DISCOVER KUALA LUMPUR:
BETWEEN TRADITION AND MODERNITY
This guide will show you everything there is to know about Kuala Lumpur, what to see, what to do, where to sleep, and what to eat. Click on the several links to know more.
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Kuala Lumpur, the vibrant capital of Malaysia, offers an extraordinary mix of traditional charm and modern marvels. Young, full of life, but above all full of contrasts, lights, and fun it is almost impossible to get bored in this city that always has something new and different.
Whether you're an avid traveler or a first-time visitor, whether you travel with the family, you're a couple, or by yourself, it is a perfect city for everyone and that has a lot to offer.
It is a city of contrasts where modernity and comfort coexist with history, where skyscrapers are combined with green parks on one side and ancient temples on the other.
Discover this magnificent city between culture, architecture, and delicious cuisine.
Top Attractions if you don’t have much time:
Petronas Twin Towers: No trip to KL is complete without visiting the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers. Enjoy breathtaking view of the city from the observation deck and stroll across the sky bridge that links the two towers.
Batu Caves: Just a short drive from the city center, the Batu Caves are a series of limestone caves and cave temples. Climb the 272 steps to reach the main cave, where you'll find stunning Hindu shrines and the towering statue of Lord Murugan. (related article)
KL Bird Park: Discover the largest free-flight walk-in aviary in the world where you can watch and interact up close with almost 3000 birds.
Bukit Bintang: For shopping and entertainment, head to Bukit Bintang. This bustling area is home to numerous malls, street markets, and eateries. Don't miss Jalan Alor, famous for its delicious street food. (related article)
Petaling Street: It offers a sensory overload with its array of food stalls, colorful lights, and lively atmosphere. The heart of Chinatown. (related article)
Thean Hou Temple: is one of the most beautiful temples of South-East Asia.
PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS:
No trip to KL is complete without visiting the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers, the undisputed symbol of KL. There are a few things that you can do here. Like visiting Suria KlCC shopping mall, it's worth a visit, especially to hide from the heat outside to taste some delicious food in its food court; Or a visit to the Petrosains for the little ones. Or you can buy a ticket to enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck. Crossing the Suria KLCC shopping center, you then reach the KLCC Park which is an excellent point to photograph the towers and to relax in its shade, it is a place where families and others come to gather and spend quality time and relax. In the evening when the sun sets, after 7 pm the fountains inside the park will light up. And if in the morning the Petrona Twin Towers surprise with their magnificence at night they are a sight to behold as they shine brightly, reflecting the city's modernity and progress. The contrast of the lights against the night sky provides them with an appearance of ice creating a perfect background for a photo.
PERDANA BOTANICAL GARDEN:
Located in the center of Kuala Lumpur and established by the end of 1800, it still serves as a shelter from the bustle of the city. There are several things to see and do, and you can easily spend half a day exploring it, in the two times I have been here, I have never been able to see it in its entirety. The entrance is completely free and once set foot here you are invested by a sense of calm and lethargy, may that be due to the heat outside or to the sense of peace and serenity that this place evokes. The various gardens, flowers, plants, lakes, waterfalls, and various installations are all to be explored.
KL BIRD PARK:
Crossing the Perdana Botanical Garden, just 10 minutes walk, is located the KL Bird Park and I assure you that it is absolutely worth visiting. The entrance fee is 80 ringgit up to today, but it is all worth it. Personally, I am not a fan of zoos or seeing animals in enclosed spaces and bad conditions, reason why this place has been a pleasant discovery. The Kl Bird Park is the largest free-flight walk-in aviary in the world, house of almost 3000 birds, such an interesting place, and thanks to this concept, birds can reproduce naturally. As soon as you set foot inside you will be surrounded by birds of various species that walk and fly freely, you can interact and observe them closely, it is certainly a beautiful experience if you love animals. Also, being the owl one of my favorite animals was fantastic for me to be able to observe them so closely.
KUALA LUMPUR AT NIGHT:
Kuala Lumpur transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights as the sun sets, offering a completely different experience from its daytime charm. When night falls, the city comes alive with vibrant energy, illuminated landmarks, and a buzzing nightlife scene. Like many other tropical and sub-tropical places where the temperatures in the morning are generally high, it is in the evening that the city comes even more alive. Between night markets such as Jalan Alor and Petaling Street, Rooftop Bars, and nightlife, for those seeking a more sophisticated night out; shows, and performances. Several of Kuala Lumpur's landmarks take on a new life at night with stunning illuminations. In short, Kuala Lumpur's transformation at night is nothing short of magical.
