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World Travel Guide > Guides > Asia > Malaysia > Kuala Lumpur

Local time Kuala Lumpur

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Kuala Lumpur Events

Thaipusam

The most important Hindu festival in Malaysia, celebrated mainly by Malaysian Hindus with Tamil origins. The celebrations are vividly colourful and marked by acts of self-mortification, with devotees adopting painful body piercings before parading en masse to the Batu caves. Many pilgrims gather for the festival every year.

Date: 28 January 2021 - 28 January 2021
Venue: Batu Caves.
Cost:

Most events are free.


Federal Territory Day

Public holiday marking the ceding of Kuala Lumpur to the federal government of Malaysia in 1974 by the surrounding state of Selangor. It's marked by colourful celebrations including fireworks and parades with streamers and balloons.

Date: 01 February 2021 - 01 February 2021
Venue: Throughout the city.
Cost:

Free.


Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year is welcomed by Chinese people everywhere, and KL is no exception. Centred on Chinatown, but celebrated across the city, this animated festival includes dragon dances, vast amounts of fireworks and liberal feasting at Chinese restaurants across the city.

Date: 12 February 2021 - 13 February 2021
Venue: Chinatown.
Cost:

Free.


Aidilfitri (Hari Raya Puasa)

Two days of joyful celebration mark the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting. Muslims make up the majority of the Malaysian population, and while the celebrations are largely family-oriented, it's quite a special time of year to be in the city.

Date: 13 May 2021 - 14 May 2021
Venue: Throughout the city.
Cost:

Free.


King's Birthday Celebrations

Malaysians celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the King of Malaysia with a series of extravagant ceremonies in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. Events include a ceremonial Trooping of the Colours symbolising the loyalty of the Malaysian Armed Forces to the monarchy.

Date: 07 June 2021 - 07 June 2021
Venue: Various venues in Kuala Lumpur.
Cost:

Free.


Merdeka Celebrations

A festival marking Malaysia's independence from Britain, which was finally gained in 1957. Celebrations come to a head on Independence Day, August 31, with a huge parade and the ceremonial raising of the Malaysian flag at Merdeka Square.

Date: 31 August 2021 - 31 August 2021
Venue: Merderka Square and other city venues.
Cost:

Free.


Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix

The annual Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix is one of Kuala Lumpur's best-loved sporting events. Held at the spectacular Sepang International Circuit around 55km (34 miles) south of Kuala Lumpur, this is a highlight of the sporting calendar and huge crowds gather to soak up the noise, excitement and the distinctive smell of super-charged engines.

Date: 29 October 2021 - 31 October 2021
Venue: Sepang International Circuit
Website: http://www.motogp.com/en
Cost:

Various


Deepavali

The famous 'Festival of Lights' is one of the most popular Hindu celebrations, commemorating the triumph of good over evil. As with the Chinese New Year, every community joins in the celebrations, lighting candles, lanterns and fireworks to bring good luck. This is a public holiday in most of the country, including KL.

Date: 04 November 2021 - 04 November 2021
Venue: Throughout the city.
Cost:

Free.


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Set behind bamboo-clad gates in the leafy embassy district, this intimate hideaway is one of the city's finest boutique offerings. The 21 rooms and suites are wonderfully spacious and decorated in exotic artefacts collected from across Asia. Guests can enjoy private hot tubs and romantic balconies that overlook a tear-shaped pool surrounded by cabanas and tropical foliage. The restaurant serves all-day dishes and an indulgent breakfast come daybreak.

MiCasa All Suite Hotels

For a home-from-home experience, this design hotel has accommodation in the form of elegant, well priced one to three bedroom suites with kitchens. There's also a palm-shaded pool, a restaurant and a bar. The hotel is situated in the central business district, opposite the Petronas Towers and near the shopping centres of KLCC.

The Majestic

This lovely heritage hotel retains the refined air of its pre-war days, but recent restorations have added a modern 15-storey Tower Wing. The contrast between old and new plays out in the bedrooms, with those in the colonial quarter boasting wood panelling and claw tubs, while the new wing entices with four-poster beds and sleek glass fittings. The hotel's parlours, smoking lounge and orchid-filled conservatory add further allure.

Mandarin Oriental

Located in the cosy Back Bay, the Mandarin Oriental combines comfort and style to produce one of Boston's most luxurious and trendy hotels. Rooms resonate with classic oriental styles with a modern flare and boast beautiful views of the Back Bay cityscape. After a long day of touring and shopping, enjoy a soak in the oversized Jacuzzi baths or indulge in a massage at the Mandarin Oriental's five-star spa. Perfect for a business retreat or a relaxing holiday, the Mandarin Oriental will not disappoint.

Tune Hotel

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Hotel Capitol

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