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World Travel Guide > Guides > Asia > Malaysia > Kuala Lumpur

Local time Kuala Lumpur

Currency

RM

Things to see in Kuala Lumpur

Attractions

Central Market

 The landmark art deco Central Market is crammed with alluring ethnic stalls selling all sorts of batiks, pottery, woodcarvings, basketry, Kris daggers and other Malaysian handicrafts perfect for take-home souvenirs. A tucked-away Annexe Gallery hosts art shows and workshops, and the second level is given over to a bustling food court.

Address: , Jalan Hang Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur, 50050
Telephone: +60 3 2031 0399 or 5399 or 7399
Opening times:

Daily 1000-2130.

Website: http://www.centralmarket.com.my
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Dataran Merdeka

Ringed by heritage buildings, Kuala Lumpur's central square is dominated by a soaring flagpole where the Malaysian flag was raised to mark independence in 1957. On its western edge stands the Royal Selangor Club, a former hangout for wealthy colonials, while opposite is the 19th-century Sultan Abdul Samad Building, noted for its fanciful Moorish-style turrets.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +60 3 2698 0332 (tourist office)
Opening times:

Daily 24 hours.

Website: http://www.visitkl.gov.my
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

The travel writer Paul Theroux summed up this unique building by calling it ‘the grandest station in Southeast Asia.' Its riot of minarets, towers, arches and spires date from 1911, but today the station serves only as a minor commuter train stop. Nevertheless, it's worth visiting this unique architectural smorgasbord incorporating Moorish and colonial styles.

Address: , Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, Kuala Lumpur, 50621
Telephone:
Opening times:

Daily 24 hours.

Website:
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Neighbouring the National Mosque, this fascinating museum displays an astonishing collection of Islamic painting, sculpture, jewellery, carpets, ceramics and religious manuscripts from across the Muslim world. Highlights include exquisite hand-painted tiles and illuminated medieval copies of the Quran. Allow a couple of hours to explore the air-conditioned galleries and admire the stunning domed exterior. 

Address: , Jalan Lembah Perdana, Kuala Lumpur, 50480
Telephone: +60 3 2092 7070
Opening times:

Daily 1000-1800.

Website: http://www.iamm.org.my
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Perdana Botanical Gardens (Lake Gardens)

Covering 90 hectares (200 acres), this sprawling green oasis was laid out in 1888 when British colonials built elegant houses around the landscaped greenery. The grounds feature boating lakes, pavilions and sculpture gardens, plus a hibiscus garden with 500 species, a butterfly house and an excellent bird park with exotic Malaysian birds. Free guided tours are available on weekdays. 

Address: , Jalan Kebun Bunga, Kuala Lumpur, 55100
Telephone: +60 3 2617 6404
Opening times:

Daily 0700-2000.

Website: http://www.klbotanicalgarden.gov.my
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Muzium Negara (National Museum)

The National Museum is an essential stop for anyone interested in Malaysia's rich history and culture. Completed in 1963, the eye-catching building combines architectural elements from across the nation and holds exhibitions covering everything from tribal culture to modern times. Free English-language guided tours run Monday to Saturday.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +60 3 2267 1111
Opening times:

Daily 0900-1800.

Website: http://www.muziumnegara.gov.my
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Menara Kuala Lumpur

One of the world's tallest telecommunications towers, the dome-topped, needle-like Menara Kuala Lumpur has fantastic 360° panoramic views from its 276m-high (905ft) observation deck overlooking the soaring Petronas Towers and surrounding skyscrapers. It's a good starting point to get your bearings and also offers a revolving restaurant, cafes and a souvenir shop.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +60 3 2020 5444
Opening times:

Daily 0900-2200.

Website: http://www.menarakl.com.my
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Sin Sze Si Ya Temple

Hailed as the oldest Chinese temple in Kuala Lumpur, pocket-sized Sin Sze Si Ya was built in 1864 and hides down an easy-to-miss alleyway in Chinatown. Festooned with red lanterns, this incense-infused temple is decorated with beautiful artefacts; fortune-telling sticks are provided for devotees. 

Address: Chinatown, 14A Leboh Pudu, Kuala Lumpur, 50050
Telephone: +60 3 2078 9052
Opening times:

Daily 0700-1700.

Website:
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Masjid Negara (National Mosque)

Constructed in 1965, the National Mosque is a striking geometric building full of Islamic symbolism. Its roof is shaped like an 18-pointed star, representing the 13 states of Malaysia and the five pillars of Islam, while the main prayer hall can hold up to 15,000 worshippers. Visitors are welcome outside of prayer times but must dress modestly. 

Address: , Jalan Perdana , Kuala Lumpur, 50480
Telephone: +60 3 2693 7784
Opening times:

Daily 0900-1200, 1500-1600 and 1730-1830, closed Friday morning.

Website: http://www.masjidnegara.gov.my
Admission Fees:

No.

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

Tourist Information

Address: , 11 Jalan Tangsi, Kuala Lumpur, 50480
Telephone: +60 3 2698 0332.
Opening times:

Mon-Fri 0830-1730.

Website: http://www.visitkl.gov.my

The main tourist bureau is located in the City Hall and can offer recommendations on where to stay, food to try and places to visit. Maps and brochures are available for free at the centre and are also distributed in various public spaces. The office also offers guided walks free of charge on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, meeting at KL City Gallery at 9am.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

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Tune Hotel

Taking the budget airline concept and applying it to hotel rooms, the brightly-coloured Tune Hotel offers limited service at low cost. Its tidy and compact singles, doubles and twins are good value but add a surcharge for air-con, Internet access and other extras. The flagship hotel is located downtown, a short stroll from Medan Tuanku Monorail station, but a new sister establishment has opened in Jalan Putra.

Hotel Capitol

Regular promotions and online booking deals bring down prices at this towering business-type hotel set in the midst of the Golden Triangle. Rooms are neat and functional rather than opulent, but the staff are friendly and the location is excellent, with the Jalan Bukit Bintang shopping strip right on your doorstep. Guest have access to an upscale restaurant, a kitchen-bar and 24hr concierge service.

Sarang Mas

This homely bed and breakfast set in a 1920s brick-built house offers rooms with simple furnishings along with communal lounge areas, and suits both families and single travellers. There's relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that feels far-removed from the business hotels of KLC, and the owners also have various other options, including apartments and single rooms, in six other locations across the city.

Traders Hotel

Firmly targeting the business traveller, Traders Hotel offers a location and amenities associated with the top Kuala Lumpur hotels but its prices are easier on the pocket. Rooms are modern and smartly decorated, and service is friendly and efficient. A bonus of staying here is having immediate access to the rooftop Sky Bar, an in-demand address thanks to its epic views of the Twin Towers.

Metro 360

Located in a bustling part of the Golden Triangle, Metro 360 offers tasteful, air-conditioned rooms across 22 floors of a tower block. Guests can make use of all-day dining options, free Wi-Fi, a pool and a gym, as well as shuttle buses to KLCC and Sentral Station. Visitors hoping to explore KL's shopping scene will appreciate the hotel's location nearby the Pavilion, Starhill and Lot 10 shopping malls.

Villa Samadhi

Set behind bamboo-clad gates in the leafy embassy district, this intimate hideaway is one of the city's finest boutique offerings. The 21 rooms and suites are wonderfully spacious and decorated in exotic artefacts collected from across Asia. Guests can enjoy private hot tubs and romantic balconies that overlook a tear-shaped pool surrounded by cabanas and tropical foliage. The restaurant serves all-day dishes and an indulgent breakfast come daybreak.