A large mega-city known as the cultural melting pot of Southeast Asia: Kuala Lumpur is often at the top of travelers’ bucket lists for those who want to experience a bit of everything: street food, wild nightlife, temples, larger-than-life malls, and sky-scraping edifices.

Some of the highlights of KL, however, are not so obvious, and that is where we come in! Kuala Lumpur is the federal capital and the largest city in Malaysia, with over 7 million residents, including the surrounding areas, which seem to stretch on forever.

What fascinates most travelers with Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia is the multi-cultural mix of its residents where ethnic Malay, Chinese, Indians, Indigenous people, and a handful of ex-pats all live together in relative harmony, and it shows in their incredible food.

Not only does Malaysia have some of the best shopping in the world, but it is also blessed with some of the best street food.

Sorry, Taipei, Singapore and Tokyo, I love you – but KL takes it to a whole new level.

Spend your days here exploring historic districts or the nature which lays just beyond the city outskirts, and return at night to find the traffic-clogged streets cleared to make way for the hawker stands which explode out across the sidewalks, where you can sit in plastic chairs, people watching with a cold beer and some delicious Laksa, Hainanese Chicken Rice or Bak Kut Teh. A city for everyone; read on to discover your own favorite things to do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Just don’t be surprised if you need a plan a second (or third) trip to fit it all in.

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1. Get Lost In Vivid Petaling Street / Chinatown KL

The old town of Kuala Lumpur, today Petaling Street and surrounding blocks are known as Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown – a swirling mess of shops and stalls that come together to form a bargain hunters paradise. Fake designer goods, dirt-cheap prices (depending on your negotiating skills), and delicious old-world restaurants make this a great place to wander for half a day.

Alive by day or by night, look out for the beautiful street art that can be found on the side-streets here and make sure to pop into the landmark Hindu Temple Sri Mahamariamman Temple or the Sin Sze Is Ya Taoist Temple, amongst the oldest in Kuala Lumpur.

2. Experience The Magic Of A Fireflies Night Cruise Followed By A Seafood Dinner

This is an otherworldly experience that transports you what feels like a million miles away from the hectic streets of Kuala Lumpur. You travel to the picturesque village of Kampung Kuantan, where you can explore an 18th-century fortification, Fort Altingsburg, and spot some of the incredible wildlife that makes the surrounding area their home, including the seldom-seen silver leaf monkeys. The highlight of your time here, however, will be the evening boat cruise along the banks of the village.

Not only can you witness a truly spectacular golden sunset, but you also pay a visit to one of the world’s most significant firefly colonies. These lightning bugs put on quite a show as you glide along the water in their midst. Their glow lights up the night sky in an astonishing way. Having a fresh seafood meal on the boat among the fireflies is the cherry on top of the cake.

3. Go Bird-Watching At KL’s Renowned Bird Park

Whether you’re an avid ‘twitcher’ (as the Brits call it) or not, you’re sure to enjoy this fascinating 21-acre bird park in KL. Thousands of birds live here, many of them seen happily wandering free in the parklands enjoying the trees, flowing rivers, and lush greenery. It’s essentially a walk-in aviary where visitors and wildlife happily coexist; it’s nature’s oasis in the big city.

There are over 300 species of birds here, including cockatoos, storks, and the biggest pigeons in the world. The colorful and majestic Hornbills are a real highlight – we could easily spend hours watching them go about their daily lives. If you’d like to get closer to the animals, you can do this at the feeding stations or during the regularly scheduled daily shows and performances.

For many people, it ends up being one of the most memorable things to do in KL. You might not expect this, but being so near all these birds is something extraordinary. This, in conjunction with the natural surroundings, mean it really stands out.

4. Get To Know The Animals At The Negara National Zoo Of Malaysia

You might have noticed that we’ve suggested quite a lot of animal-related things to do in KL. The thing is, given its prime position in the heart of south-east Asia, Kuala Lumpur is ideally placed to play host to a diverse range of creatures. At the same time, its innovative approach means that zoos, aquariums, and animal homes generally are of high quality.

Therefore, visitors should take advantage of this! Malaysia’s National Zoo is an incredible day out. Over 5000 animals and fish live in its 110 acres, which includes landscapes that mimic their natural habitats. It’s embraced the ‘open zoo’ concept, meaning that the grounds feel spacious and free, and there is no glass, something which we think is so crucial in a zoo and indicates that they take good care of the animals.

A high point for lots of visitors is seeing the giant pandas – Xing Xing and Liang Liang – who are obviously super cute. As well as these living teddy bears, you can also admire the big majestic cats, lively sea lions (who put on quite a show), and colorful flamingos, among many, many other species.

You can easily spend a whole day here – the animals are perky in the morning, and then most of the shows happen at 3 pm. Bring a picnic and enjoy a lovely day out.

