The Best Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur When Traveling: Discover Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is one of the ten most visited cities in the world. It attracts tourists with its many attractions, from the most traditional to the most modern. Let’s look at the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur for tourists.

Kuala Lumpur is the cozy capital of Malaysia, which is located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. Hence, by the way, the name: Kuala – is “mouth of the river”, Lumpur – is “silt, mud”. It is the fastest-growing city in Southeast Asia with a huge number of interesting places like Chinatown and more.

There is something special for every itinerary and taste here: temples and mosques, futuristic towers and impressive skyscrapers, local markets, and street food vendors, in a word, every destinations you can imagine.

Let’s learn the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur when traveling to Malaysia for tourists and how to stay in touch with the world using the best eSIM for Kuala Lumpur during your trip.

The Best Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur: Top 20 Places for Travelers

Are you planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur but don’t know what to do and see? Read and save this list of the top 20 things to do in Kuala Lumpur to create memories in Malaysia.

1. Thean Hou Temple

The complex architectural concept of one of the largest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia has incorporated the traditions of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, as well as elements of modern architecture and design. The entrance is marked by arched red columns. Their color is a symbol of prosperity and good luck.

Statues of the goddess and twelve animals symbolizing the zodiac signs of the Chinese calendar are installed on the territory of the complex. There is a garden with medicinal herbs and a wishing well at the temple. Souvenir shops and a restaurant are open for tourists. This is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur.

2. Sculpture Garden

The Sculpture Garden is located between the National Monument and the Botanical Garden. The small space is decorated in a high-tech style with touches of national flavor. The unusual sculptures are the best works by contemporary artists, who have received prestigious awards at international competitions. There is a sign in English next to each masterpiece explaining the author’s idea. Small ponds and stone-paved paths create a cozy atmosphere and encourage walking.

3. KLCC Park

KLCC Park is an oasis of greenery and water among the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur and a place of attraction for citizens and visitors of the city. The park is decorated with carefully selected tropical plants, sculptures, a lake, beautiful destination bridges, and numerous fountains. Several of them — small ones with small waterfalls are filled with children splashing in cool pools with pleasure. There are playgrounds for kids. Recreation areas are gazebos and large neatly manicured lawns where you can lie on the grass in the shade, have a snack, and just admire the surrounding beauty. This is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur.

4. Batu Caves

One of the most famous Hindu shrines outside India is a cave temple complex located in the bowels of Batu Caves. The sacred rocky hill is located 15 km north of the Malaysian capital.

At the southern slope of the mountain stands a 42-meter gilded statue of Murugan, a powerful Hindu deity. A wide monumental staircase has been built nearby. Those wishing to climb to the main temples in the Batu Caves, located at a 100-meter height, will have to overcome 272 brightly colored steps.

5. Perdana Botanical Gardens

In the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the Perdana Botanical Garden is spread over 92 hectares. Initially, the park was called Public Gardens, then it was called “Lake” (“Taman Tasik Perdana”). Since 2011, it has been known as the Perdana Botanical Garden. The recreation complex is a popular place for citizens to relax. People walk, run, skate, and roller skate here. Interesting places are Butterfly Park, Deer Park, gardens where magnificent orchids and hibiscus delight the eye. The territory is also home to one of the world’s largest indoor bird parks. This is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur.

6. Sultan Abdul Samad Buildings

The two-storey white and pink building with intricate arcades is made in the Indo-Saracenic style. Its recognizable features are a 41-meter tower in the style of “Big Ben” and three sparkling onion domes covered with copper. The architectural monument traditionally serves as a spectacular backdrop for celebrations, and parades in honor of the National Day, and New Year’s holidays. The Ministry of Culture has dissolved within the walls of the palace today.

7. Genting Highlands

58 km northeast of Kuala Lumpur, the entertainment city of Genting Highlands has been built on the slopes of Mount Ulu Kali. Its main part is the mountain subtropical Resorts World Genting, located at an altitude of 1865 m. Throughout the year, the air temperature here rarely exceeds 22 °C and does not fall below 12 °C.

