Kuala Lumpur is a city where many different cultures meet. Majority of the population is Muslim but there are many Hindu and Buddhist people living in the city as well. They are all friendly and welcoming people. As soon as you get out of the airport, you will recognize the cultural mix and how they get along with each other. They also care about the tourists so much and try their best to provide you with a nice Kuala Lumpur (KL) experience. Now, let’s learn more about KL, things to do and places to visit.
1.Batu Caves
I think Batu Caves is the most interesting place to visit in KL. It is a Hindu Temple which is built inside of 400 million years old limestone cave. You have to climb up 272 stairs to reach the temple. Stairs are very colorful and photographic. Also just at the entrance, there is a big Lord Murugan statue. It is the biggest statue of KL actually. With this statue and the stairs, you should definitely take a photo for your Instagram 🙂
While climbing up the stairs of Batu Caves, just be careful about the monkeys. They may seem very lovely but they can be dangerous at the same time. Don’t hold your food or your drink in your hand while hanging around the temple. They can steal your food. Although it is not common, they can also bite you if you make them angry.
When you enter the caves you will see different big and small temples. Hindu rituals will be going on so you can watch them. Inside the cave is really interesting and I believe you should spend at least 1 hour for the temple since going up and down will take almost half of this time. The Batu Caves is just 15km away from the center of KL. So, it is easy to reach with public transportation. However, the taxi application Grab is also really affordable and if you are not travelling alone, this can be the best option to go Batu Caves.
2.Little India Kuala Lumpur
After Batu Caves, To continue your trip with Little India region may be a good idea. I did the same actually. Started the day with Batu Caves and then I went to Little India. It is just next to the high skyscrapers of KL and located in the middle of the city. If you have never been to India and you wonder how the country looks like, it can be a small demonstration for you. But keep in mind that it is a more modern one. But still, you can visit some Indian shops for clothes, you may try some Indian food and spend some time with the locals here.
3.Bird Park
Especially for the families with children, visiting the KL Bird Park can be a great idea! Some of them are in cages but most of them just walk and fly around freely. It is a big natural park where you will enjoy a lot. Entrance fee is 63 MYR per person. You can stay inside as much as you want.
In the countries of South Asia, I always value experiences with different tropical animals. So I loved Bird Park a lot and I strongly suggest you go and spend couple of hours in the region.
4.Butterfly Park
KL is famous for the Botanical garden and animal parks. Butterfly Park is one of them and it is really amazing. Butterfly Park is smaller than the Bird Park but still, you need a couple of hours to enjoy this park. There are many colourful butterflies living in this park and the more you look at the trees and flowers in the park, the more butterflies you will discover.
After you finished the outside part, there is another part inside of the building where they show dead butterflies from all over the world. Especially, blue ones from South America is really gorgeous. I have never seen so many different and colorful butterflies together in my life.
5.Dataran Merdeka
Merdeka Square is the main square of Kuala Lumpur. It is the Independence Square. The tallest flagstick is located in Dataran Merdeka which is 95 meters long. Malays really care about their flag and independence day 31 of August is very important to them. If you visit KL on this date, you can also watch the celebrations and concerts.
Just next to the square famous Sultan Abdul Samed building is located. Don’t forget to take some pictures of this interestingly long building. During the day, Merdeka Square is not crowded because the weather is really hot and humid to stay there. However, at night, locals come to this park with their children to spend some time with their family.
6.Central Market
If you want to try traditional cuisine in a clean and decent place with cheap prices Central Market is the best place for that purpose. It is like a grand bazaar and a shopping mall at the same time. The first floor is mainly for souvenirs and jewellery. One part of the second floor is for clothes and the other part is the food court. If you are not ok with Asian food, you can also find international dining options in this place.
The best place I would like to suggest in Central Market is the fruit bar on the first floor. They just give you a small plate. You chose from the tropical fruits as much as you want according to the weight of the fruits you pay. In this place, I had the chance to try some fruits I have never seen before. Therefore you should definitely have a look if you are KL.
7.National Mosque
National Mosque is the biggest mosque of KL with 15.000 people capacity. This mosque has a very modern style. You can visit inside of the building but you should check the time table first. There are special hours for tourists. Before you enter you should cover yourself. Most probably you will be wearing shorts and t-shirts because of the heat but don’t worry they will give you some special clothes to be able to go inside.
8.Bukit Bintang
I think it will be right to say that the Bukit Bintang is the heart of Kuala Lumpur. There are many shopping centers, bars and restaurants in this region. It is also the most touristy place in town since lots of hotels are located in Bukit Bintang. At nights, Bukit Bintang is very live. One of the nights of your KL journey, you should check out this region.
9.China Town
China Town is similar to Little India. It is just the Chinese version. You can find many Chinese restaurants and products in this region. There is a night market in China Town that you can have a look. Rather than this, I don’t think there are so many interesting things. It is located in a very central place so you can just check it yourself.
10.Petronas Tower Kuala Lumpur
I put the Petronas Tower at the end of this article because everybody knows it right? 🙂 It is like the symbol of KL. It was the tallest building in the past and this is why Petronas Tower is so popular and well known. However, this is not the case anymore but still the first structure that comes to mind when somebody says Kuala Lumpur is Petronas Tower. So, leaving the city without taking a picture with this tower will be a mistake. It is like proof of your KL visit. So here is mine! 🙂
Bonus: Where To Stay in Kuala Lumpur
Finally, I want to share my accommodation experience in Kuala Lumpur. Finding a hotel in Bukit Bintang region will be a smart move. Because it is easy to reach wherever you like in this region. Public transportation is well developed in the area and also you can even walk to some touristic places. My choice was The Mesui Hotel. Instead of huge skyscraper hotels, I always prefer Boutique hotels which are more cosy and friendly. The Mesui Hotel exactly gave me what I need. The location is great, the rooms is clean and comfortable, and the staff is really hospitable.
This hotel is a really good value for money. Prices are really affordable but the service quality is high. We stayed 3 nights in The Mesui Hotel and it was like our home in KL. From the web site The Mesui Hotel you can check the details. But if you ask me, it is a great accommodation option for Kuala Lumpur.
To conclude, Kuala Lumpur the capital of Malaysia is a must seen place in South Asia and it is better you spend at least 3-4 days to discover the beauties of this city. Have a great time in KL and please let me know about your experiences in KL under comment section. 🙂
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