Those looking for sales should plan a trip to Kuala Lumpur between June and the end of August when the official Mega Sale Carnival, kick-started by the Ministry of Tourism for Malaysia, takes place in an effort to boost Kuala Lumpur as a leading shopping destination.
The iconic Petronas Twin Tower, the world's tallest twin building, is Kuala Lumpur's most striking landmark, and a good place to start your sightseeing, as some of the most incredible views of the city can be enjoyed during a tour of the skyscraper. The breathtaking National Mosque (Masjid Negara Mosque), Friday Mosque (Masjid Jamek), and even the intricately ornate, Moorish-style Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, create an old-world charm. There are also some interesting old buildings surrounding Merdeka Square, the spot where Malaysian independence was declared in 1957. History buffs will love the National Museum where they can learn about Malaysia's culture and heritage, and enjoy a traditional shadow play.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Taman Negara, which contains some of the oldest rainforest in the world and spans thousands of square miles of protected land where visitors can enjoy trekking, fishing, river rafting, bird watching or even climbing the peninsula's highest mountain, Gunung Tahan
Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka)
The climate of Kuala Lumpur is typically tropical, which means simply that it is hot and humid all year round, with very little variation in temperature and no distinct seasons. The mercury hovers in the region of 86°F (30°C) all year, but can reach around 95°F (35°C). Rainfall in the city is heavy and storms occur year-round, usually in the late afternoon. The showers often come as a relief to visitors who are unaccustomed to the heat, and don't generally disrupt itineraries very much - just be sure to carry a lightweight rain jacket at all times. Another balm for the heat is the amount of air conditioned buildings that visitors are likely to spend time in; Kuala Lumpur is a modern city well equipped to handle its tropical climate. June, July and August receive slightly less rainfall on average and for this reason many recommend them as the best months to travel to the city.
Chinatown
The crowded and colourful Chinatown area is a jumble of shops, food, smells and people. The central section of Petaling Street is closed at night to traffic and the street is transformed into an exciting, brightly lit experience. Vendors spread their wares onto the pavement and one can stroll along endlessly taking it all in. Merchandise ranges from jewellery to toys and t-shirts - with lots of fake brands on sale - and bargaining for the best prices is accepted practice and part of the fun. There are many stalls in the market during the day but Chinatown is a more special experience at night, with the bright lights promising good photographs. However, no matter what time of day you visit, be sure to stay vigilant with your possessions as pick pockets are a problem in the area and the crowds, noise and multitude of distractions make it easy for them to operate. Chinatown's popularity is gradually causing a rise in both prices and petty crime, which is unfortunate, but there is great fun to be had, the food is always yummy, and there are certainly still bargains to seek out. Apart from all the exciting shopping and food, there are some great Chinese temples in the area, for those who want to experience a touch of the culture. Kids generally love the bright and busy area.
Petronas Towers
The Petronas Towers are designed to impress and encapsulate Malaysia's emergence as Southeast Asia's commercial and cultural centre. Celebrated as among the tallest towers in the world and the tallest twin towers, the building stands at a height of 1,483ft (452m) and the two towers are joined by a skybridge extending 192ft (58m) across. Traditional geometric principles of Islamic architecture have been followed using modern technology, with an inspiring result. The Petronas Towers are used as office complexes that form part of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre Development Park. The towers dominate the city skyline and are particularly beautiful at night when they are lit up like a beacon. Many people will recognise the building from the popular film Entrapment, and other movies and programmes.There are limited tickets per day so it is a good idea to get there early or book in advance online. On the tour you will cross the famous bridge and go up to a viewing platform on the 82nd floor. The views of the city are phenomenal. There is an exhibition detailing the development of the towers and a gift shop selling souvenirs like books, postcards, clothes and miniatures.Travellers should note that there have been scams involving fake Petronas Towers tickets - tickets should only be booked at the ticket office or through the official website listed below
Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
British architect AB Hubbock was inspired by North Indian Islamic design when he conceived this magnificent railway station, which could easily be mistaken for a sultan's palace. Spires, minarets, towers and arches explode against the backdrop of skyscrapers emphasising the glory of Moorish elegance. The building is lovely and has been very well maintained, and it is a refreshing sight in a city which actually has very little colonial architecture, and few historic old buildings. It serves not only as an aesthetic vision but is in use as an important commuter station; inside it is fairly unremarkable and looks much like other stations. Opposite the station there is an administrative building which is also architecturally interesting. Inside the station there is a small railway museum on the evolution
Friday Mosque (Masjid Jamek)
Masjid Jamek, the Friday Mosque, is located where the Gombak River flows into the Klang River; with palm trees and curved steps leading to the water's edge, the mosque is a haven of peace and tranquillity set among the buzz and rush of modern Kuala Lumpur. The mosque is situated on the spot purported to be where the founders of Kuala Lumpur fist set foot. The design was inspired by Mogul mosques in northern India. Cupolas and minarets top the brick walls and arched colonnades. As with all mosques, a visit calls for conservative dress and the removal of shoes; the mosque staff at the entrance supply women and men with appropriate attire for a mosque visit if they have not come prepared.If you only visit one mosque in Kuala Lumpur the Friday Mosque is probably the best option, but the National Mosque is also worth investigating. A modern contrast to the Friday Mosque, the National Mosque was completed in 1965 and remains one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia - the vast main prayer hall can accommodate up to 10,000 people. Many of the city's Malay office workers congregate here for the Friday afternoon prayers. The impressive 18-point star-shaped dome represents the 13 states of Malaysia and five central Pillars of Islam. Entry is only permitted once prayers have been concluded. Robes can be borrowed from the desk at the mosque entrance.
