Kuala Lumpur, or popularly known as ‘KL’, is Malaysia’s capital city and one of Asia’s most dynamic cities. This bustling metropolis is a melting pot of races and cultures, and is home to a population of 3.4 million people.
One of the most charming features of this flourishing urban centre is its ability to juxtapose the old and new. Iconic high-rise buildings such as the Petronas Twin Towers stand alongside colonial buildings, creating a delightful contrast. Green-lung areas, upscale shopping malls, themed places of interest and heritage quarters give KL its unique character. Getting around this modern city is convenient with the comprehensive transportation system, KL Hop On Hop Off Coach tours, GO KL free bus service and KL City Hall’s tram service.
MAP OF KUALA LUMPUR
PLACES OF INTEREST
PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS
KLCC
KLCC Standing at 451.9m, the world-renowned Petronas Twin Towers is KLCC’s centrepiece and one of the country’s most famous icons. The Skybridge on the 41st and 42nd floor doubles up as an excellent viewing platform of the city’s skyline. Featuring futuristic glass-and-steel exterior and a traditionally-inspired interior, the 88-storey building reflects Malaysia’s aspirations in moving forward while maintaining its national identity and traditional values.
PASAR SENI (CENTRAL MARKET)
Jalan Hang Kasturi
Situated within a restored art deco façade, Central Market is famed for its variety of authentic Malaysian souvenirs. Get handicrafts, songket and batik attires, paintings, hand-made items and more. There are also DIY workshops and caricature artists Outside, Kasturi Walk offers an alfresco shopping ambience.
KL TOWER
Jalan Puncak, off Jalan P.Ramlee
Poised atop Bukit Nanas, KL Tower is a major landmark in the city. Standing at 421m, this telecommunications tower is the seventh tallest in the world and the tallest in Southeast Asia. Highlights include the 276-metre Observation Deck, Sky Box situated 300 m above ground or dining at the Atmosphere 360O revolving restaurant. The tower is situated in the KL Forest Eco Park.
PETALING STREET (CHINATOWN)
Petaling Street or Chinatown is a lively stretch of shops, restaurants and hawker stalls. It is one of the best places to enjoy the outdoor shopping experience while browsing through an assortment of things from watches, accessories, clothes, fresh fruits, flowers, crafts and souvenirs. The streets are lined by buildings, clan houses and temples which stand as testament to the city’s architectural heritage.
AQUARIA KLCC
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
Occupying 60,000 square feet, Aquaria KLCC showcases a variety of marine life from various parts of the world. Visitors can walk through a 90-metre long tunnel to view the marine life or watch the daily fish-feeding sessions. Highlights include the Cage Rage and Dive with Sharks programme that offers a chance to see sharks up close.
ROYAL SELANGOR
Jalan Usahawan 6, Setapak Jaya
This is the home of the world-renowned Royal Selangor pewter. It features interesting exhibits and interactive displays that will give an insight into the world of pewter. Guided factory tours are available to see the various stages of pewter processing. Visitors can create their own souvenirs by joining the School of Hard Knocks and The Foundry.
KL BIRD PARK
Delight in exploring over 3,000 birds from 200 local and foreign species at the KL Bird Park. Occupying an area of 20.9 acres, this park has four zones that house exotic and amazing birds such as the Birds of Paradise, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Rhinoceros Hornbill and many more.
KUALA LUMPUR CITY GALLERY
Jalan Raja, Dataran Merdeka
This gallery offers an insight into Kuala Lumpur through an interesting collection of prints, miniatures and photographs. Visitors can watch souvenirs being made or join the workshop to assemble their own souvenirs. The gallery is situated in a 114-year old Moorish styled building located at the historical enclave of Dataran Merdeka.
NATIONAL MUSEUM
Jalan Damansara
National Museum is the country’s premier museum. Built in 1963, the museum acts as a prime information hub on the nation’s history and culture, which are spread out over four themed galleries. Relics from the past can also be found within the grounds of the museum.
