30 Things To Do in Kuala Lumpur Before You Die

30 Things To Do in Kuala Lumpur Before You Die

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, stands out as one of the most vibrant, populous, colourful, and hospitable cities not only in Malaysia, but also in the Asian continent. If you are planning to explore the city during the holidays, you won’t be disappointed as it boasts of numerous things to do and see waiting to offer you very unforgettable experiences. The following are the top 30 things worth doing in the city before you die:

1. Visit the Petronas Twin Towers

Standing at an amazing height of about 455 metres, the Petronas are considered the world’s tallest twin towers today. The two 88-storey steel and chrome structures exhibit very remarkable Islamic-inspired Malaysian architecture. They are currently housing many offices of very notable companies and corporations in Malaysia including Al Jazeera English, Microsoft, Hauwei Technologies, Boeing, Mckinsey & Company, Reuters, and HCL Technologies.

2. Take a Stroll Down the Merdeka Square

The Merdeka Square is located a few metres from Par Seni and Chinatown. The square is lined with historic buildings built by the British during the colonial era – the late 1800s. The buildings extraordinarily combine Moorish and colonial architectural designs featuring layered white and red stones, arched doorways, minarets, and columned hallways. With all its beautiful structures and gardens, the square acts as a venue for numerous fascinating events and ceremonies held every year.

3. Enjoy Yourself at Lake Gardens Park

Resting on a vast land of about 92 hectares, Lake Gardens remains the largest recreational park in Kuala Lumpur. The park features a placid lake, sculpted and manicured gardens, giant tropical trees, waterfalls, a gym, fragrant flowering buses, a massive children’s playground, and an observatory. It also houses the Islamic Museum and the National Mosque.

4. Shop at the Central Market

Located at Jalan Tun Tan Lock, a few metres away from Petaling Street, the Central Market offers you great shopping opportunities in the Malaysian capital. Ever since it was established in the year 1887, the market has managed to stand the test of time and continued to maintain its beauty and significance. There are numerous vendors from different backgrounds selling Asian shoes, foodstuffs, arts & crafts, clothing, and jewellery at very affordable prices.

5. Visit the National Craft Complex

Kuala Lumpur’s National Craft Complex is found in Jalan Conlay. The complex allows you to get the first-hand experience of Malaysian culture and heritage in a very interesting way. It houses a wide variety of wood carvings, pottery, sculptures, batik paintings, and handicrafts. As a guest, you can be allowed to purchase the craft items or participate in some interesting handicraft work.

6. Watch Birds at the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is considered the largest covered bird park in the world. The park is home to more than 3,100 adorable birds representing more than 195 species including milky storks, rainbow lorikeets, flamingos, parrots, ostriches, crowned pigeons, hornbills, toucans, and peacocks. Other attractions include the National Monument, Orchid & Hibiscus Gardens, an artificial lake, and the Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park.

7. Visit the Batu Caves

Found in the Gombak district, about 15 kilometres from the city centre of Kuala Lumpur, The Batu Caves offer a series of small and big caves made of limestone. The main cave which is known as the Cathedral Cave features a Hindu deity, numerous old statues, and a shrine of Lord Subramaniam. The smaller caves showcase a variety of Hindu paintings and idols.

Every year, the Batu Caves host the Thaipusam Festival which usually attracts thousands of Hindu devotees and visitors. Some of the caves contain a wide range of cave flora and fauna including the macaque monkeys, Rousettus fruit bats, and cave spiders.

8. Visit the Aquaria KLCC

The Aquaria KLCC is a state-of-the-art underwater tunnel constructed under the Kuala Lumpur Conventional Centre. The expansive tunnel offers you the opportunity to see more than 250 different species of aquatic animals and plants. Some of its notable attractions include lethal sea snakes, bright coral fish, gar fish, seahorses, giant groupers, stingrays, piranhas, electric catfish, and the blue rays.

