National landmarks

The capital of KL is lined with modern architecture, such as the world renowned Petronas Twin Towers, KL Towers and the 2nd tallest skyscraper in the world, the PNB Merdeka 118 tower, nestled in between parks, retail outlets and urban neighborhoods. Modernity is built with the city’s heritage and cultural values intact, giving KL a distinct identity as a gateway to Malaysia.

Petronas Twin Towers

🚆 KLCC (LRT Kelana Jaya Line)

🚆 Persiaran KLCC (LRT Kelana Jaya Line)

Petronas Twin Towers are the world’s tallest twin towers standing proudly at 451.9m high and have been receiving visitors from all over the world since its opening in 1999. Located at the north side of KL Golden Triangle, with the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre built right next to it, as well as a retail haven – Suria KLCC, a spacious 50-acre KLCC park and a 1.17km long link bridge to Pavilion Bukit Bintang, Petronas Twin Towers sat in the heart of KL as the defining icon of KL.

Things to look for: Aquaria KLCC, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Avenue K, KLCC Park, Super Park, KLCC Mosque

Link: Kuala Lumpur Golden Triangle, Petronas Twin Tower

KL Tower

🚆 Dang Wangi (LRT Kelana Jaya Line)

🚆 Bukit Nanas (KL Monorail line)

The KL Tower is the world’s 7th tallest telecommunications tower, and the tallest in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Completed in 1994, as a member of the World Federation of Great Towers, the tower is used for various broadcasting purposes. Situated at the top of Bukit Nanas, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur from the fully enclosed Observation Deck, from about 276m above ground; and a spectacular dining experience at a revolving restaurant, Atmosphere 360.

Things to look for: Atmosphere 360, KL Forest Eco Park, Pampas Steakhouse at Old Malaya, Changkat Bukit Bintang

Links: KLOOK

Historical Quarter of KL: Pasar Seni, Petaling Street, Dataran Merdeka

🚆 Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek (LRT Kelana Jaya Line)

🚆 Hang Tuah (LRT Ampang & Sri Petaling Line)

🚆 Pasar Seni, Merdeka (MRT Kajang line)

🚆 Kuala Lumpur (KTM – Komuter & ETS)

🚆 Maharajalela (KL Monorail Line)

The history of KL began at the confluence of Sungai Gombak and Sungai Klang, primarily due to the growth in the tin mining industry in the 19th century. Along with the growth in the rubber plantation sector, KL emerged as a significant economic hub for the then Tanah Melayu. Masjid Jamek, which stands at the meeting point of the aforementioned rivers, was built in 1909 to serve the Muslim officers working at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, a colonial administration office built with 2 copper domes and a clock tower facing Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square). The waterfront area is now renovated as part of KL City Hall’s River of Life project, where visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the river as well as Masjid Jamek at night.

Businesses took place nearby in Medan Pasar, whereas the wet market for tin  miners to stock up on daily necessities is located a few meters away in Pasar Seni (Central Market); now a significant center for arts and cultural activities in KL. 

An addition to KL city skyline is the KL 118 tower (Merdeka 118), towering over Petaling Street, Pasar Seni, Stadium Negara and Stadium Merdeka at a full height of 679m atop of Petaling Hill, where the Merdeka Park once was. The project has brought on progressive rejuvenation on the surrounding landscape, namely in Jalan Panggung, Petaling Street (part of Chinatown), Kampung Attap, up to Lebuh Pudu and Masjid Jamek area (Lebuh Ampang), initiated by Think City with KL City Hall (DBKL).

Things to look for: Lee Wah Florist, KL City Gallery, KLCG Cafe, Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur (KL Public Library), Riwayat (bookstore), Rumah Tangsi (event space), The Godown Arts Centre (lifestyle hub), Nam Heong Chicken Rice, Else Kuala Lumpur (boutique hotel).

