Kuala Lumpur’s Hidden Gems: Amazing Places to visit
Kuala Lumpur, the vibrant capital city of Malaysia is an absolute gem to explore. If you are in for a thrilling adventure, whether it is exploring temples and mosques, towering skyscrapers or enjoying mouth watering street food, look no further than Kuala Lumpur. With its awe-inspiring skyline, rich cultural diversity, and scrumptious cuisine, you are surely signing up for an adventure.
To make the most of your time in the city, here are the top 15 things to do before you leave the delightful city.
Explore the sights of Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is one of the prominent capital cities in Asia with a recognizable skyline – one that you won’t want to miss.
Get to the top of Petronas Twin Towers
You simply cannot miss to reach the top of Petronas Twin Towers, the breathtaking landmark that attracts visitors to the city. The twin architectural marvels dominate Kuala Lumpur’s skyline.
These iconic structures, once the tallest buildings in the world with 88 stories, stand tall at 451.9 meters. Check out the sky bridge at the 41st and 42nd floors, and ascend to the observation deck on the 86th floor to take a look through the telescope for incredible sweeping views of the city below.
Make a visit to Thean Hou Temple
Make a visit to Thean Hou Temple, a six-tier exquisite Chinese temple, one of the largest Southeast Asian temples dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, Mazu. Perched atop Robson Hill, this architectural wonder features a main hall on the top floor, a Chinese medicinal garden, a Zodiac Statue Park and Yi Xin Garden representing Malaysia’s multicultural diversity.
While you are there explore the red lanterns, intricate carvings, and colorful statues too. You will love the peaceful ambiance of the temple for sure.
Explore the National Mosque
Discover the beauty of Islamic architecture at the National Mosque, also renowned as Masjid Negara. This magnificent mosque is an architectural masterpiece with a capacity of up to 15,000 worshippers.
Designed by the architects Hisham Albakri, Baharuddin Kassim and Howard Ashley, the mosque’s design is a blend of modern and traditional elements. Appreciate the spectacular sixteen point star dome, the fascinating 73-meter minaret, the awe-inspiring interior of the mosque adorned with beautiful stained glass windows and intricately designed calligraphy.
Spend some time in its landscaped gardens with fountains and water features. Remember to dress modestly as a sign of respect.
Experience the culture of Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur offers shopping districts and amazing food experiences that rival any of the other capital cities in Asia.
Take a gastronomic tour to Jalan Alor
Jalan Alor is where the culinary magic happens! This vibrant 500-meter long street comes alive at night with a wide array of street food stalls and restaurants serving up tantalizing delights from various cuisines.
Enjoy a mouth watering feast of satay skewers, succulent grilled seafood, flavorful stir-fried noodles and don’t forget to try the iconic Hokkien Mee, a Malaysian-Chinese dish made with prawns, squid, and noodles, fried to perfection with a savory and smoky flavor. To immerse in the culinary experience, embrace the local custom of “makan-makan” which means eating together, while enjoying the flavors of Malaysia.
Do a bit of shopping in Bukit Bintang
Head to Bukit Bintang, the heart of Kuala Lumpur and a premier shopping and an entertainment district. For some retail therapy, this vibrant neighborhood offers a delightful mix of high-end boutiques, department stores, and bustling street markets. Shop at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, a sprawling shopping mall in Bukit Bintang for international and local brands. You will love its impressive collection and the luxurious ambiance. Stroll through the Bukit Bintang Walk and explore the other popular shopping centers, including Berjaya Times Square, Fahrenheit 88, and Lot 10.
If you are in for a nightlife experience, delve into Jalan Alor and Jalan Bukit Bintang, the bustling street markets, where you can buy electronics, souvenirs, and fashion items. Immerse in the lively atmosphere as you stroll through the food stalls.
Tour the Central Market
If you are a lover of arts and crafts, Central Market is not to be missed while on tour. The vibrant Central Market, also popularly known as Pasar Seni is a cultural treasure trove of Malaysian heritage, art, and crafts. Housed in a charming art-deco building, the market features a mix of souvenir shops, boutiques and art galleries from which you can shop for intricate silverware, delicate wood carvings, traditional batik prints, and handwoven textiles. Make sure to engage with local artists as they demonstrate their crafts and share stories about Malaysia’s cultural heritage.
Enter the colorful and flavorful world of Little India
If you are a fan of Indian textiles and Indian food head to Brickfields, home to a vibrant neighborhood that brings a piece of India’s culture and colors to Kuala Lumpur.
