Ultimate Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia and one of the tourist hotspots for Hong Kong people. Hong Kong SAR passport holders can enjoy a one-month visa exemption when visiting cities in Malaysia, which is very convenient.
Related searches

This article will take stock of 10 must-visit attractions when traveling in Kuala Lumpur, including the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur Tower, Merdeka Square, National Mosque, Lakeside Park, Chinatown (Petaling Street), Batu Caves, etc. At the same time, we introduce a three-day and two-night itinerary in Kuala Lumpur and teach you how to enjoy Kuala Lumpur within a limited time!

Kuala Lumpur Tourist Season

The climate in Malaysia is hot and rainy. April to May and October to November are the rainy seasons. It rains almost every day, so it is not suitable for travel. Friends who plan to travel to Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, are advised to avoid traveling during this period. The best time to go is from January to March of the year or during summer vacation.

Kuala Lumpur Hotels Accommodation

Compared with Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, accommodation costs in Malaysia are relatively cheap. When coming to Kuala Lumpur, 30% of tourists will choose to rent a youth hostel or hotel near Chinatown and Merdeka Square. The standard price of luxury hotels in this area is about HK$300~HK$500, and that of youth hotels is about HK$50~HK$150.

DAY 1: Stroll Around Kuala Lumpur City Center

In the morning, we first go for a walk in Lakeside Park, and then visit the nearby Independence Square and National Mosque. In the afternoon, go to the observation deck on the top of the Kuala Lumpur Tower to enjoy the 360-degree view of Kuala Lumpur, and then enjoy an afternoon tea set at the revolving restaurant of the Kuala Lumpur Tower. Go to Alor Street Night Market to taste authentic Malaysian food in the evening.

Lake Garden

  • Lake Garden was built as early as the 1880s and covers an area of ​​91.6 hectares. It is the most famous park in Kuala Lumpur and was built by the British colonial government in the 1880s. The park has different sports and leisure facilities and several buildings, including the Jubilee Theater where cultural performances and concerts are held regularly, the National Planetarium, the National Museum, the Deer Park, and the Bird Park.
  • If tourists want to relax or enjoy time leisurely, they can take a walk in the Lake Garden to breathe fresh air, buy lunch and sit on the lakeside for a picnic, or rent a boat to paddle across the lake.
  • Address: Jalan Kebun Bunga, Tasik Perdana, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Google Map
  • Transportation: Take the KTM Commuter and get off at Kuala Lumpur Old Railway Station (located near the National Mosque).

National Mosque

  • The National Mosque, built in 1965, is the largest mosque in Malaysia and a world-famous mosque. The main dome of this Islamic building is designed with 18 radiating stars, representing the thirteen states of Malaysia and the Five Pillars of Islam. The half-open umbrella-shaped roof symbolizes the ambition and ambition of an independent country. The interior decoration of the temple is made of Italian marble and geometric patterned stained glass, which is full of traditional Islamic culture and is very elegant and beautiful.
  • The spacious prayer hall of the National Mosque can accommodate 8,000 people at the same time, so many major religious ceremonies are held here. Visitors must take off their shoes when entering the mosque, and women must wear long sleeves, long pants, and a headscarf. If you do not prepare any clothes, you can rent robes for free.
  • Address: Jalan Perdana, 50480, Kuala Lumpur, Google Map
  • Opening hours: Open to non-Muslims from Saturday to Thursday 9:00-12:00, 15:00-16:00, 17:30-18:30; Friday 15:00-16:00, 17:30-18:30.
  • Transportation: Get off at KTM Railway Station, Kuala Lumpur Old Railway Station, and walk for five minutes.

