Malaysia – Getting to know Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, or KL, has been the capital of Malaysia for over 125 years, growing from a tin prospector town in the jungle to a thriving modern metropolis. It’s the federal, political and commercial capital of Malaysia, as well as comfortably being its largest and most populous city.

What to do in KL

Visit the KL Tower or the Petronas Twin Towers, one of the tallest buildings in the world, for a lofty skyline view over the city

For an even loftier view, take to the skies in a Cessnafor a flight over KL and its surroundings

Shop, shop, shop! From swanky high-end malls along Bukit Bintang Street to roadside stalls in Chinatown, KL is a shoppers’ paradise.

Take a walk through some of KL’s historic landmarks, from the Moorish-inspired old railway station, past the electric blue dome of the national mosque, to the Merdeka Square (Independence Square), where the 100m high mast stands proudly with the national flag of Malaysia. End your journey at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers (the birthplace of KL), and see the impressive Masjid Jamek and the nearby neighborhood of Little India

The historic Hindu temples in the Batu Caves are well worth a visit. This massive limestone outcrop houses a series of caves and cave temples, but don’t let 272 steps to the main cave temple put you off!

Where to find the best views in Kuala Lumpur

It is possible to go up to the Sky Bridge on the 47th floor, but arrive early, as the entrance is free and on a first-come first-serve basis – get there before 8am for the best chance of getting tickets. If you miss out in the morning, don’t worry – the best views in town can be found at the observation deck of the 421m high needlelike KL Tower, where you can enjoy unbeatable views of the city that include the Petronas Twin Towers. Try and make it for sunset if you can.

As with most Asian cities, KL’s streets come alive after dark, and food becomes a celebrated daily event. The city represents the crossroads of three cultures co-existing in one of the most electric cities in South-East Asia, and whether it be from the food stalls on Jalan Alor, Chinatown’s night market, the charming Kampung Baru, or a clay oven delight in little India, KL has a dish for everyone.