5. Tempt Your Tastebuds At The Jalan Alor Kuala Lumpur Food Street

Chaotic, slightly touristy, and famously delicious, the Jalan Alor Kuala Lumpur Food Street is an institution in Kuala Lumpur, a world away from the glossy malls and apartment towers. As the sun sets, the street comes alive with all manner of Asian food; you simply have to make up your mind amongst so many delicious options.

The perfect place to chat with other travelers or mingle with locals over a beer – the entire street is one beautiful, crazy, photogenic mess of hawker stands all vying for your attention.

This is the Malaysia you wanted to see, and it’s a place you will end up returning to time and time again.

6. Make New Freinds At The Husky Cafe Kuala Lumpur

Malaysians are never ones to miss a trend, and with the growing trend of dog cafes around the globe, they decided to take it one step further with an entire cafe dedicated to just huskies…the cutest of all dogs, or at least the fluffiest!

Newly opened Huskiss Cafe is absolutely everything you could dream off – delicious coffee, über-clean and modern faculties, and, of course, DOGGOS! With five resident huskies – and one mammoth Alaskan malamute – there is plenty of dogs to go around, and the staff are well-trained at helping guests interact with the dogs, without either party getting overwhelmed.

I also loved that compared to the dog cafe in Hong Kong I visited, the food and drinks were actually a focus here, and you could easily pop in for one of their daily sessions to sip coffee and watch – but where would be the fun in that. There are four 1.5 hour sessions daily starting from midday, and a full-clean goes on between everyone, so you barely see a stray fur, and there is no animal smell inside – no small feat!

A completely unique experience in Kuala Lumpur, make sure you reserve in advance because unsurprisingly Huskiss Cafe in very, very popular!

7. Stay In Stylish Comfort At The Paper Plane Hostel

On previous trips to Kuala Lumpur, I’ve made the mistake of staying in the wrong location, spending literally hours in traffic and public transport, and ended up not having a great impression of Kuala Lumpur.

Luckily this time, I found Paper Plane Hostel and instantly felt better be right in the thick of everything – located on a quiet side-street just a few minutes walk from Chinatown, Bukit Bintang, Night markets, shopping malls, clubs, bars, and the airport bus.

It was perfect!

And as if that wasn’t enough, I loved their chic-modern fit-out of a 100-year-old colonial house and the irreverent wall art dotted around.

With fast-WiFi, ridiculously clean facilities (I swear they cleaned everything 3+ times a day!), and super-helpful staff, I was already a massive fan. Still, my favorite thing must have been the perfect sized private rooms with a comfortable bed, desk + workstation, including coffee and exposed brick details.

The dorms also get rave reviews from other travelers, who were easy to meet in either the glass-encased lobby or rooftop chill-zone. While I did love having my privacy, I appreciated being able to find someone to share an adventure with when I got lonely.

Even if it was just to the hawker food stands two blocks away! For a sociable and hip hostel option in Kuala Lumpur, there is no need to look any further than Paper Plane Hostel!

8. Unwind With A Relaxing Aromatherapy Massage And Full Body Treatment

KL is all-round fabulous, but it’s still a big city, which means that sometimes you need a break from the traffic, crowds, and sightseeing. Luckily, there are also plenty of relaxation options, a luxury spa treatment being one of them.

Trust us, by the time you leave the spa; you’ll be so relaxed that you’ll feel like you’re walking on air! It’s a joy for both body and mind, leaving you invigorated and ready for more sightseeing (or cocktails!). Start with a full body scrub to exfoliate and cleanse your skin before getting a full-body mask to detox your skin all over.

The treatment ends with a glorious hour of traditional Malay massage using therapeutic oils that have healing properties. Whether or not this is something you believe, there’s no denying how soothing the massage is or how aromatic the oils are. Gentle pressure on reflex points relieves tension in the body. It’s the perfect antidote to travel stress!

9. Explore The Fabulous Lot 10 Hutong Food Court

Easily the best food court in Kuala Lumpur, don’t miss the opportunity to see and taste all of the city’s best hawker street food under one roof.

Yes, I’m not kidding – no need to read through hours of food blogs or search obscure districts of the city – Kuala Lumpur has ingeniously brought all of the most beloved places under one roof: Lot 10 Hutong.

Malaysia’s first and only heritage destination, which collected all the best-loved national treasures, aka good food and the art of local cuisines into one location. With so many options, however, you will still find it impossible to decide, but at least you can rest assured there are no bad choices to be made here.

10. Let Loose With The Kuala Lumpur Nightlife

Even though Kuala Lumpur is a Muslim-majority country – and Muslims are forbidden legally from consuming alcohol-, the nightlife here is just as vibrant as any cosmopolitan city in Asia!

Hong Kong, Hanoi, Singapore – KL can be just as much fun! 

