When spending only a short time in large cities, the same question always arises: Which sights are actually worth seeing?

I spent five days in this vibrant city and saw quite a bit – but without any ‘sightseeing stress’, because firstly, I don't just want to do research, I want to enjoy myself first and foremost, and secondly, KL is only about 350 km away from the equator as the crow flies. This means extremely high humidity and very strenuous temperatures. If you don't like walking in the blazing heat, it's advisable to do your sightseeing in the morning and evening hours and spend the afternoons relaxing in a pool or in a cool room. I enjoyed that very much. 😉

The top 11 sights in Kuala Lumpur

In the order in which I visited them. We begin with...

Menara KL or KL Tower

The Menara KL television tower (usually referred to as KL Tower) is one of the first stops for visitors to the Malaysian capital. At 421 metres high, it is the tallest television tower in Malaysia and the seventh tallest in the world. It also towers above the famous Petronas Towers and offers a view of the city's landmark from above.

To be honest, I'm not a fan of going up the famous buildings themselves. Because when I stand at the KL Tower, I can't see the KL Tower, which is such an important part of the skyline. It's not exactly cheap either. Online, the Observation Deck currently costs MYR 49 (currently, March 2019, just under 11 euros), and the Sky Deck (outdoors) costs MYR 99 (currently around 21 euros). And that's without food or drink. If you want to dine at a height of 282 metres, you can do so at the Atmosphere 360 restaurant. The restaurant level rotates, offering guests a full panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur.

Observation & Sky Deck opening hours: daily 9:00 – 22:00
Address: 2, Jalan Punchak, Kuala Lumpur

KL Forst Eco Park

The Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park is a 9-hectare piece of ‘real rainforest’ in the middle of the city of Kuala Lumpur. It is, so to speak, the green lung of this city. Here you will find a variety of tropical plants, from trees to ferns to orchids, many of which are labelled in detail. With the help of the free app, you can scan the QR codes on the signs and get more information about all the interesting ‘inhabitants’ of this piece of forest.

The park's special attraction is the Canopy Walk. A spiral staircase tower leads to a circular walkway suspended at tree level – a truly unique experience. Not only does it offer a different perspective on the flora, it also provides a fantastic view of the surrounding skyscrapers. However, you should have a head for heights, as the bridges are not entirely stable!

By the way, admission to the park is free, and it's a really relaxing place to take a break from the concrete jungle.

Opening hours: daily 07:00 – 18:00
Address: Bukit Nanas, Jalan Puncak, Off Jalan P. Ramlee

Petronas Towers

Here we are at the landmark of Kuala Lumpur. The Petronas Towers are a pair of skyscrapers connected by a bridge and named after the oil company Petronas, which built them.

When completed in 1998, the Petronas Towers were the tallest buildings in the world, surpassed only in 2004 by Taipei 101. Nevertheless, with a height of 452 metres (including masts), they are more than impressive and also an architectural highlight.

Of course, you can also visit the observation deck and the famous bridge here (I didn't do that either, see my reasons at KL Tower). Admission costs MYR 80 (currently approx. 18 euros). Tickets sell out quickly, so you should get them first thing in the morning. In the afternoon, you can buy tickets for the following day.

If you love shopping centres, Kuala Lumpur is generally the place to be, and Suria KLCC, located in the Petronas Towers, is of course a must-see. Here you will find every major international brand, from affordable to super-luxury.

By the way, I recommend visiting the Petronas Towers (from the outside) at dusk or at night, when they are illuminated and shine in all their beauty. KLCC Park, located southeast of the towers, offers the best view if you want to experience the towers at dusk.

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (except Fridays, when there is a lunch break from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.), last ascent at 8:30 p.m.
Address: Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC), nicht zu übersehen

Sri Mahamariamman Temple

The Hindu temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur and was founded in 1873. You can find my report about it in this previously published article: Spiritual sites in Kuala Lumpur.

Opening hours: 06:00 until 21:00 daily
Address: 163, Jalan Tun H. S. Lee (on the edge of Chinatown)

Batu Caves

The Batu Caves are a Hindu sanctuary and a huge highlight of Kuala Lumpur, which I would definitely recommend visiting. If only to take a photo on the fantastic colourful staircase. I have also written about the Batu Caves in the article linked above.

