The capital of Malaysia (otherwise known as KL) is situated in the valley of the Gombak and Klang rivers on the Malacca Peninsula. The eastern part of the country is located on the island of Borneo. They are separated by the South China Sea, which plays an important role in shaping Malaysia’s equatorial climate features.
This young metropolis quickly transformed from a small tin mining settlement into a popular center of world tourism. Here, you will find everything: beach resorts, nightclubs to suit any taste, cheap and varied shopping, and unforgettable architectural and natural attractions.
It’s convenient to get acquainted with the country by staying for at least a week, but if you’re in the city for a short visit, it’s useful to know in advance what to see in Kuala Lumpur in one day. A convenient and budget-friendly option is the Hop On Hop Off bus tour. The ticket is valid for 24 or 48 hours, allowing you to hop on and off at any stop of interest.
Petronas Towers
The city’s architectural ensembles harmoniously combine different styles: traditional Chinese, Indian, and European designs. Ancient mosques stand alongside skyscrapers that amaze the world with their form, height, and original elements. Among them are the famous 88-story Petronas Towers (Malaysians consider the number 8 lucky). These towers are regarded as the tallest twin towers in the world (they rank 21st in height among individual buildings at 452 meters).
The unique skyscrapers were designed by Argentine architect César Pelli. The towers were inaugurated in 1999. They now house offices of renowned global corporations, shopping centers, a museum, and more. The best view of the ensemble is from the observation deck in the building opposite or from the Skybridge that connects the giants. It spans two floors (41st and 42nd) and is considered the highest two-story sky bridge, capable of sliding into the towers in case of swaying.
The main observation deck is on the 86th floor, equipped with railings and glass windows for safety. From this height, all the buildings in the city seem like ordinary low-rise structures. A helicopter flight over the towers and the city is especially impressive. Tickets for tours of the towers (with no more than 1,000 people per day) need to be booked in advance. If you can’t get a ticket, the towers’ beauty and grandeur can still be appreciated from the ground due to the stunning illumination of the spires and domes at night.
Petrosains Museum
On the 4th and 5th floors of both towers is the Science Museum. The entrance is from the Kuala Lumpur City Centre shopping mall (4th floor). The initial idea behind its creation was to show the process of oil extraction by oil companies (Malaysia is a leading oil trader). The exhibition includes samples of the equipment used and an introduction to the methods of oil refining. The museum’s theme gradually expanded to include modern interactive installations showcasing many laws and phenomena of physics and chemistry.
The museum tour begins with a ride in a special carriage shaped like a drop of oil. Screens inside show films about natural resources and their use. Fascinating exhibits create a real sense of involvement in earthquakes and battles with powerful hurricanes. You can drive through Formula I tracks or lie on real nails. Stroll through a prehistoric forest alongside dinosaurs among majestic ferns.
You can see how liquid passes through different types of soil. The cinema hall shows scientific films in 3D. The museum attracts the interest of both schoolchildren and adults. The Museum’s exhibits are educationally designed phenomena from various natural sciences, earning it a place among the world’s largest science museums.
Central Park
Elements of ancient cultural traditions and the unique nature of Malaysia have been preserved in an extraordinary way among the skyscrapers, temples, and noisy and very quiet streets of the city. The country’s rich past is not forgotten and is included in its eternal attractions. The rich list includes a fabulous oasis with original recreation areas – Central Park.
Among tropical palms, surrounded by rare plants, under the sounds of cascading water, you can hear children’s laughter and music. Plants brought from all over the world create an atmosphere of eternal celebration amid the natural kingdom. The park is located near the Petronas Towers in the city center. A walking path starts nearby.
The main idea of the landscape designers was to show the value of the tropical forest and create a corner of peace and quiet in a noisy modern city. Among the park’s alleys, 23 rare (old) trees from the racetrack club territory were planted. An artificial lake with a 42-meter-high fountain was created. The park opened in 1980.