Links: Walk through KL’s heritage sites; 10 famous historical places in KL

Other attractions:

Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (Jalan TAR) Open market, street food & shopping district 🚆 Masjid Jamek (LRT Kelana Jaya Line) 🚆 Bandaraya (LRT Ampang & Sri Petaling Line)	Chan She Shu Yuen Clan Ancestral Hall Historic clan association building hosting a family temple and a museum 🚆 Pasar Seni (LRT Kelana Jaya Line) 🚆 Pasar Seni (MRT Kajang Line) 🚆 Maharajalela (KL Monorail Line) 🚆 Kuala Lumpur (KTM Seremban & Port Klang Line)	Sri Mahamariamman Temple Oldest Hindu temple in KL, founded in 1873 🚆 Pasar Seni (LRT Kelana Jaya Line) 🚆 Pasar Seni (MRT Kajang Line) 🚆 Kuala Lumpur (KTM Seremban & Port Klang Line)
Masjid Negara (National Mosque) Muslim architecture and place of worship 🚆 Pasar Seni (LRT Kelana Jaya Line) 🚆 Pasar Seni (MRT Kajang Line) 🚆 Kuala Lumpur (KTM Seremban & Port Klang Line)	Batu Caves Hindu cave temples, where Thaipusam is held annually 🚆 Batu Caves (KTM Seremban Line)	REXKL Old cinema-turned-lifestyle hub 🚆 Pasar Seni (LRT Kelana Jaya Line) 🚆 Pasar Seni (MRT Kajang Line) 🚆 Kuala Lumpur (KTM Seremban & Port Klang Line)

Activities

ZhongShan Building

🚆 Maharajalela (KL Monorail line)

🚆 Pasar Seni (LRT Kelana Jaya Line)

This white building in Kampung Attap is “an urban rejuvenation project, energized by a close-knit community of artists, researchers, designers, artisans, and musicians.” It is a thriving creative hub housing artisanal bakery, a stationery shop, quaint bookstores and cafes, creative studios and event spaces in one place.

Things to look for: AnaTomy, Tommy le baker, Room 134, Restoran ZK

Link: A hangout for downtown KL creatives

Genting Highlands

🚍 Genting Express Bus (from KL Sentral)

Genting Highlands is a popular weekend getaway from KL, connected by highways, roads and cable car via Awana Skyway. Hotels, casinos, shopping malls and the latest Skyworlds Theme Park are developed to attract visitors, with several other nature attractions located at the foothills and the surrounding area of Genting Highlands, such as Genting Premium Outlets, Swee Chin Temple, Strawberry Farm, and Janda Baik.

Things to look for: Awana SkyWay, Bukit Tinggi

Link: Resorts World Genting, Explore Genting

GoKL Hop On Hop Off ride

🚆 Bukit Bintang (KL Monorail Station)

🚆 Bukit Bintang (MRT Kajang line)

This ride lets you discover all of KL’s national landmarks at your own pace, available with a 24-hours and a 48-hour ticket (between 9am to 6pm). Tickets can be bought online or at the main service counter (Sungai Wang Plaza main entrance).

Link: Ticketing, KL City of Lights tour

Other attractions:

Muzium Negara (National Museum) 🚆  Muzium Negara (MRT Kajang Line) 🚆 KL Sentral (LRT Kelana Jaya Line)	Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (Bukit Bintang) Street food and shopping district 🚆  Bukit Bintang (MRT Kajang Line) 🚆  Bukit Bintang (KL Monorail Line)	Sentul Depot Former railway workshop-turned-lifestyle hub 🚆  Sentul Barat (MRT Putrajaya Line) 🚆  Sentul (KTM Seremban Line) 🚆  Sentul (LRT Sri Petaling & Ampang Line)
Urban Museum, Changkat Bukit Bintang Contemporary art museum in KL. Ticket reservation required. 🚆  Bukit Bintang (MRT Kajang Line) 🚆  Bukit Bintang (KL Monorail Line)	Riwayat KL, Jalan Tun HS Lee Local bookstore located in busy KL High Street lined with cafes and cultural attractions, close to Masjid Jamek and Telekom Museum 🚆  Masjid Jamek (LRT Kelana Jaya Line) 🚆  Masjid Jamek (LRT Sri Petaling Line)	The Row, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit 1940’s pre-war shop houses with independent business and attractions 🚆  Medan Tuanku (KL Monorail Line)

Nature

Perdana Botanical Gardens

🚆 Muzium Negara (MRT Kajang line)

Located right at the heart of KL is the city’s first recreational park, built in 1888, as a public park serving the peripheral commercial and administrative area in Central Market and Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad. A walking distance away from the National Museum and the National Mosque, Perdana Botanical Gardens is a 226 acres wide area, housing several historical landmarks on its own, which include, Carcosa Seri Negara (the official residence of the British High Commissioner during the colonial era), Tun Abdul Razak Memorial, and the National Planetarium. It remains as a calming recreational park for city dwellers to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Things to look for: Medan Selera Tanglin, KL Bird Park, KL Butterfly Park, Islamic Arts Museum 

Link: Official Website

Taman Tugu

🚆 Masjid Jamek (LRT Kelana Jaya Line)

Adjacent to Perdana Botanical Park is Taman Tugu in Bukit Tugu, where the National Monument of Independence is situated. The 66-acre Taman Tugu site is a not-for-profit corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative led by Khazanah Nasional Berhad (Khazanah) with the support of various public sector agencies and civil-society organisations. Efforts are being made for the site to be made into a National Heritage Trust, to be managed and protected into perpetuity as a public green space. Admission is free.