Opening hours: From around 6:00 a.m. until sunset
Address: Batu Caves in the small town of Batu, a few kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur

Jamek Mosque

Have you ever been to a mosque before? I hadn't – but now I finally have! I'm a big fan of Arabic architecture, and I wasn't disappointed for a second at Malaysia's National Mosque. If you'd like to see more photos and read about my visit there, you can do so here: Spiritual sites in Kuala Lumpur

Incidentally, Masjid Jamek stands exactly on the site where Kuala Lumpur was founded, which alone makes it worth a visit!

Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Address: Masjid Jamek

Thean Hou Temple

I have also already reported on a fourth fantastic religious attraction in Kuala Lumpur in my article on religious sites: the Taoist-Buddhist Thean Hou Temple. Located on Robson Heights hill in an expensive neighbourhood, it not only offers a great view of Kuala Lumpur, but is also a truly impressive building of Chinese splendour.

Opening hours: daily 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Address: 65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa

Botanical garden or Perdana Lake Gardens KL

Really? you ask me. In a city like that, you visit a botanical garden?

Yes. But rather by chance, I admit. 😉 Because I was actually on my way to KL Butterfly Park (see below), and Lake Gardens Kuala Lumpur in Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park happened to be on my route. Lovers of lush flora will be in their element here. Personally, I only have a superficial interest in plants, but I was very impressed by Orchid Park, which is part of the botanical garden. Not only can you admire colourful orchids in all sizes and shapes here, but there are also shaded benches where you can relax away from the hustle and bustle and, if you're lucky, see a few Javanese monkeys, which are much more shy of humans and cameras here than at the Batu Caves.

Incidentally, admission to the botanical garden is free, so that's one more reason to stop by if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city!

Opening hours: daily 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Address: Jalan Kebun Bunga, Tasik Perdana

Butterfly Park KL

Have you ever been to a butterfly house in Europe? I only know the one in Vienna, and although I like it very much, it lags far behind the Butterfly Park in Kuala Lumpur for one very special reason: it is a relatively small glass house, which is of course unavoidable given our climate. In tropical Kuala Lumpur, on the other hand, this small and beautifully landscaped park is simply covered with a fine mesh net to prevent the butterflies from flying away. This gives visitors a much more ‘real’ feeling.

Covering almost 7,500 square metres, it is home to over 5,000 butterflies, tropical flora, koi carp and turtles. Those who enjoy photography will find a paradise of willing and beautiful photo models here. The park itself offers winding paths through palm trees and tropical ferns, dotted with a stream, small waterfalls and ponds. Once you have seen enough of the butterflies, there is also a museum in the exit area where many other animals are on display, including aquariums and terrariums with living inhabitants.

Admission to Butterfly Park KL costs MYR 24 (currently approx. EUR 5).

By the way, be careful when walking through the park: butterflies like to drink the water that collects in the cracks in the ground, and if you don't look carefully, you can easily step on one.

Opening hours: daily 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Address: Jalan Cenderasari, Taman Botani Perdana

Merdeka Square & Sultan Abdul Samad Building

This will be a brief report, as the renowned Merdeka Square, where the British Union Jack was replaced by the Malaysian flag in 1957 following the declaration of independence, was completely cordoned off during my visit. It was blocked off with large plastic boulders, which even prevented photography. The square is a vast green space where the annual national parade takes place.

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building opposite is impressive. It was once the seat of British colonial rule, but now houses the Ministry of Multimedia and Communications (yes, there is such a thing) and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

 Address: Merdeka Square

Islamic Arts Museum

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not a fan of museums. But I had a practical reason for visiting one in Kuala Lumpur: my flight wasn't leaving until the evening, and I had to check out of my accommodation at midday. So I needed something to do in the afternoon that didn't involve excessive sweating, i.e. nothing outdoors. That's why I headed for the air-conditioned museum.

The Islamic Arts Museum is one of the most famous museums in Kuala Lumpur. I am also a big fan of Arabic architecture and art, whose design language I find beautiful.

Numerous exhibits from all areas of life, architecture, art and religion are displayed across two very spacious floors. There is also a (very uncomfortable, because cold) restaurant on the first floor, as well as a large museum shop.

If you enjoy visiting entertaining and beautiful museums that don't require hours to get a good impression, this is definitely the place for you. By the way, if you want to combine sightseeing, the botanical garden, the Butterfly Park and the Bird Park (which I didn't visit) are just around the corner.

Opening hours: daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Address: Perdana, Jalan Lembah, Tasik Perdana

 

What did you experience in Kuala Lumpur?

What sights and destinations did you visit in Kuala Lumpur that I haven't seen? I would be delighted if you could add to my list in the comments.