Kuala Lumpur

Travel Guide
Menara Telekom featuring interior views, a city and views
Malaysia’s bustling, multicultural capital is home to some of the country’s most impressive buildings, key historical and cultural sites, and world-class shopping.

Kuala Lumpur is a sprawling metropolis, home to over 5 million people. It was the heart of colonial Malaysia under British rule and has been the administrative and economic center since the country became independent in 1957. Home to a diverse and cosmopolitan population, this is where you’ll find some of Malaysia’s most important cultural, historical and religious sites. Visit Merdeka Square to see where Malaysia’s independence was declared. You’ll find the city gallery, museums and stunning old colonial buildings. Wander across the river to the Jamek Mosque (Masjid Jamek). This Moorish-style structure was built in the early 20th century and was the city’s main religious site until the modernist National Mosque was completed in 1965.Near to the National Mosque is the Lake Gardens, a great place to relax. You’ll find manicured lawns and a selection of trees, flowers and wildlife. Admire majestic peacocks and feed parrots in the adjacent Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. Another option is a trip to the National Zoo to see native elephants and tigers. There are also animals from as far away as South America and Australia. For a staggering panorama of the city, head up Kuala Lumpur Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur). You’ll be able to spot all the major landmarks and get a great view of the PETRONAS Twin Towers. These skyscrapers that define the downtown skyline are among the world’s tallest buildings. A ticket buys you a stunning view from the 86th floor observation deck. You can also enjoy the Lake Symphony water and light show in KLCC Park at the Twin Towers’ base. Take a trip out to the Batu Caves and explore a site sacred to the city’s Hindu community. There are temples and statues inside a cave complex that rises nearly 330 feet (100 meters) above ground. Make your way back to town to pick up bargain watches and handbags, and enjoy a bowl of noodles on Petaling Street. Kuala Lumpur’s multicultural population and fascinating history give the city a distinct flare and colorful atmosphere. From mosques and temples to jaw-dropping skyscrapers and Chinese markets, its attractions are as intriguing as they are diverse.

Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Video

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur
5 out of 5
Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
The price is $81 per night from Oct 17 to Oct 18
$81
per night
Oct 17 - Oct 18
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (276 reviews)
"The rooms didn't provide any storage drawers. The rooms were serviced at random times duing the day and sometimes used hand towels were not replaced and toilet paper replenished."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur
Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur
Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur
5 out of 5
11 Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
The price is $94 per night from Oct 16 to Oct 17
$94
per night
Oct 16 - Oct 17
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Petronas Twin Towers and Suria KLCC ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
Very polished & friendly staff
"Very polished & friendly staff. Good location."

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2023

Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur
JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur
JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur
5 out of 5
183 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur
The price is $100 per night from Oct 6 to Oct 7
$100
per night
Oct 6 - Oct 7
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Petronas Twin Towers and Pavilion ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Great location and friendly, helpful staff Breakfast fairly average, both in terms of available food and staff organisation"

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2023

JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Kuala Lumpur City Centre
4 out of 5
No 1, Lorong Ceylon, Bukit Ceylon, Kuala Lumpur
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy free WiFi, a nightclub, and breakfast. Popular attractions Petronas Twin Towers and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (184 reviews)
"This hotel is nicer and a better value than other nearby hotels I have stayed in, still in the bar district but in the opposite direction of most foot traffic."

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2023

Ramada Suites by Wyndham Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Ascott Kuala Lumpur
Ascott Kuala Lumpur
4.5 out of 5
No 9 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Popular attractions Petronas Twin Towers and Suria ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (719 reviews)
"Friendly and helpful staffs, they will great you every tim. This hotel also walkable to KLCC within minutes."

Reviewed on Aug 31, 2023

Ascott Kuala Lumpur
The Face Suites Kuala Lumpur
The Face Suites Kuala Lumpur
5 out of 5
1020, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Petronas Twin Towers and Suria ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,506 reviews)
"The staff was friendly and understanding. Accomdatong and even helped me understand the parking at their hotel"

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2023

The Face Suites Kuala Lumpur
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is notorious for its busy roads, so while taxis and buses are abundant, they are best avoided during peak times. Instead, get around using the city’s extensive urban rail network. This includes a monorail, which offers great views over the city while connecting major stops in the city center, and a light rail line called the LRT. Most trains operate between around 6am and midnight. Visit the Land Public Transport Agency website.Browse Kuala Lumpur rental cars.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Kuala Lumpur is during the dry season, from May to July. During the monsoon season, from October to March, the city is best avoided, as it experiences severe thunderstorms, particularly from October to January and March to April. Kuala Lumpur has a tropical climate, and temperatures are pretty consistent throughout the year, with average highs in the low 90s F (low 30s C).

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Kuala Lumpur

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
380
" "5 - Excellent 46.28501827040195%
4 - Good
345
" "4 - Good 42.02192448233861%
3 - Okay
84
" "3 - Okay 10.23142509135201%
2 - Disappointing
4
" "2 - Disappointing 0.48721071863581%
1 - Terrible
8
" "1 - Terrible 0.97442143727162%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 22, 2020

Malaysians are friendly and helpful people. Majority of the people know how to speak English that made us easy to find our way.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 18, 2020

Looking forward to returning anither time

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 13, 2020

Good

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 13, 2020

We really enjoyed Kuala Lumpur. We found people friendly, the city modern, clean, and generally walkable, with lots of restaurants and shopping areas to choose from. We took several day tours, one to Malacca, which was quite enjoyable.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Feb 28, 2020

Good country and people friendly.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 25, 2020

Amazing city

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