Prior to heading to Kuala Lumpur for the first time, I was mystified by the idea of a sprawling urban zone filled with dozens of cultures, religions, and languages. There was something about the city, with its promise of endless activity, rich experiences, and a number of attractions and excursions to choose from that enticed me to hop aboard an airplane and sample it for myself.
Here are 5 amazing attractions in Kuala Lumpur that I personally recommend:
Petronas Twin Towers & KLCC Park
I was first introduced to the Petronas Twin Towers in the movie Entrapment with Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta Jones and it left quite an impression on me since then. Thus, when I was able to get close to this building and its jaw-dropping architecture, there was a whirl of excitement. Though I’m not one for shopping, if you enjoy getting lost among upscale brands, Suria KLCC, the shopping mall at the bottom of the Twin Towers, is incredible. There is also the observation deck on Level 86 that is a bit of a splurge, but the sight of the KL skyline stretching out all around you is mind-blowing, especially when the sun begins to set and lights flicker on, one-by-one.
Being that I’m more for green space than crowds, I didn’t stay in the mall long and headed for KLCC Park. Though the water fountains seem to attract hundreds of people, it was watching the diversity of visitors that kept me interested the most. As I walked the winding paths through the trees, I watched children laughing in the wading pool, sunbathers stretching out beneath the shade, and families from around the world taking pictures of the towers and surroundings.
Opening Hours: 9:00 – 21:00
Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Website: https://www.petronastwintowers.com.my/
KL Eco-Forest Park
Although I had heard of KL Eco-Forest Park (Bukit Nanas) prior to my arrival, it wasn’t until that I was walking from the Central Market where my hostel was towards Petronas Twin Towers when I realized just how central the reserve really was. Out of nowhere, a rainforest appeared from between concrete and stone. Over the roar of traffic, I could hear the songs of tropical birds, and it was then that I decided I could deviate from my march to check out this green space. I was so happy I did! Out of the sun, and under the dense shade of the forest, I was able to breathe. Everything got so quiet that I nearly forgot I was in the middle of a city.
If you plan on visiting the Menara KL Tower, don’t pass up the chance to tour the canopy walkway of the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve. There is so much to see among the trees, like birds, native insects and plant life, that is as magical as seeing everything from on-high.
Opening Hours: 8:00 – 18:00
Website: http://www.forestry.gov.my/
Menara KL Tower
If you’re not afraid of heights, I recommend the Menara KL Tower. When I read that the tower is actually 421 meters tall and has a higher vantage point that the observation deck of the Petronas Twin Towers, I knew immediately that I needed to go. Imagine finding an excellent vantage point out of the humidity that descends upon the city to see the mountains, the sky, and the world unfolding as the KL Tower rotates. Yeah, it was near nirvana. I spent a few hours cooling off at this attraction, taking in the scenery, pinpointing other famous landmarks through the hazy heat, and then doing some window-shopping at the souvenir stalls. For those who are interested on dining on cloud nine, there is a fast food court and the restaurant Atmosphere 360, which is great for couples in the evening.
Opening Hours: 9:00 – 22:00
Address: Jalan Punchak, Off Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Website: https://www.menarakl.com.my/
Merdeka (Independence) Square
Bring a hat and water when you walk around this location, especially during summer. I forgot mine and could barely stand the heat long enough to see everything Merdeka Square had to offer. Since there is little cover from the sunlight, you can definitely take in the ambiance of the city and be enthralled by the sights and sounds like I was, but you’ll be swooning (literally) like me too. Regardless of the heat, I was able to visit the grounds, take pictures of the 95-meter flagpole, brush up on history at the Plaza Dataran Merdeka, and oogle the architecture of the Sultan Abdul Samad building. The juxtaposition of Islamic aesthetic mixing with the towering skyscrapers in the background is one of the reasons I found KL such a riveting place. As I crossed the green field, eyes shielded from the sun by a travel pamphlet, I saw others seeking refuge from the heat by the fountain and rest area. It was there that I heard several different languages and realized just how international KL truly is.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours (attraction operation hours vary, however)
Address: Jalan Raja, City Centre
Website: http://www.visitkl.gov.my/visitklv2/index.php?r=column/cthree&id=55&place_id=979
Central Market
Central Market, also known as Pasar Seni, has a long history of being a landmark of the artistic community in KL. From 1928 until 1980, the marketplace was just a simple wet market, but then it was renovated and turned into an outlet area. Obviously, being an art-lover and creative myself, I knew I had to go. My hostel was located right outside of the Central Market, and because I arrived from the airport in the evening, I was able to see the market just as the last groups of visitors were exiting the doors and the street was being barricaded for the night. The next morning, the difference between the quiet hours and business hours was jarring. There was so much to see, and the sheer volume of people was exhilarating. Everywhere I turned, there were reasonably priced traditional wares like embroidered crafts and carvings, Borneo pearls, wood antiques, sculptures, batik, and Malaysian street food vendors. I found the Central Market to be the perfect sanctuary from the humidity and rain on several occasions, because the available merchandise was so diverse, as was the crowd.
Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 to 22:00
Location: Within walking distance of Merdeka Square, Chinatown and Pasar Seni bus and subway station.
Address: No. 10, 1st-3rd floor Jalan Hang Kasturi
Getting To Kuala Lumpur
When I went to Kuala Lumpur, I was already in Singapore. If you plan on seeing Singapore first, you can always take a train from the border of Singapore and enter Malaysia from there, then hop aboard a train at Johor Bahru. Otherwise, being that Kuala Lumpur airport is a central hub for international flights throughout SEA, it is easy to find a number of flights. Once you arrive, you can take the KL Express train from the airport terminal to KL Sentral station for a very reasonable price. You can also take a cab or a bus, as there are many of them available.
Hotels & Hostels in Kuala Lumpur
One thing that surprised me was how affordable staying in KL could be. Even higher-end hotels are still quite budget-friendly, especially for families and larger groups. There are a number of guesthouses, hostels, hotels, and even Airbnb locations available. Here are some examples of high rated accommodations throughout KL:
- Ceria Hotel Bukit Bintang
- The Explorers Guesthouse
- Orange Pekoe Guesthouse
- 1000 Miles – Merdeka Square
- Hotel Capitol Kuala Lumpur
- Dorsett Kuala Lumpur
- The Pearl Kuala Lumpur
- Grand Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur
- The ZON All Suites Residences on the Park
Conclusion
Kuala Lumpur was a whirlwind of a trip for me. Having seen many cities throughout the world, KL is one of those locations that make you breathless (and not just because of the heat). The city is so fast-paced at times that the trip went by in a flash, but the people and experiences have gifted me with amazing memories. For those seeking the same, Kuala Lumpur — and all of Malaysia — is a country that will inspire and delight all of your senses.