SALOMA LINK BRIDGE:
Near the towers, 10 minutes on foot continues towards the Saloma Link Bridge, this bridge was built in 2020, but its main feature is its futuristic design and the light installations that light up in the evening. You will find many locals and tourists who come here to take photos. The first time I went to see it I was lucky enough to arrive while they were shooting fireworks in the sky and it made the visit much more exciting.
THEAN HOU TEMPLE:
I have visited my fair share of temples during my trips across Asia, but I must say that to date this is definitely in my top 3 . It is not necessarily big, but the architecture and the extremely bright and vivid colors make this temple a beauty to behold. It's not far from the city and definitely worth a visit. If you like architecture, Chinese culture, and taking photos, this is the right place, in fact, many come to have their photos taken. After a visit to the temple, walking under the sun, during a hot day, head to the internal court, just outside the entrance for some souvenirs or even better for a refreshing drink. After a visit to the temple, it's time to fill your stomach, you can take a Grab and head to the K88 food court. It is a large warehouse half outdoors and half indoors, mainly frequented by locals. I opted for the buffet at a very affordable price to be able to taste more than one thing in one place.
WHAT TO EAT AND WHERE:
Kuala Lumpur is a food lover's paradise, it's impossible to try everything that the city has to offer and thanks to being a melting pot of cultures it is possible to try a wide range of cuisines. From Malaysian foods to Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indian, fusion, and much more. Malaysians are very warm and friendly people and are always ready to strike up a conversation and help you, or at least that's what I've experienced, which is why taxi drivers were often the ones who suggested some of the must-try. And who's better than a local to give you pieces of advice?! I love to try new foods, and I'm going to share the best suggestions. Be sure to try the street food, it's both delicious and cheap. But street food in Kuala Lumpur is not only found on the streets but also inside the shopping malls, yes you understood correctly, but forget what you knew about food in shopping malls. Due to hot and humid weather and rain during the rainy season, the shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur become a meeting point for locals and non-locals. It is the ideal place for local people who come to take refuge from the heat in the AC of the malls to find something to eat. The best places to eat in Kuala Lumpur are the food courts, which are large spaces containing many different food stalls, it is the best way to try multiple stuff at once and you can, in fact, find them either outside, scattered around the city, and inside the shopping malls.
The must-try dishes are Bak Kut Teh, a very famous Malaysian dish with a Chinese influence made of pork belly braised in an herbal soup; Laksa, noodles in broth; hot pot in the Chinese version and shabu-shabu, in the Japanese version; Nasi Lemak and Satay, of course; Chilli Pan Mee, a chili noodle dish; just to mention a few...
HOW TO MOVE AROUND:
Moving around in Kuala Lumpur is pretty simple but if you decide to take a car, arm yourself with a lot of patience as the traffic can be unpredictable and you may find yourself stuck in it for longer than you expected. The city is well connected and it is very easy to move with public transportation such as trains and subway, personally, I've ended up opting for using Grab, it is like the Asian version of Uber, and it is extremely simple, easy, and affordable to use.
Pro Tip: to avoid having to travel for longer distances, opt for accommodation or stay in the center of the city or near proximity, since the vast majority of the attractions are going to be there.
WHERE TO SLEEP:
Kuala Lumpur offers a diverse range of accommodation options, ensuring that every traveler finds the perfect place to rest after a day of exploring the city. Whether you're on a tight budget, seeking mid-range comfort, or craving luxury, KL has got you covered.
Among the wide range of options that KL offers, I found myself booking twice at Scarletz Suites by Edenzpace, I loved my stay here, thanks also to the wide range of services in one place Its proximity, only 10 minutes walk from the Petronas Towers and many other attractions.
CONCLUSION:
Kuala Lumpur is a city that offers something for everyone. Its unique blend of old and new, diverse culinary offerings, and rich cultural experiences make it a must-visit destination. Whether you're exploring its iconic landmarks, indulging in local delicacies, or immersing yourself in its vibrant culture, Kuala Lumpur promises an unforgettable adventure.
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