Kuala Lumpur rises up out of steamy, equatorial, Southeast Asian jungle, Malaysia’s capital city — a chaotic, multiethnic, multicultural modern metropolis of Malay, Chinese, and Indian.
– Anthony Bourdain
Any trip to Malaysia would be incomplete without a trip to its capital, Kuala Lumpur.
Modern and multicultural, Kuala Lumpur presents its visitors with a glorious skyline muddled with mosques, temples and vast skyscrapers. Contrasting lush greenery pockets across the city in vast open spaces not yet consumed by buildings.
It’s very hot and humid, not really designed for pedestrians – as we so often found walking between metro stations. Most people drive cars or scooters here. The concrete and stubborn heat makes walking feel like a bit of a slog on barely-there sidewalks.
I found it to be just as interesting and mysterious as the rest of the country we visited. But often in different and unexpected ways.
Here is how we spent our 72 hours in the capital of Malaysia…
Compared to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur has 66% less population density, making it feel calmer and less compact.
Climb Up To The Batu Caves
Ironically, the Batu Caves, probably one of the first places you’ll visit upon arriving at Kuala Lumpur, sit on the far reaches of the city and require a 40/45 minute trip via train, car or scooter.
An incredibly popular attraction, these caves, formed within vast limestone mountains contain numerous sacred hindu shrines. The entrance to which requires a pretty steep hike up hundreds (272) sets of stairs.
The unique combination of natural surroundings and strikingly colourful monuments and temples is one-of-a-kind. The macaques which stand guard outside the temple alongside the colossal golden Lord Murugan statue also make for a memorial visit.
Although a lengthy trip, getting to the caves is pretty straightforward no matter where you are staying in Kuala Lumpur. We took the KMUTER train from KL Sentral Station – straight to the Batu Caves station. It took around 45 mins and the return ticket for two was under £10. It’s also possible to drive to the entrance should you want to take a GRAB or taxi.
If you do decide to take the KMUTER, once you arrive at the Batu Caves follow the signs (and all the other tourists) out of the station. It’s then about a 5 minute walk to the entrance of the caves.
The Caves are completely FREE to enter. So do not pay anyone asking for an entrance fee!
Address: Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
See the Patronas Towers from KLCC Park
The Patronas Twin Towers are the iconic symbol of Kuala Lumpur city and viewable from pretty much anywhere within the capital.
For those who have tickets to tour the towers, you’ll need to get yourself to Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre; a pretty central location easily accessible via the metro or walking. The best place to admire the towers from the ground is the nearby KLCC park.
It’s definitely worth taking a trip to the park during the middle of the day and the evening as the towers look incredible both in the sun and lit up during the evening. The park is actually pretty quiet during the day and busy at night.
Underneath the towers sits a shopping mall with hundreds of restaurants and fast food and drink options. You won’t go hungry!
Did you know that the Patronas Towers are the tallest twin towers in the world?
Address: KLCC, Lot No. 241, Level 2, Suria, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Check Out Petaling Street’s ‘Imitation’ Goods
Petaling street, part of Chinatown, is one of the most well-known and frequented spots in the city.
The main attractions are the numerous stalls that sell all manner of cheap souvenirs, street food and most notably, ‘imitation goods’.
Whether you’re looking for a pair of Chanel sunglasses, a Dior tote, Off-White T-shirt or Rolex. You won’t find them here but you will find plenty of knock offs.
The most important thing to know before visiting is that you must haggle. We didn’t buy anything, but it was more than entertaining to watch other people chance their luck against experienced stall vendors.
Address: Jalan Petaling, City Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Marvel at Thean Hou Temple
Thean Hou is considered to be one of the largest and oldest buddhist temples in southeast asia, and is by far one of the most spectacular temples we have visited on our travels so far.
From its dramatic six-tiered design to its ornate engravings and colourful decorative finishes, the temple is just as much a work of art as it is a place of worship. Imagery of dragons, lanterns and birds are showcased in striking colourways – it’s so eye-catching and photogenic!
The temple is also home to a marriage registration office, so you will more than likely see, as we did, couples being photographed after making their nuptials official.
The temple is completely free to visit (you can make a donation if you wish) and is open daily from 9am to 6pm.
Address: 65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Where To Stay
We stumbled upon the 1000 Miles Hotel by chance when looking for a place to stay in Kuala Lumpur and we are so glad that we did. The staff are lovely, the rooms are clean and comfortable (great air con!). There’s free tea and coffee 24/7 and even a little rooftop terrace to hang out in.
The location is also excellent, as you are in a really friendly part of the city (we had a good handful of people wish us well and engage in friendly conversation) and really close to Masjid Jamek metro station, making it very easy to get around.
Address: 17 & 19, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Where To Eat
7-Eleven & Family Mart – Snacks & Supplies
I feel like it’s quite a well-known thing that the convenience stores in Asia have some of the best snacks in the world. I would highly recommend you try Family Mart’s immaculately crustless egg-mayo sandwiches.
SO. DAMN. GOOD.
Address: Literally all over the city!
Restoran Kader – Epic thali/ Indian meals
This place actually came from a local passerby who overheard us trying to get a table in a nearby restaurant that was actually closing (I did say people here were friendly!). He led us to Restoran Kader and we actually ate there most days!
The thali here is exceptional – we tried both the north and south Indian versions. A filling, comforting array of deliciousness.
Address: 24, Leboh Ampang, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
VS Mart – The best cup of masala chai in the city
This find was yet another chance encounter after taking a little wander around the neighbourhood surrounding our hotel.
We saw a little table set up outside a tiny hole-in-the-wall convenience store with a sign offering ‘masala chai’ and we had to try some.
It tastes even better knowing that the lovely man who owns the shop makes it himself daily. I have it on good authority that the secret ingredient is ginger. And at only RM1 per cup you would be missing out on the best cup of chai in the city, surely!
Homemade snacks and cakes are also available!
Address: 40-42, Ground Floor, Wisma Konwa, Jalan Tun Perak, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Over & Out
While our time in Kuala Lumpur was short and sweet we definitely felt like we had an authentic experience of what it’s like to live in Malaysia’s capital.
We would highly recommend exploring as much as possible on foot (heat dependent, obvisouly) as you’re more likely to find the hidden gems. A good idea is to use the metro to get from A to B then explore around each station to see what you can find!
Until next time,
Lica xoxo
