Kuala Lumpur, or “KL” to the locals, is the capital of Malaysia and one of Asia’s most vibrant cities. With soaring landmarks like the Petronas Towers and KL Tower, the city has a truly iconic skyline. And yet, there is much more to KL than just skyscrapers; down at street level the city bustles with life. Visitors can shop till they drop in markets and malls or savour sensational cuisine at the hawker stalls. And of course, there are plenty of cool cafés, trendy bars, refined restaurants and green spaces to enjoy. Whatever you’re seeking, KL is a great place to spend 72 hours…
Day One
Live the High Life
The Golden Triangle is KL’s commercial, shopping and entertainment hub – a glittering downtown district that bustles with life, day and night. Shop at high-end malls, marvel at magnificent skyscrapers, stay at five-star hotels, and dine in style at alfresco restaurants and bars.
Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) is the state-of-the-art heart of the city. This is the place where the twin Petronas Towers soar 451.9 metres into the sky – a stunning symbol of modern Malaysia. Guests can head up to the famous skybridge for fantastic views of the city. These towers are surrounded by a wealth of other attractions, including the Suria KLCC shopping mall, KLCC Park and a world-class aquarium. A short distance away, the 421-metre-high KL Tower is another dramatic landmark with a spectacular observation deck.
Relax with Nature
KL is a wonderfully green city, with plenty of opportunities to escape the hustle and bustle and return to nature. Nestled close to the city centre, the Lake Gardens cover over 91 hectares and contain a wealth of natural attractions. These include a butterfly park, bird park and a botanical garden, which includes an enchanting collection of orchids. Alternatively, visitors can simply stroll past the lakes and gardens and enjoy a picnic on the lawn. Simply delightful.
Treat Yourself
Bukit Bintang is perhaps KL’s most famous thoroughfare; the Avenue des Champs-Élysées of the Malaysian capital. This lively area offers an array of attractions for guests, especially for those seeking retail therapy. Shop at premium malls like Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Starhill Gallery, and Berjaya Times Square, then head to a cocktail bar or a refined restaurant for world-class cuisine. Alternatively, nearby Jalan Alor is a popular spot for meat skewers or seafood and roving live music. Whatever you’re looking for, Bukit Bintang has it all!
Day Two
Brave a Climb In a Cave
Take a daytrip to the Batu Caves – an amazing attraction that combines dramatic natural and manmade wonders. In a breath-taking amphitheatre of limestone cliffs lies one of Malaysia’s most precious Hindu sites. Guests can gaze in awe at a 43-metre-high golden statue of Lord Murugan, before climbing the 272 steps up through the rocks to the temple cave. Whatever your faith, this is a truly amazing attraction that is well worth the 40-minute train ride from KL Sentral.
Be Taken on a Voyage of Wellness
Visitors who fancy a break from shopping and sightseeing can soothe their senses at the Swasana Spa, the award-winning wellness centre at the Impiana KLCC Hotel. Located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, this is one of the city’s best luxury spas. Guests can discover a choice of Asian treatments, including Balinese, Thai and Malay massages, along with body scrubs, wraps, facials and more. Both singles’ and couples’ treatment rooms are also available.
Chow Down on the Good Stuff
No trip to KL would be complete without sampling the city’s famous banana leaf rice. Imported from southern India, this popular lunch combines rice, curry, pickles, vegetables and other elements, all presented on a banana leaf. There are plenty of places in KL to sample this spicy specialty, from traditional shophouses to high-end eateries. Simply search out the places that look popular with locals and you can’t go far wrong!
WebBeds Recommendation: Betel Leaf Restaurant: located in Lebuh Ampang, between the Central Market and Masjid Jamek, this authentic Chettinad restaurant serves outstanding South Indian cuisine, including a tasting menu.
Day Three
Collect Authentic & Colouful Memorabilia
If you’re seeking authentic Malaysian arts and crafts, Central Market Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination. Located in an historical building in the heart of the city, this market has become a prime shopping spot for culture vultures and art lovers. Guests can discover a wide variety of handicrafts, souvenirs and collectibles, including Malaysian batik prints. The adjacent annex features a museum, gallery and studios, while local eateries specialise in traditional dishes like nasi lemak, mee goreng and satay.
Get a Bargain
Malaysia has a rich Chinese heritage, so KL’s Chinatown is a fantastic place to soak up this vibrant culture. Based around Petaling Street, this area is famous for its outdoor markets that sell anything and everything at remarkably cheap prices! Just remember to haggle to get the price down even further. Visitors can also explore beautifully-preserved Buddhist temples, coffee houses and art galleries, and the area’s food stalls are full of Sino-Malaysian delicacies.
Discover the Iconic Treasures
A symbol of Malaysian independence, Merdeka Square Park is the place where the national flag was officially raised for the first time in 1957. This large park is now popular with locals and visitors alike. It is surrounded by several impressive heritage buildings, including the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, which features a famous clock tower and houses the country’s Supreme and High Courts, and the Masjid Jamek (Friday Mosque), the city’s oldest and perhaps most beautiful Islamic place of worship.
