Kuala Lumpur holidays

Seeing these skyline icons is the highlight of most vacations to Kuala Lumpur. Head to the Sky Bridge and observation deck for epic city views. Be sure to book ahead in peak season. Exterior photos are hard at close range, but not impossible if you know where to go. Walk down to the waterfalls in KLCC Park for a wide-angle view. Wait until sunset to capture dreamy reflections of the towers in the water.

Escape the urban heat and breathe some fresh air in the city’s green parks. They’re free to enter, which is good news if you’re after a cheap holiday to Kuala Lumpur. Visit the Perdana Botanical Garden for cooling waterside strolls and exotic orchids. Or hit the canopy walkways in KL Forest Eco Park for some monkey spotting. Bring your binoculars and come in the morning to avoid the crowds. 

If you’re looking for an art fix, you’ll find some of the city’s best murals hidden in the lively Bukit Bintang backstreets. The urban art trail starts on Jalan Alor, but to see the colourful rainforest-themed designs you’ll need to poke around the side alleys. Check out the Old Malaya murals if you’re travelling through the Masjid Jamek LRT station.

This central suburb is fast becoming one of the city’s most popular visitor bases. Known for its traditional market stalls, Chow Kit attracts the hipster crowd with its craft beer, cafes and noodle bars. This is the best neighbourhood to stay in Kuala Lumpur for boutique hotels.

Good for: Street food, bars, boutique hotels

Kampung Baru has kept its old-world atmosphere and feels more like a village than a city district. Here, you’ll find Malay stilt houses set against a backdrop of skyscrapers — don’t be surprised to see chickens crossing the road. A great place to stay for a cheap holiday to Kuala Lumpur, this pretty neighbourhood covers all your street food and night market needs.

Good for: Night markets, heritage buildings, village atmosphere

If you want to be among the glitzy high-rises, then the city centre is the best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur. There’s a huge choice of luxury hotels here, many with great skyline views. You’ll have the Petronas Towers, the Suria KLCC shopping mall and the KLCC Park on your doorstep. 

Good for: Luxury hotels, parks, shopping

There are plenty of fun things to do with family in Kuala Lumpur. Head to KLCC Park for paddling in the splash pool, a great way to keep cool in the heat. Return in the evening to see the fountain light show. Young travellers will love meeting sea creatures at Aquaria and parrots at the Bird Park.

Even if you’re not a die-hard shopper, you’ll want to visit Kuala Lumpur’s malls just for the air conditioning. Pavilion KL and Suria KLCC are top choices for shopping in Kuala Lumpur if you’re after fashion, accessories or electronics. The markets in Chinatown and Jalan Alor offer a more traditional experience, so start practising your bartering.

There are several must-see museums in Kuala Lumpur. You can admire ancient artefacts in the Islamic Arts Museum or delve into Malaysian heritage at the National Textiles Museum. Take in a concert at the Istana Budaya cultural centre or, for traditional Malay dramas, visit the colonial-era Panggung Bandaraya DBKL theatre. 

Connect with locals over street food in Chinatown’s Sri Petaling night market. Or head to Changkat in Bukit Bintang for high-energy clubs hosting international DJs. If you want a more chilled evening out, drop by one of the many rooftop bars in Kuala Lumpur and enjoy cocktails in the clouds.

Kuala Lumpur’s food scene is diverse and delicious. Check out Jalan Alor’s hawker stalls and sample Malay, Indian and Chinese delicacies. Want a more local experience? Try the Friday food market near the Jamek Mosque. Book ahead for Cielo and Sabayon at EQ, two of the sleekest restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, with views to match.

One of the most popular free things to do in Kuala Lumpur is to watch the fountain show at the River of Life. For walks along shaded trails, visit Taman Tugu Park in the heart of the city. Discover local artistic talent at free exhibitions in the Ilham Gallery and The Godown arts centre.