Welcome to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city and a thriving melting pot of different cultures from around the region and the world. The blending of cultures in Kuala Lumpur gives the city a style all its own - a seemingly effortless dance of tradition and modernity, deep spirituality and exotic freedom. Moreover, Kuala Lumpur is known for being great value for money - whether it’s going out to dine, shop or for entertainment, KL comes across as egalitarian and inclusive for all tastes and budgets.
Malaysia's steamy capital is an often underrated Southeast Asian jewel. In many ways, 'KL' as it's affectionately known, is still a city growing into itself. Ultra-modern highrises sit cheek-by-jowl with traditional markets, rowdy street food strips, colonial-era buildings and Chinese-influenced shophouses. Much like the city itself, Kuala Lumpans are similarly diverse and eclectic - Malaysia's history is one of immigration and you'll find echoes of the country's past in Kuala Lumpur's architecture, food and subcultures.
In the districts surrounding the central business district, you'll find many of the city's top attractions including the renowned Petronas Towers and KLCC Park, the National Library, the National Gallery, and the Jalan Alor street food strip.
When staying in Kuala Lumpur for a long or short stay, don't miss out on the opportunity to see and experience some of Kuala Lumpur’s top attractions, cultural sites and local favourites.
Sample the best of Kuala Lumpur's best street food scene with a meal (or two) along the Jalan Alor food strip.
Visit the city's iconic Petronas Towers for a bird's eye panoramic view of the city, and wander the nearby KLCC Park.
Visit Kuala Lumpur's green heart, the Perdana Botanical Garden and the KL Bird Park.
Close to the botanical gardens, pay homage at the National Mosque of Malaysia and visit the National Museum close by.
Cruise for a bargain at one of Kuala Lumpur's neighbourhood street markets.
In Kuala Lumpur, you'll find what is probably the best example of the city's famed street food scene, the Jalan Alor food strip. Dining along the strip comes alive at night, so it's best to save your trip for dinner time. Located in Bukit Bintang, here you'll find everything from satay to dumplings and street food favourites from right across Asia. There are, of course, a few dishes you can't miss. Nasi Lemak is considered Malaysia's national dish - fragrant rice cooked in coconut cream and served with either fried fish or a chicken wing, sambal chilli sauce and peanuts, egg and cucumber slices. The Nasi Lemak, at Nasi Lemak Jalan Alor, is considered one of the city's best. Other must-try dishes include the chicken, beef and lamb satay from Restoran Wong Ah Wah, which is cooked to perfection.
The Petronas Twin Towers are an icon of modern Malaysia and a must-visit during your stay. Located in the centre of Kuala Lumpur, the towers are a hub for shopping, cultural events and international meetings and conventions. They're also the best place to take in the breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur from the towers' Skybridge, or observation deck on the 86th floor.
The nearby KLCC Park offers a cool respite from the hot tropical sun, a cool urban oasis ideal for a wander. Bordering the park, you'll find the Aquaria KLCC - Kuala Lumpur's premier aquarium - and the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
To the west Kuala Lumpur, you'll find KL's thriving green heart, the Perdana Botanical Garden and the KL Bird Park. The garden houses a colourful and mesmerising collection of native plants sectioned off into collections - the Hibiscus Park, the Sunken Garden, Herbarium, and Orchid Garden, just to name a few. You'll also meet some friendly four-legged locals at the onsite Deer Park.
Resting inside the borders of the botanic garden, the KL Bird Park is an eco-friendly fun day out for the whole family. Home to more than 3,000 endemic and overseas birds of approximately 200 different species, the 20-acre park includes a 'free fly' zone where birds wing above visitors.
Sitting adjacent to the Perdana Botanical Garden you'll find two of Malaysia's most important historical and religious sites, the National Museum of Malaysia and the National Mosque. At the National Museum, discover more about the history, arts, crafts and culture of Malaysia through the ages. Incredibly fascinating are the depictions of traditional Malaysian life on the ground floor.
At the National Mosque of Malaysia, appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the country's premier religious building and the nationwide symbol of Islam. The main prayer hall is surrounded by 48 smaller domes and set on over 13 acres of land. The most spectacular part of the mosque is the Grand Hall, where verses of the Koran decorate the walls.
Kuala Lumpur has a vibrant and exciting street market scene, and a stay in the city isn’t complete without a day spent hunting for a bargain. The best street market in Kuala Lumpur for souvenirs and fashion is Petaling Street in Chinatown. It's also a great place to grab some lunch. Chow Kit Market is Kuala Lumpur's largest wet market. It is well worth a visit to take in the bustling atmosphere and to marvel at the wide variety of seafood, vegetables, local tropical fruits and spices on display. Just to the north of Kuala Lumpur CBD, you'll find the Kampung Baru Sunday Market, a hub for KL's Malay community and an ideal place to pick up traditional Malay fashion such as sarongs, and songkoks. It's also a great place to chow down on delicious local Malay specialities.