Kuala Lumpur
Visited in December 2022
At a glance
- Country
- Malaysia
- Region
- Malaysia
- Population
- 9 million
- Best time to go
- May to July, December to February
- Main airport
- Kuala Lumpur International (KUL)
- Coordinates
- 3.11°N, 101.71°E
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Overview
Malaysia's capital is a city of glass towers, colonial landmarks and old shophouses, where Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures sit side by side. Mosques, temples and churches share streets, and so do hawker stalls serving all three cuisines.
It is hot, green and easy to navigate, with good trains and air-conditioned walkways linking many of the central districts. Come hungry, and plan your days around the afternoon storms.
Things to see
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Photo: Dcubillas, CC BY-SA 3.0 Petronas Towers
The twin towers dominate the skyline, with a skybridge and an observation deck high above the city.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Chainwit., CC BY-SA 4.0 Batu Caves
A huge limestone cave temple reached by a steep, brightly painted staircase guarded by a golden statue of Murugan.
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Photo: Haakon S. Krohn, CC BY-SA 3.0 Merdeka Square
Where Malaysia's independence was declared, framed by the Moorish-style Sultan Abdul Samad Building.
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Photo: Chainwit., CC BY-SA 4.0 Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
A beautiful museum of ceramics, textiles, manuscripts and architecture models from across the Islamic world.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Alexey Komarov, CC BY-SA 4.0 Thean Hou Temple
A large, ornate Chinese temple on a hill, with views and rows of red lanterns.
Things to do
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Photo: Wiki Farazi, CC0 Eat on Jalan Alor
A street of open-air food stalls in Bukit Bintang, busiest and best in the evening.
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Photo: Shesmax, CC BY-SA 4.0 Explore Petaling Street
Chinatown's market street, surrounded by temples, old coffee shops and newer cafés.
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Photo: Renek78, CC BY-SA 4.0 Walk in Perdana Botanical Garden
A large green escape near the museums, with lakes and shady paths.
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Photo: Wiki Farazi, CC0 Visit Kampung Baru
A traditional Malay neighbourhood of wooden houses and food stalls in the shadow of the towers.
Where to stay
Bukit Bintang
The shopping and nightlife hub, with every type of hotel and great street food.
Hotels in Bukit BintangKLCC
Around the Petronas Towers, polished and convenient, with a large park.
Hotels in KLCCChinatown
Characterful and central, with good-value guesthouses and boutique hotels.
Hotels in ChinatownBangsar
A relaxed residential area with cafés and restaurants, a short train ride from the centre.
Hotels in Bangsar
Getting around
The LRT, MRT and monorail lines cover most sights, and ride-hailing apps are cheap. Heat and traffic make walking long distances tiring.
The KLIA Ekspres train runs from the airport to KL Sentral in around 30 minutes; a taxi takes about an hour.
When to go
Kuala Lumpur is hot and humid all year, with rain possible any time. The wettest spells are usually around April and October to November. Festivals such as Chinese New Year and Thaipusam are memorable times to visit.
Plan your trip to Kuala Lumpur
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.