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 In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's dynamic capital and largest city, you’ll discover towering skyscrapers alongside lush green parks and vibrant street markets. Whether you're exploring the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, savouring diverse flavours at a roadside hawker stall, or soaking up the city's rich cultural tapestry, KL promises a mesmerising mix of experiences that captivate and charm visitors from around the world. Gastronomy connoisseurs broaden their palates, party animals find sanctuaries, and nature-lovers are wowed.

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The City

Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of cross-cultural influences and the result is an exciting mixture of cultures, costumes and cuisines; it is the capital and largest city of Malaysia. It is also one of the three Malaysian Federal Territories, together with Putrajaya and Labuan. The city is surrounded by satellite cities like the administrative capital Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, Sunway (a great amusement park), Cheras, Shah Alam, Subang and Petaling Jaya. KL consists of various districts with their own identities.

The Classic Centre is where KL was born, at the meeting of Klang and Gombak Rivers. You will find historical sites like the first large mosque Masjid Jamek, Central Market, Little India, Dataran Merdeka, Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad and the Selangor Club. Lively Chinatown is still authentic and features Petaling Street — Kuala Lumpur’s first market and various temples (Buddhist and Hindu). The Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower in the Grand Jalan Ampang district are hard to miss as they dominate the city’s skyline. The nostalgic Lake Gardens boasts the romantic park Taman Tasik Perdana, the Islamic Arts Museum, National Museum and the National Monument is just a stone’s throw away. The posh Bangsar is where Kuala Lumpur’s rich come out to play. The highlight is Jalan Telawi, packed with nightlife spots.

For shopping, head off into the direction of the hip Bukit Bintang which is dubbed The Shopper’s Paradise. Do the Bintang Walk and find out why! The rest of KL includes sights such as the Batu Caves Hindu Temple, Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) Park, Selangor Pewter, and the National Zoo. Or why not take a relaxing day, and just absorb the atmosphere of wandering through such diverse communities as Chinese, Malay, South Indian and East Malaysian and many more. Each community offers its own festivals, food, music, art and fashion, while lending its own unique additions to Malaysian culture.

Young woman sitting on the transparent glass floor in Menara KL tower, Kuala Lumpur Vladimir Zhoga/shutterstock

Do & See

Kuala Lumpur combines a modern city with an old feeling of the town. Visit for example the Petronas Twin Tower which used to be the highest buildings in the world or visit the oldest market in town where you can find lovely souvenirs to take home.

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Menara KL Tower

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Petronas Twin Tower & KLCC

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Batu Caves

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Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana)

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Masjid Jamek Mosque

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Old Railway Station

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National Museum

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Berjaya Times Square Theme Park

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Islamic Arts Museum

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Aquaria KLCC

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Sri Mahamariamma

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Petrosains Science Discovery Centre

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Kampung Baru

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KL Forest Eco Park

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Royal Palace Istana Negara

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Petaling Street (Chinatown)

Malaysian chicken satay with delicious peanut sauce, one of famous local dishes. dolphfyn/shutterstock

Dining

Head to Jalan Alor for an al fresco meal at one of the many tables lining this KL street food hub, or try one of these similar spots favoured by locals: Pudu Wai Sek Kai (also known as 'Glutton Street'), an area referred to as Lucky Gardens (here, restaurant or cafe-type establishments are a good bet in terms of both quality and variety), plus eateries around Brickfields, home to KL's Little India, which translates into the dominant type of food offerings here.

Malaysian cuisine is a fusion of cultural influences. For instance, 'nasi lemak' is historically Malay, 'rojak' is Indian Muslim, 'char kuay teow' is Chinese and the spicy-hot 'laksa' is Nyonya (a mix of Malay and Chinese). Each culture emphasises different ingredients and flavours; for example, the Malay curry tastes tangier compared to the Indian.

Here's a list of the best places to eat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:

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Bijan

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Jalan Alor

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Yarl Restaurant

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Chynna

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Limapulo: Baba Can Cook

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Dining in the Dark KL

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Pinchos Tapas Bar

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Din Tai Fung Pavilion KL

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Betel Leaf

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Bara on Six

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Loco Mexican Bar & Restaurant

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Cafes

Kuala Lumpur offers many cafe options, from the regular coffee drinker to the casual one. There is also a mixture of the types of cafes offered here, from outdoor locations where locals hang out to indoor cafes for a convenient shopping break. The numerous options of popular franchise chains and local cafes offer great choices for all coffee experiences.