First-class hotels, restaurants, casinos, amusement parks, and a golf club await tourists. The First World Hotel, with 7,350 rooms, is one of the largest in the world. Boutiques of five shopping centers offer products from famous brands from all over the world. This is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur.

8. KL Forest Eco Park

An island of jungle among the bustling capital of Malaysia is the Eco Forest Park, located near the TV tower. Paths and suspension bridges guide visitors through a solid wall of trees entwined with vines. It’s always cool and quiet here. Only the singing of birds accompanies travelers, and the loud cry of monkeys takes them by surprise during meditation. A protective net is stretched over the entire territory of the park so that the animals do not fly away and run away.

9. Jamek Mosque

Jamek Mosque is one of the first large mosques in Kuala Lumpur. The building was erected in the first decade of the last century on the site of the Malay necropolis at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. British architect Arthur Havbeck designed the building in the Indo-Saracenic style. 

Among the several miniature minarets of the mosque, two tall towers with patterns of white and pink stripes stand out. The walls of the mosque are decorated in the same colors. The largest of the three bulbous domes of the iconic building has a height of 21.3 m. This is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur.

10. Merdeka Square

In the center of Merdeka Square stands a 95-meter mast, on which the Malaysian flag was installed in 1957. Since then, Merdeka Square has become the venue for the annual parade. The celebrations take place on Independence Day on August 31. The square is surrounded by modern and historical buildings, which house government, social, and cultural institutions. The Plaza Dataran Merdeka shopping and entertainment complex was built in the underground space at the end of the last century.

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11. Pavilion KL

In the Pavilion mall on an area of 130,000 sq. m. There are 450 branded stores in the storefronts. On the second floor, the Fashion Avenue theme street with fashion boutiques is spreading, part of the sixth floor is occupied by Tokyo Street, where goods from Japanese companies are presented. The lady will appreciate the luxurious hall of the Gray Sky beauty salon, with an area of 1,900 sq.m. This is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur.

12. Ilham Gallery

The Ilham Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur is located on the fifth floor of the tower of the same name. The exhibition is dedicated to the art of batik. Hand-painted fabrics are popular in many Asian countries. Most of the trends and art schools of this craft are represented in the halls of Ilham. All conditions for creativity have been created in the gallery, master classes are held to teach the basics of batik technique. There is a café with national cuisine inside the Ilham Gallery.

13. National Visual Arts Gallery

The National Visual Arts Gallery was opened in 1958 with the participation of the country’s first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman. The building forms a single complex with the National Theater and the State Public Library. The permanent exhibition contains Malaysia’s most comprehensive art collection, including about 3,000 paintings by local artists. The exhibitions also feature world masterpieces of painting, photography, sculpture, textiles, philosophical, and scientific treatises. The cultural site is well known in Southeast Asia, and festivals and competitions of emerging artists are constantly held here. This is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur.

14. Taman Tasik Titiwangsa Park

On the northeastern outskirts of Kuala Lumpur stretches the vast Taman Tasik Titiwangsa Park. Its area is about 95 hectares, most of it (57 hectares) is occupied by a lake. The man-made reservoir was created on the site of a pit where tin was mined during British rule. Fishing is allowed here, and kayaking is possible.

The park offers tennis courts, a playground for children, exercise equipment, a football field, and manicured lawns for picnics. There are routes for cyclists and bike rental is available.

15. Aquaria KLCC

The underwater world of Aquaria KLCC is hidden under the futuristic building of the exhibition and conference center. The aquarium is home to more than 5,000 ocean fish and 250 species of marine animals. A 90-meter transparent tunnel leads to the kingdom of Neptune. The path to the depths begins with a hilly coast overgrown with mangroves. Step by step, visitors descend to coral reefs with colorful underwater inhabitants. This is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur.