Perdana Botanical Gardens
These beautiful gardens, established in 1888, form the green belt of Kuala Lumpur, and the lakeside loveliness with a backdrop of skyscrapers is reminiscent of New York's Central Park. The lush vegetation surrounds a vast lake, with a number of romantic bridges and plenty of space to relax, read a book, go for a walk or jog, or socialise. Visitors can take a leisurely boat cruise to enjoy views of the gardens from the water. There are numerous attractions within the gardens, which incorporate the National Monument, Butterfly House, Bird Park, Orchid and Hibiscus gardens, and Malaysia's Parliament House situated at the northern end. There are wonderful playgrounds for little ones and if you are travelling in Malaysia with children a jaunt to the gardens is the perfect way to let them blow off some steam. The water and shade make the Perdana Botanical Gardens (formerly known as the Lake Gardens) a cool refuge from the humidity and crowds of the city, and for those interested in the indigenous plant life there is plenty to see. There are numerous restaurants fringing the gardens but the best option is to pack a picnic and spend a few hours in some green nook.
National Museum (Muzium Negara)
Many of Malaysia's historical artefacts and cultural treasures are housed in the National Museum, which is an appropriately designed building, reflecting the Minangkabau architectural style of the region. Ethnographic and archaeological exhibits include life-size dioramas depicting various aspects of traditional Malaysian life. Shadow play (Wayang kilt) displays reflect the ancient artistry of the nation, while exhibits of traditional weapons such as daggers (kris) and machetes (parangs) reveal the Malaysian pride in functional aesthetic forms. The museum covers a lot of time and subject matter and can seem discordant as a result of the many topics and occasional lack of linkage between periods and themes; as a result, it is a good idea to join one of the free guided tours that do the rounds daily at 10am (in several different languages) so that you can ask questions and get a bit more information. Apart from the extensive permanent collection there are always temporary exhibits. There is a cafeteria and museum shop, and the premises are equipped for disabled visitors. Photography is permitted in the museum but only for private use and only with hand-held equipment. The air conditioning is a big plus on hot Malaysian days!
Batu Caves
Stalagmites and stalactites festoon the interior of these impressive limestone caves, together with the Hindu shrines that honour their deities. The caves were discovered by the American explorer William Hornaby in 1881 and are very interesting in themselves, but have since become a Hindu holy site, particularly associated with the celebration of Thaipusam, a three day religious festival during January/February. Thousands of devotees flock to the caves during the festival to pay penance and undergo rites of self-flagellation that are fascinating, if a bit disturbing, to observe. The largest of the caves, Temple Cave, is reached by climbing 272 steps to its entrance from which a path leads to Museum Cave, housing a dazzling display of ornamental religious art. There is a clear view from the top to the Subramaniam Swamy Temple, set within a large cave that extends for 262 feet (80m). Onsite companies offer rock-climbing opportunities as well. It is a good idea to take some water as the climb up is tiring. Those with physical difficulties may struggle. Beware of the monkeys: they are cute and fun to photograph but they also steal things that take their fancy, so hang on to your belongings and keep an eye out.
Taman Negara National Park
Taman Negara contains some of the oldest rainforest in the world and spans thousands of square miles of protected land. Its richly diverse fauna and flora have evolved over a staggering 130 million years. The best way to explore the diversity of plant and animal life is by 'trekking' along the jungle trails. Although seldom seen, a small population of nomadic Orang Asli people still live in the rainforest, their makeshift shelters appearing in clearings among the jungle growth. Guided tours to tribal villages are available from several operators. Besides trekking, the park's other attractions are fishing, river rafting or bird watching and climbers can explore the Peninsula's highest mountain, Gunung Tahan, at 7,175 feet (2,187m). The best time to visit Taman Negara is between March and September. There are numerous canopy and trekking tours offered but it is ideal to avoid the tours and do your own thing to really experience this jungle world. It is easy to self-guide in Taman Negara. Hiking the main path across the park takes about three days and there are wooden refuges to camp in at night to keep you safe. The jungle sounds at night are incredibly special, if a bit unnerving for the uninitiated. There are several luxury lodges within the reserve, but budget accommodation can be found on the outskirts.
