8 Best things to do in Kuala Lumpur!

Malaysia is an incredibly multicultural country and this diversity truly thrives in its capital city Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s largest urban area, stretching over 200 square km across the western coast. Its name translates to “muddy estuary” and it was founded by Chinese tin miners in 1857. Nowadays, Kuala Lumpur flourishes as a cultural and commercial hub.

If you are visiting Malaysia for the first time, we have a full breakdown of what to expect in Malaysia. Alternatively, if you are interested in exploring a different part of Malaysia, read all about Malaysian Borneo here. To discover what to do in Kuala Lumpur, continue reading below!

Climb 272 steps to the Batu Caves

Batu Caves is, in our opinion, the most magical temple in Malaysia, and therefore number 1 on our list of what to do in Kuala Lumpur! Whether you are on a backpacking trip through Asia or on an important Hindu pilgrimage, Batu Caves is a must-visit destination for all to discover. Make the journey up to 272 colourful steps and see a cave that is said to be more than 400 million years old. Inside, a magnificent Hindu temple attracts thousands of worshippers travelling on a pilgrimage every year. Inside you can watch the sacred rituals and prayers to Lord Murugan, the God of war.

We strongly recommend visiting early in the morning (between 6am and 8am), as later in the day the crowds can get almost insufferable. Our experience at 7am was much more pleasurable than when we visited at 12pm! Also, be warned of the ruthless monkeys that patrol the sites. It is advised not to carry food and drink with you and be careful of your belongings… we witnessed a fight between a monkey and a man for a pair of sunglasses!

Marvel at the beauty of Sri Mahamariamman Temple

If you are wondering what to do in Kuala Lumpur and you are eager to explore temples, don’t miss this one! Dating back to 1873, Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur. As you approach the temple you won’t be able to stop marvelling at the monumental and intricate five tiered tower with 228 Hindu deities carved into the gateway.

Inside is just as majestic, with carefully painted murals and elaborate ceilings. Three grand shrines stand in the centre and four smaller shrines are located to the side, all worshipping different deities. As with all temples, it is important that you remove your shoes and dress appropriately. There is a shoe store for you to use for a small fee.

View the iconic Petronas Towers

The Petronas Towers are the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers. They completely dominate the city’s bright skyline with their blinding lights, which makes viewing them at night an incredibly special experience.

You can experience the Petronas Towers in a number of ways…

To get up close and personal, you can visit the Observation Deck on the 86th Floor of the towers. This will allow you to view the pyramid structures up close and learn all about the building’s history, at a cost of RM98.
To get a direct view of the Petronas Towers, visit one of the city’s many rooftop bars. Whilst you will need to spend money on drinks and/or food, you can then enjoy views of the twin towers and its surrounding landscape at your own pleasure.
If you want to save your money, you can simply view the Petronas Towers for free from KLCC Park, which sits directly below the enormous buildings. The park offers beautiful views from below whilst admiring the charming urban park surrounding you.

However you view them, these towers cannot be missed when you are looking for what to do in Kuala Lumpur.

Eat local street food along Jalan Alor

Known as the place to grab street food in Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Alor is a busy, vibrant street that comes alive in the evening. Here you can sample an array of delicacies from the hawker stalls that line the road.

What used to be a red light district has now become a popular location for locals and tourists alike to taste the delectable and aromatic tastes of Malaysia. So if you’re a food lover looking for what to do in Kuala Lumpur, this activity MUST be on your list!

Go thrift shopping in REXKL

A repurposed cinema, REXKL acts as a trendy and unique arts and culture hub in downtown KL. The site used to be one of the first theatres in the country, giving it great artistic significance within the city. The centre has so much to offer, from a range of cuisines in the food hall, to independent shops, thrift shopping and a multimedia cinema and art exhibition space.

However, the highlight for us was the incredibly special bookstore with exposed brick walls, stone floors and shelves which reach from floor to ceiling. We enjoyed weaving through the maze of books and enjoying the atmosphere of this incredible historic building.

Bask in the tropical rainforests of KL Forest Eco Park

The KL Forest Eco Park is a large patch of rainforest which sits in the centre of Kuala Lumpur city. Even the tallest trees are dwarfed by the concrete jungle surrounding it. As it is the only remaining section of rainforest in the city, the park acts as an integral part of the city’s natural landscape.

The park has paved pathways, picnic benches, and campsites making it accessible for families, walkers, campers and joggers. There are also nature guide tours on offer. Until recently, the park offered free entry. From 2023 onwards, entry will set non-Malaysian residents back RM40.

Immerse yourself in nature at Perdana Botanical Gardens

Not far from the centre of the city, the KL Botanical Gardens are an entrancing natural space with many sights and activities for both locals and tourists to enjoy. Why not visit the Butterfly Park (RM30 entry) or the KL Bird Park (RM85) whilst you are there.

Alternatively, you can go deer spotting in the Deer Park, walk around the man-made lake or enjoy one of the many different gardens dotted throughout the park. The perfect place for nature lovers looking for what to do in Kuala Lumpur.

Grab a bargain at Central Market and Petaling Street

Fancy a spot of shopping? Head to Central Market or the nearby Petaling Street. Here you can buy souvenirs, antiques, handicraft items and more! Originally a wet market built in 1888, Central Market now offers a prime shopping experience.

Likewise, Petaling Street comes alive in the evenings with sellers flogging their merchandise to passersby. It is also a great place to grab some local food in the centre of Chinatown… the perfect place to sit back and people watch!

Finally…

We hope you enjoy KL as much as we did! To learn more about visiting the Batu Caves, check out our guide. Or if you are looking to continue your Malaysian journey North, we recommend visiting Penang!