Things to look for: Taman Merbok, National Monument (Tugu Negara)

Link: Friends of Taman Tugu

KL Forest Eco Park

🚆 Dang Wangi (LRT Kelana Jaya Line) 

🚆 Bukit Nanas (KL Monorail Line)

This park is a lush forest reserve located in the heart of the city next to the KL Tower. It houses over 200 tree species and wildlife, like the silver leaf monkey and long-tailed macaque in a 9-hectare area; and includes a Canopy Walk, which offers stunning views of the park’s oldest trees, such as the Jelutong and Merawan Batu. There are also many hiking trails to explore. Admission is free.

Things to look for: Telekom Museum, Pampas Steakhouse at Old Malaya

Link: KL Forest Eco Park

Eats

Kampung Baru

🚆 Kampung Baru, Damai (LRT Kelana Jaya Line) 

🚆 Raja Chulan, Chow Kit & Titiwangsa (KL Monorail Line)

🚆 Raja Uda (MRT Putrajaya Line)

Kampung Baru is KL’s Malay enclave established in 1899 settled in the heart of the city, surrounded by rapid development and high rise office buildings. The settlement was formally gazetted in 1950 as a Malay Agricultural Settlement to preserve its traditional way of life. With that, Kampung Baru is the perfect spot to eat like a local. Start with Malaysia’s national dish, nasi lemak at Nasi Lemak Wanjo, or nasi kandar at Restoran Kudu. Mixed rice stalls, Indonesian Padang restaurants and Tomyum joints, scattered all over the area. 

Chow Kit wet market and its surrounding area is another interesting area to explore. The Row KL is situated adjacent to Raja Chulan KL Monorail station, comprises pre-war shop houses, presently housing independent businesses and F&Bs.

Things to look for: Saloma Bridge, Chow Kit wet market, The Row, Quill City Mall

Link: Explore Kampung Baru: The Village of Kuala Lumpur, Restaurants near Kampung Baru station, Nasi Kandar in KL and Selangor.

Bangsar

🚆 Bangsar, Kerinchi & Universiti (LRT Kelana Jaya Line) 

🚆 Pusat Bandar Damansara (MRT Kajang Line)

Bangsar is just about 2 km from Brickfields, bordering Selangor cities such as Petaling Jaya, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail and Damansara. Its hilly geography with an amazing view of the city center makes it a popular choice by the more affluent residents of Lembah Pantai. Commonly known for its rows of bars along Jalan Telawi, Bangsar is also famous for its variety of dining options from grill bars and brunch spots to artisanal bakeries, to banana leaf joints and Chinese restaurants. All this can easily be found along Jalan Telawi, or within its neighborhood malls; Bangsar Shopping Center (BSC), Bangsar Village 1 & 2, and Bangsar South. APW Bangsar is a trendy industrial building revitalized into a creative space with interesting dining options. A bus ride can take you to Pantai Dalam, where you can please your appetite with cheaper local options. 

Things to look for: Devi’s Corner, VCR, Ru by Ruyi, Nutmeg, Jibby Chow, Bangsar night market, Breakfast Thieves, Mahbub, Roti Canai Pak Ali

Link: Neighbourhood Guide Bangsar, Bangsar Area Guide

Other attractions:

Petaling Street 🚆 Pasar Seni (LRT Kelana Jaya Line) 🚆 Pasar Seni (MRT Kajang Line)	Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang 🚆 Bukit Bintang (KL Monorail Line) 🚆 Bukit Bintang (MRT Kajang Line)
Damansara Uptown (Village Park) 🚆 TTDI (MRT Kajang Line)	The Linc, Ampang 🚆 Ampang Park (LRT Kelana Jaya Line) 🚆 Ampang Park (MRT PutrajayaLine)