Top 9 Sights in Kuala Lumpur: Exploring the Vibrant City

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is a mesmerizing city that blends modernity with rich cultural heritage. As one of Southeast Asia’s most popular tourist destinations, Kuala Lumpur, short KL, offers a plenty attractions that captivate visitors from all over the world. From soaring skyscrapers to historical landmarks, vibrant street markets to serene green spaces, this city has something for everyone. In this article, we will delve into the top 9 sights in Kuala Lumpur, ensuring you have an unforgettable experience in this bustling metropolis.

How to Get to Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is served by the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), located approximately 50 kilometers south of the city center. KLIA is a major hub, welcoming numerous international flights from around the world. Additionally, there is another airport called the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (also known as Subang Airport) that caters to domestic flights and some regional destinations. From the airports, you have several options to reach the city center of Kuala Lumpur:

Airport Express Train: The KLIA Ekspres is a convenient and fast train service that connects both KLIA and KLIA2 (a terminal dedicated to low-cost carriers) to the city center. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, and trains operate at frequent intervals. It will cost you 55 MYR (10% discount when booking online) which is around 11€ per person.
Airport Shuttle Buses: Several shuttle bus services operate between the airports and the city center. These buses offer a more economical option and provide transportation to various locations within Kuala Lumpur. It is also the cheapest way to get to the city center.
Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services: Taxis are readily available at the airport terminals. Make sure to use the authorized taxi counters and request the metered fare. Alternatively, you can opt for ride-sharing services such as Grab for a more convenient and potentially cheaper ride. We used Grab and paid 65 MYR (13€/15$) for the 1-hour drive to our hotel.

How to Get Around in Kuala Lumpur

We can’t really recommend taking the public transportation system. At least for us, it was pretty confusing as you need different cards (or coins) and the lines have different names/providers. Also, Kuala Lumpur has a hot, humid climate and you’ll sweat a lot. But the coaches of the trains are freezing cold, so it’s easy to get a cold.

Additionally, we think it isn’t that much cheaper in comparison to apps, such as Grab or Maxim. Especially Maxim is pretty cheap and it often is cheaper for 2 persons to use Maxim than taking the metro.

Keep in mind that Maxim can take longer as there aren’t that many drivers. So if you’re in a hurry, always take Grab (or a licensed taxi but we never did that as Grab works reliable). Most of the times, you only have to wait 3-5 mins and the driver speak English as well.

Where to Stay and Eat in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some popular areas to consider when choosing your stay in the city:

Chow Kit: A neighborhood worth considering is Chow Kit, known for its bustling markets and local charm. It offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals and is a haven for budget travelers. It doesn’t have many famous sights around but it’s close to all the main sights of KL. We stayed our first 3 nights in Chow Kit. We loved The Chow Kit – an Ormond Hotel as we had a corner room with a stunning city view. We also stayed at MoMo’s Kuala Lumpur which is right next to The Chow Kit but a more budget option.
KL City Center (KLCC): This area is known for its luxurious hotels, upscale shopping malls, and proximity to iconic attractions like the Petronas Twin Towers. It offers a convenient location and is ideal for those seeking a blend of comfort and easy access to major sights. We stayed one week in the Scarletz Suites but we also think that Ceylonz Suites offer a decent (maybe even better) location. Another good (and luxury) option is the W Kuala Lumpur.
Bukit Bintang: Famous for its vibrant shopping and entertainment scene, Bukit Bintang is a bustling area with numerous hotels, restaurants, and nightlife options. It appeals to both shopaholics and those looking for a lively atmosphere.

When it comes to food, we can recommend the following restaurants: Base Camp for lunch, The Chow Kit Kitchen & Bar for an exquisite dinner experience, MoMo’s for burgers. We had one of the best pizzas in whole Asia at Heritage Pizza. It’s more pricey when you’re used to Asian prices but it’s definitely worth it! For breakfast and lunch, there is After One which offers amazing waffles and sandwiches (and much more). We can also recommend H.E. Butter for a lunch sandwich while Amazon Vegan has the best vegan burgers!

1. Petronas Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers, an architectural marvel and an emblem of Kuala Lumpur, dominate the city’s skyline. Soaring to a height of 452 meters, these identical towers were once the tallest buildings in the world. They are still the world’s largest twin towers!

Visitors can take an elevator to the Skybridge on the 41st floor for a panoramic view of the city. The observation deck on the 86th floor offers breathtaking vistas, especially during sunset. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture stunning photos of this magnificent landmark. You can also go inside the Suria KLCC, a big shopping mall which is inside the Petronas Towers.

2. KLCC Park

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at KLCC Park, an oasis of greenery nestled at the foot of the Petronas Twin Towers. This meticulously landscaped park offers a tranquil retreat, complete with a symphony lake, walking paths, and a children’s playground. Grab a picnic mat and soak in the serenity while marveling at the towering skyscrapers that surround the park. There is a light show every night between 7.30pm and 10pm (with and without music) behind the Petronas towers where the park starts.

