Kuala Lumpur is a relatively new city, founded in 1857. It is the capital of Malaysia and one of Southeast Asia's most important financial centers. With a population exceeding 8 million, Kuala Lumpur is also one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
Despite its reputation as an urban jungle, Kuala Lumpur offers many opportunities for recreation and relaxation. The biggest draw to this modern city are its numerous parks and nature trails which make it easy to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city center. From dense rainforest to tranquil lakeside gardens, visitors will be able to find their perfect slice of nature with just a short walk beyond KL's historic core.
The attractions in Kuala Lumpur range from old and new, with some of the city's sights being relatively modern while others are hundreds of years old.
Here's why you should visit Kuala Lumpur:
KL Tower
1. KL Tower
One of the main landmarks in the city is the Petronas Twin Towers, also known as the Petronas Towers or KL Tower. The towers are located right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and they dominate this metropolis. Known as Asia's tallest twin building, these highrises are symbolic of Malaysia's economic growth and success as a nation. The 553 meter (1,804 foot) tall towers became a symbol for Malaysia on October 9, 1998 when they became officially open to public. This jump in altitude propelled Malaysia to become the 8th highest country in the world and was even one of the top 10 tallest in Asia.
Merdaka Square
2. Merdeka Square (Home of National Flag)
The land where Merdeka Square now stands was first owned by Tunku Abdul Rahman, who is known as the Father of Independence in Malaysia. It has undergone many change over the years but it has remained its central location within Kuala Lumpur. This area is also home to a very important place for Malaysian pride and freedom, The National Flag which was lowered after independence from Britain.
National Mosque
3. National Mosque
Located just a short distance from Merdeka Square, this institution is a center of worship for Muslims in Malaysia. It holds many historical artifacts and messages which explain Malaysian history, culture and traditions.
4. Merdeka Bridge
One of the most famous landmarks in Kuala Lumpur is this iconic bridge which connects the city's north and south bank neighborhoods. It was officially opened to public on September 16, 2013. As the start point of the famous Kuala Lumpur Marathon, (organised by the City Hall), it has become one of those places where you can find many runners and joggers.
Petaling Street Night Market
5. Petaling Street Night Market
The Petaling Street Night Market is also known as Chinatown because it used to be a main center for Chinese immigrants during the 1880s and 90s. Many historical artifacts and landmarks can still be found here like Kuala Lumpurs oldest hotel which was built in 1882. The more modern buildings are now mostly used as shopping centers for tourists, which is why this area is one of Kuala Lumpur's most popular destinations during night time.Chinatown
6. Chinatown
Not far from Petaling Street Night Market is the actual Chinatown. First established around 1872, this was a place where you could find luxurious food and beautiful gifts and souvenirs for the people of Malaysia. The architecture is a combination of Chinese and Moorish designs which can be found on many of the buildings in this area.
7. Lake Gardens (Home of KL's Golf Course)
You will find many recreation grounds around Kuala Lumpur but this one stands out because it also has its own golf course. The Lake Gardens Golf Course is the oldest one in Malaysia, having been built in 1888. The landscape and the surrounding gardens make this a great place to spend time as well as an entertaining venue.
8. KL Tower Night Safari
A lot of tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur are open to public, meaning that you can visit them anytime during the day but not at night. You will find many long queues on weekends when the KL Tower Night Safari becomes a popular attraction since it's always crowded during the evening hours. This is because it is one of those places where you can see hundreds of animals which are housed in special cages from dusk until dawn (between 8pm and 10pm). Visitors have been known to spend four hours waiting to go inside this zoo in front of that iconic tower called Petronas Twin Towers.
9. Bukit Nanas Swimming Complex
Bukit Nanas (literally translated to "pine hill") is a recreational park located in the vicinity of Chinatown. It was built in the 1960s and it is one of the largest facilities of its kind, featuring an Olympic-sized swimming pool as well as numerous playgrounds and sports fields. There are also several restaurants and shopping centers nearby which make this place a great spot for relaxation after a day of sightseeing.
Batu Caves
10. Batu Caves (Home of Buddhist Temples)
This stunning natural landscape can be accessed just three kilometers (two miles) from KL's city center. First settled by Buddhist monks during the 6th century, this place is also known as "The City of Dharma" thanks to its many temples. It is estimated that this was home to over 400 monks in the past and it has remained a place of worship and study for devoted Buddhists ever since.
11. Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia has been located right in front of Kuala Lumpur's National Mosque for more than one hundred years where you can see interesting displays which reflect Malaysia's Muslim history and traditions. The pieces are organized into various collections, each of which will give you a deeper insight into this country's unique culture.
12. Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (National Library)
This building used to be the British colonial government's Secretariat and it now serves as the National Library. It was built in 1888 and it is now a popular venue for tourists, offering a wide range of informative materials on Malaysian history, art and culture. You can find more than 100 million books here with over 80% of them being in English.
These are just some of the many interesting places which can be found in Kuala Lumpur during your time there. You will notice that this city is full of ancient buildings from different civilizations and there are even many restored landmarks from centuries ago. The architecture of this city is also very varied and you can find both Chinese and colonial designs in its many buildings. All of these have made Kuala Lumpur a beautiful place to visit and its historical landmarks make it a great place to learn more about Malaysia's unique history.
What to pack for Kuala Lumpur
Even though you don't have to worry about packing for this tropical city, you should be prepared when visiting a place which is usually so hot during the day and cool at night. In Malaysia, the temperature changes drastically during the day and it tends to be very humid! This is why a lot of people choose to wear light clothing options on their visits. Therefore, a wide range of clothing types are needed in order to cover everyone from head-to-toe.
For each season in Malaysia, you can find suitable clothing items available at nearby markets but these are only available in certain areas. Each region specific to Kuala Lumpur will have different weather conditions so it's always best to check what clothes you need before heading there. The best options for the cold winter months can be found in Bukit Bintang while you'll find the best summer fabrics at the Damansara Perdana Shopping Complex.
A good idea is to wear light colored clothing right now since it will be cool during this time of year. Look for a light-colored shirt as well as a pair of lightweight pants and comfortable shoes or boots which are great to wear around during your day-to-day activities. These days, there are a lot of "cool" choices when it comes to footwear which means that you can find many different styles available in Kuala Lumpur. However, it's always a good idea to bring items which you will be comfortable in since comfort is always key when you're traveling.