Residents bring their children to swim in a safe (free) open pool, a small water park, or the streams of a real waterfall during tropical heat. The playground is equipped with slides, swings, and attractions. Numerous fountains, mysterious bridges, cozy gazebos, and charming paths in the shade of exotic plants add to the park’s allure.
In the evenings, the park hosts musical fountain shows. For active recreation enthusiasts, there is a convenient sports track. During the walk, you can admire the architecture of the towers, the main symbol of the city, for a long time.
Aquaria KLCC
Exploring the mysteries of the underwater world of Asia’s tropical waters is offered without a scuba diver, but through a journey in a modern aquarium. It is located in the Golden Triangle of the capital, near the famous towers. Several floors of the complex house the necessary habitat for 5,000 different marine and land inhabitants. They are comfortable, cozy, and easy to observe, revealing the lives of the animals inhabiting the ocean depths.
The exhibits are located along a 90-meter tunnel. The glass path is designed as a road along the ocean floor. Nearby are fearsome tiger sharks, ancient sea turtles, unpredictable rays, angry piranhas, and octopuses. Live shows like divers feeding the sea inhabitants are held at specific times. In the touch tank section, you can touch real starfish and crabs. There is an unusual attraction where you can peek inside the aquarium through a special opening.
The aquarium journey starts in the mountainous area with mangrove forests, jungles, and coral reefs. A separate exhibit features representatives from Malaysia’s rainforests. Currently, 53% of the country’s territory is covered by forests. In the past, the entire eastern part (Borneo island) was occupied by rainforests. These forests have 2,000 types of trees and 15,000 species of vascular plants, including the world’s largest flower (with a diameter of one meter).
Forest Eco Park
The ecological problem in the modern world has become a major issue for all countries. The development of chemical, atomic, and other industries is necessary for society, but along with benefits, they cause irreparable harm to nature. The climate changes, unique animal and plant species disappear. In Malaysia, the deforestation of ancient forests became a big problem. The country’s economy demanded the expansion of palm oil production. Instead of ecological rainforests, new palm plantations appeared.
With them, birds disappeared, the number of orangutans (permanent residents of the country) decreased, the population of the rare rhinoceros species diminished, and the fauna became poorer. The desire to preserve the pristine heritage of the mountainous country for future generations is expressed in the creation of the Forest Eco Park in the big city. It is accessible to residents and guests and amazes with the beauty of real jungles with natural paths taken from Mother Nature.
Among the thickets, you find suspension bridges, fairy-tale formations of vines, unexpected corners adorned with blooming orchids. There are many rare forest plants here, all labeled with signs. With a guide, you can learn full information about each of them in one of the world’s most unusual parks.
Menara Tower
It seems that high-rise buildings have appeared on our planet quite recently. The first skyscraper is considered to be the Insurance Company building in Chicago. It had only 10 floors and a height of 42 meters. By the end of 2019, 4,953 structures reaching for the stars had been built worldwide. Among them are residential skyscrapers and ultra-high television towers. Currently, there are 90 of them in Malaysia, including the famous television tower in the country’s capital.
The building was constructed in 1996. To reach the top at 421 meters, you must ascend over two thousand steps. You can take the high-speed elevator (its appearance was a technological breakthrough in high-rise construction). Among buildings of this type, it ranks 7th in the world. The tower has open and closed observation platforms at different heights with 360-degree views.
It’s hard to find a place that offers such a view of the city, its surroundings, and the famous Petronas Towers. During a one-day visit to the city, it’s worthwhile to spend time in the revolving restaurant Atmosphere 360 and combine useful action with pleasant entertainment. The restaurant completes a full circle in an hour.
During this time, you can try national dishes and see the beautiful modern city. Visiting the open platform is interesting (great photos can be taken here). It has two Sky Box cubes with glass floors and walls. Walking on the transparent floor at a height (almost next to the clouds) provides an additional adrenaline rush and emotions.