Merdeka Square

  • The history of Merdeka Square is of great significance to Malaysia. On August 31, 1957, the Malaysian flag flew here to symbolize independence from British rule. Although there is nothing to visit here, sitting on this large piece of grass and looking closely at the nearby historical buildings such as the Royal Selangor Club, Kuala Lumpur City Theater, Sultan Abdul Shah Building, etc. is also the same as life in the local people.
  • To the south of the square is the Kuala Lumpur City History Review Museum. There is an “I LOVE KL” sculpture at the entrance. The museum collects many pictures, miniatures, and other information about the history of Kuala Lumpur city. There are also shops for buying souvenirs. The Plaza Putra below the square is an underground street integrating food, shopping, and entertainment. If you are tired from shopping, you can choose to go there to rest and replenish your energy.
  • Address: Jalan Raja, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Google Map
  • Transportation: Take LRT to Masjid Jamek Station and walk west for about 10 minutes.

KL Tower

  • The Kuala Lumpur Tower stands on the top of Coffee Hill and is 421 meters high. It is another landmark building in Kuala Lumpur besides the Twin Stars. The design of Kuala Lumpur Tower uses Arabic script, Islamic-style tiles, classic Islamic floral patterns, intricate decorative patterns, and calming and solemn colors, reflecting Malaysia’s long Islamic cultural tradition. Not only can you have a panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur’s cityscape here, but the tower is surrounded by the 10.05-hectare Coffee Mountain Forest, which is green and verdant, allowing visitors to experience the perfect integration of Kuala Lumpur’s nature and city.
  • Address: Jalan P Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Google Map
  • Transportation: Take the LRT light rail train and get off at Dang Wangi Station.

Jalan Alor

  • Alor Street Night Market is a famous night market in Kuala Lumpur. There are many Malaysian specialties here, such as Hokkien fried noodles, fried rice noodles, satay, grilled manta ray, grilled chicken wings, etc., which are all signature snacks here. There are also a variety of fruits, barbecues, fried foods, etc. The vendors in the night market start operating in the afternoon and continue to open until three o’clock at night. Every night, the place is crowded with tourists who smell the fragrance.
  • There are many unique streets and shops along Alor Street. If you come during the day, you can also check in and take photos, or go shopping to buy Malaysian souvenirs!
  • Address: Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Google Map
  • Transportation: Take the Monorail and get off at Bukit Bintang Station and walk for about 5 minutes; take the sightseeing bus Hop On Hop Off and get off at the sixth stop and walk for about 6 minutes.

DAY 2: Batu Caves→Twin Towers

In the morning, visit the Batu Caves. Then, return to Kuala Lumpur city center to taste Malaysia’s classic dish, Nasi Lemak, at Madam Kwan’s, a popular restaurant in the Petronas Towers. After a break, we strolled around the Suria KLCC shopping mall in the Petronas Twin Towers and finally went to the top floor of the building to enjoy the night view of Kuala Lumpur to end the day.

Batu Caves

  • Batu Caves, located in Selangor, a suburb of Kuala Lumpur, can be said to be one of the most iconic attractions in Malaysia. Batu Caves is one of the famous Hindu holy sites outside India. The Thaipusam Festival held from the end of January to the beginning of February every year holds grand celebrations here, attracting Hindus from all over the world to come for pilgrimage.
  • Batu Caves is a limestone hill with a series of caves and temples. Its name “Batu” comes from the Batu River next to the hill. The limestone cave temple complex of Batu Caves has three main caves and more than 20 smaller caves. The largest one is the Temple Cave (also known as the Light Cave), which requires 272 steps to reach. If you are brave, you can take the Black Cave Educational Tour for an additional fee. Under the guidance of a tour guide, you can visit geological landscapes such as cave pillars, stalagmites, and sinkholes, as well as bats, cave cockroaches, cave spiders, and other animals living in the cave.
  • Address: Batu Caves Temple Complex, Jalan Batu Caves, off MRR2, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Google Map
  • Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00-17:00, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 10:30-17:30
  • Transportation: Take the KTM dark green line to Batu Caves station. When you exit the station, you will see the green giant statue.

