Kuala Lumpur is a central hub in Asia and a great spot to stop off for a few days on your travels. I recently popped in for a long weekend with my other half to visit his Malaysian relatives. His family gave us tonnes of travel tips and tricks for this busy city!
Go Shopping
There is a huge shopping culture in Malaysia. I have never seen so many gigantic malls in such a concentrated space in my life! The largest and most central is The Pavilion in Bukit Bintang which features high end shops like Cartier and Gucci as well as more affordable options like Forever 21 and The Body Shop. Tech nerds will love Low Yat Plaza which is unlike anything I have ever seen before! It has seven stories featuring over 500 retailers selling the latest in tech. If you’re looking for a bargain or even a fake handbag, be sure to head to the Petaling street night market in Chinatown. Here you can delve into the bustling stalls and haggle with the locals.
Explore
Kuala Lumpur has a whole host of cultural attractions which you can visit. One of the most popular is the Batu Caves; a series of huge natural caves and cave temples just outside the city. It is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India and features beautiful sculptures and statues. Beware it gets busy (and smelly!), so get there early in the day to avoid crowds. I also recommend heading to the Muzium Negara, the national museum, to get a great taste of the history and culture of Malaysia. While you are there you can also pop into the nearby Lake Gardens. Finally I also recommend visiting the popular Petronas Twin Towers in the city centre which have a visitor bridge providing a stunning view over the cityscape.
Eat Well
As Kuala Lumpur is a capital city it has restaurants galore and can literally cater to anyone. Where it really shines though is the night markets. The most popular is Taman Connaught Night Market which boasts hundreds of stalls selling fresh and delicious food. Make sure you taste the local speciality that is Roti Canai. If you’re feeling brave you can even try the local durian fruit which smells disgusting but apparently tastes incredible. The most popular and best quality is said to be Mao Shan Wang durian. For a guide to choosing the best durian fruit click here. Finally, in the evening you need to head to Sky Bar for a few drinks overlooking the twin towers.
Stay Central
If you’re only in KL for a short period of time, it is easiest to stay in a central hotel, ideally in the area of Bukit Bintang itself. I personally stayed in the Ritz-Carlton which was an absolute dream. It somehow manages to be quiet and luxurious amidst the busiest area of the city. The service is impeccable, the suites are beautiful, the food is delicious. If staying the night is out of your price range, then try popping in for the ever famous Ritz afternoon tea. You can read more about my stay here.
Have you ever been to Kuala Lumpur? Do you have any recommendations? Leave a comment below!
Zanna xx
