From grand colonial buildings to soaring modern landmarks that wouldn’t be out of place in Hong Kong or New York, we challenge you not to fall in love with KL. And you won’t be short on things to do in Kuala Lumpur either: there are caves to explore, treetops to wander and enough shops to empty your wallet before the day is done.
1. Wander the colonial core
If colonial architecture is up your street – excuse the pun – you’ll love KL. The city’s colonial look was the handiwork of engineer Charles Edwin Spooner and architect Anthony Norman. Working together in the 1890s, they fused Neoclassical Renaissance style – the standard for government building throughout the British Empire – with ‘Eastern’ motifs felt to be more appropriate for an Islamic country. Think onion domes, cupolas, colonnades, arched windows and wedding-cake plasterwork.
Best for: A wander down KL’s memory lane
While you’re there: Buildings by Norman include the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the National Textile Museum.
2. Hit the town
There are plenty of places to party the night away in KL. First up is entertainment district TREC – originally opened with the relaunch of clubbing institution Zouk. The space became the first entertainment enclave in KL to be granted a 5am license – much to the surprise of its punters. Popular bar chains immediately made an appearance, joined by newer ventures aiming to capture the population’s hearts and wallets. For nightspots with buckets of personality, take advantage of the rapid rise of speakeasy bars in Greater KL – in many ways surprisingly relevant for a conservative Muslim county. You’ll find them staffed by superstar bartenders from Japan, Hong Kong and Europe.
Best for: 24-hour party people
While you’re there: Spice it up with a meal at one of TREC’s international restaurants.
3. Explore the Batu caves
The Batu caves sit right on the northern edge of Greater KL, where forested limestone thumbs poke out of a ridge of hills in the suburb of Gombak. In 1891, local Indian dignitaries convinced the British administration that the caves were ideal places in which to worship. Soon ever-increasing numbers of devotees were visiting the caves to pray at a shrine established here to Lord Murugan, also known as Lord Subramaniam.
Best for: Subterranean spirituality
While you’re there: You can’t miss the 43m-tall statue of Murugan, the largest of its kind in the world.
4. Spend, spend, spend
There’s no city in Malaysia where consumerism is as in-your-face as KL. For shopaholics, splashing your cash is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur. The malls of the Golden Triangle are draws for youths and yuppies alike, while street markets attract everyone, with goods of all sorts. The Art Deco Central Market is a good bet – housed in a 20s blue-and-white brick hangar, though the butchers and fishmongers have long since left. Most of the shops now sell souvenirs: Royal Selangor pewter or regional crafts, anyone?
Best for: Filling that extra suitcase you brought – you did bring an empty, right?
While you’re there: There’s also a decent food court upstairs at the Art Deco Central Market.
5. Eat ‘til you burst
Without a doubt, a highlight of any visit to KL is the food. And whether you dine in a chic bistro-style restaurant or a humble roadside stall, prices are almost always kind. Despite plenty of scope for cosmopolitan, upmarket dining, eating for many is still fundamentally about Malay, Chinese and Indian street food. Along with numerous restaurants, the Golden Triangle also boasts one of KL’s best alfresco experiences – Jalan Alor. The street actually has a double layer of food outlets: the open-fronted restaurants that line the street, and the food stalls arranged in front of them. The food is predominantly Chinese, with a strong seafood bias – and some of the city’s tastiest Hokkien noodles.
Best for: Street foodies
While you’re there: You’ll find plenty of fresh fruit and drink vendors at Jalan Alor so you can make headway on your five a day.