I’ve actually visited Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, several times—both for traveling and exploring its fascinating attractions and as a transit point for flights to other countries. Yet, I haven’t written a single blog post about Kuala Lumpur until now. Last year, mid-year, I set foot in Kuala Lumpur again after nearly concluding my journey across 25 countries.
I allocated three days in Kuala Lumpur after flying in from Turkey and before returning to Indonesia. For Indonesian passport holders, there’s no need for a visa for up to 30 days of tourism in Malaysia. So, all I needed was my passport and, of course, some Malaysian Ringgit.
Flying in from Istanbul, my plane landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Some flights land at Kuala Lumpur International 2 (KLIA2), which is primarily for low-cost carriers and regional Asian flights. It’s worth noting that KLIA and KLIA2 are essentially one airport with separate terminals, located approximately 2.5 kilometers apart.
As usual, the immigration queues at KLIA were relatively long. There’s a special lane for ASEAN passport holders, where I queued and didn’t have to wait too long for my turn. The immigration officer flipped through my passport pages and only asked how many days I planned to stay in Malaysia.
When I replied, “Just three days,” the officer stamped my passport. Perhaps the abundance of stamps from other countries in my passport prompted fewer questions from the officer. Staying calm and offering a polite smile also helped. In the past, I’ve occasionally encountered more probing questions, as I was mistaken for a migrant worker heading to Malaysia for work.
For me, three days in Kuala Lumpur was more than enough, as I’ve visited the city multiple times before. I first went to Kuala Lumpur in 2007 during the Visit Malaysia Year, when I not only explored the city but also visited Putrajaya, Malaysia’s new administrative capital.
This time, during my three-day visit, I focused on revisiting popular attractions and landmarks. In this post, I’ll share some insights into a few of the many attractions in and around Kuala Lumpur that I’ve personally experienced.
Petronas Twin Towers
Who hasn’t heard of the Petronas Twin Towers? These iconic skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur might be a dream destination for many of you. According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, the Petronas Twin Towers were officially the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004, until Taipei 101 surpassed them.
However, the Petronas Towers remain the tallest twin towers in the world to this day. These buildings are a symbol of Kuala Lumpur, alongside the nearby Kuala Lumpur Tower, both of which are still the tallest structures in the city. Taking photos in front of the towers is already a delightful experience, but going up the towers adds another level of excitement.
Kuala Lumpur Tower
The Kuala Lumpur Tower is a communication tower in the city. Completed on March 1, 1995, it features an antenna that increases its height to 421 meters, making it the seventh-tallest freestanding tower in the world.
The main structure and roof pod are 335 meters tall. The base of the tower houses staircases and elevators leading to the upper levels, including a revolving restaurant that offers visitors panoramic views of the city. Telescopes are also available for a closer look at the scenery.
Every year, a race is held where participants compete to climb the stairs to the top. The tower also functions as an Islamic observatory for sighting the crescent moon that marks the beginning of Ramadan, Syawal, and Zulhijjah. It remains the highest public viewpoint in Kuala Lumpur.
Merdeka Square
Merdeka Square, or Independence Square, is a historic field located in central Kuala Lumpur, directly in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Formerly known as Selangor Club Padang or simply “Padang,” it was originally a cricket ground for the Selangor Club.
This is where the Union Jack was lowered, and Malaysia’s flag was raised for the first time at midnight on August 31, 1957. Since then, Merdeka Square has been the site of the annual Independence Day Parade. It’s also a gathering place for Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia.
These highlights are just a glimpse of the fascinating attractions Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Whether it’s your first time visiting or a return trip, this vibrant city always has something memorable to experience.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building
The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is a late 19th-century structure located along Jalan Raja, opposite Merdeka Square and the Royal Selangor Club. Originally serving as the British colonial administrative office, it was simply known as the Government Offices in its early years. In 1974, it was renamed after Sultan Abdul Samad, the ruling Sultan of Selangor when construction began.
Jamek Mosque, Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is home to many beautiful and modern mosques, but the Jamek Mosque holds a special charm for visitors. Officially named Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque, it is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur. Designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, the mosque was built in 1909.
Located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers, it is accessible via Jalan Tun Perak, just a stone’s throw from the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Alternatively, it can be accessed from Jalan Raja via a bridge behind the Sultan Abdul Samad Building that connects the two areas.
Petaling Street Market and Chinatown
Petaling Street is Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, bustling with restaurants and food stalls offering local favorites such as Hokkien Mee, grilled fish, Assam Laksa, and curry noodles. It’s also a hotspot for shopping, with vendors selling clothes, shoes, and souvenirs. While most vendors are Chinese, you’ll also find Indian, Malay, and Bangladeshi traders.
Haggling is a common sight here, and the area is usually packed with locals and tourists alike. Chinatown is also known for its nightlife, with places like the Reggae Bar drawing crowds until midnight.
Central Market
For souvenirs and a laid-back vibe, Central Market is the place to be. This covered market is relatively small, but the surrounding area is filled with stalls and shops. You’ll find everything from keychains and T-shirts to packaged Milo. The upper floor houses restaurants, while the lower level has several smaller eateries.
Jalan Alor Night Food Court in Bukit Bintang
If you’re looking to indulge in food and shopping, head to Bukit Bintang. Known for Jalan Bukit Bintang, a busy street lined with upscale malls and luxury boutiques, the area also offers a vibrant food scene. Jalan Alor is famous for its bustling street-side eateries serving Malay and Chinese dishes like clam soup and butter prawns.
Shopping options include Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Starhill Gallery, Sungei Wang Plaza, Low Yat Plaza, and Berjaya Times Square. In nearby Petaling Jaya, you’ll find Sunway Pyramid and One Utama Shopping Mall.
Berjaya Times Square Theme Park
Located within the Berjaya Times Square Shopping Mall, this indoor theme park is perfect for thrill-seekers and families alike. Spanning the 5th to 7th floors, it covers an impressive 133,000 square feet. The park features two sections: Galaxy Station for adrenaline junkies and Fantasy Garden for younger visitors.
Aquaria KLCC
Aquaria KLCC is an oceanarium located beneath the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in the city center. Much like Jakarta’s Sea World, it immerses visitors in the wonders of the underwater world. The aquarium features marine life from Asia’s tropical waters to global oceans.
Batu Caves
A short trip from central Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is a popular destination located in Gombak, Selangor. This limestone hill is home to a series of caves and Hindu temples, easily accessible by scheduled trains.
At the entrance stands a golden statue of Lord Murugan, the tallest Hindu deity statue in Malaysia and the third tallest in the world at 42.7 meters. The caves are a focal point for Malaysia’s Thaipusam Hindu festival.
Sunway Lagoon
For a water park experience away from Kuala Lumpur’s hustle, Sunway Lagoon in Bandar Sunway, Selangor, is a great choice. Once a tin mine, this site has been transformed into a sprawling theme park featuring 80 attractions across six zones: Scream Park, Amusement Park, Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon, Extreme Park, Wildlife Park, and Water Park.
In addition to its rides, Sunway Lagoon has a mini zoo showcasing various animals such as snakes, crocodiles, and birds.