What to see and do in Kuala Lumpur – a guide to notable attractions in the city

Kuala Lumpur is a city of oppositions; huge metal structures that adorn the skyline and modern colossal malls selling everything imaginable. On the other hand, Chinese markets are still in full swing along with cultural mosques. The mixture of Chinese, Indian and Malay make up the cosmopolitan city of KL where ancient temples sit comfortably next to towering metal skyscrapers within the city.

Petronas Twin Towers

 

Situated in KLCC are the famous landmarks known as the Petronas Twin Towers. They were officially opened in 1999 and designed by Argentine architect Cesa Pelli. A speedy lift takes you up to the skybridge, connecting the two towers. The best views of this sprawling city from above are from this 88 storey building. At 452 meters, the towers are the tallest twin building in the world. Get there early to get a ticket for the afternoon when it will be quieter.

 

Batu Caves

 

Just outside the city, in the Gombak district are the Batu Caves. Ancient Hindu alters are dotted around the incensed scented three caves. Climb the 272 steep steps up to the entrance of the caves where stalactites hang down. One of the best sights here is the 140 foot golden statue of Hindu deity, Lord Murugan, guarding the entrance. The caves are easily accessible via KL’s monorail system.

 

Bukit Nana’s Rainforest Walk

 

Delve into the wonders of the jungle that originally made up the whole of what we now call KL. From the Menara monorail you can jump off at Bukit Nanas station and walk around the corner to Bukit Nana’s Rainforest Walk. The rainforest walk consists of several trails through the jungle, wooden board walks and suspended wooden bridges throughout the reserve. Look out for macaque’s or monitor lizards.

 

Menara KL Tower

 

Built in 1995, the Menara KL Tower is a communications tower reaching heights of 421 meters. As the 7th tallest communication tower in the world, the 360 degree view observation deck is at 276 meters where the revolving restaurant is also located. At the bottom of the tower, is a small zoo complete with tourist shops and cascading water pools with fountains.

 

Central Market

 

Central Market in the middle of KL is a plethora of fun and bargaining. There are traditional locally made crafts here from clothing to batik. Since its early days in 1888 where it was a wet market, Central Market is now housed inside a two store building. It is a central part of Malaysian heritage and culture and a prominent landmark in colonial and modern day heritage. On weekends, traditional theater and dance performances are held here.

 

Masjid Jamek

 

Visit the Masjid Jamek mosque in KL, conveniently right next to Masjid Jamek LRT station on the Gombak River. As one of the oldest mosques in KL it was designed by British Arthur Benison Hubback and opened in 1909. Women, take a sarong or large scarf to cover your head, but there are robes to hire. Men come here to pray and relax as they sit on the floors of this male only mosque which gets very busy on a Friday afternoon. The white domes and red stone intricate archways and minarets give it a real Moorish style.