Kuala Lumpur – The Cultural melting Pot
Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and the largest city in the country. It takes a wide range of cultures, languages, and religions, and mixes them altogether into a unique combination.
The city is known for its skyscrapers and shopping centres, and is ideal for a short stay. Two or three days is enough to experience most of what the city has to offer, at least for tourists. Any longer than this and you’ll probably be looking to take trips out of Kuala Lumpur to places like George Town or the Genting Highlands.
Things to do in Kuala Lumpur
- Petronas Twin Towers
- KLCC Park
- KL Tower
- Merdeka 118
- Batu Caves
- Merdeka Square
- Sri Mahamariamman Temple
- Shopping
Petronas Twin Towers
The Petronas Twin Towers are the iconic symbol of Kuala Lumpur and are visible from many places around the city.
They stand at 451.9 metres, making them the tallest twin skyscrapers in the world. They were the tallest buildings in the world from 1996 to 2004, until they were surpassed by the Taipei 101 building in Taiwan. They were also the tallest buildings in Malaysia until the Merdeka 118 came along.
If you’re looking to go up the towers (personally I’d recommend going up KL Tower instead, or Merdeka 118 when it opens – you want to see the Twin Towers, right?) then get there early or book in advance. I arrived in the morning and the first open ticket time wasn’t until 2pm.
Once you’re in, the first stop is the sky bridge between the two towers, where the view is a bit restricted.
The next stop is the top viewing platform, where you can get a better view across the city, and you can see KL Tower and Merdeka 118. There’s also some information about the towers. At each viewing level there is a time limit, so bear that in mind if you want to take photos.
The towers are impressive to see during the day, and are lit up like beacons in the night sky after dark. Below them you’ll also find KLCC Park and the Suria KLCC shopping centre.
KLCC Park
Behind the Petronas Twin Towers is KLCC Park. It’s a small park so it doesn’t take long to walk around, but it provides a good spot to observe the Twin Towers.
At night there is also a water and light show to enjoy.
KL Tower
KL Tower is a 421 metre tall telecommunication tower. If I had to choose between this and the Petronas Twin Towers, I’d say KL Tower offers better views of the city.
You can head up to the top for 360 degree views across Kuala Lumpur, including the Petronas Twin Towers and a great view of Merdeka 118.
Merdeka 118
Merdeka 118, at 678.9 metres, is the second tallest building in the world as of 2025. Visible across much of the city, it’s even more impressive to see up close.
Unfortunately the viewing deck wasn’t open when I visited in 2025, though I read somewhere that this would be open to the public in 2026.
Batu Caves
To the north of Kuala Lumpur you’ll find the Batu Caves, home to the famous 43 metre high Murugan Statue and the colourful staircase.
Surrounding it all are colourful and intricately detailed Hindu shrines and temples.
Heading up the 272 steps you’ll likely encounter lots of monkeys. The stairs are quite steep, and can be slippery after the rain, but the climb is worth it.
At the top of the stairs you’ll enter a large cave system, where you can see more Hindu temples and monkeys.
Back at the bottom you can enjoy the different Hindu sites, but watch out for the swarms of pigeons!
Merdeka Square
Merdeka Square is the site where Malaysia declared its independence from the UK (Merdeka translates to “independent”). As such, you’ll see lots of nationalist symbols here.
Most prominent is the large flagpole, and also a large screen displaying the flag of Malaysia.
Surrounding the square are historic buildings, most notably the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, which was unfortunately under scaffolding when I visited.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Located on the edge of Chinatown is Kuala Lumpur’s oldest Hindu temple, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple. The Gopuram, or entrance tower, is incredibly detailed and stands in stark contrast to the normal street in which it sits.
To enter the temple you must first leave your shoes on the street outside. Inside you can see the prayer halls and Hindu artefacts.
You might even hear people playing music inside.
Shopping
Kuala Lumpur is known for shopping. Whether it be high-end luxury malls or unique street markets, you can find it in Kuala Lumpur. In my experience the prices are pretty similar to any other major city. I didn’t visit all the malls and markets the city has to offer, so this is just an overview of the places I went.
Suria KLCC
The Suria KLCC shopping centre is a 6-story mall located under the Petronas Twin Towers. It features lots of shops and restaurants, including a Lego store, a great bookshop, and electronics and clothes shops. There are also high-end jewellery and watch shops in this shopping centre.
The Exchange TRX
Located further south is the Exchange TRX. This shopping centre also features a wide range of shops, including a fantastic bookshop. You’ll also be able to visit the rooftop park or eat in the food court.
Pavilion and Starhill
Two malls located opposite each other are the Pavilion and Starhill shopping centres. Again, these malls are full of a wide variety of shops and dining options. I noticed here that there were more brands from east Asia, including the Eslite Bookstore which comes from Taiwan.
Central Market
Located close to Chinatown is Central Market. This indoor market is where you’re likely to find souvenirs and gifts, such as crafts and candy.
Jalan Petaling Street
Petaling Street is a market street where you can find lots of knock-offs. This is the place to go if you want to haggle for a fake watch or pair of sunglasses.
Recommendations:
For more southeast Asia, try Hanoi
