Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Video

Feel the heady blend of Islamic heritage, colonial history and modernity that defines this central Malaysian city, from show-stopping skyscrapers to Hindu shrines and temples.

From delicious street food to sky-soaring towers, Kuala Lumpur is a study in contrasts. Yet, instead of feeling haphazardly thrown together throughout the centuries, the city stands as a testament to the thoughtful coexistence of cultural influences, architectural marvels and a modern city landscape. Visit Kuala Lumpur to feel the pulse of a city that knows where it has been and welcomes the future.

Things to do in Kuala Lumpur

It’s hard to miss the 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers, rising majestically from the city skyline and symbolising Malaysia’s economic prowess on the global stage. Standing nearly 452 metres (1,500 feet) tall, the towers were designed as the headquarters of Petronas, the national oil and gas company. Buy tickets for the Skybridge on the 41st floor, from which you can look down 170 metres (557 feet) from a glass-walled corridor connecting the two towers. From there, take the lift to the observation deck on the 86th floor, 370 metres (1,213 feet) above the city.

As an alternative, or add-on, to the Petronas Towers, consider visiting the revolving restaurant, open-air sky deck and observation deck of the Menara KL, which sits at the top of Bukit Nanas. At 421 metres (1,381 feet) tall, the tower provides the best city views.

Next door to the towers, visit the onion-domed Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a striking example of colonial architecture that pays homage to the city’s historical legacy under British rule. Admire the Mogul and Moorish styles of the graceful building, set where the Gombak and Klang rivers join. Until the National Mosque, or Masjid Negara, opened in 1965, this was the city’s centre of Islamic worship. Dress modestly for your visit inside or on the grounds and gardens outside prayer times.

Take some time to soak up local life in Merdeka Square, or Independence Square, where Malaysia’s flag was first raised in 1957. Nearby, the Central Market is a bustling hub where you can shop for traditional art and crafts, including batik, pewter products and textiles. Continue your search for local goods, as well as high-end items, at upscale shopping centres such as the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Suria KLCC.

Kuala Lumpur’s history and culture

Don’t miss the Batu Caves for their unique blend of natural beauty and religious devotion. The limestone caves, which are adorned by Hindu temples and fronted by a monumental statue of Hindu deity Lord Murugan, attract pilgrims and tourists who come to climb the 272 stairs to the Temple Cave. During the Thaipusam Festival, devotees carry kavadis, or elaborate ceremonial structures, as offerings of penance and gratitude.

Celebrate the city’s dedication to the arts at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre and Istana Budaya, which offer Malaysian dance performances, music concerts and theatre productions throughout the year.

Art lovers won’t want to miss the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, set in a building that is as striking as the collection that lies within. Browse scale models of significant Islamic buildings, carpets, jewellery, ceramics and more, including the relocated 19th-century, gold-leafed Damascus Room.

Dining and nightlife in Kuala Lumpur

For dazzling nightlife, head to Bukit Bintang to find culinary delights, rooftop bars and dance clubs, where you can linger into the late hours.

Sample street food, and shop for bargains on everything from textiles to electronics, in the busy Chinatown district. Then, fuel up on nasi lemak and satayat the street food markets at Jalan Alor and Petaling Street. The Petronas Towers are a good option for fine dining.

Getting around Kuala Lumpur

Fly into Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 45 kilometres (28 miles) south of the city centre. The city operates a reliable public transit system, which includes buses, light-rail commuter trains and a monorail.

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur

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Kuala Lumpur City Centre

4/5(58 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Check out top attractions like Suria KLCC Shopping Centre and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, and jump on the metro at Persiaran KLCC MRT Station or KLCC Station to see more of the city.

Kuala Lumpur City Centre
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Bukit Bintang

4/5(9 area reviews)

Bukit Bintang is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Berjaya Times Square, and you can get around town on the metro at Bukit Bintang Station.

Bukit Bintang
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Golden Triangle

4.5/5(389 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from Pavilion Kuala Lumpur to Suria KLCC Shopping Centre – discover Golden Triangle, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Golden Triangle
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Chinatown

4/5(15 area reviews)

Chinatown is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights area like Petaling Street and Petaling Street Market.

Chinatown
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Mont Kiara

5/5(1 area review)

Mont Kiara is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like 1 Mont Kiara and Kiara 163.

Mont Kiara
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Kuala Lumpur Sentral

If you're spending some time in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Kuala Lumpur Sentral and NU Sentral are top sights worth seeing.

Kuala Lumpur Sentral
Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur

Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur

5 out of 5
Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur
The price is £138 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
£138
29 Aug - 30 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,022 reviews)
manderin
"awesome hotel in the center of kuala lumpur ..The concierge arranged all our taxis to and from the airport and around KL ..Lovely staff very attentive"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur
M Resort & Hotel

M Resort & Hotel

5 out of 5
No.1, Jalan Damansara, Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (216 reviews)
"Everything was great. Except that there are guest who might be smoking in their room (even though it is a non smoking hotel). We could smell it in our room."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

M Resort & Hotel
Hilton Kuala Lumpur

Hilton Kuala Lumpur

5 out of 5
3 Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur
The price is £97 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
£97
29 Aug - 30 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy a full-service spa, 9 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"Definitely recommend this hotel. It was in a great location. Very convenient to transport and shopping. The staff were very friendly and the hotel facilities were very good."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Hilton Kuala Lumpur
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Manor Residence KLCC by Five Senses

The Manor Residence KLCC by Five Senses

4 out of 5
3 Persiaran Stonor, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, hot springs on-site and a garden. Popular attractions KLCC Park and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (107 reviews)
"Excellent two bedroom apartments with security outside in a nice area. We were able to walk to the patronas towers, central market , the pavillion etc which was about 20 minutes walking."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

The Manor Residence KLCC by Five Senses
Perdana Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Perdana Kuala Lumpur City Centre

4 out of 5
10, Jalan Binjal, Kuala Lumpur
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (476 reviews)
"A great family hotel. Spacious room with comfortable bed, good bathroom, balcony and small kitchen. Fantastic breakfast every day. Located walking distance to 2 metro stations and Petronas Towers. The staff are great, friendly and efficient. I definitely recommend this lovely hotel."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Perdana Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Ramada Suites by Wyndham Kuala Lumpur City Centre

4 out of 5
No 1, Lorong Ceylon, Bukit Ceylon, Kuala Lumpur
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a nightclub and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (298 reviews)
Last 2 nights in Kuala Lumpur
"Finished our 3 week trip to Malaysia with a 2 night stay here as it is right in the middle of the busy area for night life. Lots of bars shops and restaurants right outside. The hotel is having some internal and external painting done at the moment but this didn't affect our stay whatsoever.a"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Ramada Suites by Wyndham Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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