka.
- Admission to the building includes entry to all of the museums within.
- Day tours from Kuala Lumpur that include the Stadthuys often last upwards of eight hours.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection; the square isn’t well shaded.
- The Stadthuys is not accessible to wheelchair users, as there are many level changes but no ramps or curb cuts.
How to Get There
Stadthuys, standing just beside Christ Church and opposite Jonker Street, is centrally located and well known in Melaka, so just about anyone can point you in the right direction. If you’re not visiting as part of a guided tour, the easiest way to get there is by taxi.
When to Get There
The Stadthuys is open daily, with extended hours Friday to Sunday. For the best photos without big crowds in the way, plan to visit early in the morning.
Dutch Architecture in Melaka
The Dutch ruled Melaka from 1641 to 1825—longer than any other foreign power. You can see the influence in the architecture. Aside from the Stadthuys, another fine example is the Christ Church, built in 1753 in a typical Dutch style.
Address: Jalan Gereja, Melaka, Malaysia
From $ 28
Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Colonial architects A.C. Norman and A.B. Hubbock completed the now iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building in 1897 during the British administration of the region. Designed for governmental administrative offices, the building on Merdeka Square was the first public building in the country to feature a Mughal architectural style — a school that combines Indian Muslim, Gothic and Moorish influences.
Today, the building is home of the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture. Its 135-foot (41-meter) tall clock tower flanked by two copper cupolas have become one of Kuala Lumpur’s most recognizable landmarks. The structure is particularly impressive at night, when the domes and clock tower are lit up.
Practical Info
The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is located on Merdeka Square next to the old general post office.
Address: 109 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur 50450, Malaysia
From $ 11
Sunway Lagoon
The sprawling 80-acre Sunway Lagoon theme park features various themed zones, including countless water rides in the ever-popular water park and plenty of dry activities too.
At the water park, travelers will find the world's largest man-made beach, a wave pool, a 360-degree revolving pirate ship and Malaysia's first surf simulator, the FlowRider. Other popular rides in this zone include the six-lane Congo Challenge slide, the African Pythons ride and the Cameroon Climb. Elsewhere, smaller children enjoy Little Zimbabwe, an interactive water playground built to resemble an African village.
And the attractions don't end there. There's also the interactive Scream Park and the Amusement Park, made up of the Wild Wild West and World of Adventure zones, plus Extreme Park for adrenaline junkies, Wildlife Park for animal lovers and the Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon, the first Nickelodeon-themed park in Asia.
Practical Info
The Sunway Lagoon theme park is located in Petaling Jaya, about 10 miles (15 kilometers) southwest of Kuala Lumpur's city center. Visitors can take the train to Subang Jaya Station, then catch a feeder bus to the Sunway Pyramid stop.
Address: No. 3, Jalan PJS 11/11, Petaling Jaya 47500, Malaysia
Hours: 10am-6pm
Admission: RM120 / Child: RM96
From $ 38
Templer Park
Templer Park is an oasis for travelers who want to experience the natural beauty of Southeast Asia and escape the crowds of Kuala Lumpur. This forest reserve covers some 1,214 hectares of wide, open space, and is home to scenic walking trails, towering waterfalls and bubbling jungle streams.
Visitors can spend the day trekking through the thick foliage of this wildlife sanctuary, where it’s possible to spot monkeys, hawk-cuckoo, Malaysian crested lizards and dozens of colorful indigenous birds and insects. Picnic areas are available for travelers who want to enjoy a sacked lunch before taking a dip in a quiet stream or heading to one of the park’s fishing spots to try a hand at pulling a local catch from the waters.
Practical Info
Templer Park is located in the Klang Valley in Selangor. It is about 6 kilometers from Rawang and roughly 22 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur. Travelers can access the park using the Rwang exit of the North-South Expressway or by taking the 66 bus from Puduraya in Kuala Lumpur.
Address: Selangor, Malaysia
From $ 50
Thean Hou Temple
An impressive six-tiered Chinese temple, Thean Hou Temple was opened in 1987 and is dedicated to Thean Hou, the heavenly mother.
It is the largest Chinese temple in Kuala Lumpur and sits atop Robson’s Hill 6 mi (8 km) from the city center offering excellent views back over the city.
The prayer rooms are filled with bright golden statues and dedicated also to the Goddess of the Waterfront and the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy.
Below the main prayer rooms are hawker stalls and souvenir stalls while outside there is a Chinese medicinal herbs garden and a tortoise pond.
The celebrations at Chinese New Year are a riot of color and noise as revellers, wearing predominantly red (a lucky color), bang drums and clash symbols while watching the lions dance to ward off evil spirits.
Practical Info
To get to the temple you can take the monorail to Tun Sambanthan then use the overpass to cross Jalan Syed Putra and walk up the hill. Otherwise catch the 27 or 52 bus from Klang station and walk. Taxis also travel to the temple.
Address: 65 Pesiaran Endah, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur 50460, Malaysia
Hours: Open daily 8am - 9pm
Admission: Free. Donations accepted
From $ 10
Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram Temple
Queen Victoria donated 5 acres of land to the local Thai community here, where in 1845 they built Wat Chayamangkalaram - a Thai buddhist temple.
The Temple is famed for the enormous gold buddha statue inside. The beautiful gold plated buddha lies 33m / 100 ft in length - his reclining position signifies absolute peace and freedom from the world at the point of enlightenment.
Most unusually, the Buddha's face, hands and feet are painted in rich pigments. Other interesting painted images and statues dot the temple and grounds.
Practical Info
The Wat Chaiyamangkalaram Temple is located 10 mins from Georgetown on the road to Batu Ferringgi, and can be easily reached by bus, taxi or motorbike. Respectful attire should be worn, and hats and shoes removed.
Address: Lorong Burmah (Off Jalan Kelawei), Penang, Penang 10250, Malaysia
Admission: free
From $ 21