Best things to do in Kuala Lumpur
Beyond the glossy retail shops on Bukit Bintang and world-famous food haunts on Jalan Alor, lie attractions at every corner of Kuala Lumpur – a reminder that the capital city has a whole lot more to offer than just some of the best shopping malls in the world and coveted street food.
Whether you’re a bored local looking to rediscover your locale or a curious traveller on the hunt for must-visit attractions in Malaysia, this list of things to do in KL will help you wring out new, novel and notable experiences in the city.
Table of Contents
- Best things to do in Kuala Lumpur
- 1. Enjoy unblocked views of nature & KL’s skyline at Forest Skywalk
- 2. Craft your own pewter dish at Royal Selangor Visitor Centre
- 3. Go on an energy capsule ride at Petrosains, The Discover Centre
- 4. Discover Islamic art & architecture at the Islamic Arts Museum
- 5. Sip on cocktails on a helipad at Heli Lounge Bar
- 6. Visit one of the oldest Hindu temples in KL, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
- 7. Marvel at KL Tower from a canopy walk at KL Forest Eco Park
- 8. DIY your own batik masterpiece at Jadi Batek
- 9. Learn more about the history of goddess Mazu at Thean Hou Temple
- 10. Play a game of glow-in-the-dark badminton at Shuttle In The Dark
- 11. Take on the Tower Walk 100 at KL Tower
- 12. Hop between aesthetic eateries that line the IG-worthy Kwai Chai Hong
- 13. Hunt out established street food on Petaling Street
- 14. Take a trip around a mini Malaysia at MinNature Museum
- 15. Be wowed by the enchanting details of the Federal Territory Mosque
- 16. Hang out with over 200 species of birds at KL Bird Park
- 17. Feast on local & international cuisine at Tiffin At The Yard
- 18. Explore a world under the sea at Aquaria KLCC
- 19. Thrift for cheap clothes at KL’s thrift stores
- 20. Shop for local handicraft at Central Market
- Best things to do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
1. Enjoy unblocked views of nature & KL’s skyline at Forest Skywalk
An unmissable sight in the capital city is none other than KL’s very own skyline. If you have an adventurous bone in your body, you’ll want to visit the Forest Skywalk at Kepong Botanic Gardens for a view from up high – think above a forest.
This attraction in KL features a not-for-the-faint-of-heart 250m-long canopy walk surrounded by lush greenery. While you’re up here, you’ll be treated to unblocked views of the city’s skyline and an ocean of greenery, as the canopy hovers 141m above sea level.
You’ll also encounter eight watchtowers during your walk. They rise between 18m-50m, offering even more spectacular views of the city from a higher vantage point.
Expect to spend a good 40 minutes traversing the suspended walkway, soaking up the scenery. If you’re lucky, you might even get to spot local wildlife – long-tailed macaques and black giant squirrels included.
Admission: RM15/adult, RM10/senior citizen & RM8/student for Malaysians | RM40/pax for adults and senior citizens & RM25/student for standard tickets
Address: Jalan E 4/15, Taman Ehsan, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: Sat-Thu 8.30am-12.30pm & 2.30pm-3.30pm (Closed on Fridays)
Contact: 03-6279 7592 | Forest Skywalk’s website
2. Craft your own pewter dish at Royal Selangor Visitor Centre
Image credit: Royal Selangor Visitor Centre via Facebook
Pewter and Malaysia are synonymous – the country is the world’s leading producer of tin since the tin rush in Colonial Malaya, after all. To learn more about the beautiful pewter pieces and craftsmanship behind them, a visit to Royal Selangor Visitor Centre shouldn’t be overlooked.
Image credit: Royal Selangor Visitor Centre via Facebook
The longstanding pewter-makers in Malaysia has a free-admission museum with exhibits that you can wander through to learn more about the history and uses of pewter.
Image credit: Royal Selangor Visitor Centre via Facebook
For a more hands-on experience, grownups and kiddos can join workshops (from RM75/pax) to craft your very own pewter dish or accessory – from designing the piece, to casting, polishing, and decorating it.
