Festival

City 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.

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Overview & visitor information

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Thaipusam

Activity

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.

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Chinese New Year

Activity

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.

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Megasale Carnival

Activity

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.

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Malaysia Water Festival

Activity

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.

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National Day

Activity

Malaysia's day of independence (August 31) brings Kuala Lumpur to an all out celebration with homes and various venues adorned in bright lights that sparkle with patriotism. Also, some parades and various shows are performed.

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Deepavali "Diwali"

Activity

The Diwali festival or “festival of lights" illuminates Kuala Lumpur with spectacular firework renditions in commemoration of the death of Narakasura, an evil god who became addicted to power and mistreated women. Thus, Narakasura's death is celebrated with fireworks, colorful lights, and candles because it represents light triumphing over darkness.

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Malaysia Fest

Activity

Get a taste of all the 13 Malaysian states in Kuala Lumpur during the Malaysian festival. This two-week celebration hosts several shows and demonstrations that exhibit Malaysian culture ranging from performaning arts to handicrafts to food. Also, several shopping complexes and hotels enter a bright-lights competition where the best lit locale wins.

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Flora Festival & Parade

Activity

Kuala Lumpur blossoms in July with ornate exhibitions and flower sales displaying Malaysia's varied and captivating floral life. The Flora Festival ends with the highlight of the week - the beautiful Flora Parade.

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Food & Fruit Fiesta Malaysia

Activity

The Food & Fruit Malaysia celebration combines an exotic blend of Asian cuisine along with an authentic and lush array of fruits. This savory festival is sure to delight all tummies.

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Hari Raya Aidil Fitri

Activity

The Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, the most important festival of the Muslims marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Therefore, celebratory well-wishes along with an abundance of food is expected.

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Cosmo's World

Park

This is considered to be Malaysia's largest indoor theme park. It has two sections: one for children, and the other for thrill-seekers. You need only one ticket to get into both sections. Its most popular ride is the seven-story indoor roller coaster.

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National Planetarium

Museum

Space always holds a fascination for kids and they are sure to love this Planetarium where they can peer through a 14 inch telescope which gives them a stunning view of the sky. A space-themed park has replicas of ancient observatories. An overhead pedestrian bridge connects the Planetarium with the National Museum. With an impressive blue-domed structure, the Planetarium signifies Malaysia's stride towards becoming a scientifically progressive society.

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Golden Triangle

Plaza

The Golden Triangle is known as KL's commercial, shopping, and entertainment hub. Here you'll find all the major shops and outlets, along with towering skyscrapers (such as the Petronas Towers) and top-end hotels.

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Chinatown

Market

If you are in the mood to try some dim sum or are in need for a specific pirated item, then there is no better neighborhood to be in than Chinatown. Chinatown is famous for having a large and extensive selection of Chinese food along with being the best place to go for inexpensive and knock-off goods. Be assured, though, that you will need some serious bargaining skills clothing and pirated items can go as low as 70% less than the offered price.

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Central Market

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.

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Merdeka Square

road

Translated as “Independence Square" KL's Merdeka Square is the place where at midnight on August 31, 1957 the Malayan Flag was hoisted for the first time after lowering the Union Flag.

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Muzium Negara

Museum

If you want to know more about Malaysian history, then this is the place for you. The Muzium Negara (National Museum) was opened in 1963 to introduce visitors to Malaysian's rich history. Various exhibitions, the building's architectural style, and a number of craftworks are some of the things to expect when in the museum.

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Bangsar

Town

If you want to escape city life but still want to feel the movement of people, then head over to Bangsar, a much sought after residential and entertainment suburb in the Klang Valley.

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KLCC Aquaria

Aquarium

Located beneath the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, this aquarium features aquatic life and animals from Malaysia and around the world. Exhibits include depictions of the Malaysian jungle, from the highlands down to the ocean. There is also a plentiful collection of reptiles, insects, amphibians, and small mammals (otters, large rodents, etc.). More than 20,000 animals from 250 different species call this aquarium home. The highlight is a 90m long underwater tunnel, which gives a great view of the fish.

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Kuala Lumpur Tower

Tower

At 421m, the Kuala Lumpur Tower is the sixth largest telecommunications tower in the world. It was constructed between 1991 and 1995 for Telekom Malaysia. Because it is built on a hill (Bukit Nanas, or Pineapple Hill), the KL Tower actually appears taller than the Petronas Towers. Malaysia’s Islamic tradition is reflected here. The interior features Arabic script, and other Islamic motifs. The tower also acts as an Islamic falak observatory.

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Mahsuri

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.

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Seri 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.

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Seri 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.

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Hakka 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.

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Shook!

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.

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Top 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.

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Eden Village

The intimacy and coziness found in Eden Village, perhaps because it is meant to resemble a Malay house. Here you will be able to try some popular Malay dishes such as the braised Shark's fin in a clay pot. The cuisine is traditional Malay food, and authenticity is attained through its mixture of Malay residents and foreigners.

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Scalini's La Piccola

You will not get better Italian food in Malaysia then at Scalini's La Piccola Italia. A testament to its high quality dishes is that Scalini's is always so booked that making a reservation is essential. As for its aesthetic appeal, the restaurant is situated in a colonial style bungalow that overlooks the popular Golden Triangle area.

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Albion

British cuisine is not the first thing that springs to mind when thinking about Kuala Lumpur, despite the British colonial presence, but lo and behold Albion is one of the city’s finest restaurants. Opened by expats, this restaurant features modern British food. The interior décor is stylish, and would not be out of place back in London. The a la care menu features a number of British specialties, including fish and chips and Lancashire hot pot. A fixed menu lunch is served during the week from noon until 2:30, changing daily. There’s also a trendy bar, with all sorts of exotic cocktails to sample from. The service is excellent as well. This is a great place to go for a break from traditional Asian fare.

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Bijan

Since opening in 2003, the Bijan Restaurant has consistently been rated as one of KL’s best Malay restaurants. The decoration is warm and inviting, and the staff is attentive. The food served here is made from the finest and freshest ingredients, and is also halal. The restaurant’s signature dish is rusuk panggang, chargrilled marinated short ribs. For something a little off beat, try the Pucuk Paku Goreng Tahi Minyak, wild fern stir fried with chilies. Bijan is definitely worth a try if you’re looking for upscale Malay food.