17 Awesome Things To Do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Are you looking for an exciting destination to explore on your next vacation? Then Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is the place for you. Located in South East Asia, this bustling city offers a variety of attractions and activities that will keep you entertained throughout your stay.

 

From cultural sites like Petronas Towers and Batu Caves to shopping malls like Pavillion Kuala Lumpur, delicious food offerings, and vibrant nightlife venues – there’s something for everyone in Kuala Lumpur!

 

There are so many amazing things to do in Kuala Lumpur that it can be hard to choose, especially if you’re only in KL for a couple of days and are short on time. Based on living there for over a year, here are my local favorite places!

Things To Do in Kuala Lumpur

1. Petronas Twin Towers

These iconic twin towers are one of the most popular attractions in Kuala Lumpur. They are the tallest twin towers in the world! The towers were also the tallest buildings in Malaysia until 2022, when they were surpassed by the Merdeka 118.

 

Take a tour of the Petronas Towers observation decks to get incredible views of the city skyline. On the 45th floor of Tower 1, there is an observation deck with a 360-degree view.

2. Visit Batu Caves

Batu Caves is a limestone hill located 13 kilometers away from Kuala Lumpur. It houses several Hindu temples, the most popular of which is the Cave Temple. This temple is famous for its colorful statues and murals, as well as its 272 steps that lead up to the main shrine.

 

At the base of Batu Caves, there is a massive golden statue of Lord Murugan. This statue is considered to be the world’s tallest Lord Murugan statue, standing at 42.7 meters tall.

3. Explore Aquaria KLCC

Aquaria KLCC is below KLCC Park and is home to over five thousand aquatic and sea creatures. It’s a great spot to spend a hot Malaysian afternoon!

 

This aquarium has five main sections, each of which showcases a different aspect of the ocean world. It also has a special area that focuses just on aquatic wildlife that is local to Malaysia, like the mudskipper fish that can walk on the shore.

 

You will find a range of things to do here, such as shark-feeding shows, a 90-meter people-mover-style tunnel, and interactive exhibitions.

4. Go Shopping at Pavillion Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is known for its luxurious malls. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is one of the best! It’s a shopping mall located in the heart of the trendy Bukit Bintang neighborhood of KL, and has over 450 stores from international and local brands.

 

It also features a variety of dining and entertainment spots, such as Din Tai Fung soup dumplings and a cinema. It also has some of the best, over-the-top decorations at Christmastime!

5. Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is a large aviary in the heart of KL. It was opened in 1991, and it features more than 3,000 birds from around the world. Some of the species that are present in the park include flamingos, parrots, peacocks, and hornbills.

 

The park also has a number of interactive exhibits, such as an observation deck and a walk-in aviary. There’s even a waterfall you can walk underneath, with a lovely view overlooking the park.

 

Plus, there are educational bird shows where the local bird experts share fun facts with visiting groups, making for a very interactive experience.

6. Eat Street Food

Chow Kit Market is one of the oldest and largest markets in Kuala Lumpur. It’s a great place to explore and sample some authentic Malaysian street food. There is everything from durian snacks to satay skewers and more.

 

Petaling Street and Jalan Alor are two other popular street food spots. There are a variety of vendors selling things like noodles and Chinese-style desserts. These two are open more in the evenings while Chow Kit is open during the day.

7. Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park is located in the suburb of Petaling Jaya and it’s a great place for families to have fun together! Its hotel of the same name is one of the best family resorts in Malaysia and is well worth a 1-2 night stay.

 

The park is divided into five main zones: Water Park, Amusement Park, Wildlife Park, Extreme Park, and Scream Park. Each area is filled with rides, slides, and activities for all ages.

 

There are also plenty of things to do for adrenaline junkies, such as the FlowRider surfing simulator and bungee jumping. Sunway Lagoon Theme Park is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids, or without!

 

8. Sri Mahamariamman Temple

The Sri Mahamariamman Temple is one of the most significant and oldest Hindu temples in Kuala Lumpur. It was built in 1873 and features intricately carved sculptures and statues.

 

Visitors can wander around the temple grounds and admire the intricate designs of the deities, as well as get to know more about Hindu culture and religion. The temple is open every day, and tour visitors can participate in puja ceremonies or just observe the rituals of the Hindu faith.