Stroll through the bustling streets and enjoy the vibe. Explore the shops selling traditional Indian garments, exquisite jewelry, and intricate handicrafts. Feast on delectable curries, mouthwatering biryanis, and sweet treats like jalebi and Gulab jamun at the local eateries.
Enjoy natural wonders of Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a very green, livable, vibrant city that will impress you in ways that you might not suspect.
Walk through trails at KL Forest Eco Park
Need a breath of fresh air amidst the urban jungle? KL Forest Eco Park, also known as Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, offers a peaceful escape just minutes away from the bustling city center.
Meander along the elevated walkways, enjoying the tranquility of the lush green forest that surrounds you and the picturesque views of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline. Go on the 200-meter Canopy Walk or on Jelutong Trail or on Merbau Trail to experience the greenery. Check out the various flora and fauna, herb gardens and a wide array of bird species.
Experience the iconic Batu Caves
Extend your adventure with a visit to the iconic colorful Batu Caves in Gombak, 13 km away from the city. It is a majestic Hindu pilgrimage site with limestone cliffs, featuring a series of caves, temples and a striking 140 feet tall golden statue of Lord Murugan at the entrance welcoming you. Climb the 272 rainbow-colored steps to the caves, explore the rock formations, intricate carvings, architecture of the temples and be rewarded with breathtaking views while at the top. Don’t forget to capture the vivid murals and vibrant statues that grace the interiors. Also, be mindful of the monkeys that roam around.
Relax at KLCC Park
Find serenity at KLCC Park, a lush green oasis in the heart of the bustling city surrounding the Petronas Twin Towers. Wander through the well-maintained gardens, water fountains, and reflective pools. You can also have a relaxing picnic enjoying the greenery around. Fitness enthusiasts can use the jogging tracks and exercise stations in the park, while children can play in the childrens’ playground.
This is also one of the perfect spots to capture the towering Petronas Twin Towers. Don’t miss out on the park’s symphony fountain show, a mesmerizing water, music and light show in the evening. It is truly a wonderful sight to witness.
Go bird watching in Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
Just 10-minutes away from the city center, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is a bird paradise spanning 20.9 acres featuring 4 zones. Home to over 3,000 birds from 200 species, this largest free-flight walk-in aviary wonderland offers an up-close encounter with these fascinating creatures.
Stroll through the park’s free-flight aviaries and marvel at the Hornbills, peacocks and vivid colors and melodious songs of the birds. Don’t miss the daily bird shows, where birds showcase their talents.
Have some fun at Sunway Lagoon
Sunway Lagoon is a must-visit adventure park, especially if you are traveling with kids. This theme park features a thrilling mix of water rides, amusement attractions, and wildlife encounters, making it a perfect destination for visitors of all ages.
Try surfing at Surf Beach, and challenge yourself at the Extreme Park where activities like bungee jumping, flying fox, and ATV rides await. Head to the Wildlife Park, home to over 150 species of animals, including exotic birds, cuddly rabbits to closely encounter with wildlife.
Uncover the art and history of Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur offers a range of art and cultural museums as well as one of the top aquariums in Asia.
Unravel history and art at Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
Journey through the city’s history and culture at the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery. The gallery showcases historical photographs, miniature models of iconic landmarks, and intricate dioramas that portray significant moments in the city’s development. Don’t forget to take some photographs too.
Explore the underwater world at Aquaria KLCC
Dive into an aquatic wonderland at Aquaria KLCC, an awe-inspiring oceanarium featuring over 5,000 creatures beneath the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Wander through the 300-feet long underwater tunnel, and watch the sharks and rays glide gracefully above you. Explore the vibrant coral reefs, mysterious Amazonian rainforests and engage in the feeding sessions.
Immerse yourself into artistic heritage at Islamic Arts Museum
If you are someone who loves Islamic art, make a visit to the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia. This museum boasts an extensive collection of artifacts across 2 floors in 12 galleries, showcasing intricately designed pottery, woodwork, ancient manuscripts, metalwork, dazzling textiles, and mesmerizing jewelry. Spare some time exploring Malay, China and India World galleries representing centuries of artistic expression, as each gallery transports you to different regions and periods in history. The calming ambiance of the museum sets a perfect setting for appreciating the masterpieces on display.
No shortage of things to do in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a magical city offering a kaleidoscope of experiences. Whether you’re an avid adventurer, a history enthusiast, or a passionate foodie, Kuala Lumpur will keep you busy and engage, and leave you spellbound.
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