Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Things to Do
Sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur
Any time is a good time of year to visit Kuala Lumpur where the city's skyline is a stark contrast of towering modern structures juxtaposed by charming heritage buildings and travelers who choose to holiday here will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds.
The world-famous Petronas Twin Towers, some of the world's tallest buildings, are a good place to start your sightseeing where some of the most incredible views over the city can be enjoyed, while the breathtaking Masjid Negara Mosque, Masjid Jamek (Friday Mosque) and even the intricately ornate Moorish-style Kuala Lumpur Railway Station create an old world charm. History buffs will love the National Museum where they can learn more about Malaysia's culture and heritage and visitors can enjoy a shadow play here too.
Outdoor enthusiast will love Taman Negara, which contains some of the oldest rainforest in the world and spans thousands of square miles of protected land where visitors can enjoy trekking, fishing, river rafting, bird watching or even climbing the Peninsula's highest mountain, Gunung Tahan.
Shopping in Kuala Lumpur
Boasting more than 70 shopping malls and priding itself as the retail, fashion and electronics hub of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a shopper's paradise and roaming the city's malls is a popular pastime for many visitors who consider it one of the main attractions and activities associated with visiting Kuala Lumpur. Be sure you pack lightly and bring an extra large suitcase when you come here because you're in for a shopping marathon! The Golden Triangle is the city's premier shopping area and is the entertainment and commercial center of the city. Head to Bukit Bintang Street where fashion merchandise, IT goods, designer brands and electronic goods can be picked up at shopping malls such as Low Yat Plaza, Sungai Wang Plaza, Lot 10 and Times Square, while the Suria KLCC is one of Malaysia's most popular shopping spots due to its location beneath the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Midvalley's Megamall in the Bangsar and Midvalley area is also a great place to browse for fashionable items. The Art Deco Kuala Lumpur's Central Market on Jalan Hang Kasturi is a great place to buy arts and crafts and is a popular stop on most travelers' shopping lists where everything from antiques and paintings to handicrafts, clothing and quirky souvenirs can be found. Best buys include pewter, brass and silver jewelry and items as well as wood carvings and pottery. After rummaging through the busy Central Market, take a walk across to nearby Chinatown where everything from jewelry, herbal medicines, dried food, designer t-shirts, handbags and wallets can bargained for so brush up on your haggling skills and don't be afraid to put on your best act when you walk away uninterested from that gorgeous handbag that'll go perfectly with that summer dress of yours.
And if all the usual shopping isn't quite enough to whet your appetite, then plan your trip to Kuala Lumpur between the beginning of July and the end of August when the official Mega Sale Carnival, kick-started by the Ministry of Tourism for Malaysia, takes place in an effort to boost Kuala Lumpur as a leading shopping destination.
Kuala Lumpur Nightlife
A city that never sleeps, Kuala Lumpur's streets come to life with bright lights, bustling bars, loud music and pumping clubs after dark. From karaoke lounges and pubs to discos and jazz clubs, there's something for everyone to enjoy on a night out in Kuala Lumpur. It may be predominantly Muslim, but due to its cosmopolitan nature alcohol is widely available and the city's nightlife is some of the best in Asia. The city center is the commercial and business hub by day, but once the sun sets things heat up and some of the city's most eccentric bars and trendiest clubs can be found along Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Ampang and Jalan Sultan Ismail. Visit the ultra-chic Sky Bar for intoxicating views of the city or the trendy rooftop Luna Bar at the Pacific Regency Hotel Apartments, while the Caribbean-themed Ruums caters to all tastes with four rooms of different music genres to choose from. Bukit Bintang is another one of the most popular areas for excitement, and in particular Changkat Bukit Bintang where the restaurants burst to life with bustling energy, some of which even metamorphose into busy bars pumping out the hottest tunes, while the young, hip and international residents and visitors spill out of Bangsar's bars and restaurants. For those looking for a quiet night on the town, why not enjoy a few drinks while at a karaoke bar where getting in on the entertainment is optional, or enjoy the local theater, cabarets and cine-plexes showing contemporary English, Malay, Chinese, Hindi and Indonesian movies. With so many options and more, the only difficult thing about heading out for a night on the town in Kuala Lumpur will be deciding what to wear and where to start.
Attractions for Kids
One might not think that Kuala Lumpur would be a children's playground, but on closer inspection, visitors traveling with their families will have plenty of opportunities to explore this fascinating and cosmopolitan city with their children too. With a plethora of attractions, shopping malls, playgrounds and activities, figuring out where to begin will be the hardest part! The iconic Petronas Towers is a must for those with young children. The dizzying heights and breathtaking views over the city from the skybridge are thrilling to children of all ages. Once back on terra firma, a trip to nearby colorful Chinatown is in order where cultures meet and cheap toys can be purchased - but make sure you keep a close eye on the little ones in the crowds. Visit the Lake Gardens where plenty of wide open space and will allow kids to let off some steam, and if that's not enough, a boat ride across the lake should keep them quiet, while the Butterfly House and Bird Park will captivate young and enquiring minds. Take a walk through the National Park (Taman Negara) and marvel at the flora and fauna and indigenous bird life- a great way to tire out the kids so mum and dad can enjoy a night to themselves on the town. Too hot to handle? Take the kids to one of the Kuala Lumpur's many water parks to cool off, such as the Sunway Lagoon or the Desa Water Park, and when the sun goes down, take the kids on the unique and unforgettable Fireflies tour, where they can travel by boat down the Selangor River to watch fireflies lighting up the mangrove trees.
