The 12 essential things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Visit Kuala Lumpur: what are the best things to do and see in the capital of Malaysia?

We don’t know much about Malaysia, do we? Unlike its southeast Asian neighbours like the Indonesia , Thailand or Vietnam For example, Malaysia remains unknown. However, for those who want to visit Kuala Lumpur, the capital, it is the assurance of living a radical change, both religiously and on climate, habits or local gastronomy. But what can we see in Kuala Lumpur? How do I want to discover this wonderful city that never seems to rest?

To help you organize your stay on site, we have listed some examples of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur!

1. The twin towers Petronas

It is impossible for these two buildings to leave you indifferent: Kuala Lumpur symbols, up to 452 metres high and have 88 floors. ♪ Petronas Tower are inspired by the Islamic model of Malaysia and gather in their offices, shops, a concert hall, or a multimedia centre. It should be noted that both towers are connected by what is called a skybridge which is 170 metres above the ground. To have a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings, to understand all the majesty of this place, the Petronas Towers are absolutely to do in Kuala Lumpur.

2. The caves of Batu

Located a few 10 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves (or Batu Caves ) is a resolutely Hindu sanctuary. There are several temples that were built directly into the rock. The walk is simply bluffing, it is enough to see the main cave called the Cathedral Cave which is actually a long corridor of several hundred meters. At the foot of the caves you can climb a huge staircase topped by a statue of 43 meters high. The interior of the cave is illuminated by a natural opening to the ceiling, a kind of permanent light well. The cave is the favorite land of monkeys (macaques) who steer the tourist in order to chip it of food. Please close your bags! When you are told that the place is simply hallucinating! A place of pilgrimage recognized throughout Malaysia where thousands of faithful meet each year for Thaipusan.

3. The communication tower KL

Also called the Menara Tower, this tower dominates the cityscape of Kuala Lumpur with a height reaching the 421 meters (note that the Eiffel Tower rises up to 320 meters “only”!). To access it, you must go through a platform that is 276 metres from the ground. For those who have the means to spend a bit their money, you must at all costs take a meal at the restaurant that is located at the top of the tower, thus enjoying a sensational 360° panorama over all Kuala Lumpur. Different activities are offered in the Menara tower as a Formula 1 simulator or the ability to learn everything you have always dreamed of knowing about Malaysian culture.

4. Little India

He is one of the cultural districts of Kuala Lumpur : here you are sure to taste the best Indian cuisine in the country. Between odors, colors, flavors, all your senses will be put to contribution in this place where the word crowd is a euphemism so success is at the rendezvous.

5. Orchid garden

In the midst of this enchanting jungle represented by the heart of Kuala Lumpur, here is a small paradise of serenity and greenery. Perfect to relax and cut ambient noise, to read a book or just come and listen to the song of birds, the Orchid Park Garden offers a multitude of flowers that are all more incredible than others. Come and admire the nenuphars, the roses with different shapes in a place of quite unique natural beauty.

6. Jalan Bukit Bintang

This street is one of the best known in Kuala Lumpur: it is here that you will be able to make all your purchases. Between trendy shops, shopping malls, you can't get out of Jalan Bukit Bintang without paying a penny. Why not go to the Changkat Bukit Bintang which offers Spanish gastronomy or Jalan Alor Street with its Asian restaurants?

7. China Town

Like New York or Toronto, Kuala Lumpur also has its Chinese quarter. Here it is the paradise of all kinds of babioles but also cheap restaurants. Go to the Central Market, the open-air chip market, the show is really worth a look.

8. Religious places of Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a little paradise for all those interested in religious matters. The diversity of religions offers a rather eclectic panorama of places, between Buddhist and Maoist temples but also mosques. Go to the Sri Mahamariamman Temple which is surely the oldest Indian temple in Kuala Lumpur (founded in 1873) and discover its wonderful statues of deities. The Masjid Negara National Mosque is the place of gathering of all Muslims in the city. There is the possibility of having a guide to discover this huge mosque that can accommodate up to 15,000 people.

9. Berjaya Times Square

This place is the largest shopping and leisure centre in all of Malaysia: you will find 5-star hotels, more than 1000 shops, a theme park, more than 100 restaurants. Discover more than 700,000 square meters!

10. Aquaria KLCC

It is a huge aquarium that is worth visiting in Kuala Lumpur. With a treadmill, you can see all galleries and basins without any fatigue. See especially for sharks that you will never see in the same way again!

11. Bukit Nanas

To experience a very unusual adventure, go to the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve. A fantastic forest closed in the middle of the city, what to stay mouth fucked! Itineraries are offered but you can circulate as you like, especially on the various suspended bridges. Watch out for monkeys who like to hunt visitors.

12. The Crystal Fountain Pavilion

This picturesque fountain welcomes you as soon as you enter the Pavilion Mall. It is one of Malaysia’s largest glass fountains. To be seen to work at night because the water continually changes color.

How to get to Kuala Lumpur?

Going to Malaysia and especially to Kuala Lumpur has always been very simple, so there are flights that go to the capital every day from France and Europe. You can find cheap flights to Kuala Lumpur on our partner's website Skyscanner . Note that no visa is required for French nationals. A passport is sufficient to have a right to stay in Malaysia for a period of 90 days (free). No return flight is requested.

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur is not a city where it is interesting to stay more than 2-3 days. It is therefore important house in the center , close to the Petronas towers in particular. To find a cheap hotel in Kuala Lumpur, search this Compare hotels .

Have you visited Kuala Lumpur? How did you find this town?

Main photo credit: Flickr – Nico Trinkhaus