Kuala Lumpur Destination Guide - Doing the Sites

04 – 12 | Doing the Sights

KL Dazzling

Doing the Sights

There’s so much to see and do in KL! The city abounds with architectural marvels, landscaped parks, pre-war buildings and many other exciting attractions. Most places can be accessed via KL’s well developed transportation network or the KL Hop-On Hop-Off coach tours.

PRESTIGIOUS LANDMARKS

The sky’s the limit when it comes to the city’s marvellous skyscrapers! When in KL, be sure to visit these iconic buildings that have made their way to global recognition. A source of pride to Malaysians, these landmarks are easily accessible and boast an enthralling range of activities and attractions.

Petronas Twin Towers

KLCC

Standing majestically at a height of 451.9 metres, Petronas Twin Towers is a world-renowned icon of Malaysia. This gleaming structure of steel and glass is the centre piece of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre or KLCC, which consists of a shopping mall, star-rated hotels, a landscaped park and a convention centre. The highlight of a visit to the Twin Towers is the exhilaration of standing at the Skybridge on the 41st Floor and Viewing Deck on the 86th Floor.

KL Tower

Jalan Puncak, Off Jalan P.Ramlee

KL Tower is one of the most prominent and distinctive landmarks in the country. This telecommunications tower, situated atop Bukit Nanas, is the world’s seventh tallest. Enjoy a magnificent view of KL from a dizzying height of 421 metres. Attractions include Sky Deck, Sky Box, Atmosphere 360°, Banquet Hall, XD Theater, Mini Zoo, KL Upside Down House and more.

Istana Negara

Jalan Duta

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. Covering 97.65ha, the palace boasts a traditional Malay design with Islamic art works that were created by renowned sculptors from Terengganu and Kelantan. The palace is graced by 22 domes, with the largest standing at a height of 40 metres. Its two main domes are embellished with betel leaf motives that shine when illuminated at night and change colour according to the occasion.

Note: outside view only.

HERITAGE SITES

KL’s long and colourful history has left a legacy of heritage sites which bear the stamp of various foreign influences. The main heritage zones in the city are Merdeka Square, Market Square, Chinatown (Petaling Street) and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. A number of sites can be accessed by the tour bus, cycle tours or even a horse carriage ride.

Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square)

Jalan Raja

Dataran Merdeka or Merdeka Square is a good starting point to explore the city’s heritage sites. The Union Jack was lowered here on 31 August 1957 marking Malaysia’s independence from colonial rule. Hence the name Merdeka, which means “Independence” in Malay. A 100-metre-high flagpole, said to be one of the tallest in the world, proudly flies the Malaysian flag. The Square used to be the focal point of Kuala Lumpur and the field here was the venue for police parades and cricket matches. Today, it is a beautifully landscaped area with gardens, terraces and fountains. Merdeka Square is still an important venue for national events such as National Day celebrations and street parades.

Royal Selangor Club

Jalan Raja

Adjacent to Dataran Merdeka is the Royal Selangor Club, a charming mock-Tudor structure. It was founded in 1884 as a small plank building with thatched roof, serving as a social and cricket club for the growing expatriate community. In the colonial days, the club was dubbed ‘The Spotted Dog’, a nickname purportedly originating from the Police Commissioner’s black and white dalmations which accompanied his wife to the club. The club was rebuilt to its present form in 1979 after a fire razed the building in 1970.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Jalan Raja

This remarkable edifice, built in 1897, was named after the State Ruler and served as the government administration building during the British era. Boasting a Mahometan or Neo-Saracenic style, the building is constructed entirely of brick. It was the largest building of its day and was said to be the finest in the Malay states. The stately structure consists of an imposing porch, graceful horseshoe-shaped arches, shiny copper domes and a 41.2-metre-high clock tower. The building makes an impressive sight when illuminated at night.

Pasar Seni (Central Market)

Jalan Hang Kasturi

This building, designed by architect and engineer TY Lee, is a fine example of Art Deco styles of the 1930s. Central Market used to be the town’s wholesale and retail wet market for fresh produce. It was renovated and reopened in 1986, and it was the first example of a heritage building being adapted for a different use. It is now a leading crafts centre in the city.