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The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

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Merchant's Lane

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LOKL Coffee Co

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ChoCha Foodstore

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Antipodean at Menara Tan & Tan

Mojito cocktail and cashews on table in rooftop bar at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Prasit Rodphan/shutterstock

Bars & Nightlife

Malaysia is a Muslim country, but non-Muslims are free to enjoy the alcoholic aspects of the nightlife. As dusk falls, Kuala Lumpur transforms itself into a vibrant city of entertainment and fun, becoming a playground for partygoers of all walks of life. The club culture is concentrated mainly in Jalan Telawi and Jalan P Ramlee.

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Spark Club KL

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Marini's On 57

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Suzie Wong

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Esperance Nightclub

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Mojo Restaurant & Bar

Shopping mall Elena Ermakova/shutterstock

Shopping

Shoppers will find their trip to Kuala Lumpur worthwhile to say the least. There are many ways to pursue your shopping needs from a shop house to a street stall, or from a night market (‘pasar malam’) to a shopping mall. You may not always find exactly the same product but you have a lot of choice in price and quality. There are great shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur, namely Suria KLCC (just below the Twin Towers), Mid Valley Megamall and Bangsar Village. However, the most famous area for shopping is Bukit Bintang, with the highest density of malls and shops in the city. You can find anything from the smartest Japanese hi-tech gadget to the latest French designer piece.

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Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

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Suria KLCC

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Publika

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Central Market

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The Starhill

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Sungei Wang Plaza

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Mid Valley Megamall

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Petaling Street (Chinatown)

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train approaching towards camera. MRT system forming the major component of the railway system in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. kah loong lee/shutterstock

Tourist Information

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

Kuala Lumpur International Airport, abbreviated KLIA, at Sepang, 55 kilometres from the city, is the bigger and busier of the two airports that service the Malaysian capital.

From KLIA to the Kuala Lumpur city centre you can take the high speed train KLIA Ekspres & KLIA Transit. Travelling time is 28 minutes for KLIA Ekspres and 35 minutes for KLIA Transit.

There's also a plethora of buses connecting the airport to the city.

To take a taxi from KLIA you will need to get a prepaid coupon. Coupons for airport taxis can be purchased from counters at Level 3 on the Main Terminal Building (Arrivals). Coupons for metered city taxis can be purchased from counters at Level 1 in the same building.

Address:

Email:

Phone: +603 8776 2000

Website: airports.malaysiaairports.com.my

More Information:

Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB)

The smaller Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang caters mostly domestic flights. Buses connect the airport to KL Sentral.

Address: Skypark Subang Terminal, Lpg Trbg Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, Subang, Selangor, Malaysia

Email:

Phone: +60 3 7845 3245

Website: www.subangskypark.com

More Information:

Public Transport

Since most people don’t live downtown, the most common way of getting around in Kuala Lumpur is driving. There may be light traffic jams during rush hours, but nothing serious. However, for the visitor, the public transport system is well-expanded and consists of an underground system, a monorail line, a series of different train lines and several bus operators.

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Website: myrapid.com.my

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Taxi

If you are not familiar with the city and only staying for a short period, taxis can be the most convenient way of getting about. Taxis are easily available and not too expensive. Fares are charged according to the zone and are subject to change. An extra 50 percent is added for services between midnight and 6am. All taxis must use meters.

Address:

Email:

Phone: +60 3 62 59 20 20

Website: www.publiccab.com.my

More Information:

Post

There are several post offices in Kuala Lumpur. Most of them are open Monday to Saturday, but each post office has different opening or closing hours.

Address: Pos Malaysia Headquarters, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, City Centre, Kuala Lumpur

Email:

Phone: +60 3 2274 1122

Website: www.pos.com.my

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Telephone

Country code: +60
Area code: 3

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Electricity

Electrical appliances are connected to Malaysia's power supply using a three-pin plug known as plug type G. It is the same plug used in the UK. Expect 220-240V at 50Hz.

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