After months of anticipation, stepping into Kuala Lumpur felt surreal. It wasn’t until the cab ride to our Airbnb that it finally hit us. We were not in India anymore, an obvious fact we’d known since our arrival in Kuala Lumpur. But all we had seen so far was the interior of buildings and the KL metro. Familiar sights we were accustomed to. Seeing the city was what made it real. It was the difference between knowing and experiencing.
This city was clean. From the insides of our Grab taxi to the roads, buildings and even the attire of its people. The air lacked its familiar ingredients, dust and smoke. Vehicles glided noiselessly on smooth roads. Malaysian flags adorned towering skyscrapers reminding us where we were. As our future experience would reiterate, the people were polite and friendly. They seemed relaxed and more at ease.
It became obvious to us that a four-hour journey had taken us to a radically different place. One that was living in the future.
Getting Around Kuala Lumpur
The city is well connected by its RapidKL Metro system. Trains are cheap, frequent, and clean. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of each station. Use these resources to plan your journey,
If you’re a group of three or more, a Grab taxi is just as affordable. Cabs are punctual and the longest we had to wait for one was 10 minutes. Just download the app and you’re set.
Note that buses may not always run on schedule. During our experience, we faced a delay and ultimately opted for a Grab to continue our journey.
Top Attractions to Explore in Kuala Lumpur
Batu Caves and Ramayana Cave
Batu Caves is one of the most famous attractions in Kuala Lumpur. At the base, you’ll find 272 colorful steps leading up to the caves, accompanied by a stunning 141-foot-tall golden statue of Lord Murugan. The cave is a religious site, home to several temples inside.
A cool breeze and drizzle accompanied us as we descended, adding to the surreal atmosphere.
To the left of the Batu Caves is the lesser-known Ramayana Cave, marked by a tall statue of Lord Rama at its entrance. Inside, the cave narrates the story of the Ramayana through lifelike statues of its main protagonists. Towards the end, a steep climb leads to a naturally formed Shiva linga.
Thean Hou Temple
Imposing pillars, spectacular roofs, and intricate carvings make up this beautiful, serene six-tiered temple with grand architecture. Vibrant colors, along with the eye-catching hanging lanterns throughout the courtyard, create a breathtaking view that’s hard to resist.
One of the popular attractions is a fortune-telling service which is an integral part of the temple’s cultural and spiritual practices. You shake a container of numbered sticks and pick one that stands out, the number on the stick matches a particular poem. These poems offer guidance and advice on various aspects of life, including career, love, health, and family.
Zoo Negara
While many zoos struggle to provide animals with the space and quality of life they deserve, Zoo Negara stands out as an exception, offering its animals a more spacious and well-cared-for environment.
The Giant Panda and the Malayan Tapir are standout attractions with Pandas being extremely rare outside of China and the Malayan Tapir found only in parts of Southeast Asia.
Panda Diplomacy
Panda Diplomacy is China’s practice of sending giant pandas from China to other countries as a tool of diplomacy and wildlife conservation. Two pandas, named Fu Wa and Feng Yi arrived at Zoo Negara in 2014 and continue to reside there. Three of their cubs, Nuan Nuan, Yi Yi, and Sheng Yi have been returned to China.
Cute, soft and fluffy!
Click for happiness
The pandas were loaned for 10 years, ending in 2024. Are they still there? Let us know in the comments below.
Aquaria KLCC
Among the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia, with a 300-foot underwater tunnel. The tunnel is designed to simulate the ocean floor allowing visitors to walk “underwater” to get a fantastic view of marine life. Imagine sharks and beautiful manta rays swimming overhead!
At the end of the Aquaria is a souvenir shop where you can find fridge magnets, adorable toys, keychains, and baggage tags featuring marine animals. So grab some for your loved ones and a few for your inner child!
Petronas Twin Towers
The towers are among the tallest twin towers in the world and an iconic symbol of Malaysia’s modernity. The Skybridge, located on the 41st and 42nd floors, is a double-decker bridge connecting the two towers and offers a unique vantage point of the city below. Higher up, the Observation Deck on the 86th floor offers visitors stunning panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline.
Petronas Towers tickets sell out fast—book in advance to secure your time slot and skip the long lines!
Menara Kuala Lumpur / KL Tower
KL tower features an open-air observation deck and, for the more adventurous, an open-air skywalk on a glass floor that encircles the tower, complete with “subtle effects” to make the experience more thrilling.
Brickfields – Little India
Brickfields is a vibrant neighborhood containing Indian restaurants, clothing, jewellery, and traditional markets. It’s a hub of Indian culture, with colorful streets lined by aromatic spice shops, sari boutiques, and beautiful temples. Notably, Sree Veera Hanuman Temple and Sri Kandaswamy Temple, are both richly adorned and showcase intricate South Indian architecture.