While you’re here, don’t miss out on these two photo ops: the world’s largest pewter tankard that graces the entrance of the visitor centre, and a replica of the Petronas Twin Towers made from a whopping total of 7,000 tankards.
Address: Royal Selangor Visitor Centre, 4, Jalan Usahawan 6, Setapak Jaya 53300 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: 9am-5pm, Daily
Contact: 03-4145 6122 | Royal Selangor Visitor Centre’s website
3. Go on an energy capsule ride at Petrosains, The Discover Centre
Image credit: William Chee via Google Maps
For families with kiddos, a day will be well spent for all at Petrosains, The Discover Centre. This KL attraction has over 10 interactive exhibits, featuring racing car simulators, educational zones, and even a Geotime Diorama with huge sculptures of dinosaurs.
Come prepared to spend at least 3 hours here, if you want to explore all its corners and exhibits in detail.
Image adapted from: @intanzuraa via Instagram, @shupreme_ via Instagram
Exhibits aside, the interactive displays will make it an extra fun trip for the whole fam. A highlight here is the Energy Capsule ride, which lets you sit back on a train and journey through a dark tunnel to learn more about energy, from past to future. To ride this, a small additional fee of RM5 is required.
Image credit: @instapetrosains via Instagram
The place can get pretty packed during the weekends and school holidays, so it’s best to come during off peak-hours if you want to experience the interactive rides without the long queues.
Admission: RM22/adult and RM10/pax for senior citizens and children for Malaysians | RM35/adult and RM20/pax for senior citizens and children for standard tickets
Address: Level 4, Suria KLCC, PETRONAS Twin Towers 50088, Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm | Sat & Sun 9.30am-6.30pm
Contact: 03-2331 8787 | Petrosains The Discover Centre’s website
4. Discover Islamic art & architecture at the Islamic Arts Museum
Image credit: @abbyariffin via Instagram
Among the long list of cultural museums in KL, there’s the Islamic Arts Museum that’s a treat for history and culture buffs. The museum has 12 galleries spread out across two floors, altogether housing more than a millennium of Islamic artworks.
From gazing at calligraphy art from the 8th Century at the Qur’an & Manuscript Gallery to marvelling at intricate textile pieces at the Textile Gallery, there’ll be plenty for you to explore.
Image adapted from: Islamic Arts Museum
Once you’ve got museum legs from discovering the richness of the Islamic world, pop by the museum’s Moza Restaurant, which serves Middle Eastern, Western and local cuisines. The restaurant opens from 10am to 5pm, daily.
Image credit: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia via Facebook
To get to the museum by train, it’s recommended to alight at Pasar Seni by LRT/MRT or Kuala Lumpur by KTM/ETS, a 10- and 5-minute walk away respectively. If you’re coming by vehicle, there are free parking bays located near the museum.
Admission: RM20/adult | RM10/student
Address: Jalan Lembah, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: 9.30am-6pm, Daily
Contact: 03-2092 7070 | Islamic Arts Museum’s website
5. Sip on cocktails on a helipad at Heli Lounge Bar
Image credit: @lakita.taylor via Instagram
When it comes to dining with a view in KL, it doesn’t get more novel than Heli Lounge Bar. This rooftop bar is set out on a helicopter pad, which still operates as a helipad during the day.
The ambience at the open-air dining area is pretty simple – tables and chairs are simply set up on the helipad. This won’t be an issue, with the unparalleled views of KL that you can soak up while sipping on cocktails outdoors.
Image credit: @emvoyage_ via Instagram
As the bar opens till 2am, you can swing by during the evenings to enjoy a sunset view, and then watch the cityscape glitter at night.
Image credit: @zidanelai via Instagram
For alcoholic drinks, they serve almost everything – signature cocktails (RM49/each), wines (RM45/glass), and whiskey (from RM4/glass) included. You can pair your drinks with dishes that are good for sharing, such as Gambas Al Ajillo (RM32) or pizzas (from RM32).
