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Kuala Lumpur Attractions

Kuala Lumpur - the capital of Malaysia is one of the most colourful and dynamic cities in the world. It is a destination unlike any other where oriental traditions mingle with modernity.

From butterfly parks to towering skyscrapers, Kuala Lumpur is a city of unsurpassed beauty with an Asian tiger economy. Visitors to this enchanting city can revel in the myriad of popular Kuala Lumpur attractions on show.

Batu Caves

These impressive limestone caves house ancient Hindu shrines. Hundreds of pilgrims flock to the caves during the Thaipusam festival to pay penance and undergo rites of self-flagellation that are fascinating to observe. The largest of the caves, Temple Cave is reached by climbing 272 steps to its entrance from which a path leads to Museum Cave - housing a dazzling display of ornamental religious art.

Chinatown

The central section of Jalan Petaling is closed at night to traffic and the street is transformed into an exciting, brightly lit bazaar. Vendors spread their wares onto the pavement and one can stroll along endlessly taking it all in. Merchandise ranges from jewellery to toys and t-shirts and bargaining for the best prices is an accepted practice and part of the fun.

Natural Rubber Museum

Located at the Rubber Research Institute's Experimental Station in Sungai Buloh, the Rubber Research Museum traces the history and development of the rubber industry in Malaysia. Visitors get to see what a rubber estate looks like and how it functions.

Friday Mosque (Masjid Jamek)

Set in a grove of palm trees, the Masjid Jamek is Kuala Lumpur’s most ancient and holiest mosque. Built in 1907, the mosque is a tranquil creation of onion domes and minarets of layered pink and cream bricks; it looks its best at sunset.

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

Spires, minarets, towers and arches displaying North Indian Islamic influence radiate against the backdrop of skyscrapers, emphasising the glory of Moorish elegance. It serves not only as an aesthetic vision but is in use as an important commuter station. Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, a Victorian-Moorish railway station, was completed in 1911.

Lake Gardens

This 92-hectare manicured garden near the Malaysian Parliament building was once home to a British colonial official. The complex also boasts a butterfly park, deer park, a planetarium, insect museum, orchid garden and South-East Asia's largest bird park.

Melaka (Historic City)

The fascinating seaside city of Melaka preserves the historic convergence of Chinese and European cultures. Its strategic position on the Straits of Melaka brought a tide of trade from China, India, Siam and Indonesia. Chinese merchants continue to do their trades in the tradition of their forefathers. Open-air markets burst with colourful fruit, vegetable and fish produce.

Merdeka Square

The 328-feet (100-metre) flagpole rising from Merdeka Square is the tallest in the world, and marks the place where Malaysia achieved independence in 1957. The city’s colonial past is still very much alive in the architecture of the surrounding buildings and the field still hosts occasional cricket matches.

Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Fronted by a marvellous gate-tower, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple is Kuala Lumpur's revered South-Indian Hindu shrine built in 1873. Vibrantly colourful, the temple houses a large silver chariot that is taken out and paraded to the Batu Caves during the annual Thaipusam festival.

National Mosque (Masjid Negara)

The National Mosque was completed in 1965 and remains the largest mosque in South East Asia with a vast prayer hall that can accommodate up to 10,000 people. The impressive 18-point star-shaped dome represents the 13 states of Malaysia and five central Pillars of Islam. Entry is only permitted once prayers have been concluded. Robes can be borrowed from the desk at the mosque entrance.

National Museum (Muzium Negara)

Many of Malaysia’s historical artefacts and cultural icons are treasured in an appropriately designed building, reflecting the Minangkabau architectural style of the region. Ethnographic and archaeological exhibits include life-size dioramas depicting various aspects of traditional Malaysian life. Shadow play, Wayang kilt, displays reflect the ancient artistry of the nation, while exhibits of traditional weapons such as daggers (Kris) and machetes (Parangs) reveal the Malaysian pride in functional aesthetic forms.

Petronas Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers are amongst the world's tallest twin towers.

The National Park (Taman Negara)

Taman Negara is one of the oldest and most diverse rainforests in the world and spans thousands of square miles. Its unique fauna and flora have evolved over a staggering 130,000,000 years. The best way to explore the diversity of plant and animal life is by ‘trekking’ along the jungle trails. Although seldom seen, a small population of nomadic Orang Asli people still live in the rainforest, their makeshift shelters appearing in places amongst the jungle growth.

Islamic Arts Museum

This spacious, brilliant white building incorporates a dome and other Islamic architectural features. The extensive collections are well labelled.

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