Petronas Towers

  • Among the landmarks of Kuala Lumpur, the famous Petronas Twin Towers deserve it. The English abbreviation of the Twin Towers is “KLCC”, and the Chinese name is “Petronas Tower”. It has 88 floors and a tower height of 452 meters. It is the tallest twin tower in the world. Interestingly, the two towers were built by Japanese and Korean companies respectively.
  • On the first floor of the Petronas Twin Towers is Suria KLCC Shopping Mall, a great place for shopping and delicious food. You can enjoy the beautiful view of Kuala Lumpur from the observatory on the 86th floor and the connecting bridge on the 41st floor. However, the observatory is only open from Tuesday to Sunday, and the Petronas Twin Towers Skybridge between the 41st and 42nd floors has a limited quota every day, so it is recommended to queue up as early as possible.
  • Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088, Kuala Lumpur, Google Map
  • Transportation: Take the LRT Red Line (Kelana Jaya Line), get off at KLCC station, and walk upstairs from the basement to see the Petronas Towers.

Day 3: Discover the Beauty of Art in Kuala Lumpur

In the morning, we went to visit the Kuala Lumpur City Museum. Then go to “Sun Hong Muk Koot Tea” in Chinatown to taste the most famous local Bak Kut Tea, and then go to “Wong Ah Wah” to eat charcoal-grilled chicken wings and grilled manta ray. Then shop for souvenirs in Chinatown and Central Art Square.

KL City Gallery

  • The KL City Gallery is located behind the flagpole of Merdeka Square. The museum was formerly a colonial printing office building. Today, a huge “I LOVE KL” installation art stands at the entrance, forming a strong contrast between historical architecture and modern art.
  • There is a spiral passage running through the three floors in the center of the museum. There are 6 exhibition halls in the museum. Hall 1 tells the history of Kuala Lumpur, Halls 2 and 3 display the Kuala Lumpur city model, Hall 4 is the artist’s handicraft area, Hall 5 and Exhibition Hall 6 has a DIY production experience area and souvenir sales area. It is open every day and admission is free. The ARCH Cafe in the museum also has freshly made cakes and delicacies waiting for visitors every day.
  • Address: No.27, Jalan Raja, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Google Map
  • Opening hours: 09:00-18:30
  • Transportation: Take the LRT to Masjid Jamek Station and walk for about 8 minutes.

Flea Market Petaling Street

  • Petaling Street is Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, also known as Chinatown. There are many small shops on both sides of the street. There are many coffee shops, bars, theme restaurants, folk song restaurants, bookstores, teahouses, etc. that have been renovated from old shophouses built before the war. They are very unique. You can find many high-end grocery stores and restaurants in Chinatown, which also sell a variety of teas and Malaysian specialties. Although the prices of the goods here are not expensive, tourists remember to bargain when shopping!
  • China Town also has many traditional snack vendors and restaurants, most of which offer Chinese cuisine with Malaysian characteristics. It is a good place for lunch and dinner. Do travelers want to indulge in shopping and delicious food in Kuala Lumpur? Chinatown is your top spot.
  • Address: Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Google Map
  • Transportation: Take the LRT Putra Line or Rapid KL Bus get off at Pasar Seni Station, and walk for a few minutes to Petaling Street.

Central Market

  • Central Art Square is also located on Petaling Street, near Chinatown. It mainly displays and sells various exquisite handicrafts, abaya, gold brocade, batik cloth, and authentic Malaysian souvenirs. With everything from clothing, shoes, and bags to home decorations, it is the main attraction for tourists to buy art souvenirs. In addition, visitors can also enjoy art and cultural performances on the outdoor stage of the Art Square. During every major national festival, theme activities of various Malaysian multi-ethnic groups will be held here.
  • Address: Jalan Hang Kasturi, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Google Map
  • Transportation: Take the LRT Putra Line to Pasar Seni Station and walk for about 4 minutes.