TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN KUALA LUMPUR

It is said that Kuala Lumpur still has got the authenticity that has been wiped out in Singapore, yet lack the pollution and congestion of Bangkok. Indeed Kuala Lumpur combines the fundamental features of Asia. The Malaysian capital city offers an immense array of attractions, ranging from luxurious shopping malls to tropical jungle-gardens. On the top of that, the balmy climate, abundant nightlife and vibrant markets manifest the supreme Southeast Asian character.

Kasturi Walk, Central Market

1.EMBARK ON A CITY LANDMARK SELF-GUIDED TOUR

KL has got a very compact city centre, and the main landmarks are easy to inspect on foot in a day. The real heart of KL is Merdeka Square with a 95-metre-high flagpole, and it is the place where parades and ceremonies are held here on festive occasions.

The nearby National Museum and Art Gallery, Islamic Art Museum, Kuala Lumpur Memorial, National Monument, Malaysian Parliament, Masjid Negara Mosque and numerous other mosques, temples, churches and pagodas are just within walking distance.

Old colonial buildings still stand out proudly in the centre of town – the magnificent Railway Station together with the imposing Sultan Abdul Samad, Thean Hou and Sri Maha Mariamman Temples will blow your mind away.

Merdeka Square

2.PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS

In 130 years, Kuala Lumpur has grown from nothing to an ultramodern city. Its skyline these days is a reflection of the booming economy. The city`s gleaming skyscrapers – Petronas Twin Towers (the tallest twin towers on earth) are quite a spectacle, especially by night.

A myriad of luxurious boutiques, shops, designer stores, prominent restaurants and cafes can be found in their malls. The towers comprise of Suria KLCC (upmarket retail centre), KLCC Park (gorgeous outside green area), Skybridge (double-decker sky bridge connects the towers). The highlight is the night  Lake Symphony Water Fountain Laser Show – really spectacular!

Petronas Twin Towers

3.SET OUT ON A CULINARY JOURNEY AROUND THE CITY

Kuala Lumpur is well-known for its hospitality and cuisine. Whether you are a gourmand or not the Malay mouth-watering food will wrap your around its little fingers: try Roti Canai, Congee, Nasi Campur, Laksa, Satay and Teh Tarik.

Whether it is Little India with its penetrating scent of curry, Chinatown with its street vendors and dazzling night markets, Arab Street selling delicious Halal or the traditional Malay goodies – the food cannot fail to delight. The finger-licking culinary delights, the radiance and the whole ambience promote an unforgettable travel experience.

Finger-licking Malay street food

4.SOUVENIR HUNT AT THE MARKETS

Visit the sprawling Malay Chow Kit – a traditional Malaysian markets selling fresh meat, seafood and vegetables. Petaling Street is home to the iconic market of KL.  The nearby Central Market and the Kasturi Walk can be admired for their fine textiles, fabrics and Pashmina shawls.

Petaling Street markets

5.STEP OUT INTO THE NIGHT OF KL

For the nightlife lovers, Kuala Lumpur will undoubtedly be appealing as the sun goes down, and the dazzling lights and inviting clubs and restaurants conquer the city.

While Bangsar has the best after-dark entertainment and it teems with nightclubs, Pavilion K and Bukit Bintang are the right places to spend an evening at.

Countless leisure options are to be found here such as cool cafes and bars, cinemas and night markets.

Bukit Bintang Promenade provides trendy shopping malls and great restaurants.

If you really want to spoil yourself dive into some luxury; there are plenty of rooftop bars with deluxe swimming pools that allow enjoying the city skyline from atop, e.g. Ramada Plaza, G-Tower, Mandarin Oriental and others.

KL downtown by night

6.RELAX IN THE LAKE GARDENS

Another big attraction of Kuala Lumpur is the Lake Garden. The 60-hectare nature park, established in 1888 is a refreshing oasis in the heart of the city. Renting a rowboat and floating on the calm waters of the lake will surely unwind.

The tropical Perdana Botanic Gardens, the National Planetarium and the exotic Bird Park also belong to the recreational complex.

Lake Gardens

7.EXPLORE THE RAINFOREST FROM A TREE TOP

Kuala Lumpur might be a hypermodern city, yet it features beautiful nature trails and spectacular views. For instance, visitors are welcome to explore the Malaysian tropical rainforest of the Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve at about 300 meters above sea level.

The walkway system and platforms are vantage points to experience a panoramic view of the forest and Kuala Lumpur area from the Canopy Walk (30 meters above ground level), but there are many other jungle tracks with good bird-viewing spots.

The Canopy Walk

8.PAY A VISIT TO THE BATU CAVES

Famous Batu Caves are a ‘must’ for all visitors of Kuala Lumpur. The majestic caves are 13 km north of the capital, in a towering limestone formation, and they became a pilgrimage centre for the Hindu community in Malaysia.

The main Temple Cave has an Art Gallery, and at the top of the staircase, deep in a huge cave, there is hidden the Subramaniam Swamy Temple, protected by troops of cheeky monkeys.

Batu Caves

9.PUTRAJAYA MOSQUE

Just a half an hour away from Kuala Lumpur there is one of the most beautiful mosques of Malaysia – Putrajaya.

Being 116 metres high, it is the tallest one in South-East Asia, and it has a capacity of 15,000 worshipers. The religious object is built on a lake and constructed with rose-tinted granite that gives it marvellous pink colour. The visitors are free to search around outside the prayer hours.

Putrajaya Mosque

10. GET LOST IN GENTING HIGHLANDS FUN COMPLEX

Kulala Lumpur`s iconic theme park is located 1 hour away from the city on a hilltop. The so-called “City of Entertainment” is accessible by car but also by the popular Genting Skyway – Southeast Asia`s longest gondola lift.

Genting Highlands is the ultimate fun paradise, and one can spend days here without getting bored; resorts, hotels, restaurants, special events and busy nightlife, but more importantly thrilling amusement complex! Take pleasure in the theme parks, including Snow World, Sky Venture, Genting Bowl, Vision City or the Funtasy World Video Game Parks.

Genting Highlands Amusement Complex