Discover Kuala Lumpur
Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Kuala Lumpur.
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Must-see attractions in Kuala Lumpur
From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 14 standout sights to build into your time in the city.
In just one hundred years, Kuala Lumpur, or “muddy confluence” in Malay, has transformed itself from a small mining town into a cosmopolitan metropolis. It can be thought of as halfway between the developing and chaotic Bangkok to the north and the high-tech and orderly Singapore to the south.
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Muslim travel planner
Plan a Muslim-friendly trip in Kuala Lumpur
Halal restaurants in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 15 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.
kuala-lumpurMahsuri
Tagged as one of the best restaurants in the country, the Mahsuri is sure to satisfy your appetite and palate with its Asian and continental cuisine. The scenery further stimulates your senses through its view of the city skyline that is yours to feast on as you dine on the veranda.
kuala-lumpurSeri Angkasa
There is no better atmosphere in which to dine than at the revolving restaurant located at the 'Tower Head' of the Menara Kuala Lumpur. The Seri Angkasa sits 282 meters above ground level (925 feet) and offers a continental cuisine and an affordable Malaysian buffet.
kuala-lumpurSeri Melayu
If you are looking for the local dining flavor, search no further than Seri Melayu. This restaurant is unbeatable in Malaysian cuisine. In addition, foreigners flock to this 500-seat restaurant because not only are the diners treated to authentic Malaysian cuisine, but they are also introduced to cultural shows which are performed every night. Traditional Chinese and Thai dishes are also on the menu.
kuala-lumpurHakka Republic
If you’re hankering for a burger in KL, look no further than Hakka Republic. Don’t be fooled by the Chinese characters and decoration – this restaurant specializes in steakhouse fare and other western dishes. In addition to the burgers, which have been rated as the city’s best, the steamed wagyu beef also comes highly recommended. No pork is served here. The attached bar is one of KL’s trendiest, and the wine list is excellent. Though it’s relatively expensive compared to food in Malaysia, Hakka Republic is nevertheless cheaper than comparable restaurants elsewhere. It’s also conveniently located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s CBD, close to public transportation.
kuala-lumpurShook!
Prepare your palate for it will be shaken when you dine at Shook! Its fusion cuisine of Italian, Chinese, and Japanese will enamor and stimulate your taste buds that you will desire more. Yet, the food is not the only attractive feature at this restaurant, its trendy decor and soothing jazz music add a further element of enticement that you will be savoring every moment and bite.
kuala-lumpurTop Hat
Located in one of the only remaining grand mansions in the city, the Top Hat restaurant was once a school and now has grown to become an opulent locale brightly colored and furnished with various antiques. As for the menu, it offers spectacular traditional Malay, Thai, Western, and vegetarian dishes. However, in case you become enamored with a dish, be aware that three months down the line, this dish will most likely not be available. Top Hat likes to mix things up by changing its menu every three months.
Kuala Lumpur masjids and Muslim travel
Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.
Masjid Jamek
Situated at the confluence of the Klang River and the Gonbak River, where Kuala Lumpur was founded, the Masjid Jamek is the oldest mosque in the city. Before 1965, it was the city’s main mosque. It was designed by British architect Arthur Benison Hubbock, who also designed the city’s former railway station. The architecture is inspired by the mosques of Mughal India, where Hubbock once worked. The most notable feature is the three onion-shaped domes. The tallest minaret rises to a height of 27m.
Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan
Jalan Khidmat Usaha, Kompleks Kerajaan, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory, Malaysia
Masjid Saidina Uthman Ibn Affan
Jalan Budiman, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory, Malaysia
Masjid Tun Abdul Aziz
Jalan Semangat, Seksyen 14, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.
kuala-lumpurMelia Kuala Lumpur
Similar to when choosing to buy real estate, choosing a hotel should be calculated according to its location. Therefore, if you want to be in the center of it all without having to dig a hole in your pocket, the Melia Kuala Lumpur hotel is the place to sleep. Not only will you conveniently find the KL monorail just steps outside, but across the street you will also find the stupendous Times Square shopping and entertainment complex. The rooms are very clean and can vary in size, but generally the space and beds are comfortable enough.
kuala-lumpurPalace of the Golden Horses
The Palace of the Golden Horses overlooks an 150 acre lake with extensive surrounding gardens. It has a unique Malaysian/Moorish architecture and also offers modern facilities. The hotel has extensive conference facilities and is convenient to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the city center.