9. Eat at the Cilantro Restaurant

The Cilantro restaurant is found along Jalan Tun Razak in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It is arguably one of the finest and most luxurious restaurants in the city. The restaurant offers the best of Malaysian cuisine fused with modern French and Japanese flavours. It also offers a list of local and exotic wines at very reasonable prices.

10. Visit the Sunway Lagoon

Sunway Lagoon is a super amusement park found in Petaling Jaya, a few metres away from Petronas Towers. It is one of the best places in Kuala Lumpur where you can spend good times with your family. It offers a multitude of interesting rides, a wave pool, and a mini zoo. The Waters of Africa playground is ever packed with family-friendly activities to keep you and your family busy. The Wild Wild West ride takes you to an amazing cowboy town where you get to experience more fun.

11. Visit the Royal Malaysian Air Force Museum

The Malaysian Air Force Museum is found in the Kuala Lumpur Airbase. Ever since it was opened in the year 1985, the museum has experienced remarkable growth to contain more than 20 different aircrafts and helicopters once used for military and personal proposes. Since visitors are allowed to sit in different cockpits and play with the controls, you can only imagine the amount of fun awaiting you and your family.

12. Shop at the Chow Kit Market

Chow Kit is located at the northern side of Jalan Tunku Abdul Raman, not far away from the Chow Kit Monorial Station. It is recognised as one of the oldest and busiest markets in Kuala Lumpur. It is full of vendors and retailers selling crabs, meat, fish, vegetables, spices, fruits, lobsters. Non-food items such as clothes, shoes, curios, and cassette tapes are also sold. The market is surrounded by some of Kuala Lumpur’s luxurious hotels such as the Regency, Best Western Pacific, and the Legend Hotel.

13. Gaze at the Artwork in Petronas Gallery

The Petronas Gallery is a modern art gallery founded in the year 1993. Sandwiched between the Petronas Twin Towers, the gallery provides an avenue for artists from different parts of Asia to display their attractive artworks. It was founded for the purpose of promoting the development and preservation of Malaysian and Asian art and to sow Malaysians how to appreciate visual arts. In addition, it also offers a resource centre fully equipped with art journals, audio visual materials, and books.

14. National Sports Complex

The National Sports Complex is the biggest and most beautiful sports complex in Kuala Lumpur. It is found in Bukit Jalil, about 22 kilometres south of Kuala Lumpur. It houses the National Aquatic Centre, Stadium Putra, National Squash Centre, National Squash Centre, and the National Hockey Stadium. It also contains Bukit Komanwel, Bukit Jalil Golf & Country Club, National Sports Council Headquarters, and the Bukit Jalil Family Park.

15. Visit the Thean Hou Temple

Founded in the year 1989, Thean Temple remains one of the oldest surviving temples not only in Malaysia, but also in South-east Asia. The six-tier Chinese temple is strategically located on an expansive land of about 1.70 acres atop the famous Robson Heights. The building combines conventional and contemporary architectural designs featuring spectacular roofs, intricate embellishments, imposing pillars, and ornate carvings. The temple currently serves as shrine where devotees converge to to worship Guan Yin, the Goddess of mercy.

16. Bukit Bitang

Bukit Bitang is the biggest and most famous entertainment and shopping district in the Malaysian capital. It comprises of swanky bars, night markets, hawker-type eateries, vibrant night clubs, and upscale cafés. It is also lined with prominent shopping malls including Berjaya Times Square, Fahrenheit 88, Lot 10, Starhill Gallery, Sungei Wang Plaza, Low Yat Plaza, and Pavilion KL. Every year, the Bitang Walk hosts fascinating street parties, Merdeka eve celebrations, and the New Year’s celebrations.

17. Sultan Abdul Samad Building

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is located in front of the Royal Selangor Club and the Independence Square. Constructed in the year 1897, the Moorish-style structure has not only managed to maintain its beauty, but also proved to be one of Kuala Lumpur’s notable landmarks for a long time. It features a 40-metre high clock tower known as the Big Ben and a shiny copper dome. It currently houses offices of Communications & Culture of Malaysia and the Malaysian Ministry of Information.