Pro Tip: the best location to take a picture of you with the Petronas Towers is not in front of the Petronas Towers where everybody takes pictures and where a lot of „photographers“ want to sell their services. The best place is above the swimming pool and the small „waterfalls“ inside the KLCC park. There won’t be any tourists and it’s perfect to take the best shot!

3. Batu Caves

Just a short distance outside Kuala Lumpur (around 15km/10mi), Batu Caves beckon visitors with its awe-inspiring limestone formations and sacred temples. There is a metro station (also called „Batu Caves“) just next to this famous sight, so it’s easy to get there by public transportation. We used a Grab and it only took us 15 minutes from the Chow Kit neighborhood and cost us 15 MYR (3€). We recommend going there for sunrise as there aren’t many tourists and the traffic is alright.

The colossal golden statue of Lord Murugan with a height of 42,7 meters stands guard at the entrance, welcoming devotees and tourists alike. The admission is free! Ascend the 272 steep colorful steps to explore the main cavern, known as Cathedral Cave, housing several Hindu shrines. Be aware of the monkeys as they might steal your hat or sunglasses.

4. Merdeka Square

Steeped in history, Merdeka Square, also known as Dataran Merdeka, is a significant landmark in Kuala Lumpur. It was here that Malaysia’s independence was proclaimed in 1957. The square is surrounded by grand colonial buildings, including the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the Royal Selangor Club. Take a leisurely stroll and admire the Moorish-inspired architecture, or witness the flag-raising ceremony that takes place here every morning.

5. KL Tower

We decided not to go on top of the Petronas Towers but on top of the KL Tower to have the best view of the iconic Petronas Towers and the second highest building in the world, the PNB 118. The KL Tower is 421 meters high and the sky deck is located at 300 meters. So it’s a great option to see the skyline of Kuala Lumpur from above.

We decided to go on the sky deck, the sky boxes and the observation deck. You can buy the sky deck and the sky boxes as a combo ticket for 110 MYR (around 22€), the observation deck will cost you 60 MYR (12€). For us, the highlight definitely is the sky boxes.

Usually, you only have 1 minute and 30 seconds inside of each box because there are so many visitors. So arrive at 9 am when to tower opens! We arrived at 9.20 am and were the first ones, so we could spend around 10 minutes in each box which is amazing! The sky deck also offers a 360 degree view of the city. Make sure to go there when it’s sunny and the view is clear.

If you go to the sky boxes and the sky deck, you don’t need to spend the money to go to the observation deck. It’s a bit older and it’s not outside and fully glassed. The observation deck is also lower than the sky deck, so you’ll see everything from the sky deck.

6. Chinatown

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, located in the heart of the city. This bustling neighborhood is a paradise for food enthusiasts, with its plethora of street food stalls and traditional Chinese restaurants. Try some famous delicacies like char kway teow, dim sum, and Hainanese chicken rice. Don’t forget to explore the vibrant night market, Petaling Street, where you can shop for souvenirs and eat traditional Chinese food.

We didn’t like it that much there as there were too many people (and also many shady people) and there is so much fake stuff that they sell. It’s a nice experience to taste different dishes but, at least for us, that’s it.

7. Thean Hou Temple

Nestled atop a hill, Thean Hou Temple is a majestic Chinese temple that offers breathtaking views of the city. Dedicated to the goddess Tian Hou (The Heavenly Mother), this architectural masterpiece is adorned with intricate carvings, ornate roofs, and vibrant colors. Explore the prayer halls, light incense sticks, and soak in the tranquil ambiance. If you’re in KL during Chinese New Year, then definitely go there when the temple is beautifully decorated and buzzing with festive celebrations.

Go too Thean Hou at 8am in the morning, right when the temple opens. Then, there won’t be that many tourists and you can get beautiful pictures as well.

8. Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan

The Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan, also known as the Federal Territory Mosque, is located a bit outside of the city center of Kuala Lumpur. We took a Grab and only paid 12 MYR (2,40€) from the City Center. It is open from 10 am until 3.30 pm. Be aware of the prayer times and behave respectful.

The mosque itself was completed in 2000 and can fit up to 17.000 worshippers at one time. Once you arrive there, you have to put off your shoes and you will be welcomed by friendly volunteers. The admission is free and they also offer a free tour which takes around 1 hour. They will provide many information about the mosque but about the basics of the Islam as well. It is donation based, so you may give what you want to give.

9. Secret Tip: Heli Lounge Bar

Heli Lounge offers a 360 degree view of Kuala Lumpur and you’ll see all of the main attractions of KL from above. It used to be a helipad but it was transformed into a stunning sky bar. We definitely recommend going there for sunset as you’ll see the city at day and night and it’s not so hot anymore.

It’s not cheap as it’s 100 MYR (20€/22$) per person but there are already 2 cocktails per person included. But cocktails (or better alcohol in general) is pretty expensive anyways, so it’s perfect to treat yourself after a long day of sightseeing.

Conclusion

Kuala Lumpur is a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, offering a captivating experience for every traveler. We love all 9 sights mentioned in this article and we hope they provide a glimpse into the diverse attractions that make Kuala Lumpur truly remarkable. From iconic landmarks to cultural enclaves, there is no shortage of unique experiences awaiting you in this vibrant city.

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