Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is a modern city that celebrates its rich heritage. From the 451m-tall Petronas Twin Towers to British colonial-era landmarks like Merdeka Square, there's plenty to see and do in this vibrant city.
One of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur is to visit the Perdana Botanical Gardens. The park is home to a variety of beautiful orchid and hibiscus gardens.
1. KL Tower
KL Tower is a 421-metre-high tower in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It is the tallest telecommunications tower in Southeast Asia and the 7th tallest freestanding tower in the world.
It offers spectacular views of the city from its indoor Observation Deck (at 276 metres above ground level), Sky Deck and Sky Boxes. Visitors can also visit the revolving restaurant, Atmosphere 360, and the aquarium.
The tower is built with care to preserve the natural surroundings. When constructing the tower, builders took special care to construct a retaining wall around a 100-year-old Jelutong tree which was located near the pedestrian mall.
2. KL Forest Eco Park
The KL Forest Eco Park, also known as Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve is a small patch of rainforest right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It’s one of the oldest forests in Malaysia and was gazetted in 1906.
There are numerous trails here which are perfect for exploring nature. You can enjoy trails like the Arboretum, Penarahan and Jelutong trail to get close to the wild side of the city.
You can even take the canopy walk which has over 200 meter long bridges above the trees and provides a panoramic view of the jungle.
This forest is an excellent place to spend the day and experience the beauty of a tropical Malaysian rainforest. You will come across numerous insects, butterflies and other wildlife species that are unique to the Malaysian rainforest.
3. Little India Brickfields
One of Kuala Lumpur's most kaleidoscopic districts, Little India Brickfields is an ideal place to explore the colors, smells and sounds of India. Here, you'll find parlours offering bridal beauty treatments and henna tattoos, general stores stocked with incense sticks, kitchenware and Indian products, and shops selling saris and jewellery.
It's also home to dozens of Indian restaurants and street food stalls. Legend's Claypot Briyani is a standout, as are hawker stalls serving banana leaf rice and dosa pancakes.
Historically, Brickfields was home to a tightly knit community of Indian residents and businesses. However, rapid redevelopment pressure has changed the area into a more commercial extension of downtown Kuala Lumpur.
4. Petaling Street
Petaling Street is the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown and the perfect place to soak up its local life. The crowded, dirty market streets and slick shops are full of energy and activity.
There's also a bustling night market, lit up by rows of red Chinese lanterns, that's a must-see for anyone visiting this area. The best way to experience it is to stay overnight in a Chinatown hotel or hostel for a taste of the hustle and bustle.
Besides offering shopping for imitation designer goods, electronics, souvenirs and knick-knacks, Petaling Street is also the go-to spot to get your fill of delicious Malaysian street food. From steamed dumplings to chicken floss sandwiches, coconut pancakes to fresh fruit, it's hard not to find something tasty here.
5. Petronas Towers
If you’re looking for a skyline view of Kuala Lumpur that will give you goosebumps, make sure to visit the Petronas Towers. This iconic building is the tallest twin structures in the world.
The twin towers are a symbol of Malaysia, and have been a landmark of the city since 1998. They were officially designated as the tallest buildings in the world until 2004 when Taipei 101 took the title.
The 86th floor observation deck is open to visitors and offers sweeping views of Kuala Lumpur. However, this is a busy attraction and tickets are often sold out, so it’s better to book ahead.