When purchasing a ticket, you are asked to sign a document confirming your medical fitness to be at such a height and taking responsibility. Nearby the tower are a mini-zoo, an upside-down house, and an aquarium. In the evening, you can see the unusual “Garden of Light” tower illumination.
Independence Square
In the capital of any state, there is a special place where major holidays and celebrations take place, and anthems are played in honor of significant events. In Kuala Lumpur, such a celebratory zone, a symbol of the people’s victory, or Independence Day “Hari Merdeka,” is Independence Square.
The country gained independence from the British Empire in 1957. On August 31, flags of the country fluttered on the square in the city center. Since then, grand parades have been held here. On the large green area of the square, artists perform, carnivals take place, and fireworks light up the sky.
The festive area is surrounded by preserved colonial British buildings. They were built in the traditional Moorish style designed by architect A.C. Norman. These include the City Hall architectural complex, the Information Department, and the Main Post Office building.
Numerous arched colonnades are an original element of the buildings’ facades. The ensemble, created by one author, harmoniously fits into the surroundings with alleys of tropical palms, flower beds, and original fountains. In the background, you can see the Royal Selangor Club building.
It is still operational, but only Malaysians who were educated in England can be members. While walking through the square, you can see the famous Sultan Abdul Samad Building with its 40-meter tower adorned with a golden dome and clock. The Supreme Court of the country is located here.
At Merdeka Square (next to the giant I Love KL gallery letters), you can take an interesting sightseeing tour (free). It creates a special effect in the evening when the square’s buildings light up with beautiful illumination.
Masjid Jamek Mosque
Every city has a place where its life began, where the first inhabitants built their homes. Most often, settlements arose on the banks of rivers and seas. The unique energy and power of the future capital of the country manifested itself at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang rivers. The currents do not carry away the history of the Motherland but reveal its secrets and traditions to descendants. As a testament to the ancient energy, the Masjid Jamek Mosque (an eternal symbol of the city) was built in this place.
The Muslim shrine is considered the oldest mosque in the capital. It was designed by Hubbock (an English architect). The building’s typical Moorish style resembles the Mogul mosques in North India. The elegant structure features red and white hues, three domes with onion tops, beautiful arcade elements, numerous turrets, and two minarets. One of the prayer hall entrances provides access to the inner courtyard, where the graves of prominent Malaysian figures are located.
The mosque’s last renovation was completed in 2017. The park and fountains surrounding the mosque create a special coziness, quietness, and tranquility. Women receive hijabs with hoods, and men get skirts in the form of pants at the entrance, allowing them to enter the mosque and even take photos. The journey can continue along the city street (Tuanku Abdul Rahman), where the most beautiful buildings of Kuala Lumpur, built in the 20th century, stand.
Bird Park
The bright colors of the tropical world are reflected not only in exotic plants. The living continuation of the colorful fairy tale is the “flying flowers” or feathered inhabitants of the mountainous country. You can admire and observe them for as long as you like. Graceful colorful parrots can even engage in lively conversations with visitors, which children especially enjoy. Therefore, visiting Bird Park is considered an attractive continuation of the journey through the Botanical Garden.
The park’s feature is the creation of conditions for the life and reproduction of feathered inhabitants. The park consists of four different zones. In zones 1 and 2, birds fly freely. The aviaries resemble a natural environment. In zone 3, hornbills live. Separate cages are placed in zone 4 (for predators).
Among the park’s inhabitants, you can see ostriches, crested eagles, rare ducks, pink flamingos, and thoughtful owls. There are 2,000 species of birds in the park. Along with tours, you can visit the incubator and participate in bird feeding shows. The city’s Bird Park is one of the largest open aviaries in the world.
Butterfly Park
Many of us know no more than 10 butterfly names. We look at not-so-pleasant caterpillars with surprise, assuming that a beautiful creation of nature similar to an unusual flower will emerge from them. There are many of them in the tropics. You can see butterflies and delve into the natural secrets of their emergence in Kuala Lumpur’s unique park. Over 6,000 colorful beauties live here. The park creates natural conditions for butterflies among the necessary tropical plants.
