Home › Travel Guides › Asia Travel Guide › Malaysia › Kuala Lumpur › Things to see in Kuala Lumpur
Image gallery

Kuala Lumpur city centre with the Petronos Towers

© 123rf.com / Shariff Che'Lah

+800
Kuala Lumpur Local time

Weather in Kuala Lumpur
Sunny
3
7
°C
Malaysia

Things to see in Kuala Lumpur

Tourist information: 

Malaysia Tourism Centre (MTC)
109 Jalan Ampang, 50450
Tel: (03) 9235 4848 or 4800.
Website: www.matic.gov.my
Mon-Fri 0730-2200.

 

Central Market

The blue and pink pastel art deco Central Market opened in 1936 and spent many years as the home of the city's largest fresh produce market. Since 1986, the needs of tourism have taken over and the market has 130 arts and crafts shops with batik, pottery, woodcarvings and basketry amongst the highlights, as well as regular cultural performances both inside and on the riverside stage. Mercifully, some authentic Malaysian and Indian food outlets have managed to survive alongside the tourist-orientated eateries.

Opening Times: Daily 1000-2130.
Admission Fees: No.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Jalan Hang Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: (03) 2031 0399 or 5399 or 7399.
Website: www.centralmarket.com.my
KLCC Aquaria

Located beneath the shiny new KLCC Convention Centre across the park from the Petronas Towers, the aquarium complex offers a fascinating insight into the underwater world, from sharks and piranhas to seahorses and anemones, as well as a section devoted to land-dwelling reptiles. There is even a new 'Fish Therapy Centre', where you can have your feet exfoliated by nibbling 'doctor fish'. Children can learn about aquatic life in the Education facility.

Opening Times: Daily 1100-2000.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Convention Centre Complex, 50088, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: (03) 2333 1888.
Website: www.aquariaklcc.com
Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

Veteran train traveller and writer Paul Theroux summed up this unique building when he called it ‘the grandest station in South East Asia'. The 1911-built edifice is an extraordinary architectural mélange - a kind of Walt Disney meets Moorish British colonialism. The riot of minarets, towers, arches and spires make starting or ending a journey here, or even just visiting the station, a breathtaking pleasure.

Opening Times: Daily 24 hours.
Admission Fees: No.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, 50621 , Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: 1 300 88 5862.
Website: www.ktmkomuter.com.my
Masjid Jamek (Friday Mosque)

The Friday Mosque, the city's oldest, dates from 1909. It's situated at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers (at the point where the first settlers scrambled ashore) and is one of the most stunning and popular sights in the city. The best time to visit is at sunset or during the muezzin's call to prayer. When visiting any mosque, it is essential to dress conservatively and remove footwear.

Opening Times: Daily 0830-1330 and 1430-1800.
Admission Fees: No.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Jalan Tun Perak, 55100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: (03) 2691 2829.
Website: www.malaysiatravel.org.uk
Masjid Negara (National Mosque)

The National Mosque is modern, built in 1965, and gleams every bit as brilliantly as any of KL's skyscrapers. The main dome takes the shape of an 18-point star to represent the 13 states of Malaysia and the five central Pillars of Islam. The huge main prayer hall can hold to 10,000 worshippers, although this section is closed to non-worshippers. To the rear is a mausoleum holding the remains of some of Malaysia's most revered sons.

Opening Times: Daily 0900-1200, 1500-1600 and 1730-1830.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Jalan Perdana, 50480, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: (03) 2693 7784.
Website: www.tourism.gov.my
Menara Kuala Lumpur

The dome topped, needle-like Menara Kuala Lumpur opened in 1996, and is one of the world's tallest telecommunications towers – and it offers fantastic 360-degree panoramic views over the city from its 276m-high (905ft) observation/restaurant deck. It stands atop a hill and affords visitors great vistas of the soaring Petronas Towers. Other facilities at the tower include a revolving restaurant, cafes and a souvenir shop.

Opening Times: Daily 0900-2300.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Jalan Punchak, off Jalan P Ramlee, 50250, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: (03) 2020 5444.
Website: www.menarakl.com.my
Muzium Negara (National Museum)

Since 1963, the National Museum has been an essential stop for anyone interested in delving beyond the skyscrapers and discovering more about the rich history and culture of Malaysia. The exhibitions present the history of the country, while the building itself incorporates various different Malaysian architectural styles and craftwork from different parts of the nation. Free guided tours take place daily at 1000.

Opening Times: Daily 0900-1800.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Jalan Damansara , 50566, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: (03) 2282 6255.
Website: www.muziumnegara.gov.my
Petronas Towers

Since opening in 1997 as the world's then tallest building, the 88-storey Petronas Towers has become an icon of the city. Often lost in cloud when the afternoon thunderstorms rumble in, it stands 452m (1,483ft) and 88 storeys high. The building (designed by Cesar Pelli) consists of two similarly shaped towers joined by a 58m (192ft) Skybridge at the 41st and 42nd floors, which is open to visitors wanting to survey the city skyline. Oil giant Petronas has also opened a children's Science Discovery Centre called PETROSAINS. Three different pricing packages are available.

Opening Times: Tues-Sun 0900-1900 (closed Fri 1300-1430).
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Level 4, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: (03) 2051 1320.
Website: www.petronastwintowers.com.my
Taman Tasik Perdana (Lake Gardens)

KL's most popular park, the Lake Gardens date back as far as 1888, when the British colonials built their elegant houses around the landscaped gardens. Today, the focus of the 68-hectare (172-acre) oasis is the boating lake, but other highlights include the orchid garden with around 800 different varieties, the hibiscus garden with some 500 different species, the deer park, butterfly park and the bird park.

Opening Times: Daily dawn to dusk.
Admission Fees: No.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Jalan Perdana, 50480, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: (03) 2615 8188 (Tourist Office).
Website: www.tourism.gov.my
Tugu Negara (National Monument)

The National Monument (an impressive brass sculpture designed by an American, cast in Italy and erected in Kuala Lumpur in 1966) is one of the world's largest free-standing sculptures. The heroic soldiers depicted were engaged in ‘The Emergency' in the 1950s, when Malaya battled against Communist insurgents.

Opening Times: Daily 24 hours.
Admission Fees: No.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Jalan Tugu, off Jalan Parlimenn, 50480, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: www.malaysiatravel.org.uk
Travel Deals

Recommended Sites:

Protect yourself from malaria
Before you travel, find out if your holiday destination is in a malaria zone.
(An educational initiative organised and funded by GlaxoSmithKline Travel Health. UK/MARK/0173/10 September 2010)
Africa, the way it should be seen
We´re cutting the cost of Africa overland trips by up to a whopping 40%. 25% off many trips departing by 30/6/12.
Travel insurance
For residents of over 150 countries. High levels of medical, evacuation, emergency & most adventure activities covered.