Melaka (Historic City)
The fascinating seaside city of Melaka (Malacca) preserves the historic convergence of Chinese and European cultures. Its strategic position on the Straits of Melaka brought a tide of trade with China, India, Siam and Indonesia. Colonial powers wrestled for control, and much of the Portuguese influence from the 1500s is cemented in its architecture. The most notable cultural presence today is predominantly Chinese. Chinese merchants continue to play their trades in the tradition of their forefathers. Open-air markets burst with colourful fruit, vegetable and fish produce. The oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia, Cheng Hoon Teng, together with the vast Chinese cemetery, support a thriving industry entirely dedicated to the deceased.The merging of Chinese and Malay cultures has produced a unique ethnic group found in Melaka, the Baba-Nyonya. The remarkable lifestyle of this micro-culture can be explored in the dedicated Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum. Jonker Street is an attractive thoroughfare, almost always strung with traditional Chinese lanterns, which often hosts night bazaars and festivities on weekends. Trips on the Malazza River are popular, and there are many historic buildings to explore, including the Stadthuys, which was once the seat of the Dutch administration and now houses a history museum. There are also some interesting ruins on St. Paul's Hill.
Kuala Lumpur International Tower Jump
The Menara Kuala Lumpur (better known as the KL Tower) is among the tallest telecommunications towers in the world, standing at 1,381 feet (421m). The tower has become a magnet for extreme sports enthusiasts, particularly BASE (Building, Antenna, Span and Earth) jumpers. Every year an increasing number of daredevils make repeated jumps from the tower and allow three-second free falls before opening their chutes, leaving spectators breathless. There are also night jumps. Only experienced BASE jumpers, who have done at least 120 jumps previously and have been active participants in the sport for more than two years, will be considered as contestants. A maximum of a hundred jumpers are selected annually. Other events on the day include a light aircraft fly by, helicopter roping, radio controlled aircraft displays and gliding exhibitions. There is also BASE jumping done at the Gua Damai Cliff in the Gua Damai Extreme Park (a 20-minute drive from the KL Tower). For more information and some video clips of the event check out the official website listed below.
Kuala Lumpur International Tower Jump
The Menara Kuala Lumpur (better known as the KL Tower) is among the tallest telecommunications towers in the world, standing at 1,381 feet (421m). The tower has become a magnet for extreme sports enthusiasts, particularly BASE (Building, Antenna, Span and Earth) jumpers. Every year an increasing number of daredevils make repeated jumps from the tower and allow three-second free falls before opening their chutes, leaving spectators breathless. There are also night jumps. Only experienced BASE jumpers, who have done at least 120 jumps previously and have been active participants in the sport for more than two years, will be considered as contestants. A maximum of a hundred jumpers are selected annually. Other events on the day include a light aircraft fly by, helicopter roping, radio controlled aircraft displays and gliding exhibitions. There is also BASE jumping done at the Gua Damai Cliff in the Gua Damai Extreme Park (a 20-minute drive from the KL Tower). For more information and some video clips of the event check out the official website listed below.
Kids Attractions Overview
Region/City:Kuala Lumpur
One might not think that Kuala Lumpur would be a children's playground, but on closer inspection visitors travelling with their families will find plenty of fun opportunities to explore this fascinating and cosmopolitan city with their children. With a plethora of attractions, shopping malls, playgrounds and adventurous activities, figuring out where to begin will be the hardest part!The Petronas Towers are Kuala Lumpur's most famous attraction and a tour of the skyscraper is a must for children in the city; the dizzying heights and breathtaking views over the city from the skybridge are thrilling to kids of all ages. A visit to the Perdana Botanical Gardens is also a great choice for the whole family; here there are plenty of wide open spaces for children to run around and play in, and there are lovely spots for picnics. The gardens also house attractions like the Butterfly House and Bird Park, which will captivate young and enquiring minds.Other child-friendly activities include popping in to Chinatown to look at the toys, or taking a walk through the Taman Negara National Park and marvelling at the flora and fauna and indigenous bird life. If the weather is simply too hot to handle, children will enjoy any one of Kuala Lumpur's many water parks, such as the Sunway Lagoon or the Desa Water Park. When the sun goes down, treat the kids to the unique and unforgettable Fireflies tour, which takes visitors down the Selangor River by boat to watch fireflies lighting up the mangrove trees
Climate
The climate of Kuala Lumpur is typically tropical, which means simply that it is hot and humid all year round, with very little variation in temperature and no distinct seasons. The mercury hovers in the region of 86°F (30°C) all year, but can reach around 95°F (35°C). Rainfall in the city is heavy and storms occur year-round, usually in the late afternoon. The showers often come as a relief to visitors who are unaccustomed to the heat, and don't generally disrupt itineraries very much - just be sure to carry a lightweight rain jacket at all times. Another balm for the heat is the amount of air conditioned buildings that visitors are likely to spend time in; Kuala Lumpur is a modern city well equipped to handle its tropical climate. June, July and August receive slightly less rainfall on average and for this reason many recommend them as the best months to travel to the city.
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