Looking for things to do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia? Here’s our guide to the top activities and must-visit spots in KL, perfect for first-timers.
At the heart of Malaysia lies Kuala Lumpur (or KL as it’s affectionately known), one of Asia’s fastest-growing cities and Malaysia’s largest city, with 8.8 million residents.
We first visited Kuala Lumpur in 2019 during our five-month exploration of Asia. We hopped over from Singapore, and KL captivated us so much that we extended our stay by several days. Since then, we’ve returned to continue our adventures, as there’s much to see and experience in Malaysia’s capital city.
If this is your first trip to KL, here are 13 things you shouldn’t miss on a visit. We’ve also listed noteworthy attractions and spots in KL for those with more time, as well as tips for optimal timing and length of stay.
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Plan Your Kuala Lumpur Trip
13 Best Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
KL is Malaysia’s cultural, financial, and economic centre. Known for its modern skyline and vibrant street food scene, the city is a melting pot of cultures with Malay, Chinese and Indian influences coexisting harmoniously. There are also expansive shopping options and beautiful green spaces, so you won’t run out of things to explore.
Here’s our pick of the best activities and must-see spots that should be on your itinerary during a stay in KL.
Batu Caves
Just 35 minutes by train from central Kuala Lumpur are the natural limestone caves of Batu. Steeped in Hindu mythology and devotion, these caves have been an essential pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Did you know? The Batu Caves are believed to be approximately 400 million years old, even predating dinosaurs!
The caves are dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war. At the entrance of Batu Caves stands an iconic golden statue depicting Murugan at an astounding 43 metres (140 feet). It’s the second tallest statue of a Hindu deity in the world.
As you climb the 272 rainbow steps, keep an eye out for the mischievous monkeys who call this place home. Inside each cave are ornate Hindu shrines and statues for decoration.
Our Top Tips for Visiting Batu Caves
- Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and avoid the heat.
- You can easily reach the site via KTM Komuter (rail service) or Grab (Southeast Asia’s equivalent of Uber).
- Carry water with you. You’ll need it after climbing the stairs!
- Admire the monkeys from a safe distance. Keep hold of your phone and do not touch or open your bag. We saw monkeys snatching water bottles, sunglasses, and other items off tourists.
- We did this 3.5-hour tour to explore Batu Caves + KL’s countryside, including a visit to a pewter factory, batik factory, and rural Malay village – we highly recommend it!
Admission and opening hours: Entrance to the main Batu Cave is free, however, fees apply when visiting the other caves. Batu Caves are open daily from 7am-9pm.
Check availability and pricing of Batu Cave tours here.
Perdana Botanical Garden
Perdana Botanical Garden, also known as Taman Botani Perdana, spans 92 hectares and features intricately landscaped gardens, lush rainforests, and tranquil lakes. It was established as a colonial experimental garden in 1888.
As you wander through the botanical garden’s pathways, you’ll encounter various themed gardens. Among them, there’s the Hibiscus Garden, displaying Malaysia’s national flower, and the unique Fern Garden.
Our favourite spot in the garden is Laman Perdana, a square where activities and events take place. There’s the stunning Perdana Canopy, a yellow structure that stands out against nature and has become an Instagrammable hotspot.
Admission and opening hours: Perdana Botanical Garden is free to enter. It’s open from 7am-6pm Monday to Friday, and from 7am-8pm on the weekend.
Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman is one of KL’s oldest remaining traditional Malay houses and one of the hidden gems in the city. It was constructed between 1910 and the early 1930s.
The house is a masterpiece of Malay architecture. The intricate woodwork, traditional carvings, and authentic furnishings have been carefully restored to their former glory.
Did you know? A “Penghulu” refers to a Malay village headman or chief, and this house used to be the home of Penghulu Abu Seman.
Rumah Penghulu house can only be visited from the inside via guided tours. We truly enjoyed exploring and learning about this former village headman’s residence. It’s now surrounded by skyscrapers but still offers a glimpse into its past.
Top Tip: We strongly suggest taking a guided tour for a better overview and introduction to the house and Malay lifestyle; our guide offered fascinating anecdotes which brought its history alive!
