Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and one of Southeast Asia’s largest cities. It has around one million people, but it houses more than four million due to its large area.
The city was founded in 1857 as a tin mining center, but its history goes back much further, with evidence of a Buddhist settlement existing there around 2,000 BC. Today, Malaysia’s largest city and an important business center for the region. Kuala Lumpur travel is widespread, and the town has visitors from all over Asia and the world.
There are many exciting attractions, activities, and historical sites to enjoy. Kuala Lumpur hotels are comfortable with warm and friendly staff who ensure a pleasant stay.
Here is a quick Kuala Lumpur travel guide and some Kuala Lumpur travel tips to make the most of your visit to KL.
Merdeka Square and the National Monument
Merdeka Square is the primary meeting point for Malaysians and is heavily symbolic of their independence. National parades are held here on Malaysia’s Independence Day (August 31st). The National Monument in the center of the square is dedicated to those who fought and died for independence.
Lake Garden and the Lake Gardens Park
Off Jalan Pantai Bahru, the Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana) park is a green oasis in the middle of the city center. It offers fantastic views over the lake and across KL, museums, several lakes and ponds, and a small zoo. In Kuala Lumpur, visiting places like these is very popular.
Batu Caves
Located just north of KL Sentral station, Batu Caves is a very popular Hindu temple that contains over 300 steps leading up the hillside to the monument. Atop it all is a grand statue of Lord Murugan. You can hire a guide or follow the crowds up on your own to go there.
Petronas Towers
The Petronas Towers are probably Kuala Lumpur’s most famous attraction and primary tourist icon. They are also one of the world’s tallest buildings at 452 meters high (1483 feet). They are home to a museum and observation decks that offer fantastic views over the city.
Night Market
The Chow Kit night market is an open-air night market located in Kuala Lumpur’s “Chinatown” district. It contains food stalls, clothing stalls, used record stalls, CD shops, and anything else. It is a lively and very atmospheric market that’s fun to visit any time of the day.
Tips to Plan Your Trip
1. Advance Hotel Bookings
The best way to find Kuala Lumpur hotels is by booking one in advance. The more upmarket and expensive hotels will be able to offer discounts and deals on their website, but if you’re looking for somewhere nicer than hostels, it’s better to book early.
2. Tourist Passes
A great tip that works exceptionally well in KL is to buy a tourist pass. You can choose from either an unlimited one-day pass or multiple-day ones that allow you to see all the main attractions and save money in the process.
3. Avoid Rush Hour Traffic
Traffic in KL is terrible at almost any time of the day, but it gets awful between 7-8 AM and 5-6 PM. If you can avoid traveling in the rush hour, do so to save yourself the headache.
4. Transportation
The best way to move in the city is by using buses and trains. Taxis can be expensive and will not offer you a reasonable price for single journeys, but they are great if you are traveling as a group.
Use a Kuala Lumpur tourist guide to mix and match your activities, or take tours of the main attractions with the help of your hotel. Kuala Lumpur is a marvelous and fascinating city to visit. It is also not as challenging to plan a trip around as you might think.