MASJID NEGARA (National Mosque)
Jalan Perdana
Masjid Negara is one of the most distinguished
landmarks in the city. It has a unique star-shaped
dome and a 73 metre-high minaret. The National
Mosque is situated fringing the KL Lake Gardens.
Visitors are advised to dress appropriately when visiting the mosque. Women will be required to wear headscarves. Visitors who are interested in Islamic arts can visit the Islamic Arts Centre situated overlooking the mosque.
MASJID JAMEK SULTAN ABDUL SAMAD (Jamek Mosque)
off Jalan Tun Perak
Hailed as KL’s oldest surviving mosque, Masjid Jamek was built in 1909 and officially opened by the then Sultan of Selangor. Its design was inspired by Moghul architecture with cupolas, minarets and arched colonnades. Just minutes away is Masjid India, another mosque showcasing southern Indian architectural elements.
BLUE POOL (RIVER OF LIFE)
Masjid Jamek
Occupying a historic location at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers, this is a new scenic waterfront in Kuala Lumpur. It attracts visitors with a dancing symphony fountain and lighting effects. The Blue Pool is situated near Masjid Jamek.
ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM
Jalan Lembah Perdana
This museum showcases the beauty of Islamic arts in Malaysia and around the world. Highlights include Islamic architecture and replicas of famous buildings such as the Taj Mahal in India, Al-Haram Mosque in Makkah and the Amir Timur Mausoleum in Uzbekistan.
SULTAN ABDUL SAMAD BUILDING
Jalan Raja
One of the city’s most prominent and distinguished landmarks, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building is an enduring attraction amidst the rapidly changing city skyline. Built in 1897, the building was named after the reigning monarch at the time. The stately edifice served as the government administrative building during the British era.
Constructed entirely of brick, it boasts a Mahometan or Neo-Saracenic style with an imposing porch, graceful arches, shiny copper domes and a 41.2m high clock tower.
DATARAN MERDEKA (Merdeka Square)
Jalan Raja
On 31 August 1957, the Union Jack was lowered at Dataran Merdeka to mark Malaysia’s independence from colonial rule. Hence the name, Dataran Merdeka, which means ‘Independence Square’. In its heyday, the square used to be the venue for parades, cricket matches and other important occasions. Today, this historic heart of KL is preserved with beautifully manicured lawns, terraces and a fountain. Adjacent to Dataran Merdeka is the Royal Selangor Club, boasting a Tudor architectural style.
PERDANA BOTANICAL GARDENS
One of the city’s oldest and most popular green lung areas, Perdana Botanical Gardens is a refreshing enclave sprawling over 200 acres. It is built around two lakes, with vistas of exotic blooms and luxuriant foliage. There are jogging and walking trails for visitors. A number of parks and gardens are nestled within the environs.
ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL
Jalan Raja
A fine example of early English Gothic
architecture, this church features stained glass windows, tasselled tile paving and buttresses. A unique feature here is the pipe organ built in 1895 by Henry Willis, one of the greatest organ builders of his day.
TUN ABDUL RAZAK HERITAGE PARK
Encompassing 173 acres, Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park is a sprawling area with raintrees, lakes, flower gardens and trails. Visitors can explore the park on foot or take the tram service to get around the park. Attractions include Perdana Botanical Gardens (formerly known as the KL Lake Gardens), KL Bird Park, Hibiscus Park, Butterfly Park and many more.
PETROSAINS, THE DISCOVERY CENTRE
Suria KLCC
Equipped with interactive displays, dioramas and exciting exhibits, this centre gives an insight into the world of science and technology. Spread over 7,000 square metres, it gives visitors the chance to visit a built-to-scale model of an oil platform, gain an insight into the nano world or find out how astronauts live in the International Space Station.
KL FOREST ECO-PARK
Bukit Nanas
This sanctuary has the distinction of being the oldest as well as the only permanent forest reserve in the heart of the city. Beginning at the slopes of KL Tower, the lowland dipterocarp forest stretches over 10.5 hectares and is home to a diversity of inhabitants. View the lush foliage from the 70-metre boardwalk or join a guided tour to take a closer look at the trees, bamboos, herbs and climbers.