There is even a vibrant Kuala Lumpur gay scene if you can believe it! For an epic night out you should start at Heli Lounge Bar. This trendy hangout is an amazing helipad that morphs into a rooftop bar in the evening with the best views in the city or head to Elysium Bar + Terrace, with its stunning rooftop terrace and some of the cities best DJ’s.

Later at night, Zouk Kuala Lumpur offered endless dancing and crowded spaces in six different themed rooms, or you could head to Under9 Kuala Lumpur, a semi-secret underground house and techno club not for the mainstream crowds. There are plenty more options, and the guys at Paper Plane Hostel were great at helping us find exactly the right place and vibe!

11. Eat Your Way Around Kuala Lumpur On This Ultimate Half-Day Food Tour

Everyone you ask will tell you: one of the best things to do in KL is join a food tour. After all, this is a city where cultures have mingled to create a rich and varied culinary scene – so you want to make the most of it! And what better way to experience as many of the dishes available as possible than taking part in a private tour that introduces you to diverse areas of cuisine in the city.

Try up to 10 dishes from Chinese, Indian, and Malay backgrounds, including nasi lemak (a coconut rice dish), savory dosa, and curry mee (a curried noodle soup). Taking a food tour means that you’ll get to try things that tourists usually don’t come across on their own. You’ll go to local markets and food stalls, learning about the fresh produce and ingredients that are used to make these dishes and interacting with locals who have been cooking (and perfecting) these dishes for years.

Your tour guide shows you all their favorite places, and taking a private tour gives you the chance to personalize your options along the way.

12. Shop Up A Storm At The Pavillion Mall KL

A luxury shopping destination with over 550 retail outlets and restaurants, even if you’re not out for a shopping spree this mall is fascinating for its grandiose design, central location in Bukit Bintang and to watch at the fashionista’s running around spending their hard-earned ringgits (or not so hard – who knows!).

Popular with Asian tourists, if you are around any holidays head to their central atrium, which will undoubtedly be decked out in an insane amount of decorations, and there is often a pretty decent schedule of free events and performances to draw you in — a temple of consumerism and a great place to get lost for a few hours.

13. Get Up Close And Personal With Sea Creatures At The Aquaria KLCC

One of the risk-takers and dream-makers among you, this KL activity offers you the opportunity to swim with a range of marine creatures, without having to head out to sea. You could hang out with the sharks and then be back at your hotel within an hour. How? By taking advantage of the aquarium’s ‘Cage Rage’ experience.

Don’t worry; there’s minimal rage. You simply go diving in the center’s underwater cage to swim with animals, including sharks, turtles, stingrays, and groupers. Even if you’re not an experienced diver, you can take part in this memorable experience as it’s open to beginners as well.

You’ve got an experienced instructor guiding you through the activity – all you need to do is relax and enjoy the sensation of being surrounded by majestic sea dwellers. It’s hard to put into words what a privilege this is, so you’ll have to experience it for yourself!

14. Seize A Dose Of Adrenaline At White Water Rafting KL

Calling all thrill-seekers and nature lovers! KL might be mega-metropolis, but don’t forget it has some of the world’s most incredible nature right on its doorstep!

A perennial favorite of travelers is the Kampar River, and what better way to experience nature than crashing down a scenic river, screaming with joy and terror? Clean water, continuous rapids, lush rainforest, and even some old tin mining plants on the way down – though you will probably be too excited even to notice!

Try something different while in Malaysia and give white water rafting KL a go (or maybe explore the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve for a less arduous adventure). 

15. Relax At At Acme Bar & Coffee At The Troika

 
Normally a single cafe won’t warrant a mention here, but the Acme Bar & Coffee is truly one in the best in the city.

Sophisticated with a dash of steam-punk serving global comfort food, the Acme is favored by the young and fabulous for brunch and wine – but has been made famous not just in KL but around the world thanks to their divine sizzling brownie served with molten chocolate right at your table. You might be tempted to play it cool and not video it, but don’t worry – everyone else here is and putting it straight to Instagram (and can you blame them?).

For a quieter, yet equally hipster-local favorite, you can’t go past VCR cafe just around the corner from Paper Plane Hostel. Or for a more lavish experience, why not try a luxe high tea in KL?

16. Get Your Head Turned At KL’s Revolving Restaurant

Atmosphere 360, located 282m above the ground in the tallest tower in Southeast Asia, really is the peak of fine dining (if you’ll excuse the pun!). Not only does its vantage point offer spectacular views, but it also does a 360-degree turn over an hour, so wherever you’re sitting, you’ll get a view of every part of the city below. There’s a futuristic vibe here, enhanced by the leather and dark wood furnishings, neon lights, and fiber-optic lights.