Admission and opening hours: Access inside Rumah Penghulu house is only accessible via guided tours that cost MYR 20 for foreign visitors (approximately £3 or 4€ or US$4) and MYR 10 for Malaysian citizens and residents. Tours take place Tuesday to Saturday at 11am and 3pm.
Tickets for Rumah Penghulu can only be bought at the ticket office on-site.
Petronas Twin Towers
On your first trip to KL, you shouldn’t miss visiting the Petronas Twin Towers, also known as Petronas Towers or KLCC Twin Towers. They’re an integral part of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline.
Did you know? Petronas Towers hold the record as the world’s tallest twin buildings.
Completed in 1998, they held the title of the world’s tallest buildings until 2004.
The design of the Petronas Towers is inspired by Islamic art and culture. The towers’ floor plans are based on traditional Islamic geometric patterns, and the exterior features motifs and designs from Islamic architecture.
You can ascend to the 86th floor and enjoy breathtaking skyline views from its viewing platforms.
Our Top Tips for Visiting Petronas Twin Towers
- Purchase your tickets at least a week before, as tickets sell out quickly.
- If possible, opt for sunset viewing slots.
- Be prepared that you’ll be issued a coloured lanyard to wear around your neck, and you need to stay with the group of the same-coloured lanyards throughout your visit to the deck.
- We visited the observation decks of both Petronas Towers and KL Tower (covered later in this article). If we had to choose just one, we’d recommend KL Tower, which allows you to include the iconic Petronas Towers in your skyline pictures.
Admission and opening hours: The ticket for foreign visitors is MYR 98 (approximately £16 or 19€ or US$21) and MYR 35 for Malaysian citizens and residents. The observation decks are open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am-9pm; closed on Monday.
Buy your Petronas Twin Towers tickets here.
Petronas Twin Towers Official Website
KL Forest Eco Park
KL Forest Eco Park (or Taman Eko Rimba KL) is one of Malaysia’s oldest permanent forest reserves and one of the world’s oldest natural rainforests in an urban metropolis.
Established in 1906, this nine-hectare park features over 200 tree species and wildlife. It’s surrounded by buildings and skyscrapers and located next to one of Malaysia’s most well-known landmarks, KL Tower.
The park features one of the world’s longest canopy walkways, stretching 200 metres (656 feet).
You’ll find many websites that state that entry to the park is free, which is incorrect. Entry used to be free, but since January 2020, there’s been an admission fee. Due to ongoing restoration efforts from landslides in the park, we feel that the entry fee is a bit steep for what’s offered today. Nonetheless, we believe a visit remains worthwhile for first-time explorers because it’s one of the oldest natural rainforests within an urban setting.
Admission and opening hours: The entry fee to the park is 40 MYR for foreign visitors (approximately £7 or 8€ or US$8) and 10 MYR for Malaysian citizens and residents. The park is open daily from 8am-5:30pm daily.
Tickets for the Forest Eco Park can only be bought at the ticket office on-site.
Thean Hou Temple
Thean Hou Temple is one of Southeast Asia’s oldest and largest Chinese temples, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu. Comprised of six tiers, it combines traditional Chinese, Buddhist, and Taoist influences.
Built by Malaysia’s Hainanese community in 1989, this temple serves as a place of worship and cultural hub, hosting various festivals and events year-round.
You may spot a wedding ceremony during your visit, as this temple is also a popular location for Chinese weddings. Couples come here to have their marriage blessed by deities.
The temple is located on a hilltop, so don’t forget to enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline after exploring the temple.
Our Top Tips for Visiting Thean Hou Temple
- If you don’t enjoy a long walk up the hill, Grab (Southeast Asia’s equivalent of Uber) is your best way to reach the temple. We wouldn’t recommend a taxi as finding one for the return journey is quite challenging. We saw several people paying their taxi drivers extra so the driver would wait for them while they explored the temple.
- Plan to arrive before sunset and stay until after it has set. It’s an excellent spot to capture both KL’s skyline and an unforgettable sunset.
- As with all temples, please be respectful by dressing modestly; avoid wandering in wearing a crop top and mini skirt.
Admission and opening hours: Thean Hou Temple is free to explore. It’s open from 8am-10pm daily.