Jalan Hang Kasturi Shophouses

Just a short walk from the Central Market, Jalan Hang Kasturi used to be the spot for provisions such as dried fish and preserved vegetables. Many of the dried goods stores here can still be found today. The pre-war shophouses are mostly of Neo-Classical style.

Medan Pasar (Market Square)

Jalan Hang Kasturi

Situated between Lebuh Pasar Besar and Lebuh Ampang, Market Square refers to the spot once owned by Yap Ah Loy, headman of the Chinese community. The three-storey shophouses here are examples of ornate Neo-Classical designs, as characterised by the decorative plaster garlands, roof-top gables and balustrades.

Lebuh Ampang

This bustling street was the traditional preserve of the Chettiars, or South Indian moneylenders who were an economic force in the early days. The glazed ceramic tiles, peacock designs, traditional low benches and chests are some of the distinctive features of this community. Today, the street is still predominantly occupied by Indian traders, with restaurants, textile shops and sundry stores.

Jalan Tun H.S. Lee

Formerly known as High Street, the stretch of shophouses here are some of the oldest, dating back to the mid-1880s. This was one of the early streets in which the shophouses were rebuilt in brick and tiles. A unique feature here is that the five-foot ways are lower than the surface of the road. There is also a strong Chinese influence in this street.

Petaling Street (Chinatown)

KL’s Chinatown is a bustling and colourful street of shops, restaurants and hawker stalls. Aside from the popular shopping district of Petaling Street, the nearby buildings, clan houses and temples contain evidences of the city’s built heritage. Among them are the Lee Rubber Building, Kwong Siew Association, Old High Street Police Station, Police Sikh Temple, Old China Café, Old Victoria Institution and Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.

Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman

Originally known as Batu Road, this road was then named after the first King of Malaysia. The buildings here reflect the changing trends in architectural design, and provide clues as to the period of their construction, including the Utilitarian, Neo-Classical and Art Deco traditions. Noteworthy buildings in this zone include Masjid India, PH Hendry Building, Coliseum Cinema, Coliseum Café and Rex & Tivoli Hotels.

KL Railway Station

Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin

This splendid building was the hub for the nation’s rail transportation system before the modern KL Sentral Station was built. Its Moorish architecture with graceful arches and minarets makes it one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. Equally impressive is the Malaysian Railway (KTM) Headquarters situated overlooking the railway station.

Malaysia Tourism Centre (MATIC)

Jalan Ampang

Set in a colonial building, MATIC is a one-stop centre for tourists with a host of facilities such as a 24-hour tourist police counter, Internet access, tour agencies, currency exchange, hotel reservations as well as souvenir outlets and a chocolate boutique. This building was constructed in 1935 as a family residence by Eu Tong Seng, a wealthy tin miner and rubber estate tycoon. During the war, it served as the military base of the British army and as the headquarters of the Japanese army. The building has been the venue of numerous significant occasions, including the first sitting of Malaysi a’s Parliament and the installation ceremonies of several kings of the country.

The Heritage Centre

Jalan Stonor

The Heritage Centre is owned by Badan Warisan Malaysia or the Heritage of Malaysia Trust which promotes conservation and preservation of the nation’s heritage buildings. This centre offers an insight into Malaysia’s built heritage through exhibitions and seminars. Within its grounds is the Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman, a fine example of a traditional Malay house. Originally the residence of a local headman, the house was restored and transported from the northern state of Kedah. It showcases intricate carvings, as well as furniture and artefacts dating back to 1930.

PLACE OF WORSHIP

Be it Islam, Taoist, Christianity, Hinduism or other religions, Malaysians are free to practice their faith and observe their rituals. There are many beautiful places of worship in the city, some even situated near one another along the same street. As a mark of respect, visitors are encouraged to observe respectful silence and dress modestly. Ladies will be required to wear headscarves to enter mosques.

