Steamy, sprawling and ever-changing, alive with the sizzle of woks and the scent of roti canai, Malaysia’s capital is one of Asia’s street food epicenters. Eating tops most people’s list of things to do in Kuala Lumpur, yet there’s more to the city than laksa and nasi lemak. The Petronas Twin Towers pierce the skyline; the Batu Caves’ rainbow steps lure Instagrammers; and markets and temples beckon. It’s an excellent base for day trips, including the Cameron Highlands’ tea gardens, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Melaka, and Kuala Selangor’s firefly-clad mangroves.
With two distinct land masses and two separate monsoon seasons, Malaysia’s climate is complicated—so the perfect time to visit one part of the country may mean tropical downpours on the opposite coast. Kuala Lumpur is hot and steamy all year round, but your best chance of dry days falls during the June–September summer peak. Visiting in winter? The Hindu Thaipusam festival, which takes place in January or February, sees thousands of devotees proceed to the Batu Caves.
Straddling great slabs of concrete high above the city, the KL Monorail is hard to miss. Coupled with the Kuala Lumpur Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the occasional bus, public transit is the cheapest way to get from points A to B. If time is of the essence, taxis or ride-hailing services are your quickest option for nipping around the city. Metered taxis are safe and generally honest, while Grab dominates the ride-booking market. There are no motorbike taxis or Uber in Malaysia.
Three cultures—Malay, Chinese, and Indian—have shaped Kuala Lumpur, and the city’s vibrant food scene reflects its multicultural heritage. To discover a spectacular range of heritage Chinese food brands under one roof, look no further than the Lot 10 Hutong food court. For a taste of India, head to Vishal Food & Catering, next door to a Hindu temple in Brickfields (also known as “Little India”), for curry served on a banana leaf.
Local Currency Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) | Time Zone MYT (UTC +7) | Country Code +60 | Language(s) Malay | Attractions 52 | Tours 2,090 | Reviews 12,845 |
Kuala Lumpur’s most famous landmark is the Petronas Towers, twin steel-and-glass skyscrapers linked by a soaring Skybridge—even though the 1,460-foot (445-meter) Exchange 106 is taller. Travelers flock to this multicultural city for malls, mosques, markets, museums, temples and galleries, as well as world-class street food.
...MoreMost travelers find 2–3 days enough to get a taste of Kuala Lumpur. That includes sampling delicious Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, and hybrid street foods, checking out the Petronas Towers and Merdeka Square, heading out of town to the Batu Caves, and exploring the old town, known as Kampung Baru.
...MoreYes. As Malaysia’s capital, this green, leafy city is worth visiting. It has less history than Penang or Melaka and no beach, but offers fantastic food, lovely gardens, an evolving waterfront district, and heritage buildings including the Indo-Saracenic Jamek Mosque, the Sri Mariamman Temple, and the Guan Di Temple.
...MoreKuala Lumpur has a diverse nightlife scene that runs from street stalls, bars, and restaurants to EDM clubs, karaoke joints, and live music venues. Night markets like Taman Connaught offer the chance to shop and snack till you drop, while high-rise venues like Heli Lounge Bar deliver on city views.
...MoreThe Petronas Towers, a Malaysian icon, are probably the most visited place in Kuala Lumpur. Guided tours with strictly limited numbers cover the Skybridge and the 86th-floor Observation Deck. The lower floors host a mall and Petrosains the Discovery Centre, a science museum sponsored by the fossil fuel company Petronas.
...MoreYes. Violent crime against female travelers is rare in Kuala Lumpur. However, do watch for drink spiking, pickpockets, and bag snatchers on motorcycles. Don't leave drinks unattended in nightclubs, carry bags on the side of the body that faces away from the highway, and avoid same-sex displays of affection.
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