Choose from 52 Fun Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur National Monument
- The National Monument (Tugu Negara) is a must-do for history and military buffs and anyone with a connection to Malaysia.
- If you’d only like to see the sculpture, join a tour that visits the National Monument for a photo stop, or ride a hop-on hop-off bus.
- The Kuala Lumpur National Monument is conveniently located near both the Perdana Botanical Garden (Lake Gardens) and the ASEAN Sculpture Garden.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
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Perdana Botanical Garden (Lake Gardens)
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Stadthuys
- The Stadthuys is a must-see for history buffs and first-time visitors to Melaka.
- Admission to the building includes entry to all of the museums within.
- Day tours from Kuala Lumpur that include the Stadthuys often last upwards of eight hours.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection; the square isn’t well shaded.
- The Stadthuys is not accessible to wheelchair users, as there are many level changes but no ramps or curb cuts.
Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower)
- Pre-book a skip-the-line ticket to avoid the queues, which tend to be long.
- The panoramic views from the tower span the Kuala Lumpur skyline and, on a clear day, can stretch as far as the Genting Highlands, Pahang, and South China Sea.
- The tower is wheelchair accessible.
Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)
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Kuala Selangor Fireflies
- The Kuala Selangor fireflies are a must-see for nature lovers and kids.
- The use of flash photography is not permitted during firefly tours.
- Tours to Kuala Selangor from Kuala Lumpur can last anywhere from four to eight hours, depending on the option you choose.
- Most guided fireflies tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Kuala Lumpur.
Petronas Twin Towers
- The towers are a must-see for architecture buffs.
- Day-of tickets are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so consider booking ahead.
- Choose an attraction ticket to the 86th-floor observation deck, or visit the towers as part of a guided Kuala Lumpur tour.
- Cameras are allowed in the towers, but additional equipment such as tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted.
- Visitors can leave their belongings at a bag check before entering the Petronas Towers.
Kuala Lumpur Cruise Port
- The majority of Kuala Lumpur shore excursions include pickup and drop-off from the port.
- Port Klang's distance from the city center means most shore excursions involve a few hours of travel time.
- If you don’t have much time, there’s a forest park and shopping mall a short drive from the port.
Melaka River
The Melaka River cuts across the city of the same name on its way to the Straits of Melaka (Malacca). In recent years, the river has been revitalized into a top destination, with both Malaysians and international visitors coming to soak in its history and marvel at the diverse architecture from the city’s Portuguese, Dutch, and British heritage.
The Basics
One of the best ways to take in the colonial architecture of UNESCO World Heritage Site of Melaka is aboard a Melaka River cruise sailing past picturesque riverbanks and beneath numerous landmark bridges. A typical day trip from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore might include such a cruise, as well as visits to the Dutch Museum, St. Peter’s Church, and Jonker Street.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A cruise on the Melaka River is a must for families and first-time visitors.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the river has little shade.
- River cruises last about 45 minutes round-trip.
How to Get There
If you’re not visiting the river as part of a guided tour, you can make your way there yourself by walking along Jonker Street until it meets the river.
When to Get There
The best time to enjoy the Melaka River and other outdoor attractions is during the dry season—typically April, early May, and October. Plan your cruise in the morning or early evening to avoid the worst of the heat.
Attractions to Visit Before or After Your Cruise
The departure point for Melaka River cruises is centrally located in the heart of the historic city. If you have some free time before or after a boat trip on the river, plan to spend some time visiting other nearby attractions, such as the Stadthuys in Red Square, Christ Church, the Maritime Museum, or Jonker Street (also called Jonker Walk).
National Museum
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Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
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Little India (Jalan Masjid India)
- No visit to Kuala Lumpur is complete without discovering the city’s delicious Indian food.
- From saris to spices, Little India is retail therapy writ large—bring cash.
- The Little India in Brickfields is larger than the Little India on Jalan Masjid India, but Jalan Masjid India is more central. Whether to visit one or both is up to you.
- Chettinad cooking, from the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is big in this Little India, both in street eateries and more formal restaurants.
Penang Bridge
Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka)
Impeccable Merdaka Square - or Dataran Merdeka - was a cricket ground in colonial times. The cricket ground was overlooked by the Royal Selangor Club which housed a club for the colonial rulers. When independence for Malaysia was declared, it was here that the Union Jack flag was lowered and the Malay flag was first raised. The flag still flies on a massive flagpole on the edge of the square.
The square is surrounded by historic buildings, the most majestic of which is the Sultan Abdul Samad building which housed the British administration and now houses the Ministry for Heritage, Culture and the Arts. The Moorish style building is dominated by a tall clock tower nicknamed "Big Ben."
The square is now the focus of many of the city’s celebrations and the Independence Day festival is held here on August 31st.
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Merdaka Square is easily reached by catching the train to Masjid Jamek and walking a short distance across the river.
Royal Selangor Visitor Centre
- Quirky as it may sound, the visitor center is a must for anyone with an interest in crafts, and the workshops are great for older kids.
- Royal Selangor has kept up with the times, selling products that run the gamut from traditional Malay/Indonesian keris (daggers) to flash drives.
- The on-site museum, which explains the role of tin in Malaysia’s history, is worth a visit for history buffs.
Royal King's Palace (Istana Negara)
Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
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Petrosains Science Discovery Centre
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National Mosque (Masjid Negara)
- Photography is allowed inside the mosque, but phones must be in silent mode.
- Traditional attire, which include robes for men and a headscarf for women, is provided for travelers who want to go inside the mosque.
- A must-see for lovers of religious architecture.
- The National Mosque is wheelchair accessible.