9. Thean Hou Temple

The Thean Hou Temple is a six-tiered Chinese temple located on top of Robson Heights, overlooking the city of Kuala Lumpur. It was built in 1894 and is dedicated to Thean Hou, the Chinese goddess of mercy.

 

The temple complex is huge and features beautiful architecture, intricate statues, and colorful art. The temple also hosts regular festivals throughout the year where they offer prayers and blessings, but the best time to visit is the Lunar New Year.

 

Visitors can take the elevator up to the main courtyard where they will find a variety of things to explore, such as the Garden of Deities, a wishing pond, and a shop selling traditional Chinese goodies.

10. Sultan Abdul Samad Building

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is one of the most iconic landmarks in Kuala Lumpur. It has a distinctly Moorish style of architecture and was built in 1897.

 

The building is located in Merdeka Square and has become a symbol of the city’s independence from British rule. Visitors can take a tour of the building and learn more about its history, or else just admire its beautiful facade.

11. Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park

The Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park is located near Lake Gardens and is home to thousands of butterflies from different parts of the world. Visitors can wander around the park and take in the sight of these amazing creatures as they flutter around.

 

The park also features interactive exhibits, educational talks, and a butterfly museum where you can learn more about the lifecycles and habits of different species. It’s a great place to visit with family, especially if you have kids who are interested in nature and wildlife.

12. Kuala Lumpur Tower

Kuala Lumpur Tower is located in the heart of the city and stands at a whopping 421 meters tall. It’s one of KL’s most popular tourist attractions and offers stunning 360-degree views of the city.

 

Visitors can take a ride up to the observation deck where they can enjoy the view and take lots of photos. There is also a revolving restaurant where you can enjoy some delicious food while taking in the incredible views.

13. Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

The Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the city. Built in 1910, it has since become an iconic symbol of the city.

 

The station is a great place to admire the Victorian-style architecture, and visitors can also take the train rides around Kuala Lumpur and explore the many attractions. From here, you can also catch a train that takes you to other destinations around Malaysia, like Ipoh.

 

14. Perdana Botanical Garden

The Perdana Botanical Garden is the largest park in Kuala Lumpur, and it’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The garden features lush green lawns, beautiful flower beds, and a variety of plants and trees.

 

Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the gardens and admire the natural beauty, or else take part in guided nature walks. Birdwatching is also popular here, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some exotic species.

15. Central Market

Central Market is a popular shopping destination in Kuala Lumpur, located close to the train station. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs and handicrafts, as well as local snacks and street food.

 

The market features a variety of things to do or explore, such as art galleries, live performances, and cultural activities. There is also a food court where you can sample some delicious dishes from different cultures.

16. Highlands Day Trip

No trip to Kuala Lumpur is complete without a visit to the highlands. A day trip to Fraser’s Hill or Genting Highlands gives visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, while still taking in some amazing views.

 

Note: Cameron Highlands is also amazing, but due to distance is better suited for a short getaway in Malaysia.

 

These highlands offer plenty of things to do, like trekking and hiking trails, theme parks, strawberry farms, and more. You can even take a cable car ride up to the peak of the mountain and admire the stunning views.

17. Islamic Arts Museum

The Islamic Arts Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history and culture of Malaysia. The museum houses a huge collection of Islamic artifacts, as well as sculptures and architectural pieces from different countries in the Middle East.

 

Visitors can spend hours exploring the galleries, admiring the beautiful pieces, and learning more about Islamic art. There are also interactive exhibits and educational talks that offer an insight into Malaysian culture.

 

Need a place to stay? The Four Seasons Hotel in Kuala Lumpur is top rated for its customer service.

Conclusion: Things To Do in Kuala Lumpur

While there are other things to do in Kuala Lumpur, these are the best!

 

Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant city full of things to do, see and explore. From the natural beauty of Perdana Botanical Garden and Kuala Lumpur Tower to the cultural attractions at Central Market and Islamic Arts Museum, there’s something for everyone in this Malaysian metropolis.

 

Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure or just want to appreciate some stunning views, Kuala Lumpur has it all.