Chinatown (Petaling Street)
Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown is situated along Petaling Street and dates back to the mid-19th century when Chinese immigrants first settled here, bringing their customs and traditions with them.
Wander through Chinatown’s bustling streets, and you’ll come across the stalls selling everything from traditional crafts and clothing to herbal remedies and street food. Make sure to try out their legendary street food, such as Char Kway Teow (stir-fried noodles), Hainanese Chicken Rice, or Nasi Lemak (coconut rice) – prepared by skilled hawkers.
Top Tip: Plan your visit during the evening when Kuala Lumpur comes alive with bustling markets, colourful lights, and lively street activities. Make sure to haggle when shopping, and sample as much of the delicious street food as possible.
Admission and opening hours: Chinatown is free to explore and open 24/7.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building & Merdeka Square
The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is an iconic Moorish-style structure and one of Kuala Lumpur’s most stunning structures. Built during British colonial rule in 1897 to house colonial administration offices, its intricate detailing – from arched windows to copper domes – reflects the rich architectural traditions of that era.
In front of the building is Merdeka Square, which means ‘Independence Square’. The square holds great historical significance: on 31st August 1957, Malaysia’s first Prime Minister declared independence from colonial rule from this location.
While you can’t go inside the building, the building makes for an impressive sight from Merdeka Square outside, a must-do activity in KL for history and culture enthusiasts!
Top Tip: Make sure to explore the area surrounding the Sultan Abdul Samad Building by taking a stroll along its waterfront pathway, which is right behind the building. It offers stunning views of the Klang River.
Admission and opening hours: It’s free to admire the building and square from outside, and it’s open 24/7.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple stands as an impressive testament to Malaysia’s religious diversity. Established in 1873, this Hindu temple is the oldest in Kuala Lumpur.
With colourful sculptures and mythological deities adorning its intricate facade, Sri Maha Mariamman captures the essence of Hindu mythology. It’s dedicated to Mariamman, who is revered for her healing powers.
We were lost for words as the temple is so magnificent!
Top Tip: You must take your shoes off when entering the temple. You can store them for a small fee of MYR 0.30 (less than £/€/US$0.10) next to the entrance.
Admission and opening hours: Visiting Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is free. It’s open from 6am-8pm on Monday, 6am-8:30pm on Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday, 6am-9:30pm on Friday, and 6am-9pm on Saturday.
Jalan Masjid India
Jalan Masjid India, which translates to “Indian Mosque Street”, is an iconic Kuala Lumpur street named after one of its local mosques. As one of KL’s oldest districts and an important heritage hub of the local Indian community, this street boasts bustling bazaars and market stalls selling textiles, jewellery, spices, snacks, traditional attire and much more.
Along the street, you’ll encounter various architectural styles ranging from colonial-era structures to more contemporary ones.
Top Tip: Jalan Masjid India is famous for its lively night market, which runs each Saturday evening from 5pm to 11pm. Due to its popularity, it can become very crowded! If you prefer a less crowded experience, arrive early when it opens. This allows you to explore all stalls more leisurely before the crowds arrive.
Immerse yourself by sampling local street food like samosas and biryanis, as well as sweet delicacies such as gulab jamun. Don’t forget to bargain with vendors, as it’s part of the market culture.
Admission and opening hours: Exploring Jalan Masjid India is free and can be done 24/7.
Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower)
Menara KL, known as Kuala Lumpur Tower or KL Tower, is one of Malaysia’s most iconic architectures. Standing at 421 metres (1,381 feet), this telecommunications and broadcasting tower is one of the tallest freestanding towers worldwide. Visiting the KL Tower is definitely a must-do activity in KL!
There’s an indoor observation deck at 276 metres (906 feet). In addition, there’s also an outdoor deck (“Sky Deck”) at a height of 300 metres (984 feet).
Extending from the ledge of Sky Deck, you’ll find “Sky Box”, an enclosed glass cube which allows for a bird’s-eye view of the city.
Our Top Tips for Visiting KL Tower
- The KL Tower provides, by far, the best view of Kuala Lumpur’s cityscape (even better than from Petronas Twin Towers!).
