Like any major city, Kuala Lumpur has its fair share of attractions. Thanks to its wide variety of tourist attractions—from indoor to outdoor activities, and from modern urban attractions to adventures in deep nature—it’s not difficult to find activities and attractions that personally appeal to you.
Given the many different attractions in Kuala Lumpur, it’s best to first decide which types of activities you’ll be most interested in, and then try to stick to a list—especially if you have limited time to explore the city.
If you’re a bird lover, you might consider spending a couple of hours at the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. Here you can take a walk and view many different and exotic bird species. Marvel at the colorful and majestic peacocks that walk the grounds freely. While you can purchase food and drinks within the park, you can also bring along your own picnic lunch. Just be prepared for some birds to join you!
However, if the weather is too hot for a walk in the park and you’re in the mood for some culture, cool off in the Islamic Arts Museum instead. As the largest museum of Islamic art in Southeast Asia, this attraction houses a wide variety if Islamic artifacts and artwork ranging from jewelry, pottery and textiles to armory. The museum also organizes special events and exhibitions, so be sure to check the official site for the latest updates. Another bonus is that children younger than six years old get in free.
If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, then Bukit Bintang is a must-see attraction. This busy street is dotted with shopping malls, great restaurants and hotels. This is also a great place to people-watch during the day or night as the street is filled with locals and tourists alike and is buzzing with life.
If you prefer a more authentic and local flavor to your shopping excursions, visit the flea markets found in Jalan Masjid India (Little India) and Jalan Petaling (Chinatown) instead. In Jalan Masjid India, you’ll find a plethora of Indian goods on sale, such as brightly colored sarees and textiles as well as traditional gold jewelry.
Meanwhile, Jalan Petaling offers a wider variety of cheap goods and local food. It is better by night when the stall lights are turned on, and is an excellent place to purchase low-priced souvenirs. You’ll also be able to bargain and negotiate with the friendly local sellers. With some luck, you just might find some unique and interesting items you can't find anywhere else.
While Kuala Lumpur has too many attractions to list them all here, no article on this city’s attractions would be complete without mentioning the Kanching Rainforest Waterfall. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and escape deep into nature by making your trek up the slopes. The scenic beauty of this nature reserve explains why this spot is a favorite among the locals. On your way up, you can take a refreshing soak in four waterfalls, each one located at a different height.
If you have the stamina, try to make it up to the fourth and largest waterfall as the crowd will have significantly thinned out there—allowing you to truly relax and rejuvenate yourself before continuing on your adventure in discovering more of Kuala Lumpur’s amazing attractions.
Sprawled over two hectares of undulating terrain, this area with shady trees, trickling streams and ponds is home to spotted deer from Holland. Enjoy feeding these gentle creatures and keep a look out for the endearing Sang Kancil, the wily mouse deer of ancient folklore.
Entrance:
Free on weekdays.
RM 1 on weekends and public holidays.
Opening hours:
9.OOarn - 6.OOpm daily
Tel: 03-2693 2875
Admire 800 varieties of rare and exotic orchids here. Visitors can buy their favorite varieties at the Orchid Bazaar held weekly on Sundays. The adjacent Hibiscus Garden showcases an assortment of the colorful blooms, known locally as the Bunga Raya, Malaysia’s national flower.
Entrance:
Free on weekdays,
RM 1 on weekends and public holidays.
Opening hours:
9.OOam - 6.OOpm daily.
Tel: 03-2693 0191
This stunning Hindu temple is one of the oldest and most elaborate in the country. Its magnificent 22-metre-high gate tower and portico are adorned with intricately carved images of Hindu deities.
Located within are the deities of the Hindu goddess Maha Mariamman embellished with gold and precious stones. Take in the sights and sounds from peddlers selling strings ofjasmine garlands to aromatic incense filling the air.
Getting there:
Take the Putra LRT to the Pasar Seni Station and walk towards the UDA Ocean shopping complex. Turn left and walk along Jalan Tun HS Lee. The temple is a few minutes away.
Gain an insight into the petroleum industry in this exciting discovery centre. With 7,000 square metres of exhibit area, visitors will have an enjoyable time with the host of interactive displays, dioramas and activities. Travel in an oil-drop shaped vehicle, visit an oil platform or enjoy a thrilling ride in a helicopter simulator. A hand-held computer will help visitors to interact with the exhibits.
Entrance Ticket:
RM12 (Adults), RM4 (Children 5-12 years). Special
rates apply for teenagers, students, families and senior citizens.
Opening hours:
Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays: 9.3Oam - 6.3Opm.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: 9.3Oam - 5.3Opm.
Fridays: 1.3Opm - 5.3Opm.
Closed on Mondays.
Last admission is 1 ‘/2 hours before the closing time.
Tel: 03-233 1 8181
Getting there:
Take the Putra LRT to the KLCC Station and
follow the signages to get to Suria KLCC.
Junction of Lebuh Pudu and Jalan Tun H.S Lee
This is the oldest Taoist temple in the city with a history dating back to 1864. Built by Kapitan Cina Yap Ah Loy, one of the founding fathers of Kuala Lumpur, it features an ornate interior and elaborate roof ridges. The temple pays tribute to the deities, Sin Sze Ya and Si Sze Ya. The oracles of the former were said to have guided Yap Ah Loy during the Selangor Civil War. Its rather unusual position behind several shop houses is believed to have been determined by geomancy or feng shui, creating an unusual angle of the walls, arches and stairways.