Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is home to a melting pot of cultures. It is an exciting city to explore that has both first-time and seasoned travelers always eager to come back for more! This article will provide a comprehensive list of some of the exciting things you can do while in Kuala Lumpur to provide you with a taste of what this city has to offer.
Best Kuala Lumpur Attractions
Kuala Lumpur Tower
Kuala Lumpur Tower, or more commonly known as Menara (Meh-nah-rah) KL among the locals, is a must-visit for every first-timer. It is one of the city’s landmarks and you will most likely see this structure in most of your souvenirs. Going to the very top of the tower (300 m above ground) will bring you to the tower’s sky deck. Here you can see a magnificent bird’s eye view of the city that is not to be missed. Additionally, bring out your inner Instagram diva at the tower’s skybox where you can snap and enjoy a 360 panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur.
Want something more than the sky bird view? Kuala Lumpur Tower also provides other attractions such as a mini zoo, an upside-down house, an aquarium, and an eco-park! If you are hungry, you can choose to enjoy fine dining at Atmosphere 360, enjoy a taste of Indian cuisine at Moghul Mahal Restaurant, munch on pizza at Santiago Pizza, or enjoy desserts at the Sky Cafe.
The tower provides various facilities including a prayer room and money changers for visitors’ comfort and convenience.
The rates and details are as below:
Address: No. 2 Jalan Punchak Off, Jalan P Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 9:30 AM – 10 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +603 2020 5499
Ticket prices (Observation Deck): RM30 (Malaysian, Adult), RM49 (Foreigner, Adult), RM20 (Malaysian, Child – 4 – 12 years old), RM29 (Foreigner, Child – 4 – 12 years old)
Museums in Kuala Lumpur
Want to know more about Malaysia’s diverse history, culture, and people? The city’s many museums are a great way to start! Here is a list of some of the must-visit ones to help you choose where to begin.
National Museum in Kuala Lumpur
Spend your time learning the majority of Malaysia’s history at the country’s national museum. Here you can discover records spanning from prehistoric life to notable current historical events. Explore the country’s various flora and fauna, artifacts, artwork, and much more so you can get a glimpse of Malaysia’s identity.
Address: Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, Jalan Damansara, Perdana Botanical Gardens, 50566 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Contact number: +60 3-2267 1000
Entrance fees: RM2 (Malaysian, Adult), Free (Malaysian, Child up to 12 years old), RM5 (Foreigner, Adult), RM2 (Foreigner, Child)
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
This museum offers an opportunity to appreciate the country’s national religion, displaying various Islamic arts and artifacts in Southeast Asia. Here you can learn about the religion’s history, tracing all the way from the Middle East and eventually to the country’s region. In addition, the museum hosts workshops and activities to better acquaint you with the religious practices all over the world.
Address: Jalan Lembah, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 9:30 AM to 6 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +60 3-2092 7070
Entrance fees: RM14 (Adults), RM7 (Students, senior citizens), Free (Child)
Orang Asli Craft Museum
Get to know the country’s Original People, or Orang Asli, who dwell in the rural areas of the Malaysian Peninsular. through their artworks, handicrafts, weapons, fabrics, etc. You can learn their history, beliefs, myths, and legends of the Orang Asli, who are divided into 3 main groups: the Negrito, the Senai, and the Proto Malay.
Address: Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, Jalan Damansara, 50566 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +60 3-2282 6255
Entrance fees: RM2 (Malaysian, Adult) RM1 (Malaysian, Senior citizens and disabled), Free (Malaysian, Children up to 12 years old), RM5 (Foreigner, Adult) RM 2 (Foreigner, Children – 6 -12 years old) Free (Foreigner, Children below 6 years old).
Parks and Zoos in Kuala Lumpur
Do not miss the chance to explore Malaysia’s flora and fauna through the many parks and zoos in the city! Learning more about the country’s natural habitat is a great way to make your trip both fun and knowledgeable. Here is a list of places worth checking out!
National Zoo in Kuala Lumpur
Better known as Zoo Negara (Neh-gah-rah) among the locals, this zoo is definitely a place you won’t want to miss as an animal lover. It offers more than 450 species of animals in exhibitions and landscapes that mimic their natural habitat, as well as over 5000 species which you can see up close through the open zoo concept. The National Zoo also provides a variety of animal performances such as sea lions and orangutans.
