This is the definitive guide to the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur, with more street food than you can handle
We’ll get the obvious out of the way first; if you like street food, you will fall deeply in love with Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian capital is a veritable foodie Mecca, with finger-licking magic waiting around every corner. Hungry visitors are in for a real treat here.
The best things to do in Kuala Lumpur cover much more than marvellous morsels. There is history, culture, architecture and excitement here, with one of the best nightlife scenes in the region and lots of activities to boot. One of the coolest cities on the planet? Don’t doubt it.
What is it? The city’s tallest hotel rooftop bar, Vertigo is perched on Level 59 of the stylish Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur.
Why go? The iconic KL skyline has become the backdrop to many a night out, and Vertigo ticks all the boxes - uninterrupted panoramas and a good selection of wine, beer and cocktails.
Don’t miss: Snag a seat in front of the bar, where the view includes both the Petronas Twin Towers and the KL Tower.
What is it? Come dusk, this street becomes a cacophony of aromas, noise and food. Hawker stalls and roadside restaurants clamour for your attention offering all kinds of local and regional cuisines.
Why go? For the sheer variety of local food, from moreish salted egg cab and spicy grilled fish to noodles in rich broths and typical local hawker dishes, Jalan Alor’s reputation as a red-light area has been diminished by the fact that there is so much food and cold beer to be had.
Don’t miss: Smoky barbecued chicken wings from Wong Ah Wah, the most famous of Jalan Alor’s eateries, plus they close at 4am.
What is it? A pre-1950s building rejuvenated into an independent creative arts and research hub, housing arts, cultural and retail spaces.
Why go? This community space is home to various art galleries, exhibition spaces, live music bars, record shops and bookstores championing local artists and writers. There’s almost always something going on here – whether it’s an exhibition by local artists, a talk on how literature has developed in the country or a gig by underground musicians, there’s rarely an event-free weekend here.
Don’t miss: Malaysia Design Archive – an initiative that preserves and maps the country’s visual history and culture and helps cultivate a sense of appreciation through various talks and workshops.
What is it? A suburb officially recognised as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world.
Why go? This suburb (also known as Bukit Damansara) has everything you need and want for a full day (or two) of exploration. It was primarily a residential and office area, but recent years have seen plenty of swanky restaurants (Birch), cool bars (Skullduggery, JungleBird) and trendy live music spaces popping up in the neighbourhood.
Don’t miss: Plaza Batai – a group of shophouses that comprise modern eateries, an upscale grocer, kitschy boutiques and more.
What is it? A famed family-run heritage restaurant where the same dishes have been served for generations.
Why go? If a restaurant has been serving the same dishes for nine decades, it must know what it is doing. Dine off marble-topped coffee shop tables, observe the quirkily efficient way the long queues of diners are managed and add Lea & Perrins sauce to everything!
Don’t miss: Signature dishes – kaya toast, chicken/pork chops, roti babi (translates to ‘pig bread’, but is really a deep-fried pork sandwich), Hailam noodles, buttery marble cake.
What is it? The country’s impressive national mosque with contemporary designs and an open layout for plenty of natural light.
Why go? Its stunning architecture was designed by Malaysian architects Hisham Albakri and Baharuddin Kassim and British Howard Ashley, who veered away from traditional dome tops and gave Masjid Negara a grand star-shaped dome and a 73m high minaret. It’s set within 13 acres of lush landscaped gardens with pools and fountains.
Don’t miss: Looking up at the majestic roof and walking around the grounds. Remember to dress appropriately when visiting this place of worship.
What is it? A cosy specialist bar focusing on all things gin and the brainchild of CK Kho, the award-winning bartender behind the popular Bangsar watering hole Coley.
Why go? A favourite among KLites, Pahit offers a calm and cosy space in the city to enjoy after-work or weekend drinks. The menu boasts an impressive list of gins from around the world, and the fruit-infused G&Ts are refreshing. Pahit often hosts guest shifts by award-winning bartenders from around the world, alongside various workshops, masterclasses and talks.
Don’t miss: The house speciality, Gin Pahit #2 – the bar’s take on the classic Pink Gin, made with London dry gin, orange bitters, lime and homemade falernum syrup.
What is it? Arguably Malaysia’s most iconic symbol, the Petronas Twin Towers are a magnificent sight and are one picture everyone should have of the city.
Why go? KL’s claim to fame is these Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world. While there is a two-storey Sky Bridge and an Observation Deck that opens up to stunning views of the city, it is the view of the Towers themselves that are the most impressive.
Don’t miss: Don’t join the throngs right in front of the Towers. Instead, cross the road for a different angle. But be careful crossing the busy street, and don’t disrupt traffic.
What is it? A bustling street lined with various bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants – great for a night out from dinner to partying and bar hopping.
Why go? From crowded dance floors and noisy pubs to stylish bars and eateries with food that hits the spot after (or in the middle of) a night of partying, alongside old favourites (Pisco Bar) and newer additions (The Rum Bar, Cielo KL), Changkat Bukit Bintang is an enduring district in KL’s nightlife scene.
