Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is one of the great cosmopolitan cities of Asia. Where modernity and tradition combine perfectly. There is a mix of multiculture and traditions in every corner.
There will be no shortage of things to see and do in Kuala Lumpur, and although many use this city as a gateway to other destinations such as Singapore, Thailand, Bali... stopping for 1 or 2 days in the city, Malaysia is a country worth visiting in a single trip. Or if you have a lot of time, combine it with also touring Singapore. And throughout the next articles I will tell you many more things about what to see in this impressive country.
In this post I tell you about the 15 essential places to see Kuala Lumpur, the city of skyscrapers. I add some tips on how to get from the airport and where to stay, as well as some discounts at the end of the article so you can save on your trip.
15 ESSENTIAL PLACES WHAT TO SEE IN KUALA LUMPUR
The first thing you can do is hire a guided tour of the city. They usually last about 3 hours, and you have the option of hiring the visit in English (cheaper) or in Spanish. It will be a great option to situate yourself, to tell you a little about the history of the city and to give you some tips for getting around Kuala Lumpur.
1. Visit the Petronas Towers, an essential thing to see in Kuala Lumpur
The Petronas Towers are possibly the most photographed buildings in Kuala Lumpur, and surely you have seen them in photographs, in videos... These are 2 towers that are 452 meters high, and have 88 floors. These towers had the honor of being the tallest in the world for 6 years, from 1998 to 2004, when the Taipei 101 building surpassed them.
These two towers are linked with a bridge, 170 meters high. Named the Skybridge, although it has a daily limitation of 1000 people. You can book the ticket online so you don't run out of seats (especially if you travel in high season).
2. Merdeka Square and its surroundings
In the center of the colonial district is the most important square in Kuala Lumpur, Merdaka Square or Independence Square.
Here are some of the most important buildings in the city such as the Sultan Abdul Samad building, a beautiful building from 1897 that was the seat of the colonial administration with a beautiful clock tower and two towers with copper domes. There is also the Natural History Museum, the Royal Selangor Club (a beautiful Tudor building) and the memorial library. Without a doubt, visiting Merdekan Square is an essential stop on your trip to Kuala Lumpur.
3. The Temple of Sri Mahamariaman
This temple was built in 1873 and it is the oldest temple in the city. Its main façade is spectacular, with a huge 23-meter tower full of brightly colored Hindu deities. It has 228 gods to be more exact, who guard the entrance to one of the most beautiful temples in the city.
As in all temples, before entering you must leave your shoes. Although in general in all the countries of Southeast Asia, you can leave your things without fear of being taken away, in Malaysia they made us a lot of emphasis that if they stole (although we did not have any incidents).
4. Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown
Chinatown is an area that you must visit yes or yes. Here you will find everything; stalls and shops, bars, restaurants, hundreds of shops, narrow, fakes, souvenirs... The atmosphere is great.
The main street in Chinatown is Jalan Petaling, and from here you can explore the different places in the neighborhood.
5. The KL Tower
The KL Tower measures 421 meters, a little less than the Petronas Towers, and has the advantage that you can climb to the top. You will have incredible views of the city of Kuala Lumpur.
In addition, going up to the viewpoint of the KL Tower is much cheaper than going up to the bridge of the Petronas Twin Towers, it costs a little less than 10 euros, buying the ticket from here:
6. Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens
The Lake Gardens of Kuala Lumpur are a huge park in the center of the city, dating from the year 1888. In these gardens there are several important tourist attractions such as the bird park, the butterfly park, the National Planetarium and the Museum National. There is also a lake and endless trails, where you can walk, bike, have a picnic or spend the day relaxing. It is an opportunity to escape a bit from the chaos and noise of the city.
7. Kuala Lumpur Mosques
The most important mosques in the city are the Masjid Jamek and the Masjid Negara, known as the National Mosque (one of the largest temples in Southeast Asia).
45% of the inhabitants of this city consider themselves Muslims, 35% Buddhists, 10 Hindus, and 6% Christians. It is estimated that only 4% of the population is atheist. So in Kuala Lumpur you can easily choose between visiting mosques, Buddhist and Taoist temples, Hindu temples or churches.
8. Kuala Lumpur Central Market
Kuala Lumpur's central market opened its doors in 1883 and has been renovated several times over the years. In a large space full of handicrafts, souvenirs, restaurants and small food stalls, cafeterias...
9. Little India
In Kuala Lumpur you can visit the Indian neighborhood, where you will find small shops and many restaurants with Indian food.
TOURS FROM KUALA LUMPUR
From Kuala Lumpur you can make trips to the outskirts of the city, some of which are ESSENTIAL on your trip to Malaysia.
10. Kuala Selangor
It is one of the most magical places in the world. And although it was not my first time in a firefly forest, we were able to enjoy a show like no other. I loved!
It is an excursion of about 8 hours, they pick you up at your hotel and you will go to Kuala Selangor, a beautiful coastal town very close to Kuala Lumpur. At an hour approx. Here you will visit the ruins of the old fortress, dating from the 18th century and you will get to know the town. Although the really impressive thing is when you finally arrive at Kampung Kuantan. A place full of fireflies. You will take a boat ride on the Selagor river and on the banks you will see this natural wonder.
The price is about 44 euros per person (children pay a little less than 30 euros) and it is an activity for the whole family. Awesome!
11. Batu Caves
It is one of the essential visits to do in Malaysia. These caves are located about 45 minutes from the city.
To get inside the caves you will have to walk up 272 steps. Worth the effort! Inside the caverns are sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. And in itself, the beauty of the place is incredible.
The bad thing is that it is a very popular place, and therefore full of people. But, even so, you should include it in your Kuala Lumpur itinerary. In addition, it is an economic excursion. For about 12 euros, you have transportation and the guide included.
12. Cameron Highlands, a very special place to see in Malaysia
If you have time to add a couple of days to the Cameron Highlands to your itinerary, I highly recommend it. It is a magical place, where you can enjoy tea plantations and magical landscapes.
I explain about the Cameron Highlands and everything you need to know to visit them "for free" in the post:
There is the option that you book an excursion of about 12-13 hours, from Kuala Lumpur.
In the excursion you will know the plantations of tea, plantations of strawberries, roses and other flowers. You will visit the butterfly park, the honey farm, the local market (where you can buy local products), some towns, waterfalls and landscapes that will take your breath away.
Knowing the Cameron Highlands is essential, if you are thinking of taking a tour of Malaysia. It is a spectacular place.
13. Excursion to Malacca, an essential city to see in Malaysia
Malacca is the most beautiful and romantic city in Malaysia. If you are thinking of taking a tour of the country and you have time, I recommend you stay at least one night in Malaysia. However, Malacca is very close to Kuala Lumpur and it is possible to take a day trip, with transport and guide.
14. Visit the Taman Negara National Park
A natural wonder in Malaysia is the Taman Negara National Park. You will be able to walk through the longest ridge in the world located between a lush jungle. You will see orangutans and meet the members of the native tribes that inhabit the area.
15. Putrajaya Tour from Kuala Lumpur
Putrajaya is a city full of contrasts. In it is one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia. The city is visited quickly and I do not recommend staying in it since you can visit the most essential places in a few hours. Therefore, the best option is to book a half day tour from Kuala Lumpur.
KUALA LUMPUR ARTICLES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Malaysia a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!
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