Almost 15,000 plants are planted in the park, forming a tropical forest atmosphere. Many species are accustomed to visitors and do not shy away, allowing for long observations. Sometimes butterflies calmly land on the hands of walking people. Special tables with favorite treats of fruits and flowers are set up for the park’s residents. Protective nets are installed in certain places.
With tours, you can visit the nursery and observe the process of a pupa turning into a butterfly (this usually happens early in the morning).
The park also houses the Insect Museum. Besides a rich collection of butterflies gathered from all over the world, you can see familiar dragonflies, stick insects, beetles resembling tree leaves, and mantises. The park is considered the largest in the world. By the way, Malaysia (in Kampung Kuantan village) has the world’s largest and rarest collection of fireflies.
Perdana Botanical Garden
There comes a moment when you feel tired and overwhelmed by the architectural attractions of Kuala Lumpur. You can rest in unusual silence surrounded by wonderful plants on the city’s outskirts in Malaysia’s oldest Botanical Garden (formerly called “Lake Gardens”). The park was opened in 1888 on the initiative of Alfred Venning (a British treasurer). The first exotic plants appeared on its territory, an artificial lake, waterfalls, and flower beds were created.
Convenient paths and beautiful alleys run through hilly terrain to a lake immersed in tropical vegetation. Along the way, you can see a sausage tree from Africa, a rainbow eucalyptus, an umbrella palm, a majestic baobab, a plumeria with white flowers, and a Thai tree. In the past, paper was made from a shrub resembling a toothbrush, which was durable, non-yellowing, and fire-resistant. Ancient Buddhist texts, still preserved today, are written on such paper.
Next to the shaded pond, heliconias, varieties of ginger flowers, and a collection of cycads with fruits of various shapes are nestled. Rare cacti and ferns are housed in small gardens under glass roofs. Several types of palms grow in the garden. A section with medicinal herbs and spices is located separately. Roofs and houses are built on some trees.
They provide shelter during warm tropical showers. You can extend your journey through the Botanical Garden by visiting the Bird Park, Butterfly Park, Deer Park, and Orchid Garden. The park includes the Planetarium, the Museum of Islamic Art, and the Police Museum. You can walk along the illuminated paths in the evening. Entrance is free. It is easy to get here on the tourist bus KL Hop-On-Hop-Off.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Malaysia’s population is characterized by a high percentage of diverse nationalities. Here, the history of immigrants from India and China continues, along with the traditions and religions of their peoples. Religions coexist peacefully in the country.
Buddhist stupas, Hindu, Shinto temples, mosques, and churches stand side by side, harmoniously complementing the country’s history. Among them stands the extraordinarily beautiful Sri Mahamariamman Temple (the oldest and wealthiest religious structure among Malaysia’s Hindu temples). It was built in 1873 by immigrants from southern India as a family shrine.
The building’s facade was made in the style of southern India’s palace buildings. The need for compatriots to have an element of their culture and the continuation of native traditions turned the unusual temple into public property. The temple was later moved to another location, carefully dismantled piece by piece. The building is adorned with 228 sculptures of Hindu gods.
A tower with decorations of precious stones and gold rises above the entrance. The temple is dedicated to the popular Indian goddess Maha Mariamman (one of the manifestations of Shiva’s wife), a protector against various diseases and epidemics. The cult of worshiping her has existed for 4,000 years.
Like other deities, the goddess can reincarnate, which is depicted in the frescoes on the temple’s inner walls. The main statue of the goddess is housed in a small green building guarded by guards in red clothing (outsiders are not allowed to enter). The temple is easily recognizable by its gopuram or pyramidal gates (built in 1972 after the building was moved).
Passing through the gates symbolizes purification, stepping over the symbolic threshold between the spiritual and material worlds. The temple’s shape resembles a human body, with the head facing west and the feet east. The five-tiered gopuram is located at the feet of the body. It is always brighter and more colorful than the building itself.