Address: Jalan Taman Zooview, Taman Zooview, 68000 Ampang, Selangor, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +603-4108 3422/4/7/8
Entrance fees: RM45 (Malaysian, Adult) RM23 (Malaysian, Senior citizens), RM18 (Malaysian, Children 3 – 12 years old), RM88 (Foreigner, Adult) RM43 (Foreigner, Children – 3 -12 years old). Foreigners with i-Kad, working permits, or dependent passes are charged RM50 (adults) and RM25 (children). Group and school trip discounts are available.
Aquaria KLCC
Love marine life? Located at one of the city’s notable landmarks, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Aquaria is a heaven to over 5,000 land-bound and aquatic creatures spread across various exhibits to feast your eyes upon. Grab the chance to watch feeding times, including for creatures like electric eels and the sand tiger white shark.
Address: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM, last admission at 6 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +603 – 2333 1888
Entrance fees: RM71 (Adult) RM61 (Children (3 – 12 years old) and senior citizens), RM16 (Disabled), RM49 (MyKad holders, Adult), RM39 (MyKad holders, Children( 3- 12 years old) and senior citizens)
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
Spanning across approximately 20.9 acres of verdant valley terrain, the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is home to over 3,000 birds from around 200 species. Brighten up your trip by watching colorful birds roaming freely in the park while indulging in its beautiful natural landscape. You can also take pictures at various photo ops and watch exciting bird shows and feeding times.
Address: 920, Jalan Cenderawasih, Perdana Botanical Gardens, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM(Daily)
Contact number: +603 – 2333 1888
Entrance fees: RM63 (Adult) RM42 (Children (3 – 12 years old), RM425 (MyKad holders, Adult), RM12 (MyKad holders, Children( 3- 12 years old) and senior citizens)
Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park
Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park is the largest butterfly garden with over 80,000 sq ft and home to over 5,000 butterflies, plants, and ferns. It also features other species such as Japanese koi fish, freshwater turtles, and insects as well as a museum showcasing butterflies and insects from across the globe.
Address: Jalan Cenderasari, Taman Botani Perdana, Kuala Lumpur, 50480 Malaysia.
Operating Hours: 9 AM – 4:30 PM (Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Contact number: +603-26934799
Entrance fees: RM25 (Adult), RM13 (Children (2-11 years old)), RM25 (Adult with MyKad), RM6 (Children (2-11 years old) with MyKid), RM 38 (Family Package (2 Adults + 3 Children) ). A video camera incurs an extra charge of RM5. Tripods are not allowed.
Amusement parks in Kuala Lumpur
Looking for places to scream your heart out through exciting rides or horror houses? Want to show off your new swimming suits and enjoy a fun day splashing in pools? Kuala Lumpur has some exciting attractions that might fit your needs!
Sunway Lagoon
Located about 15km southwest of the city center, Sunway Lagoon fills its 80-acre park with various rides and attractions to choose from. The park is categorized into zones: water park, Scream Park, Amusement Park, Extreme Park, and Wildlife Park. Visitors can choose from the get-go what kind of experience they would like to have for the day. Or if you have time, go for all five zones!
Address: 3, Jalan PJS 11/11, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact number: +603 5639 0000
Entrance fees: RM202 ( Adult), RM170 (Child (12 years old and below), and senior citizens). More offers can be found here.
Berjaya Times Square Theme Park
Located in the Berjaya Times Square Mall, this theme park is dubbed as Malaysia’s largest indoor park. It is divided into two categories: Galaxy Station for adults and Fantasy Garden for more kid-centric rides. With over 14 rides to choose from, this indoor park can provide you plenty of fun, rain or shine.
Address: Level 8, Berjaya Time Square, No. 1, Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +603 2117 3118
Entrance fees: RM70 ( Adult), RM65 (Child (3 – 12 years old)), RM30 (Senior citizens and disabled), RM55 (Adult MyKad holders), RM45 (Child MyKid holders), RM20 (Senior citizens and disabled MyKad holders). More offers can be found here.
District 21 Kuala Lumpur
Located at IOI City Mall, this indoor theme park features a post-apocalyptic setting where visitors can try its various obstacle courses, climbing walls, high-speed slides, and trampolines. With its colorful graffiti, metal beams, and suspended ropes, this park’s aesthetic is a sight to behold.