Address: Level 34, Menara KH, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: 5pm-12am, Daily
Contact: Heli Lounge Bar’s Facebook
6. Visit one of the oldest Hindu temples in KL, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
Image credit: @megumi_desi via Instagram
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in KL, and a must-see landmark in the city. Located along Jalan Bandar, it has a structure similar to the shape of a human body, with a ‘head’ positioned to the west and the ‘feet’ pointing east.
Image credit: @dardevil_sw via Instagram
At the temple’s entrance are colourful tiers adorned with the images of 228 Hindu deities, including Lord Krishna and Lord Ganesha. There’s also a towering 75ft-tall gopuram, or monumental tower, built in 1873 that has five tiers sculpted in the architectural style of South India.
Image credit: @megumi_desi via Instagram
Inside, the temple’s main prayer hall has vibrant artworks and decorated pillars, as well as four smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan and Lord Ganesha.
Address: Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon 6am-8pm | Tue-Thu & Sun 6am-8.30pm | Fri & Sat 6am-9.30pm
Contact: 03-2078 3467
7. Marvel at KL Tower from a canopy walk at KL Forest Eco Park
Image credit: @matthewxoys via Instagram
KL Forest Eco Park, or Taman Eko Rimba KL, is the oldest and last remaining permanent reserved forest in the heart of KL. At the park’s core is its impressive and iconic 200m-long treetop canopy walk that boasts a view of the forest and city, including a perfect shot of the KL Tower.
For nature lovers, the park is known as one of the city’s green lungs, with over 200 tree species residing here. There are the endangered Kapur and Kara, and the park’s oldest trees, the Jelutong and Merawan Batu.
Image credit: @janicetly via Instagram
Entry to the forest used to be free. Malaysians will now have to pay a small fee of RM10/adult and RM1/pax for children and senior citizens. Meanwhile, standard tickets are priced RM40/pax for adults and senior citizens, and RM5/child.
Address: Lot 240, Jalan Raja Chulan, Bukit Kewangan, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: 8am-5.30pm, Daily
Contact: 03-2020 1606
8. DIY your own batik masterpiece at Jadi Batek
Beyond just appreciating the intricacies of Malaysian batik, you can make your very own batik masterpiece at Jadi Batek, known as one of the largest handicraft centres in KL.
Besides offering free guided tours, which you can join to see how the patterns and colours form a gorgeous batik piece, you can join a Batik Colouring Class (RM35/pax).
You’ll get to play with colours on a pre-drawn pattern and bring home your very own masterpiece at the end of the class as a keepsake.
Address: 30, Jalan Inai, Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: 9am-5.30pm, Daily
Contact: 03-2145 1133 | Jadi Batek’s website
9. Learn more about the history of goddess Mazu at Thean Hou Temple
Image credit: @itzel.logs via Instagram
Thean Hou Temple is one of the most well-known Chinese temples in KL that blends Buddhism and Confucianism philosophies in its ornate architecture. This is partly because it’s one of the largest and oldest temples in Southeast Asia – the temple was built way back in 1987.
Image credit: @themanfromindia via Instagram
The magnificent 6-tiered temple is located on a hill southwest of KL, offering devotees and visitors a spectacular view of the city.
Image credit: @ericwongkokwui via Instagram
Past the entrance gates is the temple’s abundant row of hanging lanterns, which glow enchantingly at night and look equally spectacular throughout the day – this has become a popular photo spot among locals and tourists alike.
Image credit: @catalinainct via Instagram
Step inside the temple and be awed by the magnificent 6-tiered shrine dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess, Mazu. The shrine tells the story of Mazu’s heroic act of rescuing survivors from a shipwreck, a testament to her virtuosity and kindness.
