About Kuala Lumpur
This list of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur should be included in any traveller’s itinerary. It comprises the city’s most iconic landmarks, both natural and manmade, and showcases the best this city has to offer. The Malaysian capital is known for its multicultural community, which mainly consists of Malay, Indian, and Chinese residents. As a result, you’ll find vibrant events and festivities celebrated throughout the year, while local markets and religious sites offer a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle.
When visiting a destination, some things you can do without, while others are considered the essence of a place. So we decided to compile a comprehensive guide of Kuala Lumpur’s best attractions – making the cut are world-famous landmarks, culturally enriching streets markets, and botanical gardens.
1. Petronas Twin Towers
The Petronas Twin Towers are among the most prominent landmarks in Kuala Lumpur. The 88-storey chrome and steel towers are joined at the 41st and 42nd floors (175 meters above street level) by the 58-metre-long and double-decker Skybridge.
Hailed as the Twin Jewels of Kuala Lumpur, a visit to the Malaysian capital isn't complete unless you have visited these skyscrapers.
2. Menara Kuala Lumpur
Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower) soars above KL Eco City Park at 421 meters. Aside from being one of the tallest freestanding towers in the world, it's also an important architectural marker in the city.
Boasting spectacular views of Kuala Lumpur, the viewing deck is at least 100 meters higher than the Petronas Tower’s Skybridge.
3. Batu Caves
Batu Caves is a 400 million-year-old limestone hill with a 100-year-old temple incorporated within it. It's best known as the focal point of the annual Hindu festival of Thaipusam. The celebration attracts thousands of visitors who come to see the colorful spectacle of devotees who pay homage by carrying ornately-decorated kavadis (frameworks) combined with various metal hooks and skewers, which are used to pierce the skin, cheeks and tongue.
Batu Caves is in Gombak, around 13 km north of Kuala Lumpur. You can take the Intrakota bus No 11D from the Central Market or the Cityliner bus No 69 at Jalan Pudu to get to the caves. Taxi cabs are available anywhere around the city.
4. National Mosque of Malaysia
The National Mosque of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur is an important place of worship for the local Muslim community. The mosque's stunning design was influenced by the Grand Mosque in Mecca, with a towering 73-metre minaret and an umbrella-shaped main dome covered with thousands of green and blue tiles.
You are welcome to visit the mosque and its lovely surrounding gardens outside of prayer times. Note that non-worshippers are not permitted to enter the worship hall. Also, dress appropriately when visiting – head coverings and robes are provided at the mosque if needed.
5. Sultan Abdul Samad Building
The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is a distinguished city landmark that originally served as the secretariat for the colonial British administration. This Moorish-style building was designed by AC Norman and completed in 1897.
It's home to the offices of the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture of Malaysia, and frequently the backdrop for Independence Day parades. The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is set to the east of Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka), around a 10-minute walk from the Masjid Jamek LRT Station. You won't miss it because there are plenty of signs to guide you.