10 Best Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur: Welcome To Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is often listed as one of the best cities to travel in the world – alongside NYC and Paris – and it truly deserves to be on those lists. This capital of Malaysia, a country in Southeast Asia, and its largest city is awesome and wonderful. You also won’t run out of things to do in Kuala Lumpur. 

Are you looking for a culture trip that will introduce you to the cultures of Southeast Asia in-depth? If you are, you better be in Kuala Lumpur. Southeast Asian culture comes alive here through landmarks, street food, and nightlife, to name just a few. 

If street food is your passion, you will definitely fall in love with Kuala Lumpur. This Malaysian city is a veritable haven for foodies, with finger-licking delights waiting around several corners, such as in Hutong.

But the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur are more than just food on sticks like satays. Here, you can bear witness to history, culture, architecture, and thrills, such as with its nightlife. It is suffice to say that KL is one of the coolest cities on the planet. 

In this guide, we’ll get to know more about the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur, and at some points, we’ll also delve a little bit further because the thrills of the activities here extend beyond this city, and it only takes a few hours to reach them. 

The Best Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur, Revealed!

Revealing the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur right now. Have a fun trip in this Malaysian city!

1. Get A Panoramic View Of Kuala Lumpur At The Observation Deck Of The Twinning Petronas Towers

The twinning Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur is pretty much the heart of the city. This landmark is present in souvenirs and images that showcase Kuala Lumpur as it is like its Eiffel Tower. So, visiting the Petronas Twin Towers should be one of the first things to do in Kuala Lumpur. It is also very accessible because it is near several hotels and other landmarks in the city such as shopping malls. Plus, you can see these imposing towers from several vantage points in the city.

The Petronas Towers were completed in 1996, but they never became open to the public until 1999. Since then, they have become the city’s most recognizable attraction. 

They are comprised of 88 stories, and currently holds the title of being the tallest twin structure in the world (like, can you mention another twin tower popular in the world?). The twin towers had also been the tallest building in the world from 1998 to 2004, and the tallest in Malaysia until just 2021 when Merdeka 118 was inaugurated. 

Past travelers who have been here would say that the best time to visit the towers is at night where it is lit up in the dim sky. There’s also an observation deck that offers unparalleled panoramic views of the city. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance for this experience.

2. Marvel At Batu Caves

Another marvelous landmark that defines Malaysia is the Batu Caves. Yes, the Batu Caves may not be located within Kuala Lumpur, but in Selangor, specifically, but many tourists who visit Kuala Lumpur make it a point to also visit the caves, which are just nearby the city center, particularly just a few minutes away. 

The Batu Caves are natural limestone caves and a Hindu temple set within a mystical labyrinth. The way they are integrated together makes it difficult to tell where the man-made portions begin and where the natural formations take over. There are lots of fascinating things to do in Kuala Lumpur while you’re here. 

As you arrive, you’ll be greeted with the sizable statue of Murugan, a Hindu god, inviting you to climb its 272 steps where beguiling views of the city await. To add a twist, monkeys frolic all over the site, so keep an eye on them. 

Welcome to our “things to do in Kuala Lumpur” guide. For more guides like this on Southeast Asian destinations, such as Bangkok in Thailand, head over to this link. 

3. Shop And Dine At Suria KLCC Mall

If you want to chill and relax for a while, you may want to head over to Suria KLCC Mall. They could be biased, but the mall identifies itself as the best shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur (but there are other great malls here). Asking tourists who have been here, they might only agree. 

Suria KLCC is a six-story shopping mall that’s not difficult to spot because it is located right at the foot of the Petronas Twin Towers. This mall has been the premier shopping destination of both locals and foreigners, boasting over 300 flagship stores. If you are looking for things to do in Kuala Lumpur where you’ll get to enjoy shopping and dining, this is the place to be.

Both luxury brands and not-so-luxurious ones call this mall their home. So if you want such varied choices, this is the perfect spot. Some of the brands here are Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Chanel, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and Prada, among others.

