Choose from 52 Fun Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur
Bintang Walk
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Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary
- The Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary is a must-see for nature lovers and families traveling with kids.
- The trip to the sanctuary from Kuala Lumpur takes about two hours by car.
- Most day trips to the sanctuary include hotel pickup and drop-off in Kuala Lumpur.
- Don’t forget to bring rain gear, as showers can happen suddenly throughout the year.
Boh Tea Plantation
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Central Market Kuala Lumpur
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Cameron Highlands
Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands, a hill station approximately the size of Singapore, is one of the country’s largest resort areas and a popular escape from the heat and humidity of Kuala Lumpur. Located in the west of the country, about 124 miles (200 kilometers) from Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands enjoy a mean annual temperature of 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius), and temperatures rarely rise above 77 Fahrenheit (25 Celsius).
The vast area is largely agricultural, making it possible to tour tea plantations, visit bee and butterfly farms, stroll through flower-filled gardens or stay in one of the charming inns that looks straight out of Tudor-era England. Like in much of Malaysia, adventure travelers come to trek in the Cameron Highlands, where you might get lucky and spot the Rafflesia flower, the largest flower in the world.
Batu Caves
- Be mindful that the Batu Caves are a sacred site so be sure to dress modestly.
- Avoid feeding the monkeys as they can behave unpredictably.
- Make sure you stop at the easy-to-miss Cave Villa, located halfway up the steps.
- If you want to explore the Dark Cave, make sure you book a tour in advance.
Crab Island (Pulau Ketam)
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Chan See Shu Yuen Temple
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Rainforest and Canopy Walk
Visitors hike along shady trails past a river and waterfall cutting through the forest, as well as the remains of an old Orang Asli settlement. The Dipterocarp arboretum is a collection of living trees for botanical reference, and the Bambusetum features 30 different species of local bamboo.
The more adventurous may want to explore some of the four jungle tracks: Keruing Trail, Rover Track, Engkabang Trail and Salleh Trail, all of which pass through some of most spectacular secondary forests in Malaysia.
Also a highlight is the Canopy Walk, allowing up close exploration of the rainforest’s treetops. Canopy Walks are limited to 250 people per day and are closed Monday and Friday.
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
- Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is a must-see for nature lovers and birds enthusiasts.
- With some steep hills and many steps, the bird park isn’t wheelchair accessible.
- Be sure to visit a feeding point to watch different birds eat.
- Combine the bird park with a visit to the Butterfly Park and Orchid Garden.
Putrajaya
A fascinating exercise in building a city from scratch, Putrajaya is the administrative capital of Malaysia and located just south of Kuala Lumpur.
Planned as an "intelligent" and "garden" city the Putrajaya has wide boulevards and many lovely parks where the city’s population, mainly government workers, unwind and get back in touch with nature. The park offering the best views of the city is Taman Putra Perdana next to Perdana Putra.
The city is home to many showcase buildings including the Putra Mosque which is a vision in pink with the highest dome in South East Asia, it can fit 15,000 worshipers. Perdana Putra is the Prime Minister’s office and the jewel in the crown of Putrajaya. The educational Millennium Monument gives an insight into the history of Malaysia.
Practical Info
The best way to get to Putrajaya is by train catching the KLIA Transit from either Sentral railway station or the airport.
The public transportation is still fledgling in Putrajaya so it is a good idea to take an organized tour around the city or hire a car.
Putrajaya Bridge
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Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park
- Butterflies are most active during sunshine and tend to hide in the rain.
- The park is a must-do for nature lovers and families.
- Combine your visit to the butterfly park with a stop at the nearby National Mosque.
Aquaria KLCC
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Fort Cornwallis
When Captain Francis Light landed on this spot in 1786 and took the island from the Sultan he built a wooden fort, Fort Cornwallis, to defend it against the French, Kedah and pirates during the Napoleonic Wars.
Rebuilt in 1808 using Indian convict labour it is the largest and most intact fort in Malaysia. Once protected by a great moat this was filled in after a malaria outbreak in the 1920s.
The famous great cannons guarding Fort Cornwallis date back as far as the 17th century.
Practical Info
On the edge of water on Jalan T. S. S. Barakbah (off Lebuh Light), Fort Cornwallis can easily be reached on foot from central Georgetown.
Grass Lawns and park areas nearby along the esplanade offer a popular spot to picnic and cool off with ice cream in the shade.
Kek Lok Si Temple
Translated from Hokkien the Kek Lok Si Temple, or 'Temple of Serene Bliss', sits majestically on a hill, a focal point of the local Chinese community, generous donations mean this temple continues to grow.
The 7-story white & gold pagoda is the largest Buddhist temple in SE Asia, its design - Chinese Octagonal base, Thai middle tier and Burmese crown - reflects its respects to Mahayana and Theravana Buddhism.
On the hillside above is an impressive 100ft (30m) bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.
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Kek Lok Si Temple is situated on the spiritually revered hills in Ayer Itam, out past the western suburbs of Pulau Penang / Georgetown. It is much celebrated and decorated with a sea of lanterns around the month of Chinese New Year.
Masjid Jamek
The oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Masjid Jamek, is also its most delightful. Large cream onion domes and red-and-white-striped minarets stand among a palm tree grove at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers. This was the site where Kuala Lumpur’s first settlers had their settlement.
It was built by the English architect Arthur Bennison Hubbock who was inspired by the Moorish style of Moghul mosques in India. It was opened in 1909.
When visiting the mosque it is important to respect the rules of dressing, make sure your limbs are covered and women must wear a headscarf.
Practical Info
The mosque is situated next to Masjid Jamek railway station and is walking distance from Chinatown, Little India and Merdaka Square.
Kuala Lumpur Chinatown (Petaling Street)
Look past the pirated goods stalls and you will see a heritage area of old Chinese shop houses selling spices and food stalls selling local dishes like Hainanese chicken rice and nasi lemak. The side streets leading from Petaling Street are where you will find wet markets and shops selling everything from spices to electronics to funereal wreaths.