Petaling Street
You can visit the central part of the Chinese quarter at any time of day, depending on your schedule. Life bustles here around the clock. The pedestrian part of the street is considered the city’s most popular market.
In 2003, it was transformed into an original shopping pavilion under a transparent roof. The entrance is decorated with bright Chinese-style arches. The market stalls begin right away. You can buy any goods here: fruits, vegetables, Feng Shui items, medicinal herbs, pets, clothing, household appliances.
Gems, incense, toys, T-shirts, books. You can buy anything you want here. Nearby are massage, acupuncture, and fortune-telling services. Numerous cafes and Chinese tea houses attract visitors with the aromas of national dishes from China and Malaysia, and special herbal tea. It is prepared according to ancient recipes from herbs stored in sacks along the walls. There are no discos with loud music or rivers of beer on the street.
However, on this street in a Muslim country, you can immerse yourself in the world of Malaysia’s and China’s ancient cultural mix. You can end your brief journey through the market stalls at the end of the street near the Chan See Shu Yuen Temple. Externally, it resembles a sculpture made of glazed ceramic, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow. You can even enter its open courtyards with cozy gazebos adorned with carved figures and bright paintings.
Bukit Bintang District
During a short (only one day) trip to Malaysia’s capital, a popular route is a trip to the Golden Triangle or historical center. But the thought of cheap shopping, souvenirs, and gifts from the country is inherent in every person. Then, a visit to the Bukit Bintang district becomes optimal. It is bordered by three streets: Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Imbi, and Jalan Bukit Bintang. This is the cheapest place for recreation and entertainment.
Night markets, hundreds of small shops, major shopping centers, cafes, and restaurants (especially in the pedestrian zone “Arab Street”) cater to every financial level of guests. You can buy everything here: from common and rare fruits to exclusive cars, antiques, any clothing, and original jewelry. Major shopping centers in the district include Sungai Wang Plaza, Suria KLCC, Pavilion, Low Yat Plaza, and Berjaya Times Square.
Each of them houses from 200 to 700 stores with products from world brands. The district has an indoor amusement park. It features the highest roller coaster in Asia with several “dead loops.” In terms of the number of spa salons, massage parlors, and reflexology salons operating 24/7, the district occupies a leading position in the city. It’s best to get to the district by international and city buses.
Batu Caves
This unique attraction of the country is almost 400 million years old. It is located 13 km from the city, near the Batu River. The pilgrimage site to the Hindu shrine dedicated to the god Murugan is known for the famous Thaipusam festival, which has been held here since 1892. The cave complex consists of four limestone caves, which are active Hindu temples. In front of the entrance stands a giant statue of the god Murugan, 43 meters tall.
The sculpture is made of concrete and covered with gold paint. The extraordinary silence and the feeling of an unknown magical force give the caves a sacred image and attract guests and believers from all over the world. Strict rules govern the visit to each cave.
The most famous “Temple Cave” is reached by the famous staircase of 272 steps, which pilgrims always climb. In the “Dark Cave,” 2 km long, nature has created unique mountain formations in the shape of animals (some of which are hard to imagine), and intricate scenes from stalagmites hanging from the ceiling.
For thousands of years, unique cave treasures have been formed. They can only be viewed with a guide. The most accessible is the Light or Temple Cave. It is decorated in the style of Hindu shrines. On the walls of the Ramayana Cave are genuine chronicles from the life of an ancient Indian king. Travel enthusiasts underground can come here with tours or independently by train to the final station Batu Caves.
Travel Tips
During the trip, it is important to get to the center quickly. Here are the travel options:
- By express train: The journey takes 30 minutes. The ticket costs 55 RM. It is beneficial to buy a round-trip ticket immediately. The savings are 10 RM.
- By bus: The journey takes up to two hours. The ticket price is 18 RM for a round trip.