Kuala Lumpur is a modern city in Malaysia full of huge shopping centers, eateries and tall buildings.
Malaysia became independent in 1957 after being previously ruled by the Japanese, British, India, Dutch and Portuguese. This impacted current day culture and food; today you will find buildings, cuisine and temples showing their influence in Kuala Lumpur and other cities in Malaysia.
Want to visit the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur...here is a 4-day Kuala Lumpur itinerary including some must-see landmarks:
Day 1 - City Center Tour with Petronas Twin Towers & KL Tower
Start your Kuala Lumpur itinerary off taking a 4-hour half day or 8-hour full day tour of the city. There are many options available on Trip Advisor where you can go with a group or private tour including some of Kuala Lumpur's landmarks such as:
The Istana Negara - National Palace and official residence of Malaysia's monarch
The Malaysian Houses of Parliament - Houses Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) and the Dewan Negara (Senate)
The Tugu Negara - Malaysia's national monument honoring those who fought for Malaysia's independence
The Perdana Botanical Garden - Formerly known as Taman Tasik Perdana or Lake Gardens located at Heritage Park
Dataran Merdeka - Also called Independence Square where the Malaysian flag was hoisted for the first time at 12AM local time on 31 August 1957
Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad - The Sultan Abdul Samad Building that originally housed British colonial administration and was renamed by a former reining sultan
The River of Life - One of the most well-known locations in Kuala Lumpur merging the Klang River and the Gombak River
Malayan Railway Administration Building - Was the railway hub for the Federated Malay States Railways incorporating Western and Eastern designs into its famous architecture
Muzium Negara - The National Museum of Malaysia located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur depicting Malaysia's history since prehistoric times
Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) Park - A calm escape from city life designed by Brazilian architect Roberto Burle Marx
Menara Berkembar Petronas - Famously known as the Petronas Twin Towers or KLCC Twin Towers stretching 88 stories high are the tallest twin towers in the world
Harriston Chocolate - Started in 2005 designed to unique itself from western tastes infusing Malaysian flavours with more than 150 chocolate variants
Kuala Lumpur (KL) Tower - A prominent building in Kuala Lumpur standing 421 meters tall reflecting Malaysia's Islamic heritage
Good to Know: Some tours provide round trip transportation to and from your hotel. Generally, it's good to stay at the city center as most tours provide pick up from your hotel lobby.
Another Good to Know: Stay out at night and witness the beauty that is the KL Symphony Fountain Show, a daily performance with 2 musical fountains with over 150 animations making for a spectacular light, sound and water show.
Day 2 - Batu Caves & Temple Tour
On day two of your Kuala Lumpur itinerary, get to know more of Malaysia's culture by visiting the world-famous Batu Caves. Honoring Lord Marugan or Kartikeya, the Hindu god of war and son of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati, to enter the cave you go up 272 colorful steps. Upon arrival, you are greeted with resident monkeys and Hindu Shrines.
Another well-known temple in Kuala Lumpur is Thean Hou Temple, honoring Chinese sea goddess Mazu. Opening to the public in 1989, this temple has 6 tiers designed in red, yellow, blue and green colors and is one of the biggest temples in the southeastern region of Asia. It was built by Hainanese community, who are descendants of Chinese island Hainan who relocated for a better life in Malaysia.
Masjid Negara Malaysia, also called the National Mosque of Malaysia, has a capacity for 15,000 people surrounded by 13 acres of gardens. The building design incorporates Islamic art inspired by the Grand Mosque in Mecca with 48 small domes and a main dome designed in the shape of a "closed blue umbrella." The roof symbolizes the 5 pillars of Islam and Malaysia's 13 states. The mosque is one of the largest in Asia and is in close proximity to the Kuala Lumpur Railroad Station.
Day 3 - Food Tour & Night Boat Ride to Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park
Malaysia is well known for its appetizing cuisine. There are many food tours including street food, food courts and eateries to add to your Kuala Lumpur itinerary. Here are some highly recommended eateries to visit:
Rooftop 25 Bar and Lounge Kl - Asian and Malaysian food restaurant on level 25 of Hilton Garden Inn KL South with amazing views of the city
Malai Thai Cuisine - A Michelin restaurant serving Thai and vegetarian food with notable cuisine options including tom yum soup and gaeng keaw waan
Sky51 - Skytop open-air bar provides DJ entertainment with international, contemporary and European influences
Jalan Alor - A well-known food street food with many stalls, restaurants and hawker stands offering a variety of Chinese food
103 Coffee - Japanese fusion cafe in neighborhood Sri Petaling
Good to Know: Familiarizing yourself with dining etiquette is a great way to not stand out as a tourist. Some tips include using your right hand when eating (some eateries don't have utensils), leave leftovers on your plate and no tipping is necessary as service charge is normally added to your bill.
After satisfying your taste buds, go on an evening tour on the Selangor River to the Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park. The park has one of the largest firefly colonies in the world and is best viewed after 8PM local time to enjoy a beautiful light show.
Day 4 - Genting Highlands Day Trip with Skyway Cable Car Ride
On the last day of your Kuala Lumpur itinerary, leave the busyness of the city and visit Genting Highlands, a resort town located at the peak of Mount Ulu Kali. There are many tour packages that will provide round trip transportation to and from your KLCC hotel. To get to Genting Highlands, ride the Skyway Cable Car, which is one of the fastest and longest gondola lifts in the Southeast region of Asia. The views are spectacular and offer great photo shots. Upon arrival to Genting Highlands, you'll find lots to do. Enjoy the fresh, crisp, clean air and visit:
Chin Swee Cave Temple - Opening in 1994, this Chinese temple was donated by Genting Highlands founder Lim Goh Tong with a statute of Master Qingshui, a Buddhist monk
Sky Avenue - Shopping mall with over 100 brands and plenty to shop, eat and play including jewelry, shoes and gadgets
First World Plaza - 3-star hotel, shopping and entertainment complex
Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm - Farm with strawberries, lavender and other flowers where you can pick your own strawberries
Genting Highlands Premium Outlets - Shopping mall open Monday through Sunday 10AM-10PM with over 150 designer brands
Sky Casino - One of Asia's largest casinos that's 2 stories huge with over 2100 slot machines and 80 table games
Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park - Family fun amusement park spanning 400,000 sq ft
Comments