Masjid Negara (National Mosque)

Jalan Perdana

Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan

Jalan Duta

Situated on a hillock, this mosque was inspired by 16th century Ottoman architecture. It boasts 22 beautiful domes of various sizes. It is situated within a well-manicured garden and is surrounded by a moat.

Masjid Jamek

Off Jalan Tun Perak

This mosque occupies a historic location at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers, the birthplace of Kuala Lumpur. Built in 1909, this is the city’s oldest surviving mosque and was officially opened by the Sultan of Selangor at the time. Its design was inspired by Mogul architecture in northen India. Cupolas and minarets top the brick walls and arched colonnades, while a 70-feet dome surmounts the prayer hall.

Masjid India

Jalan Masjid India

Just minutes away from Masjid Jamek is Masjid India. Built in the southern Indian style, this mosque is a three-storey structure with onion-domed chatris (open-sided umbrella-shaped cupolas) as well as arched windows with Islamic motifs. It was first built in 1863 as a wooden hut and underwent several renovations. The present structure was opened by the Sultan of Selangor in 1966.

Masjid Asy Syakirin

KLCC

Situated in the prime tourist enclave of KLCC, the Asy Syakirin Mosque is a sight to behold. Adorned with intricate Islamic art, the mosque features a 45-metre minaret and a beautiful dome. Asy Syakirin Mosque was designed by craftsmen from Uzbekistan.

Thean Hou Temple

65 Persiaran Indah, Off Jalan Syed Putra

This magnificent Chinese temple has golden roofed pagodas and strings of lanterns. Located inside are three majestic statues of deities, including the main deity Thean Hou. Within its grounds are statues of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac.

Sin Sze Si Ya Temple

Junction of Lebuh Pudu and Jalan Tun H.S Lee

This is the oldest Taoist temple in the city with a history dating back to 1864. It was built by Kapitan Cina Yap Ah Loy, the headman of the Chinese community. The temple pays tribute to the deities Sin Sze Ya and Si Sze Ya. The oracles of the former were said to have guided Yap Ah Loy during the Selangor Civil War. Its rather unusual position behind several shop houses is believed to have been determined by feng shui or the art of Chinese geomancy.

Choo Sing Tong Temple

Kampung Kasipillai

This Chinese temple pays homage to the God of War, Guan Ti. Portrayed with a red face, long beard and a huge sword, Guan Ti was a valiant warrior who had served as a General in the Chinese army. One of the most interesting features of the temple is the carvings that depict tales relating to filial piety. Visitors can stroll around the temple complex to enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple

Jalan Tun H.S.Lee

This stunning Hindu temple is one of the oldest and most elaborate in the country. Its magnificent 22-metre-high gate tower and portico are adorned with intricately carved images of Hindu deities. Located within are the deities of the Hindu goddess Maha Mariamman, embellished with gold and precious stones.

St. Mary’s Cathedral

Jalan Raja

This is a fine example of early English Gothic architecture featuring beautiful stained glass windows, tasselled tile paving and buttresses. Its design was proposed by AC Norman, a government architect. Of interest here is a pipe organ built in 1895 by Henry Willis, regarded as one of the greatest organ builders of his day.

THEMED ATTRACTION

Go diving with sharks, visit an oil platform, save yourself from a speeding locomotive and create your own prized pewter souvenir! If these activities sound exciting, then the themed attractions in KL are the best places to be for some whacky fun

Aquaria KLCC

Concourse Level, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

Covering over 60,000 sq ft, Aquaria KLCC is a state-of-the-art oceanarium. It showcases 5,000 aquatic and land-bound creatures from Malaysia and around the world. Designed by experts, the world-class facility has a 90-meter transparent tunnel for visitors to get a good look at Sand Tiger Sharks, Giant Stingrays and Marine Turtles. Feeding sessions as well as programmes such as Cage Rage and Dive with Sharks promise an exciting time for all

Petrosains The Discovery Centre

Level 4, Suria KLCC

Gain an insight into the petroleum industry in this exciting discovery centre. With 7,000 square metres of exhibit area, visitors will have an enjoyable time with the host of interactive displays, dioramas and activities. Travel in an oil-drop shaped vehicle, visit an oil platform or enjoy a thrilling ride in a helicopter simulator.

