Want to know what are the top KL attractions? Perhaps you are new to Kuala Lumpur or just here for a short visit? What are the most popular things to do and places to see?
Here is my suggested list of 10 of the best tourist sights. People’s tastes and interests vary so you may not agree with all of the top KL attractions on this list but hopefully there is something for everyone.
Click on the photo or link for further information on each attraction.
In no particular order:
Probably the most famous and frequently photographed Malaysian landmark, this striking building was, for a time, the world’s tallest at 452m. You can queue for a ticket to visit the skybridge but you do not really need to – the best place to admire the construction is at ground level from a spot in the adjoining park known as KLCC. A trip to the Twin Towers could include visiting the giant shopping mall (Suria KLCC) at the foot of the towers, the Petrosains museum, Aquaria (an impressive oceanarium) or even a concert at the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.
2. Menara Kuala Lumpur – KL Tower
Another massive structure is the KL Tower, a 421m high telecommunications and broadcasting tower and one of the world’s tallest. Built on top of a small hill, its height above sea level is 515m and you can get the best views of KL and the surrounding districts from its observation deck and revolving restaurant.
At the foot of the Tower is Bukit Nanas, a surviving area of rainforest in the heart of the city which is open to explore.
The copper-domed Sultan Abdul Samad Building on Merdeka Square in the heart of the city is probably KL’s most recognizable landmark. Together with its neighbouring heritage buildings this is one of the capital’s top tourist attractions.
Take a look at my Kuala Lumpur Heritage Trail page for a suggested itinerary covering the main highlights in this area.
An equally famous historic landmark is the old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station built in 1910 in Anglo-Mughal architectural style and designed by AB Hubback who was also the architect for many other famous buildings in Malaysia .
Railway enthusiasts and heritage lovers will appreciate the station building which contains a modest railway museum.
This green lung in the heart of the city contains many of the top KL attractions such as the popular KL Bird Park,the neighbouring Orchid & Hibiscus Gardens, the nearby Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park and some of KL’s top museums such as the excellent Islamic Arts Museumand the fascinating Royal Malaysian Police Museum.
6. Petaling Street and Central Market
In the bustling heart of old KL, the so-called Chinatown district includes Petaling Street, famous for its street market, together with temples, restaurants, herbal remedy shops and so on. A few streets away is Central Market, a heritage building where you can find an extensive selection of Malaysian handicrafts, wood carvings, batik, pewterware, art works and other gift and souvenir items. There are also some popular restaurants here. Take a look at my Chinatown Walking Tour page for a suggested itinerary.
7. Bintang Walk
Not really my cup of tea but shopaholics should find satisfaction in this prime shopping district which includes many of KL’s most popular shopping malls and plenty of eating choices.
Pavilion Mall is one of the newer, up-market malls. It also boasts one of the top food courts in the country.
This large and ornately decorated Chinese temple is dedicated to the Goddess Thean Hou (Tian Hou) and is a hugely popular place to visit among the local Chinese community especially during religious holidays and festivals.
Foreign tourists and photographers are frequent visitors too.
9. Royal Museum – National Palace
The former official residence of the King and Queen of Malaysia has now ben converted into a museum where visitors can tour the official reception rooms and private apartments of the royal family. There is no changing of the guard here anymore (that takes place outside the new palace) but this museum remains one of the top KL attractions.
This is one of my personal favourites. It is a massive cave temple on the northern fringes of the city. Be prepared to climb a lot of stairs to see the main cave.
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