ISTANA NEGARA (NATIONAL PALACE)
Jalan Tuanku
Istana Negara or the National Palace is the official residence of the King of Malaysia. This majestic edifice situated at Jalan Duta officially became the National Palace in November 2011, replacing the old palace in Jalan Istana. It has 22 domes, with the largest dome reaching up to a height of 40 metres.
Note: Outside views only.
BERJAYA TIMES SQUARE THEME PARK
Jalan Imbi
This gigantic indoor theme park is spread over 133,000 square feet with a fantastic array of games and rides for visitors of all ages. Highlights include the thrilling Supersonic Odyssey roller coaster. This theme park is situated within the Berjaya Times Square building which also houses a hotel, restaurants and shopping outlets.
KL CITYWALK
Jalan P.Ramlee
KUALA Lumpur Citywalk (KLCW) is a 416-metre urban street arcade located between Jalan P.Ramlee, Jalan Perak and Jalan Pinang. Boasting a trendy ambience, the arcade is fashioned out of repurposed cargo containers. It features food and beverage outlets, service outlets as well as an events space. KL Citywalk is accessible via the skybridge linking Pavilion Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
KUALA LUMPUR CRAFT COMPLEX
Jalan Conlay
Styled after a Malay village, this complex houses a Craft Boutique, Craft Shop, Artist’s Colony and an Amphitheatre. It is a one-stop centre for authentic Malaysian craft products ranging from souvenirs, interior decorations, costume jewellery, textiles, garden and landscape decorations and many more. Art workshops and demonstrations are held for visitors.
KL OLD RAILWAY STATION
Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin
This splendid building was the hub for the nation’s rail transportation system before the state-of-the-art KL Sentral Station was built. Its Moorish architecture with graceful arches and minarets makes it one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.
TITIWANGSA LAKE GARDENS
Spread of 46 hectares, the newly-upgraded park is one of the most popular green lung areas for city dwellers. The park offers a newly-installed 60m Titiwangsa range canopy, playgrounds, an ankle-level water playground, a maze garden as well as jogging and cycling tracks. Don’t miss the fountain jet, which can shoot water 100m into the air!
PINTASAN SALOMA
(SALOMA BRIDGE)
Saloma Bridge is a 69 m pedestrian bridge that connects the chic KLCC area to Kampung Baru, a heritage zone and popular spot for foodies. All it takes is 15 minutes to get to the other side. This uniquely designed bridge is named in honour of the late Saloma, a singer/actress/fashion icon who was known for her showstopping performances. Its unique design is inspired by Sirih Junjung, a ceremonial betel leaf bouquet used in Malay weddings. Photo buffs will have fun exploring the various angles of this iconic attraction as it is decked with ever-changing LED lights similar to the Bridge of Peace in Tbilisi, Georgia. Get your camera ready for gorgeous OOTD shots! Visitors can access the bridge from the Kampung Baru LRT station or from Public Bank Tower in KLCC.
KWAI CHAI HONG
Jalan Panggung
Experience a slice of KL’s history at Kwai Chai Hong – a century-old lane behind Petaling Street that has been revived through street art. This hidden gem is located in Chinatown and involves ten restored shophouses and a lane that has been transformed through life-like paintings and murals. Here, one can stroll back in time and soak up the atmosphere of Chinatown in the 1960s. Get a close look at images of traders, barbers, calligraphers and musicians. Have your picture taken at the Instagrammable spots or catch up with friends at the numerous kopitiams, cafes and bars. The paintings are equipped with informative QR codes, sound and music to make the experience even more realistic. Kwai Chai Hong has received two awards namely the Placemaker ASEAN Awards 2021 and Best Heritage Attraction in Kuala Lumpur 2021 by International Travel Awards.