Royal Selangor Visitor Centre

4, Jalan Usahawan 6, Setapak Jaya

Royal Selangor is the world’s largest pewter-maker. It is also the manufacturer of two other luxury brands; Selberan (fine jewellery) and Comyns (sterling silver). The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre gives an insight into the world of pewter with interactive exhibits and games. The highlight here is a visit to the School of Hard Knocks and The Foundry to create your own souvenirs. Visitors should not miss the retail store which offers an exciting range of pewter homeware, silver filigree jewellery and gifts. A shuttle service to the Visitor Centre is available from major hotels in the Golden Triangle.

Museum of Illusion

Level 1 & 2, Hotel Ansa, Bukit Bintang

Illusion 3D Art Museum is the latest attraction in Kuala Lumpur. More than 36 pieces of hand painted 3D art paintings are displayed in a gallery that is filled with aged wood and rustic ambience. Patrons are invited to participate in Augmented Reality scenes by INDE Appshaker’s video scenes, created in collaboration with National Geographic Society. Enjoy this rare opportunity!

National Planetarium

Jalan Perdana

The National Planetarium is situated on a hillock just outside the KL Lake Gardens. This blue-domed structure with futuristic design elements is the venue for a variety of fun-filled and exciting exhibits. The National Planetarium is accessible from the National Museum via an overhead pedestrian bridge.

04 – 12 | Doing the Sights

KL Dazzling

Doing the Sights

PRESTIGIOUS LANDMARKS

Petronas Twin Towers

KLCC

KL Tower

Jalan Puncak, Off Jalan P.Ramlee

Istana Negara

Jalan Duta

HERITAGE SITES

Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square)

Royal Selangor Club

Jalan Raja

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Jalan Raja

Pasar Seni (Central Market)

Jalan Hang Kasturi

Jalan Hang Kasturi Shophouses

Medan Pasar (Market Square)

Jalan Hang Kasturi

Lebuh Ampang

Jalan Tun H.S. Lee

Petaling Street (Chinatown)

Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman

KL Railway Station

Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin

Malaysia Tourism Centre (MATIC)

The Heritage Centre

PLACE OF WORSHIP

Masjid Negara (National Mosque)

Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan

Jalan Duta

Masjid Jamek

Masjid India

Jalan Masjid India

Masjid Asy Syakirin

Thean Hou Temple

65 Persiaran Indah, Off Jalan Syed Putra

Sin Sze Si Ya Temple

Choo Sing Tong Temple

Kampung Kasipillai

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple

St. Mary’s Cathedral

Jalan Raja

THEMED ATTRACTION

Go diving with sharks, visit an oil platform, save yourself from a speeding locomotive and create your own prized pewter souvenir! If these activities sound exciting, then the themed attractions in KL are the best places to be for some whacky fun

Aquaria KLCC

Petrosains The Discovery Centre

Level 4, Suria KLCC

Royal Selangor Visitor Centre

Museum of Illusion

Level 1 & 2, Hotel Ansa, Bukit Bintang

National Planetarium

1 INTRODUCTION

4-12 DOING THE SIGHTS

14 - 17 TROPICAL ENCLAVES

18 - 22 TREASURE TROVES

23 - 25 RELAX AND REJUVENATE

26 - 28 ENTHRALLING PERFORMANCES

29 - 31 CELEBRATIONS GALORE

33 - 37 ENTERTAINMENT AND EXCITEMENT

28 - 44 SENSATIONAL SHOPPING

45 - 49 EATING OUT

52 - 55 BEYOND THE CITY

56 - 67 - USEFUL INFORMATION

General Guide

(Most Comprehensive)

Malaysia Travel Guide

Videos

Langkawi

Kuala Lumpur

Adventures with Nature

Islands and Beaches

Malaysia Travel Guide

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Malaysia Exotic Ethnic Heritage

National and Marine Parks

Malaysia a Preferred Cruise Destination

Culinary Delights