Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city. It is not a place that was high on my bucket list, but now that I have been there, it has left me wanting more. I am actually moving my schedule around as I write this article, just so that I have an excuse to return. Such is the draw of this amazing city. There are just so many awesome things to do in Kuala Lumpur, that you will never get bored. It is safe to say that I am a completely devoted fan of the capital city of Malaysia!
One of the things that I love about Kuala Lumpur is that it is so easy to get around. Not just easy, but it is almost a pleasure. The streets are wide, leafy affairs. What passes for traffic, would be described in places like Jakarta as a breezy Sunday drive. There are air conditioned overhead walkways that run for what seems like miles between centres, and a simple park can draw you back again and again, just by doing the little things right.
I really take my hat off to Malaysian Tourism, because they have just got it right! Let’s take a look at how, with my list of awesome things to do in Kuala Lumpur.
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Table of Contents
- Check out the views from Petronas Twin Towers
- Take a stroll through KLCC Park
- Unleash your inner foodie at Pavilion Food Court
- Find Nemo at Aquaria KLCC
- Climb to the top of KL Tower
- Brave the suspension bridges at KL Forest Eco Park
- Scale the colored steps to Batu Caves
- Watch the colorful dancing fountains
- Stand on your head in the Upside Down House
- Meet new friends at the Mini Zoo
- Eat your way down Jalan Alor
- Go shopping in Chinatown
- Stock up on souvenirs at Central Market
- Grab some selfies at Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
- Ride the indoor rollercoaster at Berjaya Times Square
- Summary
Check out the views from Petronas Twin Towers
The iconic and famous Petronas Twin Towers hardly need any introduction. Built back in the late 90’s, they held the title of the tallest building in the world at one stage. They have now been overtaken many times, but still hold the title of tallest TWIN towers in the world.
One of the big drawcards for visitors to the Petronas Twin Towers is the Sky Bridge. Taking a tour and walking across this “floating” platform between the towers is right up there with the amazing things to do in Kuala Lumpur, and should be on the list of every visitor to Kuala Lumpur.
You can read more about the Petronas Twin Towers tours in my article HERE.
Take a stroll through KLCC Park
KLCC Park is a place that I came to many times in Kuala Lumpur. Located right below the Petronas Twin Towers, it is the perfect place to visit as part of your trip to the towers themselves. In fact, from many of the hotels in the area, you will probably find yourself traversing the park at sometime anyhow.
KLCC Park is a 20 hectare green spot, right in the middle of one of the greenest cities I have every visited. Featuring a large lake with fountains that put on daily shows, ponds, children’s swimming pools, swings, large green areas, squirrels, and a jogging track encircling the lot, you just can’t go wrong. Oh, and there are even filtered water fountains at regular intervals along the pathways. How good is that?
Unleash your inner foodie at Pavilion Food Court
Everyone who mentions Pavilion Shopping Centre will no doubt point out the over 700 retail outlets and restaurants, or the fact that it is one of the premier shopping centres in the city. I am here, however, to tell you about the hidden gem laying on the very bottom level of this massive building.
The food court at Pavilion is incredible. We fell in love with it, and every day swore to try something different, but always ended up back there. No matter what your tastes, you will find something to eat in this place, and if you are like us, you will walk around for an hour unable to decide. From old favorites, to traditional foods of Malaysia, Thailand, and just about everywhere else in South East Asia, good luck settling on just one dish!
Find Nemo at Aquaria KLCC
If the area around KLCC wasn’t already good enough, there is even a state of the art Aquarium to add to the list. It is one of the most popular things to do in Kuala Lumpur for kids around town, and you don’t have to look hard to see why.
Aquaria is a 60,000 square foot exhibit that is home to over 5,000 species of land and sea creatures. It is so large, that you actually need a couple of hours to see it all. Located right underneath the Convention Centre at KLCC, it can easily be reached by undercover walkway from the Pavilion Shopping Centre, and a tunnel from Surya KLCC and the Petronas Twin Towers.
Climb to the top of KL Tower
KL Tower has what I believe to be the best views in Kuala Lumpur. Saying that does not make me the most popular person, as the Petronas Twin Towers are billed as being the best viewing platform around. But the fact is, that from KL Tower you get a totally unobstructed view from its open air Sky Deck, without having to peer through thick glass windows to see it.
The other thing that makes KL Tower unique, is its two Sky Boxes. These two boxes are located on opposite sides of the tower at the Sky Deck Level. They are made out of glass, and when you walk into them you get the feeling that you are walking on air. Obviously, the photos you can get make this one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur, just so long as you are ok with heights!
You can check out my article about KL Tower HERE, for more information.
Brave the suspension bridges at KL Forest Eco Park
Just in front of KL Tower, gracing the beautiful greens slopes of Bukit Nanas, is the KL Forest Eco Park. This reserve is the only patch of Tropical Rainforest in Kuala Lumpur, and is the oldest preserved rainforest in Malaysia.
Through the tree tops of the rainforest have been built half a dozen suspension bridges that span a total of 200 meters. Connected by large wooden towers, the bridges zig zag through the upper foliage of the rainforest, starting at the top entrance, just below KL Tower. They finish close to the bottom entrance, and the stroll through nature can be a great addition to a day out climbing the tower itself.
Scale the colored steps to Batu Caves
Batu Caves is a little outside of the city, but is still one of the most awesome things to do in Kuala Lumpur. A series of caves located inside a limestone cliff that is believed to be 400 million years old, Batu Caves is actually the most popular Hindu Shrine outside of India.