18. Be in Touch with Mother Nature at the National Zoo of Malaysia

The National Zoo of Malaysia is found in Ulu Klang, a few metres from Taman Melawati. Lying on a large land of about 115 acres, the park contains a wide variety of plants and wild animals. The Reptile Park is home to terrapins, snakes, tortoises, and different species of crocodiles. The Bird Aviary has more than 100 bird species including cockatoos and macaws. The mammal Kingdom contains flat-headed cats, leopards, otters, golden cats, porcupines, and the Brazilian agouti.

19. Visit the National Museum

Found along the Jalan Damansara Road, the National museum offers a comprehensive overview of Malaysia’s wonderful culture and history. The building was constructed in the year 1963 with a combination of Minangkabu and Malay architectural designs. The museum contains ancient musical instruments, ceramics, arts & crafts, and traditional weapons. It also serves as a venue for various cultural events and festivals.

20. Visit the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve

The Bukit Nanas is one of the oldest and most impressive forest reserves in Kuala Lumpur. Covering and expansive area of approximately 27 acres, the tropical forest contains more than 20 species of plants and animals such as monkeys, lizards, and a wide range of birds. The reserve also houses the Forest Information Centre, Lookout Platform, huts, and a bird watching area.

21. Praise the Lord at St. Mary’s Cathedral

Built in 1894, St. Mary’s Cathedral is considered one of the oldest and most beautiful Anglican churches in Kuala Lumpur. The structure displays a fine example of the ancient Gothic architecture featuring whitewashed walls, tussled paving, and stained glass windows. If you are a staunch Christian, you are always welcome for the Sunday service.

22. Visit Cosmo’s World Theme Park

The Cosmo’s World Theme Park is located on the 5th to 8th floor of Berjaya Times Square. Covering an expansive area of about 400,000 square feet, the park is regarded as the biggest indoor park in Malaysia. The family-friendly park offers more than 14 rides, children’s playground, shops, and a number of fascinating activities.

23. Visit the Deer Park

The park is located in a few metres away from the Lake Gardens, Tun Razak Memorial, and the KL Bird Park. It not only allows you to get up close and personal with different species of deer, but also to touch and feed them. Some of the most notable species of deer include the axis deer, sambar deer, small mouse deer, fallow deer, and the fallow deer.

24. Experience Malaysian Culture at Istana Budaya

Also referred to as the Palace of Culture, Istana Budaya, stands out as one of the most modern and sophisticated theatres in the world. It serves as the main venue for many different types of local and international theatre including classical concerts, musical theatre, operetta, drama performances, and opera.

25. Gaze at the Menara KL Tower

Standing at an incredible height of about 422 metres, Menara KL Tower is considered the tallest telecommunications tower in Southern Asia and the fifth tallest in the world. The tower is used by numerous Malaysian organisations for radio and television broadcasting purposes.

26. Visit the Mines Wonderland

The Mines Wonderland is a superb theme park found in Sungai Besi. It offers light shows, an ice rink, a mini zoo, trams, boat rides, and water sports, and interesting snow activities. Nearby, there are a shopping complex and luxurious restaurants.

27. Visit the National Library

The National Library serves as a very useful resource centre for researchers, students, and other avid readers. It contains a wide collection of manuscripts, books, and journals. It also has a number of web browsing stations and a photographic studio.

28. Visit the National Planetarium

The National Planetarium is a special blue-domed structure mainly used for things related to astronomy and science. It has a theatre where you can watch a variety of space documentaries and other scientific films. Standing at the observatory, you can look at the sky and distant planets through a powerful telescope.

29. Visit the Sepang International Circuit

The Sepang International Circuit is located near the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. It is rated as the best and most intricate motor sport race track in Malaysia. It currently serves as the venue for A1 Grand Prix, Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix, and the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

30. Shop at the Berjaya Times Square

The Berjaya Times Square is a large 48-storey twin tower structure housing a condominium, business offices, a luxurious hotel, a theme park, and a shopping complex. While in the building, you can have a good shopping, dining, or entertainment experience.