River of Life and the Central Market
A picturesque area where the Gombak and Klang Rivers meet. This vibrant waterfront features walkways, artistic lighting, and fountains. At night, the area glows with blue lights creating a stunning reflection on the water. Nearby, the Central Market, a historic landmark since 1888, offers a range of Malaysian arts, crafts, and souvenirs.
Bukit Gasing Hiking Trail
The Bukit Gasing Hiking Trail is a hidden gem on the border of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, a peaceful escape from the city. This offbeat trail is less crowded and offers a quieter nature experience. The hike takes you through lush greenery, providing scenic views of the surrounding area.
The trail features several paths of varying difficulty. Notable landmarks along the way include the suspension bridge, the abandoned house, the “killer stairs”, a steel bridge, a park, and a Muslim cemetery.
KL Bird Park
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is one of the largest free-flight, walk-in aviaries in the world. Known for its open-concept aviary, it allows birds to fly freely, creating a natural environment and an immersive experience for visitors. Highlights include daily bird shows, feeding sessions, and beautiful landscaped environments.
National Mosque of Malaysia
The National Mosque of Malaysia, or Masjid Negara, is a stunning symbol of modern Islamic architecture. Built-in 1965, the mosque features a unique 230-ft-high minaret and a striking blue, star-shaped roof that resembles an open umbrella. Men wearing shorts and women are provided with robes at the entrance to cover up before entering.
The National Museum of Malaysia
The National Museum of Malaysia, known as Muzium Negara, is a cultural and historical hub in Kuala Lumpur. Its exhibits cover Malaysia’s history, from prehistoric times to modern-day achievements, displayed across various galleries focused on ethnography, natural history, and local arts and crafts. The museum is an essential stop for those interested in understanding Malaysia’s diverse cultural legacy.
Independence Square
Independence Square, or Dataran Merdeka, is a historic landmark in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the Union Jack was lowered, and the Malaysian flag was raised for the first time on August 31, 1957, marking Malaysia’s independence from British rule.
The area features a 95-meter flagpole, one of the tallest in the world, and hosts various national celebrations, including Malaysia’s annual Independence Day parade.
Other attractions
Top Places to Eat in Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Alor Food Street
The vibrant, bustling street is packed with open-air restaurants and hawker stalls offering local and international dishes. A must-visit destination to experience authentic Malaysian street food.
Don’t miss the “King of Fruits” – the durian. This beloved fruit in Malaysia is famous for its strong aroma and creamy, custard-like texture when ripe.
Boat Noodle in Sunway Putra Mall
The go-to place for Thai food! It’s a small, cozy spot with delicious dishes. Just the thought of their Ayam Legend chicken makes my mouth water. Another must-try is their Mango Sticky Rice. Yumm!
Damascus Bukit Bintang
A Syrian restaurant with delicious Shawarmas. Their seven-foot-tall meat columns on a vertical rotisserie are eye-catching, drawing you in before you even take your first bite.
The Nasi Lemak
The beloved Malaysian dish, often considered the country’s national food, is served with chicken, prawns, eggs, and fragrant coconut rice. A true Malaysian classic, we had ours at Deli Café, but it’s available everywhere.
The Lankan KL
A Sri Lankan restaurant offering authentic Lankan Lamprais.
Accommodation and Budget
Airbnbs are widely available, offering a range of options from city apartments to unique stays with stunning views. In 2024, our 6-day trip cost around ₹50,000 per person, inclusive of flight tickets, accommodation, local travel, food, and entry fees to attractions.
Running in Kuala Lumpur
A trek and a running event are always on our to-do list in our tours. Having checked off the trek with Bukit Gasing, we searched for a run and found the Jawi International Run in Putrajaya.
Preparations began months in advance. Having to compete against runners of other countries as an Indian, gave us extra motivation to push harder. The stories of hard work, grit, and determination from the 2024 Olympic athletes, like Noah Lyles who won the men’s 100m, and Sha’Carri Richardson who claimed silver in the female 100m, gave us an extra boost.
On race day, after barely a few hours of sleep, we started from Kuala Lumpur to the Dataran Wawasan Square in Putrajaya, some 40 km away. We were pleased to find the race venue, clean and well organized.
The race kicked off at 5 a.m., and the heat and extreme humidity made it challenging. Fueled by excitement and race-day adrenaline, we finished strong. As a result, three of us placed in the top ten in the 21km international open categories. Hearing our names announced among the winners in a foreign land was an incredible feeling — a day to cherish forever.
If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.
Sir Ratan Tata
Great 👍
Thanks!
How was Nasi lemak
Delicious! Fried chicken and prawns were super yummy.
Do we need to book advance for KL tower?
Hi, it is not mandatory. We didn’t book in advance; we got the tickets at the entrance when we went there. However, during peak tourist seasons, booking in advance is advisable. You can check availability and book tickets on the official KL Tower website.