If you want to try authentic Malaysian food, but do not want to make the effort to forage the Internet, you can simply head over to Suria KLCC Mall as it’s a one-stop place for your cravings. There are restaurants for Malaysian food and those for international cuisine, such as Chili’s, Din Tai Fung, Genki Sushi, Starbucks, and more. 

But shopping does not stop at Suria KLCC. Other in-demand shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur also worth your visit are Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Berjaya Times Square, among others.

4. Explore The World Of LEGO At LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort

Prior to the popularity of smartphones, tablets, Facebook and Candy Crush among children today, the kids of the past would play with LEGO. LEGOs are tiny, plastic bricks interlocked and adjoined together to form miniature buildings and other structures. Interestingly, this toy brand has also given rise to a theme park dedicated to everything LOGO, just like how Disney does it for its own. Introducing LEGOLAND. 

Today, there have been various LEGOLANDs across the globe, such as in the United States, Japan, Germany, and South Korea, among many others. And here in Malaysia, the country takes pride in having a LEGOLAND Resort, which is also the country’s very first international theme park. 

Aside from marveling at life-size LEGOs, there are also roller coasters, mind-boggling activities, a water park, shopping destinations, and a section called Miniland, recreating the famous landmarks in various countries in the world in mini sizes. It only takes a few hours to reach LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort from Kuala Lumpur. If you are bringing your family to Malaysia, it is best that you make sure this is one of the things to do in Kuala Lumpur ticked off your bucket list. 

Loving this “things to do in Kuala Lumpur” guide? We have more guides to other beautiful destinations in Southeast Asia such as Singapore. Click this link for the guide.

5. Experience Street Food At Hutong 

Nasi lemak or coconut milk rice, char kway teow or stir-fried flat rice noodles, satay, and otak-otak or fish cakes, name it, the list of the tastiest street foods in Malaysia is seemingly endless. After all, the country, especially its capital city, are a haven for street food. And if you are looking for the best street food in Kuala Lumpur, you better be at Hutong. The things to do in Kuala Lumpur while you’re here are memorable, especially for your palate.

If the food courts and restaurants located in posh malls around the city are too classy for you, and you want to get down and dirty with some street food, Hutong is one of the best in this business. You don’t need to worry about the taste, authenticity, and safety of the food for your health, but Hutong is made up of local street vendors handpicked to sell their dishes here.  

Newcomers will feel very welcome here as the food court in Hutong features all the most famous local dishes like oyster omelets, fried noodles, noodle soups, dumplings, meatballs, and roasted meats, among many others. All delicious.

6. Chill (And We Mean It) At Genting Highlands

The climate in Malaysia can get really hot, especially in the summer season. So, developers thought of building a resort on top of a mountain in this country to provide a space for locals and tourists to literally chill. This resort is Genting Highlands. 

Founded in 1965 by the Genting Group – the business behind several Resorts World’s and Genting Resort’s around the world, such as in London, Singapore, New York City, Las Vegas, and Hebei, to name a few – Genting Highlands has swiftly become one of the most important attractions in Malaysia. From Kuala Lumpur, it only takes a few hours to get here, and even a shorter trip if you are taking the train. 

Perched on the forested peak of Mount Ulu Kali in Peninsular Malaysia, this resort offers an extraordinary leisure experience for everyone. Today, it has been one of the top destinations near Kuala Lumpur, with world-class accommodations, entertainment centers, and theme parks. 

Some of the coolest experiences here include shopping at the resort’s various outlets, indulging in great-tasting food, checking out Genting Skytropolis (an indoor theme park), exploring the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Adventureland, and more. This is certainly one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur, or near KL, at that.

7. Party ‘Til You Drop At Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur’s Premier Nightlife Spot

In the introduction, we’ve mentioned that Kuala Lumpur is also one of the best places in the world for nightlife. After the sun sets over this city, KL’s premier party spot, Changkat Bukit Bintang, comes to life with bright lights and thumping music. 

You can literally hop from one venue to the next, beginning at Old Shanghai where you can pair signature cocktails with authentic dim sum. Then, take it to Rabbit Hole, which is a café at daytime and a bar at nighttime. 