Don’t miss: The fantastic deals on drinks. Most bars have great weekday promotions (especially for ladies), so if you’re looking for a mid-week pick-me-up, head here.
What is it? A mamak restaurant is the pillar of Malaysian after-hours dining and an integral part of our food culture. They serve a type of Indian cuisine unique to Malaysia – rotis, banana leaf, and tandoor dishes.
Why go? Three simple reasons: ambience, affordability and the food. Is there anything more satisfying than roti canai and Milo ais after a pub crawl? We think not. Except maybe Maggi Mee goreng… The cool Devi’s Corner in Bangsar has all that, plus the advantages of being open round the clock and its location in the centre of Bangsar’s nightlife.
Don’t miss: This outlet is synonymous with midnight carb-loading, especially with the tandoori oven that stays fired up till the wee hours.
What is it? The most famous field in Malaysia where independence was declared on 31 August 1957. The former world’s tallest flagpole is here, at 95m, proudly flying the Jalur Gemilang.
Why go? Surrounding the square are colonial-era landmark buildings depicting various styles of architecture, including Moorish, Moghul, Colonial and Straits Chinese. Follow the heritage walking trail and take in the sights like the Sultan Abdul Samad building and the Queen Victoria Fountain.
Don’t miss: Take the KL Night Walk (similar to the Heritage Walk), which will lead you to lively night markets, street bazaars and the Panggung Bandaraya, the oldest theatre in the country.
What is it? From small burger stalls to food trucks, the ubiquitous Ramly burger is found in every neighbourhood, usually near a petrol station or 7-11.
Why go? This is a Malaysian culinary icon, comprising mystery meat smothered in mayo, chilli sauce, processed cheese and egg wrapped in the kind white bun that absorbs everything. It’s messy and oozing with post-clubbing and hangover goodness.
Don’t miss: Brother John Burger’s famous Master burger – two Ramly beef/chicken patties with egg and cheese. They open at 10pm, and there’s always a queue, but it’s worth it.
What is it? A perpetually bustling eatery, Sri Nirwana is the go-to for banana leaf rice, where locals and tourists sit side-by-side digging into curried banana leaf rice.
Why go? Sri Nirwana has been around for over ten years, but the constant crowds bear testament to the quality of the place. The winning combination of generous servings and consistently good banana leaf rice with top-notch curries and sides make it worth any wait (and price). Remember to order a side of fried chicken or squid.
Don’t miss: The deep-fried bitter gourd. They come with the meal, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself asking for more of these addictive munchies.
What is it? Pulau Carey (or Carey Island) is home to the indigenous Mah Meri tribe and the Mah Meri Cultural Village, a space where the tribe shares and passes on their cultural heritage.
Why go? This tribe has a distinctive culture over a hundred years old, and they’re internationally renowned for their intricate wooden masks and carvings. The Cultural Village houses a museum and a traditional house and organises workshops that teach the Mah Meri art of wood carving, leaf origami and pandanus weaving. Visitors can also catch traditional dances and ritual demonstrations that showcase their rich cultural heritage.
Don’t miss: Hari Moyang – or Spirit’s Day – is an annual festival that honours and pays respect to the guardian of the villages. Visitors are welcomed to join and participate in selected parts of the ceremonial activities.
What is it? Bak Kut Teh or BKT is a traditional soup made with various cuts of pork from soft and spare ribs, lean meat and ‘spare parts’ (innards). It’s cooked in a rich broth of Chinese herbs and can have mushrooms and tofu puffs added.
Why go? For a bowl of awesome comfort food where every food group is represented. The soup-rich broth is the star, full of porky goodness and herbal oomph. The tofu puffs, lettuce, shitake mushrooms and char kueh is just the icing on the cake.
Don’t miss: Under The Bridge Bak Kut, Restoran Seng Huat is as old school as it gets and one of the Klang originals. It’s all about the pork soup and rice here, so don’t expect fancy enoki mushrooms and vegetables.
What is it? A cooking school with a difference, Lazat offers cooking classes focusing on authentic Malaysian dishes, including nasi lemak, beef rendang, curry laksa and roti canai.
Why go? Recipes are family favourites, and the instructors are passionate about local cuisine. Classes are hands-on and begin with a trip to a local market to familiarise participants with ingredients. After cooking, everyone sits down for meal. The school is in a lovely house in the Penchala hills just outside the city.
Don’t miss: The chance to choose from courses and menus covering different Malaysian cultures – Malay, Nyonya, Chinese and Indian. You prepare all the courses, while the dessert course is a demo.
What is it? A limestone cave complex in Gombak that is one of the most famous Hindu temples outside India. The 272 steps leading to the top were painted in vibrant rainbow shades not too long ago.
Why go? The temple was built in 1891 in honour of Lord Murugan, and the first Thaipusam was celebrated in 1892. It has the tallest (42.7m) statue of Lord Murugan in the world, nonchalant (cheeky) monkeys roaming about and is the best place to experience Thaipusam in all its glory.
