Should the idea of staying put at home during your free time sounds awfully boring, then you might want to consider visiting the capital of Malaysia for an exciting weekend getaway.
Multifaceted Kuala Lumpur is accessible via a 65-minute flight or a 4-hour bus journey from Singapore, and the price for either mode of transportation is surprisingly extremely affordable.
From visiting Batu Caves to feasting at Jalan Alor Food Street, here is our Kuala Lumpur City Guide on What To Eat, Do and See. Regardless of whether you are travelling solo, with a romantic partner, with family or with a group of friends, the vibrant city’s various splendid attractions and fantastic gourmet offerings will surely keep everybody entertained throughout.
#1 BATU CAVES
Located just 13 kilometres away from the city centre of Kuala Lumpur is Batu Caves, a sacred Hindu site comprising age-old limestone caves. One would have to climb up a flight of 272 steps before reaching these spectacular caves.
Every January, more than 800,000 religious devotees will congregate at Batu Caves to celebrate the annual religious Thaipusam festival.
#2 BUKIT TABUR
First thing first, you should be warned that a climb up Bukit Tabur is far from easy due to its slipperiness and steepness. Located just half an hour away by car from Kuala Lumpur city centre, Bukit Tabur is well loved by locals for its breathtaking scenery from above.
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#3 CAFE HOPPING
The cafe scene in the capital of Malaysia is growing from strength to strength and there are many excellent cafes with spectacular food and coffee to check out. From PULP by Papa Palheta to Merchant’s Lane, check out our guide to 10 Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in Kuala Lumpur.
#4 HELI LOUNGE
As its name suggests, Heli Lounge was once an old helipad that has been revamped into a stunning bar. Perched atop the 34th storey of Menara KH Building, the experience above offers unrivalled close-up views of Petrona Towers and KL Tower.
It is highly recommended that you visit before sunset to witness the magnificent transformation of the KL’s skyline.
Bukit Bintang 34th Floor, Menara KH
Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3-2110 5034
Mon to Wed: 6pm – 12am
Thu: 6pm – 2am
Fri and Sat: 6pm – 3am
Sun: Closed
Source: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
#5 ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM MALAYSIA
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is home to Southeast Asia’s largest collection of Islamic art. Spanning 30,000 square metres, the building itself is an architectural splendour and contains 12 galleries. A must-visit for all art enthusiasts.
Jalan Lembah Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, 50480, Malaysia
Daily: 10am – 6pm
#6 JALAN ALOR FOOD STREET
Jalan Alor was once a shady red light district, but today, it is a must-visit attraction for all street food lovers.
A seemingly endless number of hawker stalls line this bustling street, and you will find yourselves spoilt by the overwhelming tantalising selection of Malaysian delicacies.
Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Daily: 5pm – late
#7 KUALA LUMPUR TOWER
Kuala Lumpur Tower is one of the most distinguished landmarks in Kuala Lumpur. Standing proudly at 420 metres, the infrastructure is primarily used for communication purposes but also features a revolving restaurant where customers can dine whilst enjoying a panoramic view of the city.
Jalan P Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Daily: 9am – 10pm
#8 NASI LEMAK
Malaysia has several national dishes and the fragrant Nasi Lemak is one of them. The rice-based Malaysian delicacy – typically cooked in coconut milk and pandan – is served with anchovies, boiled egg, chilli paste, cucumber slices and other add-ons such as fried chicken.
Various locations
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#9 PAVILION KUALA LUMPUR
Shopaholics will not want to miss out on Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, a large mall situated in the heart of Bukit Bintang. With over 500 stores featuring popular retail brands, dining and entertainment, you can easily spend a day in this shopping complex.
168, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Daily: 10am – 10pm
#10 PETALING STREET
Conveniently situated in Chinatown, Petaling Street is the go-to place for all budget shoppers. Do however be warned that most items sold here are actually counterfeit – so just haggle till the price is ideal!
Besides retail therapy, there is also an abundance of food vendors.
Jalan Petaling, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3-2032 5988
Daily: 12pm – 11pm
Source: Want To Learn More About SE Asia
#11 PETRONA TOWERS
Standing at 88 levels, Petrona Towers is Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic skyscraper. The infrastructure can be identified even from miles away and is probably the most photographed building out of all in Malaysia.
The gorgeous landmark boasts a shopping mall with dining options aplenty, and a connecting skybridge.
Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
#12 SULTAN ABDUL SAMAD BUILDING
More than a century old, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building once served the colonial British but is now home to Malaysia’s Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture. The building – characterised by gothic, Moors and western culture – looks best when lit up at night.
Jalan Raja, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
#13 SUNWAY LAGOON THEME PARK
Award-winning Sunway Lagoon Theme Park is a one-stop destination that is especially popular among families. It doesn’t matter how old you are for there is definitely something here in store for you.
From water to wildlife, there are five exciting different themed parks and you will easily find yourselves losing track of time when you are busy visiting all.
3, Band ar Sunway, Jalan Lagoon Timur (9/1)
47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3-5639 8811
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#14 THEAN HOU TEMPLE
Thean Hou Temple – also known as Temple of the Goddess of Heaven – is one of the Southeast Asia’s biggest and oldest Chinese temples. It was built by the Hainanese community and is a very popular shrine where many devotees come forth to pray to Goddess of Mercy.
65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa
50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3-2274 7088
#15 ZOUK CLUB KUALA LUMPUR
Ask any Malaysian where the best nightclub in Malaysia is and they will all direct you to Zouk KL. The award-winning establishment – ranked as the world’s 38th best club by DJ Mag’s Top 100 Clubs global poll – is unsurprisingly the most expensive club in Malaysia where its construction costed a whopping RM38 million. But here’s also where all the fun is!
436, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3-2110 3888
Sun to Tue: 5pm – 3am
Wed and Thu: 5pm – 4am
Fri and Sat: 5pm – 5am
About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.
You need to check the name for #2… Bukit Tabur as the title suggests, is in KL; whereas Bukit Batur as mentioned in the contents, is in Bali.
Hi Pauline, thank you for pointing it out! Much appreciated. I’ve rectified the error
# 11 should be PETRONAS Twin Towers, not Petrona