Kuala Lumpur, or KL as locals like to call it, is the business and financial capital of Malaysia and one of the most vital cities in Asia with much to offer visitors in terms of attractions, entertainment, shopping and accommodation. The city also glitters with record-breaking skyscrapers towering over the horizon, from where you can enjoy fantastic views of the city and its surroundings. A melting pot of cultures and traditions, KL is inhabited by Malays, Chinese and Indians that form the majority of Malaysia’s population; and when you are in Kuala Lumpur, expect to encounter friendly people with ready smiles just about everywhere you go.
Surprisingly, the city of Kuala Lumpur was ranked as the 4th most visited city in the world in 2010, based on international tourists’ arrivals, ahead of such cities as Bangkok, New York and Hong Kong. Another interesting fact about this lively city is that it’s amazingly green; this is why many people call it the ‘Garden City of Light.’
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Must-See Attractions
Petronas Towers
The city is best known for its iconic Petronas Towers, acclaimed to be the tallest twin buildings in the world. Designed by Cesar Pelli, an Argentine-American architect, the towers are the centerpiece of the KL City Center complex, rising 452 meters and each tower made up of 88 floors, raised mainly of reinforced concrete, with their façade crafted in steel and glass. The towers are connected with a steel sky bridge, 170 m above the ground at the 41st and 42nd floors. The views from the top of the towers are simply breathtaking a good option is to enjoy the view from Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
Batu Caves
Some 13 kilometers north of the City Center, one can find the giant Batu Caves, one of the main attractions of the city that never fails to amaze locals and visitors from around the world. It’s a limestone hill comprising three major caves and a number of smaller ones that house cave temples, numerous Hindu statues and paintings. To access the access, visitors should ascend 272 steps. Do not be amazed to see a multitude of cheeky and bold long tailed-macaque monkeys dogging your footsteps.
King’s Palace (Istana Negara)
Conveniently nestled on a hilltop in a Kuala Lumpur suburb and surrounded by a picturesque park, King’s Palace is a huge complex of dome-topped buildings linked to the city’s highways with special access roads. Visitors can watch the palace from outside the main gate and see Royal Guards in white and red dressings, guarding either on horse or on foot.
Jamek Mosque (Masjid Jamek)
Another highlight of the city that occupies the symbolic birthplace of Kuala Lumpur is the stunning Jamek Mosque, set in a grove of palm trees. It is the most delightful mosque in Kuala Lumpur, built in 1907 and designed by Arthur Bennison Hubbock, who was greatly intrigued by Mogul Mosques in India. The mosque features 48 small domes with the main one having the character of multi fold ‘semi-opened blue umbrella,’ symbolizing the 5 pillars of Islam and 13 states of Malaysia.
Shopping in Kuala Lumpur
If you are visiting KL with no shortage of money and have shopping energy, you’ll definitely enjoy indulging in vibrant shopping, as the city boasts countless shopping malls and sprawling street markets, selling everything from food to clothing to souvenirs. KLCC is one of the best classy malls in the city, located at the bottom of the famous Petronas Twin Towers and with six floors of tastefully and elegantly decorated shopping. Other worth a visit shopping venues include Pavilion KL with its high-end bistros, karaoke and an ultra-modern cinema, Bejana Times Square and MidValley Mall – a 4.5 million square feet complex, ideal for shopping, dining and having fun.
Hotels in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is home to many high quality hotels, all close to the main sights and shops and a couple of excellent character options. And no matter you are looking for a first class or budget hotel, you will find what you wish in Kuala Lumpur.
Best Time to Visit
As far as KL is 300 kilometers away from the equator line, it experiences a hot and humid weather year round. Highly recommended is visiting the city from December to April, when the monsoon season is over and is cooler then with temperatures hovering between 22 and 31 degrees Celsius.
Luca is a travel photographer and luxury explorer who brings destinations to life through curated guides and stunning visuals.