Top 5 things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Iconic landmarks, nature, shopping, food, nightlife & much more… 1. Visit the city’s iconic landmarks Check out Kuala’s Lumpur’s impressive structures including the KL Tower, which has a viewing platform, and the Petronas Twin Towers, which are the tallest twin towers in the world and include the Skybridge and Observation Deck, from which you can take in incredible views of the city. On the lower floors of the Petronus Towers, there’s an impressive mall with everything ranging from domestic brands to designer labels and an extensive array of dining options. Other interesting sites to visit include: • Aquaria KLCC, which is one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia • The National Museum, providing an overview of Malaysian history and culture • Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, housing more than 10,000 stunning artistic artefacts ranging from the tiniest pieces of jewellery to one of the world’s largest scale models of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca 2. Get back to nature Head 30 minutes out of town to visit the Batu Caves and admire the surrounding colourful Indian temples and architecture. The main temple is inside a massive limestone cave and near the entrance is a towering golden statue of Lord Muruga – the tallest statue of a Hindu deity in Malaysia. If you prefer to stay in the city, the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park  is home to more than 3,000 birds from 200 species all over the world. 3. Go bargain-hunting With its vibrant shopping scene, KL has been called a massive ‘one-stop souvenir shop for everything’. One of the most popular flea markets in the city is Central Market, which was built in 1928 and houses art galleries, handicraft and souvenir stalls and boutiques selling local batik prints and artwork. Nearby in Chinatown is Petaling Street, where you can find cut-price handicrafts, clothes and accessories. Other notable shopping destinations are Pavilion KL, Starhill Gallery and Fahrenheit88. 4. Sample local delicacies With its incredibly diverse dining scene thanks to it being a cultural melting pot, there’s something for everyone in KL. Head to Jalan Alor in Bukit Bintang for Asian delicacies and hawker food. Its walkway is filled with restaurants and stalls, with plastic tables and chairs spilling out into the road. For something more upmarket, splash out on French fusion cuisine at Cilantro Restaurant & Wine Bar (https://www.cilantrokl.com). Celebrating its 20th birthday this year, the luxury restaurant was number 1 in US news channel CNN’s top KL restaurants last year and took home Tatler Magazine’s Legacy Award in the T. Dining Best Restaurants 2018 5. Hit the town The city’s most popular boulevard after ark is Changkat Bukit Bintang. Just a five-minute walk from the gastronomic delights of Jalan Alor, it has cocktail lounges, whisky bars, restobars and nightclubs galore. Popular venues include Havana Grill, Pisco Bar and Healy Mac’s Irish Pub. For an incredible view of the Petronas Towers lit up at night and fantastic cocktails in a cool swimming-pool-dominated bar, try the Sky Bar at Traders Hotel. If you want to dance the night away to the latest hits, check out Zouk Kuala Lumpur and Club Kyō at the Mandarin Oriental hotel. Top tip from our team – “The Jazz Club No Black Tie, which would be of interest to many radio people. They have great performers and it’s just behind the Istana Hotel. A little known secret, not easily visible unless you know it’s there. Certainly one of my favourite places when in KL.” (All prices and websites correct at time of writing, November 2018)

Share this article

AD