Address: AT 6, IOI City Mall, IOI Resort City, 62502 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 12 PM – 8 PM (Weekdays), 10 AM – 8 PM (Weekends)
Contact number: +60 3-8328 8888
Entrance fees: RM58 on weekdays and RM76 on weekends. Free for wheelchair-bound visitors and children below 90cm in height.
Wet World Water Park Shah Alam
This water park is known as the City of Digital Lights due to the LED lights illuminating this 72-acre theme park. Aside from its water park, this theme park features 3D and wax museums as well as the biggest snow park in Malaysia. Enjoy your time trying out all the attractions while enjoying the park’s beautiful view of its forest of artificial maple and pine trees.
Address: No. 3A, Persiaran Dato Menteri, Seksyen 14, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Contact number: +60 3-5510 2588
Entrance fees: RM37 (Adult (130cm and above)), RM32 (Child (90cm – 130cm)), Free (Child, below 90 cm).
Shopping places in Kuala Lumpur
No trip would be complete without at least a little shopping! Whether you choose to shop til you drop, or prefer something small knick-knacks to bring home instead, Kuala Lumpur has something for everyone. From giant shopping malls to smaller establishments, here is a starter list of places for you to check out.
Suria KLCC Shopping Mall
You cannot visit Kuala Lumpur without having heard about this shopping mall at least once in passing. Popular among locals and tourists alike, Suria KLCC shopping mall provides a shopping experience that leaves people coming back for more. It has over 360 stores, and among them are well-known luxury brands such as Chanel and Alexander McQueen for you to spoil yourself with. It also houses Petrosains, an indoor museum where you can pause from shopping to marvel over science and technology.
Hungry from shopping? Not to worry: from an array of restaurant choices and a food court, you can choose from local to international cuisines to enjoy. If you’re not up for extensive shopping, this mall is worth a visit for its outdoor park and fountain shows.
Address: 241, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +603-23822828
Pavilion Shopping Mall
If you are looking for a glitzy and glamorous shopping experience, then look no further! Connected to KLCC via a roofed walkway, Pavilion houses a dizzying array of luxury brands such as Coach and Fendi. It also features popular fashion and accessories brands for men and women alike if you’re looking for something familiar in a place far away from home. Pavilion has restaurants that also fit a variety of taste buds. Whether you’re craving fast foods or looking for healthier choices, Pavilion has something for you!
Pavilion also offers international mailing services under its rooftop. So if you brought many things to give to your friends and family, you can simply mail them home! Goodbye to overweight luggage fees!
Address: Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +60 3-2118 8833
Berjaya Times Square
Home to the largest indoor theme park in Malaysia, Berjaya Times Square mall has over 1000 shops to choose from. Here you can buy things at a more discounted price as the stores here are typically individually owned instead of being brand franchises. From clothes to eyewear to gadgets to books to snacks, this shopping mall is a popular haunt among locals and tourists alike.
Tired from shopping? Catch a movie at the cinema or have fun in its indoor park! If you are feeling hungry, the shopping mall has restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines that might tickle your fancy, from traditional Malay cuisines to Korean food.
Address: Level 15 West, Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, 1 Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Operating Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (Daily)
Contact number: 1 300 888 988
Central Market of Kuala Lumpur
You are nearing the end of your trip and you realized: wait, you haven’t bought souvenirs yet! And you don’t know where to start! Or perhaps you want a different shopping experience away from the glitzy shopping malls with high ceilings and bright lights. Then, the Central Market is the place for you!
Also known as Pasar Seni, this market was originally a wet market until it was revamped into a handicraft market in the 1980s. Peek into the local artistic community as you walk through rows and rows of shops selling traditional handicrafts and fabrics. From batiks to sculptures to prints, the Central Market celebrates the city’s cultural harmony. There are also vendors selling traditional snacks from different cultures for you to try.
Fun fact: the Central Market is officially recognized as a heritage site by the National Heritage Department. It underwent many renovations over the years to attract locals and tourists and appreciate cultural and racial integrity and tolerance.
Address: Kasturi Walk @, 50050, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +603 2031 0399
More than just the capital city or a temporary stopover, exciting places to explore and discover fill Kuala Lumpur. Hence, whether you are the adventurous type or simply looking for a place for relaxation, Kuala Lumpur has got it all! We hope that this guide can provide a starting guide for when you plan your itinerary and make your trip more fun and memorable.