Address: 65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: 8am-10pm, Daily
10. Play a game of glow-in-the-dark badminton at Shuttle In The Dark
Image credit: Yap Nson via Facebook
To add a neon twist to your regular badminton games, Shuttle In The Dark at Suria KLCC has a badminton court where you get to put your smash skills to the test in the dark. The fun and novel experience works like this: players are given glow-in-the-dark racquets and shuttlecocks for their games, and the lights on the court are basically nil.
Pro tip: don light-coloured apparel to really stand out in the dark.
Image credit: Shuttle In The Dark via Facebook
A game here will set you back RM160/hour and RM180/hour, for weekdays and weekends respectively. This is slightly pricey, but the fee can be split among 8 individuals and is inclusive of four glowing racquets, a shuttlecock, and access to an air-conditioned badminton hall.
Address: Concourse Level, Twin Towers Fitness Centre, Petronas Twin Tower, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7.30am-8.30pm | Sat & Sun 10.30am-5.30pm
Contact: Shuttle In The Dark’s website
11. Take on the Tower Walk 100 at KL Tower
Image credit: @aereonwong via Instagram
With a skyline comprising unique buildings and towering skyscrapers, we’re always looking for new ways to enjoy a view of KL’s concrete horizon. At the iconic KL Tower, or Menara Kuala Lumpur, you can do a lot more than just snap photos of the Petronas Twin Towers.
Opt to step into a glass box with the city under your feet at SkyBox, or venture across a glass platform on the edge of the tower with just a harness with its Tower Walk 100. Needless to say, the majestic beauty of the towers will be a treat for the eyes from this vantage point.
There are four spots to take in the views of KL from the tower: the Observation Deck, SkyBox, SkyDeck, or Tower Walk 100. All promises unblocked 360° views of KL, but at different levels of the building – for starters, the Observation Deck is set indoors at 276m above ground level, while the SkyDeck is an outdoor platform 300 metres up.
Tickets are priced:
- Observation Deck: RM30/adult & RM20/child for Malaysians | RM49/adult & RM29/child for standard tickets
- SkyBox, SkyDeck & Observation Deck: RM71/adult & RM37/child for Malaysians | RM99/adult & RM52/child for standard tickets
- Tower Walk 100 – RM35/adult & RM25/child for Malaysians | RM70/adult & RM40/child for standard tickets
Address: No. 2 Jalan Punchak Off, Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: 9am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 03-2020 5444 | KL Tower’s website
12. Hop between aesthetic eateries that line the IG-worthy Kwai Chai Hong
Image credit: @eta.siow via Instagram
A popular thing to do at Kwai Chai Hong is checking out its collection of street art murals and yearly public art installations. Also hiding out on this IG-worthy back alley is a row of aesthetic cafes, restaurants and bars accessible from the alley itself.
Image adapted from: @chimeracupkeyk via Instagram, @meennmean via Instagram
Whether you’re looking for a new brunch spot or a nightcap, you’ll find a refurbished pre-war shoplot housing an eatery just for you. There’s the dessert specialist Pandan Republic that whips up traditional local desserts with a modern twist, and retro bars such as the funky Concubine and old-timey Baijiu.
You can sip on cocktails at Concubine’s alfresco seating area that overlooks Kwai Chai Hong’s famed street art murals.
13. Hunt out established street food on Petaling Street
If you’re looking for a bargain in the city, most seek out Petaling Street to haggle with local vendors for deals on apparel. Hiding out in KL’s famed Chinatown as well are its collection of established Chinese hawkers that serve up delectable street food.
Image credit: Richian Ang via Google Maps
Aesthetic cafes in Petaling Street aside, you’ll find spots like Hon Kee, a no-frills porridge store that has been operating since 1949. Their speciality is Raw Fish Porridge (RM10) and Crispy Innards Raw Pork (RM9).
Image credit: Sophie Nguyen via Google Maps
Other popular stalls to visit here are Sin Kiew Yee Beef Noodles for their hearty bowl of beef noodles (from RM12) and Yooi Kee Chee Cheong Fun for their traditional chee cheong fun that they’ve been serving since 1943.