kuala-lumpurRenaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel
The elegant Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel is located in the heart of the Golden Triangle and a short stroll from Petronas Twin Towers, shopping and nightlife. Moreover this 5-star hotel features two wings with a state-of-the-art convention centre. In addition, its spacious rooms have amenities that are as bountiful as the vitality of Malaysia’s capital. The rooms also offer high-speed internet, safe, mini-bar and plush bedding.
kuala-lumpurIstana Hotel
This five star hotel will help make your trip to Kuala Lumpur an elegant and luxurious ride. The hotel is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, and is within walking distance of the Petronas Towers, the KL Tower, Chinatown, the Suria KLCC shopping center and more. The hotel has many facilities, including an outdoor pool and garden, multiple spas and expansive ballrooms (one of which can seat up to 2,000 guests). Many state-level events have been held here before, which speaks to the hotel’s quality. The hotel also has a business center that can provide for many of the business traveler’s daily needs. The hotel features its own florist, shoe-shine services and a shopping arcade. Rooms come complete with high-speed internet, a television with in-house movies, luxurious toiletries and more conventional amenities, each served to match the quality of the facility. A stay here will be sophisticated and elegant, and will come at a price to match.
kuala-lumpurAscott Kuala Lumpur
This hotel is located in the center of Kuala Lumpur and is extremely close to some of the city’s most important attractions, including the Petronas Towers, the KL Tower (Menara) and the Suria KLCC shopping center. The hotel offers the choice of studio rooms to three bedroom residences, each equipped with a big screen television, a home entertainment system, and for the larger suites, a modern kitchen. The outdoor pool is accompanied by a hot tub and the hotel features an elegant spa center as well. Tennis courts and a fitness center add to the dynamism of this hotel. The Ascott has a multiple restaurants and a lounge to enjoy drinks, as well as state-of-the-art conference facilities and computer work-stations that are geared towards attracting business customers. The business center will also allow you to take care of all printing needs and is available 24 hours a day. The hotel is a great portal for tours in Kuala Lumpur and will make sure that your stay in the city is more than comfortable.
History and today in Kuala Lumpur
Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.
General Visa Requirements
A valid passport for the duration of stay is needed to enter Malaysia. Also, depending on your type of nationality and visit, visa requirements will vary.
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When to go
No drastic climatic changes occur in Kuala Lumpur, so expect its typical temperament of humidity, heat, and wetness as the norm. Yet, there are two seasons when these three climatic characteristics may take a bit of leap: between March and April and between September and November.
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Public Holidays-2009
Most of these dates vary annually.
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Kualampurians
Though the people of KL are not an explicitly friendly bunch, they are a very welcoming and accepting crowd. Therefore, do not let their timid and shy exterior fool you, for Kualumpurians are one of the most culturally diverse and ethnically accepting people around. In fact, an admirable characteristic of KL residents is the minute level of racial problems in occurrence (which is tremendously less than those found in the West).
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Annual Temperature
January; High:: 31.9 °C ( 89.4 °F ); Low :: 22.1 °C ( 71.8 °F ) February
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Kuala Lumpur Today
In just one hundred years, Kuala Lumpur, or “muddy confluence” in Malay, has transformed itself from a small mining town into a cosmopolitan metropolis. It can be thought of as halfway between the developing and chaotic Bangkok to the north and the high-tech and orderly Singapore to the south.
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Kuala Lumpur History
Kuala Lumpur was founded in 1857 by a group of miners searching for tin by the Kelang and Gombak Rivers, for which the city is named. Kuala Lumpur is Malay for “muddy confluence”. These early miners were ill equipped to deal with tropical diseases like malaria, and many fell ill and died. But the tin lured even more miners to KL, and it soon became a sprawling and anarchic boomtown.
