What to do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I've been to Kuala Lumpur several times, but only been around the city center I must admit. The farthest place I've been so far is Selangor, where one of the outlets of IKEA Malaysia is at. In this post, I am going to tell you about the things we enjoy doing in Kuala Lumpur and some of the activities we've done in our earlier visits.  

Enjoy the Train

Traveling from the airport to the city center is very convenient. From Kuala Lumpur International Airports 1 and 2 (KLIA1 and KLIA 2), you can just take a train (KLIA Express) to get to KL Sentral, the largest transportation hub in Malaysia. We always buy KLIA Ekspres ticket online. We find it very convenient as we do not have to wait in a queue to secure a ticket. Travel time from the airport to KL Sentral is only 30 minutes. Check the updated fare online. Our recent trip cost us RM49.50 each one way.

From KL Sentral, we take Rapid KL (Kelana Jaya Line) to get to KLCC/Surria Mall since my sister's condo is very close to KLCC. Travel time is just 15 minutes away at RM4.00. 

Tower Hopping

Petronas Towers. You wouldn’t want to miss these iconic twin towers. It was recorded as the tallest towers in the world from 1998-2004. Take unli-selfies and watch the KLCC Lake Symphony Light and Sound Water Fountain at night. Check the schedule in Suria KLCC website. 

Visit the observation deck if you would like to check out the surrounding view of the Petronas Tower. But please note that this is not for free. You may buy entrance ticket at the ticketing kiosk.

KL Tower. The 7th tallest tower in the world. Like Petronas, KL Tower has an observation deck and is charged a fee. It is about 15-20 minutes walking distance from KLCC. Experience a fine dining in the revolving restaurant named Atmosphere 360 located also at the tower. Food is served in a buffet. Do come in dinner to see the spectacular view of Kuala Lumpur in lights.

Visit religious sites

Hindu Temples. Visit the Sri Maharmariaman Temple which is the oldest and richest Hindu temple in Malaysia. The temple is amazingly sculpted with Hindu deities. For girls, bring a skirt or a wrap-around that is knee-length. No sandals are allowed inside.

Schedule: Open daily from 6am until 8.30pm (Friday until 9.30pm, Saturday until 9pm). During special festivals, opening hours sometimes differ.

Chinese Temples. Located near Petaling Jaya, the Divisoria of Malaysia :) We visited a Chinese temple that is just a few walks away from Sri Maharmariaman Temple. You can light up incense and pray at the altar. 

Mosque. Asy' Syakirin Mosque is located within the Petronas area. Don't miss this beautiful grand mosque after your Petronas activity. 

photo grabbed from KLCC Convention Centre website

In case you’re wondering if there’s a Catholic church in Kuala Lumpur city center, yes there is. St. John Cathedral is just a 10-minute taxi ride from KLCC. We were able to attend a mass during Holy Week. 

Shop 'til you drop!

Pavilion. A premir shopping mall in Malaysia. You can check out international brands here e.g. Harrods, Loui Vuitton, Versace, etc. There are also restaurants and bars inside. Strategically located on the strip of Bukit Bintang. Exit the mall and Bukit Bintang is there.

The pavilion is just a few steps away from KLCC.

Bukit Bintang. It is the most exciting street in Kuala Lumpur. It's a place for shopping, beauty, food, leisure, entertainment and more. Makeup junkie? Visit Sephora! Find the store along the street of Bukit Bintang, just right outside Pavilion Mall near Fahrenheit 88. 

Suria KLCC: You can also find top brands here. I love the food court because it has a wide variety of dishes to choose from. Chicken rice is my favorite here (he-he). Visit also Cold Storage Supermarket where you can buy Nasi Lemak in RM1.60 :D One of Suria KLCC's attraction is the Aquaria located on the underground floor.

At night, visit the KLCC park which is just outside Surria mall to catch the dancing fountains.

Petaling Jaya. This is the Divisoria of Malaysia! :D I bought some of my pasalubongs here like keychains with Petronas imprint. Go shopping after your visit Sri Maharmariaman and Chinese temple. They are just a few minutes away from each other. No need to ride a taxi :)

LoYat. Gadget warriors here's for you. The whole building caters all types of gadgets and accessories. This is my husband's favorite shop in Malaysia :D Located also at Bukit Bintang.

Tomei, Sung Hei Wang. Love jewelry? Go to Tomei in Sung Hung Kai mall. I was able to buy affordable necklace and earrings here. They are legit sellers of jewelry. 

IKEA. One of the reasons why I love Malaysia is because of IKEA:) Recently, we visited the outlet close to KLCC/Pavilion/Surria/Bintang. Travel time is just 10 minutes away by car/taxi. We were able to visit also an outlet in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. 

Pig out! 

Jalan Alor. One of the most visited places in Kuala Lumpur whether tourists or locals. The street is filled with exciting (and exotic!) dishes. Truly a gastronomic delight! Love the ambiance at night. Don't forget to try out satay.

Lot 10. Don't like Jalan Alor's ambiance? There's a food court on the ground floor of Lot 10. 

You can actually accomplish all of the above in one day just by walking depending on your endurance.

Don't forget to buy Beryl's chocolate and Old Town Coffee. They are best known for these brands. Try also Mi Sedaap noodles and Alicafe coffee which are family's favorite pasalubongs. You can find all of these items in grocery stores - Cold Storage (Suria Mall), Mercato (Pavilion) and Tesco :)

Try also nasi lemak along KLCC. There are food vendors there that sell the said dish. It's extremely delicious. Serving is also generous. 

Have fun in KL!