The vistas alone make it worth the visit, but it helps that the food’s not half bad either! Varied and delectable buffets, a range of wines and other drinks, and chocolate fudge cake that will make your mouth water what more could you want from a date night or meal with friends? There’s a relaxed atmosphere with gentle classical music and a hum of pleasant chatter.

Try to come at dusk so you can watch the sunset and see the stars start to come out (provided there’s not too much cloud!).

17. Treat Your Inner Kid At Skytropolis Funland Indoor Theme Park

An hour away from the main city, you’ll find this colorful wonderland of rides and attractions. Very usefully, it’s right next to a huge mall, SkyAvenue, so you can shop first and play later if you so desire. It’s the ideal place for families and those in touch with their inner child –,, particularly on a rainy day.

There are over 20 things to do around the Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park, from more thrilling rides like ‘Power Surge’ to more sedate options like the classic carousel ride.

If you need like getting out and seeing the surrounding area of Genting Highlands, you can do this through a 10-minute cable car trip on the SkyWay Gondola – a great way to breathe in that fresh country air. There’s also the quaint ‘Copper Express,’ a steam train that takes you around a mini garden.

An indoor theme park means that there’s minimal chance of getting lost or overwhelmed, as everything you need is right there; we’d recommend it as a half-day trip to get out of the city streets.

18. Escape Town With A Kuala Lumpur to Malacca Day Trip

A UNESCO World Heritage Site only a few hours away, heading out on a Kuala Lumpur to Malacca Day Trip is a great way to experience this historic and beautiful city with its world-famous food – without staying overnight, because…well there isn’t much more than a single day worth of things to do!

Sorry, Malacca…

Once a principal port for trade between the West and East, you can easily see the influences of former European rulers here, being controlled at different times by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. As a result, there is some fascinating Sino-Portuguese style architecture that you can also admire in Singapore, Macau, and Vietnam. 

Long before KL even existed here, the stunning sites of St Paul’s Hill, the Stadthuys, the fortress A’Famosa and Cheng Hoon Teng, Malaysia’s oldest Chinese temple were in full swing, and this town was decidedly less sleepy than it is today!

You can take a bus from TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) to get here – though it will involve a separate taxi or bus trip either end, or there is also some great shared or private Malacca day trip from Kuala Lumpur options.

19. Head-Up The Famous KLCC Park & Petronas Towers

The KLCC Park, a 50-acre garden set around the luxury Suria KLCC shopping center and Petronas Towers are one of the best places to view the Petronas Towers from, and all the locals know it too.

A great place to people watch and wander around, especially in the afternoon, everybody is out enjoying the various waterfalls, lakes, and reflecting pools scattered around the park. Even better are the water fountain shows at midday or in the evening. Of course, you’re also going to want to go up the stunning postmodern style/ 21st-century icon Petronas Towers, which are still the tallest twin towers in the world!

Lines can be horrifically long in the peak-season, weekends, or around sunsets, but you can save some time by buying Petronas Towers online with e-ticket delivery to skip the lines!

20. Traverse The Amazing Batu Cave Steps

Probably the most famous tourist attraction in KL is the Batu Caves – a series of caves and cave temples built into a stunning limestone hill, filled with monkeys and watched over by a giant golden statue.

One of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, climbing the Batu Cave Steps amongst other travelers (and a few religious practitioners) is just something you cannot miss when you visit KL – but it is a long way out from the city center.

While the metro extends here making it somewhat easier, if there is more than one of you, it’s inexpensive and far easier to take a ride-share app, or why not make a day off it by birdwatching in the Templer’s Park rainforest and seeing fireflies in a floating village by night?

BONUS: Head Out On A Cameron Highlands Day Tour

The famous Cameron Highlands is an easy day trip from Kuala Lumpur, where you can enjoy the cool climate and the fantastic scenic viewpoints.

If you have more time in Malaysia, you should consider staying here longer. Still, even on just a Cameron Highlands Day Tour, you will get to experience the stunning natural beauty of this location filled with waterfalls, tea plantations, native people, and tropical rainforest dripping in moss – plus quite a bit more (strawberry picking anyone?).

Take a look at all the options on a Cameron Highlands Day Tour now, a bit of fresh air will do you good!

The Best Place To Stay In Kuala Lumpur

Choosing the best place to stay in Kuala Lumpur is difficult if you are arriving into this sprawling city for the first time. The roads are confusing, and the public transport is somewhat disjointed, and discerning a central area is a perilous task in-and-of-itself.

There are hundreds of accommodation options, but there are just a few of my favorites. You have to narrow it down somehow right…

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And there you have it!

All the top things to do in Kuala Lumpur guaranteed to help you see the best of this diverse and complex city! If you have longer on the Peninsula, why not check out a quick guide to a Singapore stopover, or if you are heading over the Malaysian Borneo, I loved Uncle Tan’s Wildlife Camp or diving at Sipidan!

Just to get you inspired…