The capital of Malaysia is an economic, cultural and tourism growing hub in South East Asia. Booming with different ethnics and varied cultured, you can experience a taste of Asia in one town. Famous Chinatown, Hindu temples and modern buildings, make KL (as is known around) a great place to kick-start your travels around SE Asia.
We spent 3 days wondering around and eating (a lot) and picked our favourite spots in this crazy busy city!
Batu Caves
Only 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station, the Batu Caves are a complex of Hindu temples inside a magnificent group of caves. Packed with tourists and Hindus alike who take their offerings to the gods and eventually to the sneaky monkeys who are fearless of humans and will go the great reaches to take some food.
When we went there, the main statue was being renovated (unfortunately) and we weren’t able to fully appreciate its beauty. But the greatness of the caves and monuments is definitely worth the trip.
How to Get There:
Take a Komuter train from Kuala Lumpur Sentral on the red line towards Batu Caves. Hop off at the last station. Tickets are only MR2 (less than AU$1).
Petronas Towers
An unmissable attraction while in Kuala Lumpur are the world famous Petronas Towers. Built only 30 years ago, they are the 7th highest building in the world and have 87 floors (confirm info)!!!
They are located in the city centre and around a complex of shopping malls, hotels and restaurants. There’s also a park just in front of KLCC (as the complex is known) which provides beautiful views of the towers and entertainment for all ages. At night, the twin towers lit up and a water and light show starts right in front of it.
How to Get There:
Just take the train from any station within Klang Valley area and make your way to KLCC Station.
Chinatown
One of the best places to eat and immerse yourself in Chinese culture. Chinatown is only 15 minutes from the city centre and on Petaling Street you can walk around finding exotic and local food.
How to Get There:
The city offers a free Purple Bus Line which goes around the city centre, hop on anywhere and jump off at Kotaraya Stop.
Negara Masjid (National Mosque)
The first Mosque built after the independence of Malaysia was built next to the Botanic Gardens and sits beautifully around the green area. Shaped as an ‘umbrella’ to offer protection to the newly built country, the mosque has amazing architecture features. There are free ’tours’ on the Mosque provided by volunteers who can give great information about the history and culture of Muslims in Malaysia. They also provide appropriate clothing for people wanting to visit the Mosque (as you can see).
How to Get There:
The Mosque is located right next to the Masjid Negara Station (Red Line) and about 10 minutes walk from the Purple Line Bus (Pasar Seni Stop). Go over the pedestrian walk and go down straight into the Mosque.
Bukit Bintang
One of the most popular hubs in Kuala Lumpur for shopping and everything entertainment. Very popular with tourists and young locals alike, the place is particularly famous for its night markets. Apparently always packed and full of life. We hadn’t had the change to go there this time but heard recommendations from all over and highly recommend you check it out if shopping is our thing.
How to Get There:
Take the Purple Bus Line and hop off at Bukit Bintang Station.
Botanic Gardens
A large patch of greenery near the city centre, makes the Botanic Gardens a particularly pleasant activity, specially on a hot day. Walk around the lake and towards the covered area which hosts crafted tree trunks and a bamboo house (opening soon). Lots of water features also make it a good place to chill out and relax.
How to Get There:
Just a short walk from the Kuala Lumpur Station, through to the National Mosque and the several museums.
Market Square
A place for everything local. Great offerings of food, local crafts and everything in between, the Market Square is a great stop for eating cheap and really delicious food. We stayed near by and where there constantly as we walked through to stations and grabbed a quick eat or a fresh juice.
How to Get There:
Again, less than 2 minutes walk from the Purple Bus Line near the KL Sentral Station.
Have you been to Kuala Lumpur? How did you like it? Tell us if there’s anything else we missed in our trip there or if you visited all of these destinations! We would love to hear your opinion and experiences.
See you around,
Larissa & Jean
Nomaddictives
