10 best things to add to your Kuala Lumpur itinerary

Malaysia’s colourful capital has undergone a spectacular transformation, so here are ways to spend your time.

Here's what to add to your KL itinerary...

1. Peek inside Batu Caves

It’s a 30-minute train journey from the centre of Kuala Lumpur to the Batu Caves. Wear decent shoes – after passing the 43m-high statue of Hindu god Lord Murugan, you’ll ascend 272 steps to the entrance of the main cave, inside of which are several Hindu shrines. Venture further into the main cave to find countless smaller ones. Keep an eye out for the monkeys – they’ll take any opportunity to snatch your snacks.

It’s a 30-minute train journey from the centre of Kuala Lumpur to the Batu Caves

2. Shop Petaling St Market

This covered Chinatown market is a great place to pick up souvenirs, whether it’s batik sarongs or the obligatory I love KL T-shirts. Our top tip? Explore the alleyways leading off the main thoroughfare – this is where you’ll find the city’s oldest tailors and traditional Chinese medicine specialists. When energy levels flag, grab some street food – we recommend char kway teow, a noodle dish combining sweet and savoury flavours. 

3. Check out a temple

Sri Mahamariamman Temple is Kuala Lumpur’s oldest Hindu temple, in the heart of Chinatown, and has a stunning five-tiered gopuram (tower) adorned with rainbow-hued sculptures depicting characters from Hindu mythology. Founded in 1873, it’s a wonderful example of South Indian temple architecture: gold motifs, precious stones and ornate tilework feature heavily. Head inside to check out its intricate frescoes and shrines dedicated to Hindu gods, including Lord Murugan (the Hindu god of war).

Sri Mahamariamman Temple is Kuala Lumpur’s oldest Hindu temple

4. See the national mosque

Otherwise known as Masjid Negara, the National Mosque of Malaysia combines Islamic and modern architecture, and its most notable features include the 73m-high minaret. You’ll need to dress modestly, and scarves are provided for visitors without head coverings. Certain areas are closed during prayer times, but highlights include the main prayer hall, the mihrab (a wall niche indicating the direction of Mecca) and walls engraved with verses from the Quran.

5. Toast Kuala Lumpur

The decor at the Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur’s Bar Trigona is as gorgeous as the cocktail menu – think expanses of marble and velvet. There’s a focus on Malaysian ingredients such as pickled ginger and cardamom.

The cocktail menu at Bar Trigona is a must-try. Picture: Bar Trigona

6. Soak up the view

The twin-tipped Petronas Towers might not be the world’s tallest buildings any more, but the views from the observatory on the 86th floor are breathtaking. Don’t forget to check out the 83rd floor, too – this is where you’ll find a cafe and digital displays highlighting the landmarks you can see.

7. Enjoy afternoon tea

The afternoon teas at the Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur are legendary. Served in the lobby to a soundtrack of harp music, they feature countless nods to local flavours, and highlights include a delicious mango and passionfruit tart. Don’t forget to check out the tea bar, where you can sniff out your ideal fix (we recommend the Japanese wild cherry tea).

The Petronas Towers in KL

8. Marvel at the tower

The Merdeka 118 tower, which has 118 floors and a height of 679m, became the world’s second tallest building when it was inaugurated in 2024.

9. Eat at the night market

The go-to spot for street food, Jalan Alor, is a night market in Bukit Bintang, a neighbourhood in the centre of Kuala Lumpur. Head here to sip cheap bottles of Tiger beer and feast on Malaysian delicacies such as rendang. Feeling adventurous? Try one of the numerous frog-based dishes on offer, many of which have a Marmite marinade.

The go-to spot for street food is Jalan Alor

10. Wander Kampung Baru

Kampung Baru feels more like a village, despite being just 1km north of the Petronas Towers. In 1899 it was gazetted by Malaysia’s British colonial administration, who agreed to provide farmers with a rural setting where they could live free from the risk of development but (more importantly) close to the city centre, which meant their produce could sustain the rapidly expanding city. Wander its leafy narrow lanes to admire traditional stilted houses, many of which have elaborately-carved exterior wooden panels.

Originally published as 10 best things to add to your Kuala Lumpur itinerary