With so many other food haunts to explore here, you can also ask a local for recommendations – every Malaysian will likely give you a different answer when asked what the best food place is in Petaling Street.
14. Take a trip around a mini Malaysia at MinNature Museum
Image credit: MinNature Malaysia via Facebook
Tucked away in Sungei Wang Plaza is MinNature Museum, where you get to marvel at the country’s historic landmarks and cultural icons in under 2 hours. This may sound like an impossible feat, but not when they are all in miniature form.
Step inside the museum and you’ll be greeted by dioramas showing scenes of local life, such as a kampung diorama complete with plantations and a warung nestled at the corner.
Image credit: @neesaamran via Instagram
A highlight here are the miniature food displays. The craftsmanship and attention to detail in the tiny dishes – from good ol’ hawker fried noodles to juicy dumplings – make them look like the real deal.
Admission: RM48/adult | RM38/pax for children and senior citizens | Free entry for children below 4
Address: Jalan Sultan Ismail JUMPA @ Sungei Wang Plaza, Level 1, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: 10am-8pm, Daily
Contact: 011-1009 9374 | MinNature Museum’s website
15. Be wowed by the enchanting details of the Federal Territory Mosque
There are plenty of mosques in the capital city, but Federal Territory Mosque is an especially striking one. Built sometime in the 1990s, the mosque is easy to spot even from afar, thanks to its pair of sky-piercing minarets and whopping total of 22 domes.
Image credit: The Smart Local Malaysia via Facebook
The mosque features a main prayer hall that can accommodate up to 17,000 devotees at one time. Don’t forget to look up and around when you enter the tranquil space, as gorgeous Moroccan-inspired marble surfaces are complemented by elegant curved archways and enchanting geometric designs.
Image credit: @adamsadilek via Instagram
There are free 1-hour guided tours offered here, which you can join to learn more about the mosque and Islamic religion customs. Do note that visitors will be given a hooded robe to pay respect to the holy grounds if they aren’t dressed appropriately.
Address: Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim, Kompleks Kerajaan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 10am-4pm (Closed from Fridays to Sundays)
16. Hang out with over 200 species of birds at KL Bird Park
Image adapted from: @act_hdd via Instagram
Animal lover or not, a visit to KL Bird Park is sure to awaken your inner child. Nestled within KL’s iconic Perdana Botanical Garden, the sanctuary is home to over 3,000 birds and 200 species, such as the Rhinoceros Hornbill – one of the largest hornbill species in the world.
Image credit: @fengifionaroan via Instagram
This park is divided into four zones. A highlight is the free-flight aviary zone, where you get to stroll through a lush garden surrounded by various birds flying freely.
Image credit: @amayra_life via Instagram
There’s also animal feeding opportunities, including a close-up experience with Brahminy Kites. You can feed them delicious soya milk for a small fee of RM2.
Admission: RM67/adult | RM45/pax for children and senior citizens | Free entry for children below 3
Address: 920, Jalan Cenderawasih, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: 9am-5.30pm, Daily
Contact: 03-2272 1010 | KL Bird Park’s website
17. Feast on local & international cuisine at Tiffin At The Yard
Ask any Malaysian what their daily challenges are, and most will likely tell you it’s deciding on what to eat. That’s why food hubs like Tiffin At The Yard exist – they let passionate food lovers try a diverse array of food from a plethora of vendors all under one roof.
This hip food court is housed inside the historic Sentul Depot, a former railway depot. There are a collection of rotating food vendors that host pop-ups here, with chic corners for diners to enjoy their meals at.
Their latest vendors include The Roti Shop, serving hearty, no-frills sandwiches; Fratelli’s Pastificio with their freshly made pastas; The Bao Guys with their cheeky meat-filled paus; and Toko Makan Kaharaja, which takes pride in their flavourful Thai dishes like Pad Thai and Thai Red Curry.
If you’re craving local food, you’ll also find vendors like Joshijosh whipping up Halal-certified local dishes and Calle Taco with their Mexican-Malaysian fusion tacos.