The main focal points for visitors to Batu Caves are the colossal 140 foot tall Statue of Murugan, who the shrine is dedicated to, standing at the foot of 272 multicolored stairs. As you can imagine, this place is very popular with Instagrammers! There are tours that can take you to Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur, but if you want to make your own way there it is rather easy. Simply head to KL Sentral Train Station and buy a ticket to Batu Caves. It has its very own stop!
Watch the colorful dancing fountains
Right outside the Petronas Twin Towers “back door” is KLCC Park, and the lake that is home to the beautiful “dancing fountains”. During the day, you can watch the fountains as they move about and spray in wonderful patterns, but it is at night that they really turn on a show.
Come down and sit with hundreds of others on the steps and pavement around the fountains, as they perform a beautifully choreographed dance to music, complete with all the colors of the rainbow. It’s enough to keep ANYONE entertained!
Stand on your head in the Upside Down House
This is one of the more fun and quirky things to do in Kuala Lumpur, but it still has to make my list. The Upside down house is just as it sounds. A house that is totally upside down! Everything about this quaint English cottage has been stood on its head, including the 1974 Morris car at the entrance, and all of the furniture inside. This is the chance to take some fun photos that your friends will just not believe!
Getting to the Kuala Lumpur Upside Down House is rather easy, as it is located on Bukit Nanas, right below KL Tower. In fact, the KL Forest Eco Park is right across the road as well, so why not make a day of it?
Meet new friends at the Mini Zoo
Sticking with the theme of attractions near to KL Tower, we can’t forget the amazing KL Tower Mini Zoo. This is a real hit with the younger visitors, but plenty of adults rate this as one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur as well!
The KL Tower Mini Zoo is, essentially, a petting zoo. Located about as close to the bottom of the tower as it could possibly get, it is very easy to access and you really can’t miss it. The shuttle actually drops you right at the front entrance!
The zoo is divided into half a dozen or more different parts, including a Mini Jungle, Happy Farm and Forest Walk. The animals that can be found range from Parrots and rabbits, to Alligator tortoises and Iguana’s. So if you love exotic animals, then why not add the Mini Zoo onto your KL Tower ticket as a package, and visit them both on the same day?
Eat your way down Jalan Alor
Jalan Alor is probably the most famous street in Kuala Lumpur for foodies. Here, you can wander past dozens upon dozens of restaurants as you decide where you are going to eat. Or, perhaps where you will START eating!
You are spoilt for choice in Jalan Alor. But then, maybe that is what makes it famous. If you are a lover of Thai food, or seafood in particular, you will be in 7th Heaven here. Take a seat and watch the world go by on the alfresco plastic chairs, as you peruse a menu that is thicker than a good menu is entitled to be. My tip – the busiest places usually have the best food and the best prices, so look for the crowd and follow their lead!
Go shopping in Chinatown
Chinatown is pretty easy to find in any city. Just bang it into Google Maps and you are bound to be sent in the right direction. It is always the best place to find Chinese food, after all.
The Kuala Lumpur edition of Chinatown is no different in that regard, but there is a whole lot more to find here as well. Especially if you enjoy browsing for cheap clothes, bags, shoes, and pretty much anything that “looks” like it is an original designer label…
Petaling Street is the center of everything that is happening in Chinatown, and it is here that you will find the colorful and vibrant open air markets. Shop till you drop, and then eat your fill at any of the dozens of street food stalls that you will find along the way. Then, just around the corner you will find several other of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur. Read on to find out…
Stock up on souvenirs at Central Market
Central Market is the place to go if you want your Kuala Lumpur souvenirs. Located right at the edge of Chinatown, it is easy to find, and just as easy to get to. Wander through the hundreds of stalls, browsing for everything from fridge magnets to traditional Malaysian Kites!
The Central Market, also known as Pasar Seni, have been in existence in some form since 1888. They are a heritage site in Kuala Lumpur, and were totally revamped in the 1980’s into what they are today. Designed in the traditional format of stalls, the markets are two stories high, with a food court on the upper floor. It is the lower floor though, where you will find most of the bargain handicrafts, batik, souvenirs and boutiques.
Grab some selfies at Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, having been founded way back in 1873. It was rebuilt in 1968, and now features the distinctive Southern Indian style of tower, ‘Raja Gopuram’. It is this style of tower that makes it a popular stop for visitors to the city.
Most visitors don’t even venture inside. The Temple is just a stop off point for a quick photo of the ornate tower over the entrance, or a customary selfie. This is a pity, as the interior of the temple is just as amazing, and is actually open to the public most days. To get there is easy, as it is just around the corner, literally, from both the Central Market, and the main street of Chinatown.
Ride the indoor rollercoaster at Berjaya Times Square
Berjaya Times Square is yet another of the amazing shopping centres that Kuala Lumpur boasts. This one is about much more than the over 1000 retail shops however. Berjaya Times Square has entertainment that you will not find anywhere else…
Head through the shops and take the escalators up to the 5th floor and you might just find something that you were not expecting. A full theme park! This is the largest indoor theme park in Malaysia, even featuring its very own rollercoaster. That’s not all though. This place also has Laser Tag, an Escape Room, Archery, and a full Bowling alley. That’s besides the mandatory cinemas that every other mall has, of course.
Summary
There are many amazing and awesome things to do in Kuala Lumpur. What really surprised me, was that they are all so close to the centre of the city. Other than Batu Caves, you really don’t have to venture far to move from one attraction to the next, and really fill your day with exciting things to do. Especially around KLCC and KL Tower!
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Want to know how many days to spend in Kuala Lumpur. Then check out THIS article.
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