16. Zoo Negara

Natural habitat conditions for 5,000 animals – representatives of about 500 species – have been recreated on the territory of the zoo. The zoo has 16 spacious themed locations.

The savannah area is home to giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and white rhinoceroses. Zoo Negara has large collections of birds, reptiles, and insects. The freshwater aquarium presents the river world of Malaysia. 

17. Central Market

In 1888, a “wet market” was opened in Kuala Lumpur — this is the traditional name of the sites where fresh products were sold. The retail space gradually expanded, and in 1936 an Art Deco building was built for the market. The facade, which stretches for an entire block, is painted in blue and light pink tones. 

Souvenir shops with inexpensive handicrafts by Indian, Chinese, Indonesian, and African artisans are located on two floors in air-conditioned rooms. Clothes and accessories are laid out on the shelves. There are cafés and inexpensive snack bars. In the annex at the back of the main building, there are art galleries where the works of Malaysian artists and craftsmen are exhibited. This is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur.

18. Petronas Twin Towers

From 1988 to 2003, the ranking of the tallest structures on the planet was headed by two 452-meter Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. A Skybridge, a two-level bridge, is thrown between them at an altitude of 170 m. The passage of 41 floors is available to tourists. The 42nd floor is used only by residents and guests of elite apartments. Observation galleries are located on the 83rd and 86th floors of Tower No. 2.

The plinths of the buildings are united by a building housing restaurants, the Suria KLCC shopping center, an art gallery, an aquarium, and the Petronas Discovery Center Science Museum. The luxurious Petronas Philharmonic Hall is also located here. At the foot of the buildings, there is a KLCC Park with walking alleys.

19. Negara Mosque

The reinforced concrete building was erected in 1965, becoming a symbol of the greatness of Islam and the personification of the ambitious aspirations of the then young independent state.

Under the ribbed dome in the shape of a star is the main prayer hall, lined with Italian marble. It accommodates 3,000 people. Another 5,000 believers can offer prayers to Allah on the verandas located on three sides of the main room. The mosque houses a hall for religious conferences and a library. This is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur.

20. Petrosains Science Discover Center

The Petrosains Science Discovery Center is located in the basement of the Petronas Towers on the 4th floor of the Suria KLCC shopping center. Innovative technologies, engineering, mathematics, and fundamental science are closely intertwined in the exposition of the educational center. Visitors have the opportunity to take part in interesting experiments, visit virtual worlds, and learn about the incredible discoveries of scientists. The attractions introduce curious researchers to various natural phenomena and the anatomy of humans and animals.

Why is it worth visiting Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur is worth visiting because of its unique combination of modernity and tradition, impressive architecture (such as Petronas Towers), diverse cuisine, rich culture, and friendly people. The city offers a variety of entertainment, shopping, and green areas for recreation.

In which currency is it better to pay while traveling in Kuala Lumpur?

In Kuala Lumpur, it is best to pay in Malaysian ringgit (MYR). You can exchange money at banks, and exchange offices, or withdraw cash from cards at ATMs. Many places also accept credit cards but cash can be more convenient for small purchases and markets.

How to Stay Connected During Your Kuala Lumpur Trip?

Do not forget that during any trip, it is important to stay in touch. Therefore, it is recommended to think through this before the trip and purchase an eSIM. eSIM is a built-in SIM card that has no physical counterpart. It is already built into the smartphone and only requires activation. At the same time, the whole process takes place online in a couple of minutes without going to the office of the mobile operator.

eSIM eliminates the need for users to purchase expensive roaming or local SIM cards. Using eSIM, you can always stay in touch for a reasonable amount without overpayments.

However, it is important to choose a trusted eSIM provider, for example, eSIM Plus, which will ensure uninterrupted and high-quality communication in any corner of Malaysia.

Travel around Kuala Lumpur with eSIM Plus and create unforgettable moments!