Address: PT189-PT183-PT185 Jalan Strachan, Off Jalan Ipoh, Sentul, 51100 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: Thu & Fri 5pm-12am | Sat & Sun 10am-12am (Closed Mondays to Wednesdays)
Contact: Tiffin At The Yard’s website
18. Explore a world under the sea at Aquaria KLCC
Image credit: @kkdaymy via Instagram
Aquaria KLCC is KL’s only aquarium, exhibiting over 5,000 land and aquatic creatures. While it may not be as large in size when compared to aquariums in other countries, it features 10 exhibits and a wide variety of sea creatures – including seven species of sharks, giant stingrays, and marine turtles.
A centrepiece here is the 90m-long tunnel walkway, where visitors can step on a travelator and look up to see shoals of fishes and other sea creatures swim right above you.
Image credit: Aquaria KLCC
There are also touch pools to get up-close with different creatures, and feeding times to watch aquarists hand-feed the animals. There are specific times for these – we recommend heading to the Aquatheatre at 3pm on Monday, Tuesday, or Saturday to see Sand Tiger Sharks fill up their tummies.
You can check out the full list of feeding times here.
Image adapted from: @yebina_o_o via Instagram
Admission: RM55/adult and RM45/pax for senior citizens and children for Malaysians | RM79/adult and RM69/pax for senior citizens and children for standard tickets
Address: 920, Jalan Cenderawasih, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: 10am-8pm, Daily
Contact: 03-2272 1010 | Aquaria KLCC’s website
19. Thrift for cheap clothes at KL’s thrift stores
If there’s anything Malaysians love more than food, it’s a good bargain. That’s why you’ll find a good number of thrift stores, or bundle shops, in the capital city.
Jalan Jalan Japan has aisles and aisles of clothes to sift through.
One of the biggest thrift stores in KL is none other than Jalan Jalan Japan, where you can sift for clothes from as low as RM1. There’s also 2nd Street from Japan, which has 13 outlets in KL and Selangor and preloved branded items from RM10.
You can find the nearest Jalan Jalan Japan location near you here, and 2nd Street outlet here.
Image credit: LOOOP via Facebook
If you’re looking for vintage pieces in good condition, there are also more curated thrift shops like Bang Bang Vintage Store and Looop in KL.
Bang Bang Vintage Store
Address: Commons KL, 55, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: 12pm-12am, Daily
Looop
Address: 20-A, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14 60000 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: Wed-Fri 2pm-9pm | Sat & Sun 12pm-7pm (Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays)
20. Shop for local handicraft at Central Market
Image credit: Kha Seng Group
Central Market is a prominent Kuala Lumpur landmark that has been around since 1888. Also known to locals as Pasar Seni, the bustling indoor market houses over 350 shops retailing everything from unique handicrafts to art collectables.
Image credit: @centralmarketkualalumpur via Instagram
Located in Jalan Hang Kasturi, just a stone’s throw from Petaling Street, this spot originally served as a wet market during Colonial Malaya.
Image credit: @adriant1000 via Instagram
At present, it is a paradise for antiques, handicrafts, apparel, accessories, and more, sold from friendly local vendors. So if you’re looking for one spot to complete all your souvenir shopping to remember Malaysia by, this is the place for you.
Address: Lot 3.04-3.06, 06, Jalan Hang Kasturi, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: 10am-8pm, Daily
Contact: 03-2031 0399 | Central Market’s website
Best things to do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The next time someone tells you that there’s nothing to do in KL, whip out this guide to the capital city that covers must-see attractions and local food haunts – whether you’re a local or a tourist, KL is a vibrant city with a myriad of activities and attractions waiting to be experienced and explored.
Go beyond KL and discover these popular road trip areas from KL: Cameron Highlands, Melaka and Ipoh.
Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local Malaysia, @catalinainct via Instagram, Richian Ang via Google Maps, Sophie Nguyen via Google Maps, @fengifionaroan via Instagram, @centralmarketkualalumpur via Instagram