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Shopping in Kuala Lumpur
Explore 10 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.
kuala-lumpurSuria KLCC
Suria KLCC is an upscale shopping center located within walking distance from the Petronas Towers. Some of the eye-catching and wallet-squeezing stores include Tiffany & CO., Marks & Spencer, DKNY, Calvin Klein, and Polo among others. However, this six level shopping center offers than just high-end shopping, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra Theatre is located within its walls along with a variety of cafes and dining establishments and Cineplex theaters. For a picturesque view, simply walk outside toward the back of the mall and you will find a landscape park with fountains, jogging trails, and a mini pool. The Aquaria KLCC and LRT station are nearby.
kuala-lumpurStarhill Gallery
KL's most glamorous and luxurious mall, along with being the most expensive, is the Starhill Gallery. Here you will find top-end designers like Louis Vuitton and Gucci along with some haute couture pieces. If you are need of rest from a long day of shopping, you can relax and regain energy at its spa located on the 5th floor.
kuala-lumpurRoyal Selangor Pewter
The Royal Selangor Pewter Factory has been Malaysia's main pewter manufacturer since 1885. Its merchandise includes a varied mix of tableware items which are amongst the most popular in Malaysia and recognized internationally.
kuala-lumpurSungei Wang Plaza
Sungei Wang Plaza and BB Plaza adjoin to form one of KL's biggest and best shopping complexes. You could lose yourself for hours exploring here. Sungei Wang is particularly good for youthful fashion and accessories, including many up-and-coming Malaysian designers.
kuala-lumpurCentral Market
Known as the Art Deco Central Market, this vibrant bazaar has been around since 1936 and has grown to hold over 130 arts and crafts shops along with regular cultural performances. Before such a cultural explosion, the Central Market was popular for being KL's top destination when buying fresh produce. In 1986 the market took a turn and became what it is today: a conglomeration of diverse items sold in one place.
Signature sights in Kuala Lumpur
A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.
Festivals and events in Kuala Lumpur
Plan around 12 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.
kuala-lumpurThaipusam
The Thaipasum festival is a sight to behold. Do not be shocked to find die hard Hindu devotees parading the streets with metal frames hooked to their bodies by skewers as a way of showing their devotion to Hindu deities.
kuala-lumpurChinese New Year
For the Chinese, the New Year is the single most important event in the year. It celebrates the first day of the lunar calendar and the celebrations last for 15 days. It is a time for large family reunions and merry making and feasting. The Chinese believe that the mythological monster was scared away on this occasion by the color red and a lot of noise. This is why they wear red this day and decorate their homes and streets with red lanterns and let off a lot of firecrackers. Gift money is given to children in red envelopes. Vibrant, enthusiastic lion dances are also a part of the celebrations.
kuala-lumpurCity Day
In commemoration of Kuala Lumpur's declaration as a Federal Territory on Feb 1, many colorful festivities occur especially around the Lake Gardens and Lake Titiwangsa. Exciting events such as fishing competitions, coloring contests, a blood donation campaign, and many more are held. The Kuala Lumpur City Hall buzzes with activity as people throng there to witness cultural performances, exhibitions and fireworks displays. This day is a gazetted public holiday in Kuala Lumpur.
kuala-lumpurMegasale Carnival
All bargain lovers will feel as if they have reached bargain heaven when arriving at KL during the Malaysia Megasale Carnival. Not only are deals found everywhere, but promotions, activities, and contests are sure to lure craved shoppers even further to take advantage of the deals. Also, if you are looking for a super cheap flight to KL, then you'll be wise to search for a bargain during this time. This Carnival is held thrice a year in March, August and December.
kuala-lumpurMalaysia Water Festival
The Malaysia Water Festival makes a splash in Kuala Lumpur during April and early May when people head over to Lumut, Perak to enjoy many aquatic activities. Some prizes are up for grabs for those with a competitive streak.
Kuala Lumpur tours and experiences
Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.
kuala-lumpurHalf-Day KL City Tour
The Half-Day KL City Tour is a good take upon arrival because it gives you a summarized breakdown of the city. This tour also stops at some of the major tourist attractions, allowing you to go off and explore. Some of the tour sights include:
kuala-lumpurKL Cultural Night Tour
If you want to explore the nocturnal side of KL, then hop-on the Cultural Night Tour which promises a fun-filled evening mixed with cultural enrichment. The itinerary includes:
kuala-lumpurHalf-Day Batu Caves Tour
The Half-Day Batu Caves Tour takes you to one of the biggest attractions in Kuala Lumpur - the Batu Caves. These caves became popular after American Naturalist William Hornaday discovered them in 1878. These caves hold many Hindu shrines and are in the form of a temple. In addition there are 272 steps that a visitor has to climb before entering the temple at the summit of the hill.
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Kuala Lumpur travel guide sections
Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.