If you fancy jazz music, you can catch them live at No Black Tie or Jao Tim. Also within this category are relaxed speakeasies, such as Pahit, famous for its impressive array of gin cocktails, and PS150, known for its colonial-era Chinatown vibe. In search of some lively nightlife? This is one of the things to do in Kuala Lumpur that should be on your list.

Can’t get enough of this “things to do in Kuala Lumpur” guide? You might also want to read about the best things to do in Tokyo. 

8. Bring Yourself To Where It All Began At Merdeka Square

What’s a trip without a tinge of history? Should you want to learn about Malaysia and KL’s pasts, one of the things to do in Kuala Lumpur is visiting Merdeka Square. 

It was in 1957 when the flag of Malaysia was first hoisted in this square, and this flag still billows here until this day. Surrounding the base of this symbolic flagpole are ornately manicured fields that provide a welcoming space at the heart of the colonial center of Kuala Lumpur.

Merdeka Square is also where National Day is celebrated year after year, together with the Merdeka Parade and historical sights that truly captivate every history buff. For a political insight into the country’s history, be sure to visit the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. If you are looking to learn about history, this is one of the things to do in Kuala Lumpur that you shouldn’t miss.

9. Mingle With Elephants 

Elephants are also quite popular here in Malaysia, not just in Thailand. In this tour, you’ll begin by visiting Batu Caves, before you head over to the highlight, an elephant sanctuary where you can get close with the gentle giants of the jungle, as well as other animals, such as silverleaf monkeys. The tour ends at Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park, where you can see a spectacular group of fireflies glowing in the dark. But, if you want to tour just focused in this firefly park, read on.

10. Get Mesmerized By Fireflies Glowing In The Dark

In this tour, you can get a glimpse at the life of Kuala Selangor fireflies. The park where to find these fireflies, Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park, is just a few minutes travel from Kuala Lumpur. Here, you’ll be mesmerized by the fireflies hovering and glowing in the dark as you cruise along the river with your guide. This is an experience that you don’t want to miss.

Thank you for reading our “things to do in Kuala Lumpur” guide. How about knowing the best photography spots in Tokyo? Click this link for the story. 

Know How To Get Around Here So You Can Enjoy The Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur In The Best Way

Kuala Lumpur is an enormous city. So, if you do not have information or are not aware of how you can get around, it is easy to get lost. To make the most out of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur, it is important that you know how to get around. Here are the facts.

Probably one of the easiest ways – and the cheapest, too – to get around Kuala Lumpur is by train. Its train system offers unparalleled convenience for travelers. Operating here are three light-rail commuter lines, a monorail under RapidKL, the KTM Komuter regional service and a separate Express Rail Link to the KL Airport. 

For travelers visiting KLCC, Chinatown, and Merdeka Square, they should take the Kelana Jaya Line. For travelers heading toward the Putra World Trade Center and KL Sports City, they should take the Ampang/Sri Petaling Line. For those visiting Bukit Bintang and the KL Tower, take the KL Monorail. For those heading to the Batu Caves, take the KL Komuter. 

Not only those, but Kuala Lumpur also enjoys direct land access to its neighboring destinations like Johor Bahru, Penang, Langkawi, Singapore, and Krabi, with trains also available for these.

However, if you wish not to mingle with too much of the crowd, you can instead hail taxis or cars via hailing apps like MyCar. Nothing should stop you from enjoying the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur. 

Immerse Into The Culture Of Malaysia

The spaces on this guide are not enough to introduce you to everything great about the things to do in Kuala Lumpur. We can go on, for sure, but we’re doubting if we will ever end. Activities here are limitless. 

Kuala Lumpur is an emerging and culturally diverse city that’s just becoming more and more popular amongst tourists. It is diverse since its population is a mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian people, which also reflects upon its culinary scene. Using the English language won’t be very difficult here as well. KL is also well-known for its skyscrapers and shopping malls. But beyond those, the city has so much more to offer.

Kuala Lumpur offers a high-spirited array of experiences that cater to diverse preferences and tastes. From its awe-inspiring landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers, to its rich cultural heritage as displayed in its street markets and historical sites, the city promises such an unforgettable journey. Terima kasih! (Thank you!)