5 Best Sights in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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The center of Kuala Lumpur is considered to be Merdeka Square, in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and among various historical buildings. Just south of here is Chinatown, filled with shopping and food stalls. A short walk away from KL Sentral station is Brickfields, the Little India of the city, where you’ll find endless rows of shops selling saris and dry goods from India. Farther south is Bangsar, a hip restaurant and clubbing district. The city’s central business district is the Golden Triangle, northeast of Chinatown and home to luxury hotels, shopping centers, and the Petronas Towers.

Chinatown (Petaling Street)

Chinatown

KL's thriving Chinatown, commonly referred to as Petaling Street or Jalan Petaling (its main stretch of street), is known for two main things: shopping and eating. Here vendors hawk knockoff goods like watches, sunglasses, and T-shirts in the market, and bargaining is expected and essential; a good rule of thumb is to accept one-third the original asking price. You can also find inexpensive souvenirs and knickknacks here, such as wooden bead bracelets and imitation silk coin purses in chinoiserie prints. After shopping, be sure to visit one of the food stalls on or just off Petaling for claypot noodles, barbecue, and Hokkien noodles, or walk five minutes to Central Market, which is filled with local food and tropical juice stalls. Cool down with a glass of air mata kucing, an iced fruit drink made from winter melon (tong kua), monk fruit (lo han kor), dried longan (long ngan), and sugar. The best spot to find it is the Air Mata Kucing stall on the southern end of Jalan Petaling near Jalan Hang Lekir. Also in Chinatown, the Taoist Sze Ya Temple and Hindu Sri Mahamariamman Temple both deserve a visit.

Jalan Petaling Between Jalan Hang Lekir and Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Islamic Arts Museum

More than 7,000 artifacts make up the permanent collection at Southeast Asia's biggest museum of Islamic arts. Pieces range from delicate jewelry and vibrant tapestries to hand-written Korans and large-scale architectural models. The 12 permanent galleries represent the diversity of Islamic people and the multicultural heritage of Malaysia. If the Arms and Armour gallery doesn't appeal to kids, the Children's Library will; it's packed with books and also offers arts and crafts. Visit the on-site restaurant for a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine, and stop by the gift shop on your way out to pick up Islamic crafts and jewelry to take home.

Jalan Lembah Perdana, Kuala Lumpur, 50480, Malaysia
032-092--7070
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Rate Includes: RM14, Daily 10--6

Perdana Botanical Garden

Formerly named Lake Gardens, this is city's most popular park, dating back to the 1880s and spread over 92 hectares (227 acres) of green. It's built around a man-made lake, and boats are available for rental on the weekends; free tai chi sessions also take place early most mornings, and jogging trails attract plenty of locals. The gardens have a number of interesting sections, including the Bird Park (with some 200 species) and the Butterfly Park, which has more than 7,000 winged creatures fluttering about. There is a café, shaded paths, and gazebos to take a break from the sometimes intense sun, but the gardens are the most comfortable spot to relax in the early morning or late afternoon. Free guided tours are available weekdays 8–10, but you should book in advance via email ([email protected]).

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Petronas Twin Towers

Skyscraper, Skyline, Night, Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
FCG / Shutterstock

Completed in 1996, this 88-story twin structure encased in steel and glass is now one of Malaysia's most iconic buildings. The towers were inspired by former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad's vision of an internationally recognized landmark that would symbolize courage and the advancement of the nation—exactly what the Petronas Towers have become to many. Skybridge, the double-decker structure connecting the two towers and also the world's highest two-story bridge, helps form the letter "M" for Malaysia. Take the elevator up to Skybridge, walk across on the 42nd level, and then zip up to the 86th floor to take in the expansive panorama. Note that tickets for Petronas Tower are limited and issued on a first-come, first-serve basis daily, so show up early—doors open at 8:30 am and tickets go quickly. There are plenty of shops and places to eat at the base of the towers. Adjacent is Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park, whose playgrounds and long, inviting pool will keep kids happy for hours. You can also glimpse the towers from a distance at night for a brilliant light show.

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Thean Hou Temple

Taman Persiaran Desa
Buddhist Temple, Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tan Kian Khoon / Shutterstock

Located south of the city center, this six-tiered Chinese temple is dedicated to the Heavenly Mother, Thean Hou. Funded by donations from within the Malaysian Chinese community, the temple opened in 1989. Inside and out, it's a riot of color—lots of red (symbolic of prosperity), shades of green from lime to celadon, and gold roofs with upturned eaves topped with intricate dragons and phoenix statues. From the upper decks, you can take in the Kuala Lumpur skyline, or pay a visit to the wishing well, medicinal herb garden, and several souvenir and food stalls. Though you'll get better photos during the day, the temple is also lovely at night with its brightly lit paper lanterns. The closest monorail station is Tun Sambanthan, but from there it's still nearly a half-hour walk, so it's easiest to take a taxi straight from the city center.

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65 Persiaran Endah Off Jalan Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur, 50460, Malaysia
032-274--7088
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