Don’t miss: Climb the 272 colourful steps to the Temple Cave – the largest in the complex – then visit the Ramayana Cave (named after the Hindu epic) watched over by Hanuman.
What is it? A classic Art Deco building housing a warren of arts, crafts and antique shops.
Why go? Constructed in 1888 as a wet market for the then-bustling town, the building went through a major refurbishment in the 1930s and was transformed into what it is today. Now, it’s filled with shops selling everything from tourist tat to fantastic local handicrafts.
Don’t miss: The Annexe Gallery, located on the second floor, is an art space where local artists and performers stage art exhibitions, gigs, film screenings and theatre productions.
What is it? The best aquarium in the country housing over 5,000 aquatic species.
Why go? A great way to spend a fun educational afternoon with the kids. They’ll see aquatic animals they may not get a chance to in the wild and learn about the different bodies of water on the planet like mangroves, deep oceans and streams.
Don’t miss: The regular feeding sessions and special sessions where divers hand feed the larger fishes.
What is it? A public art gallery with a well-curated gift shop carrying more than 50 unique, quirky Malaysian brands.
Why go? The range of gifts and souvenirs is sourced from artisans, designers and craftspeople from all over Malaysia. Brands like Nala, Loka Made and Bingka. This is a great place for gifts, as you can pick up coffee table art books, limited edition prints, unique stationery and card games with a distinct Malaysian feel.
Don’t miss: After visiting the gallery and shopping, sit down for coffee and cake baked by a social enterprise called Bake With Dignity.
What is it? Malaysia’s official venue for all things art, including galleries hosting local and international artworks.
Why go? As the country’s premier art venue, the National Art Gallery strives to cultivate a sense of appreciation for the arts through showcasing works by Malaysia’s leading artists, hosting shows that feature up-and-coming local talents alongside international artists, as well as organising art talks and workshops. Permanent displays and international exhibitions span photography, paintings, sculptures and more.
Don’t miss: The permanent collection of art, comprising over 2,000 pieces by renowned local and international artists.
What is it? Every Wednesday, one of the largest night markets in the city swings into hectic action at Taman Connaught in Cheras.
Why go? Almost 700 stalls offer a vast array of hawker food, local snacks, questionable tech gadgets, household items and provisions at a cheaper price than the shops. This is a KL night market at its busiest – go hungry and nibble your way through.
Don’t miss: There are all kinds of intriguing food here, but stinky tofu is the clear winner. The smell is obviously an acquired taste, but it’s pretty good!
What is it? KL’s Chinatown revolves around Petaling Street – one of the most historical parts of the city. Discover a profusion of temples showcasing a microcosm of different cultures and religions.
Why go? Being a multi-cultural country means embracing different religions and beliefs, and a wander through Chinatown will bring you to Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in KL. There’s also a succession of Taoist temples honouring Guan Di (God of War), Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) and Chan See Shu Yuen, a former clan house.
Don’t miss: The Sin Sze Si Ya Temple is the oldest Taoist temple in KL and was built by Yap Ah Loy, the third Kapitan Cina, in 1864. Get your fortune told by the temple caretaker after rattling the kao chim (fortune-telling sticks).
What is it? The MPO is a symphony orchestra of musicians from 25 nations.
Why go? The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra is the resident orchestra at the Dewan Filharmonik Orchestra (DFP), which has hosted world-famous singers and musicians, including Branford Marsalis, Andrea Bocelli and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. They have a vibrant weekly programme including family-orientated afternoons and perform across genres from classical to pop and jazz.
Don’t miss: Seasonal specials and performances by visiting orchestras and performers.
What is it? KL’s favourite park – 50 acres of lush greenery set in the busy city centre and home to over 1,000 indigenous trees and plants.
Why go? This deceptively large urban park was designed by Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx and is home to a children’s playground with fantastic play equipment, fountains and jogging tracks. Gazebos and benches are scattered about the park, making for great picnic spots.
Don’t miss: Lake Symphony – the daily light and music show set at the fountains in front of Suria KLCC. It’s a fun and simple way to wind down after a family day.
What is it? Located a short way from the city is Broga Hill, a popular hiking trail suitable for casual hikers, nature lovers and trail runners.
Why go? Hiking is enjoying a renaissance, and the Broga Hill trail is easily accessible and suitable even for beginners as long as you are fit(ish). The hike takes about an hour, and most people head up at the crack of dawn to catch the sunrise. Remember to go prepared – water, hat, sunscreen, bug repellent and proper shoes.
Don’t miss: OUTBAC Broga (temporarily closed), an adventure campsite near the hill offering outdoor activities like rock climbing and mountain biking.
What is it? The ideal escape from city life – a house in Templer Park that has been converted into a brilliant outdoor venue with a big garden.
Why go? The kids can run around and enjoy the great outdoors, get their hands dirty, learn about plants and enjoy outdoor picnics. There are also regular garden high teas with freshly baked and cooked food and a much-appreciated glass of wine for the parents!
Don’t miss: Sign the city kids up for a morning of fun play farming where they’ll learn how their food goes from farm to fork, catch fish in the stream and enjoy a picnic.
