What to see in Kuala Lumpur

The twin skyscrapers of the Petronas Towers are an icon of Kuala Lumpur. They were built in 1998 and measure 452 metres, when this height made the Petronas Towers the tallest buildings in the world until 2004. Today they occupy the 18th position. A viewing platform on the bridge linking the two towers on the 42nd floor is open to the public, but the best views can be had after dark from KLCC Park on the towers themselves. You can visit the…

A location that you should definitely not miss when visiting Kuala Lumpur is Batu Caves on the very border of the city. Batu Caves, it is actually a cave complex with a long and tedious staircase leading to it. Even before you start climbing the 275 steps, with monkeys trying to steal something to eat as you climb, you will be amazed by the golden statue of the god Murugan. [imageFill 18151] If you keep your knees exposed, you can rent a…

The TV Tower in Kuala Lumpur offers the best panoramic view of the entire city. It is built on a hill in the centre of the city and the height of the top floor alone is 308 metres. The acknowledged height of the building, including the antennas, is 421 metres. It is open every day from 9am to 10pm and admission costs 52 ringgit if you visit only the enclosed section (Observation Deck) and 105 ringgit together with access to the open floor (Sky…

Built as recently as 1989, the Thean Hou Chinese Temple boasts a hilltop location in Robson Heights. Aside from prayers, it is used for weddings and has been very popular with travelers in recent years. It offers impressive views of Kuala Lumpur and is worth a short visit in itself, despite being widely separated from the rest of the tourist attractions. You can only get here by taxi.

The oldest Chinese temple in Kuala Lumpur can be found between Central Market and Chinatown. The colourful little Taoist shrine of Sin Sze Si Ya was opened in 1864 by Captain Yap Ah Loy and is still an integral part of the local Chinese community today. The temple is open daily from 7am to 5pm.

An oasis of calm in the middle of the bustling business centre will be your romantic stop, ideally during each evening, when you will enjoy peaceful moments after the day's activities on the waterfront steps and under the illuminated Petronas Towers. Every half hour, a performance is set to music by the illuminated fountains. However, you don't have to worry about visiting during the day when you can relax on the grass. If you're going on a…

Unofficially known as Independence Square, it has become a place to celebrate national holidays and other more festive events. In its close proximity, you will find the Textile Museum, the I Love KL statue, the City Gallery, St Mary's Cathedral and most importantly the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, which was formerly used for the administration of the British colony and is now home to several Malaysian ministries.

Under the Malay name Masjid Negara is the national mosque, which can accommodate up to 15,000 people. It is located halfway between the main railway station and the Museum of Islamic Art.

Don't confuse Kuala Lumpur Railway Station with KL Sentral, the main transport hub today. The train station is much older, almost devoid of modern interventions and renovations, and so will offer a brief throwback to the past. The Komuter line to Batu Caves also runs through here, so whether before or after visiting Batu Caves, you can add this station to your list.

As boring as the name sounds, it is the largest museum of Islamic art in Southeast Asia and features over 7,000 artifacts. Given its ideal location and walking distance between Masjid Negara and the parks on the west side, you'll at least pass the museum from the outside.

One of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur, Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, is located near the overground station of the same name. To visit, be sure to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

The Central Market building is a haven for many market vendors who sell all sorts of goods in a cultural setting. From clothes to home accessories to electronics. It also includes a large food court, which we definitely consider one of the best places to eat. In front of the building is Kasturi Walk, a shopping street with several shops. Try the local coconut tubes or order a juice made from freshly blended fruit. [imageFill 18140]

The Tugu Negara National Monument commemorates the struggle for freedom during the Japanese occupation during World War II. It is the largest freestanding bronze grouping of statues. It's part of a pleasant park that comes in more than handy on steamy days.

The new royal residence is located in a large park. The building itself is not ideally accessible, so take a taxi.

The oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur was built in 1873. Located just outside Chinatown, it is literally a feather in the cap of modern development.

A typical place to go in the evening when you don't know where to go. The streets of Chinatown come to life as darkness falls and hundreds of vendors hit the streets. Shop for souvenirs, clothes, watches, sunglasses, handbags, as well as fake expensive pens. Don't forget to bargain hard.

The cluster of 5 theme parks is ideally accessible from the main train station via the Museum of Islamic Art. In addition to the parks and nature with cheeky monkeys, the National Museum is also included. Bird Park is an open park where all sorts of feathered creatures will swoop around you, and at you. Children in particular will have an unforgettable experience. The Butterfly Park will be a breathtaking place when you will be lucky enough to…

The National Museum has its doors adjacent to the parks in Kuala Lumpur. If you're not tempted by the exhibition itself, at least check out the outdoor exhibits, which are free to enter.

A neighbourhood where you can go for delicious street food in the evening, but also have fun. Nightclubs, shopping malls, restaurants and street vendors. Bukit Bintang has it all.