With its range of Indian restaurants, shops and cultural hotspots, Brickfields is an integral part of central Kuala Lumpur’s culture and a great place to visit. The so-called Little India is packed with temples and a maze of buildings of brick and tile. Admire the distinctive style formed by a blend of British-era streets and Indian businesses.
Check out the impressive Buddhist Maha Vihara, which is of Sri Lankan origin. Dating back to the late 19th century, the structure continues to play a key role in the local Buddhist community and is a focus of celebration during the Wesak festival.
Walk north for 10 minutes to reach the Sam Kow Tong Temple, with its traditional curved green roof. Inspect the three-dimensional mosaics of colorful dragons on the façade.
Continue north for another 10 minutes to reach the Sree Veera Hanuman Temple and appreciate its Indian-inspired design. Devoted to the Hindu god Lord Hanuman, it has an exquisite white exterior, adorned by all types of spiritual sculptures. For a change of style, visit the nearby Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Hindu temple, which was constructed in 1902.
Stroll along the area’s streets and narrow lanes, appreciating the Indian décor and stopping at restaurants serving South Asian cuisine. The district’s name comes from its role in the brick industry at the end of the 19th century. Many of the buildings in the area are constructed from brick and tile to protect from floods and fire.
The Brickfields district is on the western side of the city center. Take the train to the city’s main transportation hub of KL Sentral Station or arrive at Bangsar Station, a little farther south. You can also travel by bus to one of the stops in the area. While in this part of the city, make sure to see surrounding regions such as Kampung Attap, Bangsar and Bukit Bintang.