THERE’S MUCH MORE IN KUALA LUMPUR
This dazzling capital offers a variety of other interesting sights. Explore these great attractions:
- Galeria Sri Perdana
- Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial
- Tun Abdul Razak Memorial Library
- Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan (Federal Territory Mosque)
- Thean Hou Temple
- KLCC Park
- Kepong Metropolitan Park
- Istana Budaya (National Theatre)
- P. Ramlee Memorial House
- Muzium Diraja (Royal Museum)
- Petronas Arts Gallery
- Telekom Museum
- Little India@Brickfields
- Medan Pasar (Market Square) heritage buildings
- National Planetarium
- TREC KL Changkat Bukit Bintang
- Saloma Link
- Superpark Malaysia
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Kuala Lumpur is a paradise for shoppers with something to cater to every taste, from luxury to affordable purchases. Bukit Bintang and KLCC lead the way in retail therapy with a host of glitzy malls that are decked with top brands from around the world. Most of these malls serve as lifestyle centres and come complete with restaurants, cineplexes, spas, fitness centres and even indoor theme parks. Sub-urban enclaves such as Bangsar and Hartamas are known for their exclusive boutiques and a range of specialty shops.
Visitors in search of novelty items will be spoilt for choice at the open-air bazaars. Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex and Central Market. The casual street shops at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Petaling Street stack every imaginable item from crafts to belts, bags and electronic goods. Ethnic-style crafts, accessories and traditional Indian attire can be found at the Little India enclave in Brickfields.
Popular shopping spots in KL are:
- Starhill Gallery
- Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
- Sungei Wang Plaza
- Low Yat Plaza
- Fahrenheit88
- Lot 10
- Suria KLCC
- Avenue K
- Berjaya Times Square
- Kenanga Wholesale City
- GMBB KL
- The Linc KL
- My Town KL
- Mid Valley City
- The Gardens
- Bangsar Village 1
- Bangsar Village II
- Bangsar Shopping Centre
- Nu Sentral
- Quill City Mall
- Sogo
- Publika Shopping Gallery
- Kenanga Wholesale City
- Sunway Putra Mall
- Petaling Street (Chinatown)
- Pasar Seni (Central Market)
DINING
Kuala Lumpur is hailed as the region’s food capital for its delectable variety of mouth-watering delights. Major hotels and shopping malls are decked with gourmet restaurants, coffee houses, delicatessens and alfresco cafes.
Some exclusive restaurants offer traditional performances for visitors to get a glimpse of local culture. Like in other cities, designer coffee shops with wi-fi facilities are a popular hangout at any time of the day. As a cosmopolitan city, KL offers a number of restaurants that serve international fare. Authentic Malaysian fare which consists of Malay, Chinese and Indian food is definitely worth trying out. For a novel experience, try the local hawker-style fare where dishes are freshly prepared upon order. A number of restaurants are open 24 hours so anytime is a good time for a snack. Muslims can rest assured that halal food is easily available. To savour local delights, visit places like Jalan Alor (Chinese food), Kampong Baru (Malay food) and Little India (Indian food). So, come with a big appetite and enjoy these gastronomic adventures in KL!
Kampung Baru
A traditional Malay enclave, this area is known for its authentic Malay food. One of the most popular items here is Nasi Lemak. A perennial favourite, Nasi Lemak consists of fragrant rice cooked with coconut milk and screwpine leaves. It is served with a spicy sambal sauce, boiled egg, crunchy groundnuts and freshly sliced cucumber. Nasi Lemak can be savoured with accompaniments such as beef rendang, chicken rendang, fried chicken, fried egg, squid sambal and many more. Other great items to try include Ikan Bakar (grilled fish), Roti Jala, Putu Piring, Satay and many more.
Petaling Street
Set in pre-war shophouses, Petaling Street is a bustling maze of lanes and alleys that are filled with quaint restaurants, kopitiams (traditional coffee shop) and outdoor food stalls. A favourite spot for Chinese food, Petaling Street is the place to try out street fare such as roasted chestnuts, fried noodles, Chicken Rice, Yong Tau Foo as well as Western delights, Nyonya fare, fresh fruits and the signature drink, Air Mata Kuching (dried longan drink). Petaling
Street is also a famous shopping zone for its innumerable variety of accessories, bags, clothes and souvenir items.