- There are several ticket options: you can buy tickets for the indoor observation deck alone or purchase combination tickets that also give you access to Sky Deck and/or Sky Box.
- We highly recommend the tickets that include access to the SkyDeck, as its outdoor views are truly magnificent.
- We received a local tip to purchase tickets on Klook (which we did!), where discounted tickets are available and cheaper than on the official website itself.
- If you buy a ticket for the Sky Box (glass cube): When reaching level 5, you’ll be assigned a number for pictures. If you visit with someone else, grab a number for each person, as each number will give you 90 seconds of picture time in the box.
Admission and opening hours: KL Tower tickets for foreign visitors from the official KL Tower website are MYR 60 (approximately £10 or 12€ or US$13) for the indoor observation deck and MYR 110 (approximately £18 or 21€ or US$23) for both the indoor and outdoor observation decks – but you can get them cheaper from the link below. KL Tower is open daily from 9am-10pm.
Buy discounted KL Tower tickets here.
Shopping Malls
Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its shopping opportunities with more than 60 malls to explore. Visiting at least one of the malls is definitely one of the best activities to do while in KL – even if you’re not a shopaholic!
One mall we recommend is Pavilion Kuala Lumpur in the uber-trendy Bukit Bintang district. This shopping mecca reminded us a lot of Singapore’s Orchard Road. Spanning ten floors, Pavilion KL boasts over 700 stores that provide something for every taste and preference; dining options and cinema tickets complete its offering.
Another iconic destination is Berjaya Times Square, boasting over 1,000 retail shops. What sets this mall apart is its indoor theme park (Malaysia’s largest one) with thrilling roller coasters located on levels 5-7.
Admission and opening hours: Malls in Kuala Lumpur are free for everyone to explore, with most stores open from 10am-10pm daily.
Jalan Alor Food Street
Kuala Lumpur isn’t only famous for its shopping opportunities; it’s also renowned for its mouthwatering street food scene. When visiting KL, make sure to stop by Jalan Alor, one of the busiest food streets worldwide. The 500-metre-long (1,640-feet-long) street is known for serving up an assortment of both local and international cuisine, making it a unique cultural experience to do in KL.
Jalan Alor’s history can be traced back to the colonial era when it was a red-light district. Over the years, it has transformed into a lively food street with eateries that operate under the stars.
Top Tip: Visit Jalan Alor in the evening when the street comes alive. Most eateries start their set-up around 5pm. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to go there between 5pm-7pm.
Unfortunately, we lost our camera’s SD card with pictures from Jalan Alor during our trip (you can’t believe how upset we were!). So, here’s a YouTube video from Walk & Travel that gives you a glimpse of what Jalan Alor is like:
Admission and opening hours: Exploring Jalan Alor is free, while food prices are generally considered budget-friendly. The main street is open 24/7, so you can visit at any time of the day. The eateries typically start around 5pm and close around midnight or 1am.
Other Sights & Activities in Kuala Lumpur
For our city guides, we carefully select attractions and spots that we believe are the very best things to do and see. Below are additional things to do in KL that didn’t make it on the final list of the must-see sights & activities. Should you have more time during your trip, here are a few extra attractions worth seeing:
Sunway Lagoon – An immense seven-park attraction just 15 minutes outside KL that provides thrilling rides, water features, and wildlife encounters! The park is much larger than we expected; if you have an entire day to spare in KL, this could make an excellent way of spending it.
National Mosque of Malaysia (Masjid Negara) – An Islamic architectural masterpiece and prominent religious site in Kuala Lumpur. If you have experienced all 13 must-see spots covered in this article, visiting this mosque might be worthwhile. Just be aware of the strict dress regulations. When we visited, many visitors were provided complimentary robes to ensure they dressed modestly and women had their heads covered properly.
Aquaria KLCC – An aquarium showcasing a diverse range of marine life. We found Aquaria KLCC to be relatively small compared to some other aquariums we’ve visited (like S.E.A. Aquarium in Singapore and L’Oceanografic in Spain).
Bus Tour – Explore KL from a unique vantage point by embarking on a sightseeing bus tour. We purchased this 24-hour pass with KL Hop-On Hop-Off, which was surprisingly cheap compared to bus tours in other cities but provided an enjoyable experience.
Genting Highlands – Experience strawberry farms, mountain scenery, a relatively undisturbed natural rainforest, and cooler temperatures at Genting Highlands, about 45 minutes away from KL. This resort destination also boasts exciting activities like a theme park and a casino. You can easily book a day tour from KL to Genting Highlands (as we did) to get a taste of Malaysia’s vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery; it was one of our highlights when visiting Malaysia!
Best Time to Visit Kuala Lumpur
Perfect month to visit: February
Kuala Lumpur’s tropical climate makes it an all-year destination. While temperatures generally remain the same year-round, rainfall days and sunshine hours vary, which may affect your experience of Kuala Lumpur.
If you’re looking for the ideal time to visit KL, February provides the optimal conditions. With the lowest rainfall rates and plenty of sunshine, February provides an enjoyable setting to explore KL and its diverse range of activities to do.
As illustrated in our graphic above, May to August is also an excellent choice, offering a good balance of rainy days and sunshine hours. January and March also have favourable weather conditions.
The other months usually experience more rainy days and/or fewer sunshine hours. Yet, these months still provide rewarding opportunities to experience the city.
How Long to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
Perfect duration to visit: 4 days
The ideal duration for your visit to Kuala Lumpur depends on your travel preferences and planned activities. We recommend 4 full days to fully experience KL’s main landmarks and cultural experiences. Although you could probably see all the highlights within 2-3 days, you might find yourself rushed.
Additionally, this duration will allow you to visit nearby attractions like Genting Highlands.
Visiting KL: FAQ
As you plan your trip to Kuala Lumpur, here are some commonly asked questions about visiting KL:
Is Kuala Lumpur worth a visit?
Yes, Kuala Lumpur offers a unique mix of modern skyscrapers, historical landmarks, delectable food, and vibrant cultural experiences.
Is Kuala Lumpur tourist-friendly?
Absolutely! Kuala Lumpur is known for its welcoming atmosphere and easy navigation. Most locals speak English, and the city provides numerous transportation options to accommodate its visitors.
Should I carry cash in Kuala Lumpur?
Though most places accept credit cards, it’s wise to keep some cash handy for small vendors and local markets.
Is Kuala Lumpur expensive?
Although Kuala Lumpur is the most expensive place to live in Malaysia, it remains relatively budget-friendly when compared with other major Asian capitals. According to the Mercer Cost of Living City Ranking, Kuala Lumpur ranks 180th out of 227 cities worldwide. For comparison, Hong Kong claims the top spot, followed by Singapore at #2, Seoul at #16, and Tokyo at #19.
What is special in Kuala Lumpur?
Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its iconic Petronas Twin Towers, diverse street food, bustling markets, and a rich cultural blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences.
Can you wear shorts in Kuala Lumpur?
While shorts are acceptable in casual settings, it’s recommended to dress modestly when visiting religious sites or attending cultural events.
Wrap-Up: Best Activities & Attractions in KL
Malaysia’s capital was an outstanding experience for us. KL won us over with its vibrant cultural landscape, iconic landmarks, and varied dining scene – not to mention warm hospitality from locals and affordable shopping opportunities! Batu Caves‘ breathtaking limestone formations and Perdana Botanical Garden‘s lush surroundings were unforgettable sights for us!
We hope our suggestions have provided ample ideas for your own KL itinerary. Are you ready to explore Kuala Lumpur?
12 comments
I’ve never been to Malaysia but it is now on my list. The photos are so colourful and enticing. Saving for later.
Thanks, Sharyn!
I hope to visit KL again someday. We loved it and had the best food tour EVER there. Such a wonderful mix of ethnic delicious food!
Yes, there is so much to see and do in KL! Always worth a trip back ❤️
On the travel wish list! Would love to visit Kuala Lumpur but have not started any planning. So this post is a great helpful starting point. I love the variety in the different kinds of sights we could visit. And we would love to experience it from sunrise to sunset to lit after dark!
Great to hear, Linda! With all the amazing sights, you definitely won’t regret a trip to Kuala Lumpur!