Jalan Alor
Food lovers swear that this is one place that should not be missed while visiting Kuala Lumpur. Visitors will find a bewildering variety of street food from Char Kuay Teow, Oyster Omelette, Satay to Barbecued Chicken Wings. Cooked over charcoal grill, Barbecued Chicken Wings are a delight to the senses, with its succulent chargrilled meat and smoky flavour. The best part is, Jalan Alor is situated close to hotels and shopping malls in Bukit Bintang.
Little India@Brickfields
A paradise for Indian food, this township is situated near to the KL Sentral transportation hub. Enjoy everything from Banana Leaf Rice – which comprises a heap of steaming rice served with aromatic curries and an array of sumptuous side dishes. Don’t miss the chance to savour idly and thosai with a selection of chicken, mutton, fish or vegetarian gravies along with coconut and onion chutneys. You can also try out various types of breads such as Naan and Roti Canai.
Bukit Bintang
Bukit Bintang and Jalan Tun Ismail are lined with trendy sidewalk cafes that are great spots for people-watching and chilling out. Patrons can dine in a stylish ambience while enjoying Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Western and other international fare. These restaurants are situated within the vicinity of shopping mall and hotels.
TRANSPORTATION
Getting There
By Air
The state-of-the-art Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)is the main gateway into the country. It is situated in Sepang, about 55 km from Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia’s national carrier is Malaysia Airlines which spans about six continents. Malaysia Airlines is complemented by Firefly, Batik Air and AirAsia.
By Sea
Kuala Lumpur is easily accessible from Port Klang, home to Malaysia’s largest and busiest port. Boustead Cruise Centre, the dedicated cruise terminal, is situated in Pulau Indah, Port Klang. It is situated about 75km from the airport.
By Road
An excellent road network links Kuala Lumpur to Singapore in the south and Thailand in the north.
By Rail
Kuala Lumpur is linked to Thailand and Singapore via a good rail network. Arriving guests can disembark at the KL Sentral Station, which is the transportation hub for trains, buses and taxis. More information on rail transport can be obtained at www.ktmb.com.my. The city is a stopover destination for the Eastern & Oriental luxury train which takes visitors from Thailand to Singapore.
From the Airport to the City
The high-speed KLIA Ekspres train provides direct, non-stop connectivity to KL Sentral Station, the main transportation hub in Kuala Lumpur. The journey from KLIA takes 28 minutes while the journey from KLIA 2 takes 33 minutes.
The KLIA Transit train offers a similar service but with four stops along the way, at Bandar Tasik Selatan, Salak Tinggi, Putrajaya/Cyberjaya, KLIA and KLIA2. The journey to the airport via KLIA Transit takes 39 minutes. Tickets can be purchased online, onboard the AirAsia flights or at the counters. Alternatively, there are shuttle buses, limousines and e-hailing services to the city.
Getting Around
By Train
Kuala Lumpur has a comprehensive rail transportation system, serviced by KL Monorail, Rapid KL Light Rail Transit (LRT), MRT as well as the KTM Komuter train.
KL Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
Enjoy a tour around the city in style and comfort on board the Hop-On Hop-Off Coach. The semi-glass roofed coach takes visitors around the major places of interest in the city.
By Bus
City buses ply most parts of the city. RapidKL is the main bus company. RapidKL’s bus hubs are KL Sentral, Titiwangsa, City Centre, Maluri and Medan Pasar. GO KL is a public bus service that offers free rides for commuters within the Central Business District (CBD) of Kuala Lumpur.
By Taxi
Metered taxis and call taxis are easily available. Metered taxis can be hailed at the designated taxi halts.
E-hailing
E-hailing services are available by downloading the apps onto the mobile.
| For more information, contact: | |
|---|---|
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Tourism Malaysia Regional Office, Central Region (Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya) |
+603 2161 0166 |
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Tourism Malaysia Tourist Information Centres:
|
+603 9235 4848 / 4900 / 4800 +603 2272 5823 +603 2602 2014 |
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