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Kuala Lumpur Travel Essentials

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"Feast For all the Senses"

Kuala Lumpur Tourism

Kuala Lumpur, popularly referred to as KL, is the capital city of Malaysia. Officially the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, it is also the largest city of the country, spreading over almost 245 sq km. Steel-clad skyscrapers, mega shopping malls, renowned monuments, bustling markets and burgeoning nightlife - that is Kuala Lumpur for you!

Kuala Lumpur is divided into separate districts, each known for something extraordinary. However, the main draw of the city is the Golden Triangle comprising of Bukit Bintang, KLCC and Chinatown areas. Popular as the entertainment hub of the city, these are home to some of the trendiest nightclubs, lounges and bars.

Home to three of the 10 largest shopping malls in the world, it comes as no surprise that Kuala Lumpur is often considered as the retail and fashion hub of Southeast Asia. Authentic handicrafts to major international brands are all on sale in the masses of malls in Kuala Lumpur (read 66!). The city's traditional markets are equally enjoyable with atmospheric experiences. Visiting KL during March, May or December during the mega sale event is an escapade in itself for the shoppers.

Kuala Lumpur is a non-stop banquet. Drom dining at lavish restaurants to eating with the locals at the street stalls, almost all of Malaysia's culinary specialities can be found in KL. Do stop by the hawker stalls and traditional neighbourhood kopitiams (coffee shops) to sample the best of the local delicacies. Kuala Lumpur is also the gateway to Malaysia's contemporary art scene with numerous visual arts gallery and exhibition centres. 

The 6th most visited city in the world (in 2019), KL is thronged by tourists. Yet, it retains the laidback ambience and jungle lushness of the kampung (village) it once was. Exploring this 21st-century metropolis is a cakewalk with a comprehensive road system and extensive public transportation. Hop on any of the mass rapid transit (MRT), light rapid transit (LRT), monorail, commuter rail or public buses and whizz past Kuala Lumpur in a matter of minutes!

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Must Know Before You Travel to Kuala Lumpur

  • Getting Around: Metro is the most convenient and efficient way of traveling in Kuala Lumpur. It has 3 lines - RapidKL, KTM Komuter, and KL Monorail which connect to almost every point.
  • Travel Card: For those traveling to Kuala Lumpur for 2-3 days, the best-value travel card is KL Travel Pass. The cost includes a single or return transfer on KLIA Express Train and two days' rides on LRT, MRT, and monorail lines
  • For an extended stay in KL, opt for MyRapid Card. This is valid on Rapid KL Buses, monorail and Ampang and Kelang Jaya LRT lines.
  • Where to Stay: If you are in Kuala Lumpur only for 1-2 days, prefer staying near KL Sentral. If staying longer, stay in Bukit Bintang or KLCC.

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Traveller Tips

Money & Payments
  • Visa and Master card are the most accepted credit cards.
  • Cash is the preferred mode of transaction and the minimum amount to use the card is MYR 50 at most places except the shopping malls. Alipay is also accepted widely.
  • One can not carry more than MYR 40,000 when entering into Kuala Lumpur.
Exchanging Currency in KL
  • Most of the ATMs in Kuala Lumpur are connected to western banks, and hence, you can easily access your bank account.
  • Currency can also be easily exchanged at the banks by paying some nominal fees.
  • Forex booths are also very common which display their currency exchange rates on an electronic board.
Internet Access & Wifi
  • Wifi is easily available at hundreds of restaurants, bars, cafes, and hotels across KL. Mostly for free!
Medical Services
  • Pharmacies are spread all across the town
  • The most common pharmacy in KL is Watsons which is located in almost every mall

Kuala Lumpur Customs

  • Avoid kissing and cuddling excessively in public
  • Do not feel offended if people do not reciprocate to your handshake as the locals practice Islam and they avoid physical contact with the opposite sex.
  • Remove your shoes before entering homes and religious places.
  • Cover shoulders and knees when visiting a temple or a mosque. 

Nightlife in Kuala Lumpur

Alluring pulsating crowds, nightlife in Kuala Lumpur centres around the city’s glitzy rooftop bars, nightclubs, dining lounges, night markets, cinemas, nocturnal wildlife safaris and more.

Here are the trendiest ways to experience Kuala Lumpur’s nightlife -

  • Indulge in contemporary beats with international DJs and sweeping cocktail menus at Zouk, Club Kyō and Groove the Disco.
  • Admire cityscapes from rooftop bars like Sky Bar and Troika Sky Dining.
  • Dine on the 57th floor of Petronas Towers at Marini’s, or relish Italian delights at Elysium Terrace Bar.
  • Shop for Malay apparel, jewellery, and handicrafts at Petaling Street and Taman Connaught Night Market. Bukit Bintang Market is every tourist’s favourite for its neon-lit speakeasy clubs and street food.
  • Watch the latest flicks at the open-air Nescafe M-Junction Drive-In Cinema, or take your kids to Zoo Taiping for thrilling night safaris.

Shopping in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the super shopping centre of Malaysia housing a multiplicity of mega shopping malls, local street markets and atmospheric night markets. The shopping scene of KL is mostly centred around Bukit Bintang, Chinatown and KLCC. There are almost 66 malls in the city, the most popular of which is the Pavilion KL, Suria KLCC, Mid Valley Megamall, Berjaya Times Square and Sungei Wang Plaza.

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The street markets of Kuala Lumpur are equally fun and atmospheric to visit. Arguably the best places for first-time visitors, the street markets of KL offer an authentic Malaysian experience. For hoarding apparels, handicrafts, accessories, jewellery, or local handicrafts, head to Petaling Street, Kasturi Walk, Chow Kit Market, or the Central Market. 

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As opposed to the semi-outdoor wet and dry food markets found across Asia, the western-style supermarkets are more common in Kuala Lumpur. Only a few of the traditional markets still exist which are worth searching out - Pudu Market, Chinatown Wet Market and Pudu Market.

Food in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a hungry traveller's dream destination offering the best of multi-culinary Malaysia. The city houses some of the best fine-dine restaurants in the world, but the local street stalls take the cake for sampling the local delicacies. Two dishes are more easily found in Kuala Lumpur than anywhere else - pan mee (wheat noodles tossed with dark soy and chopped pork), and sang har mee (freshwater prawns cooked in a gravy of rice wine and prawn fat, and served over crispy noodles).

To experience the local food scene of Kuala Lumpur, head to Jalan Alor in Chinatown. From 5:00 PM to midnight, the street turns into a riot of feasting. Do try the grilled fish, satay and koi lan. To devour the best breakfast or brunch, stop by Pudu area. Once a Chinese village, it houses several great eating places. 

Bangsar Sunday Market and Masjid India Pasar Malam are weekly markets known for the hawker food. Stalls sell everything from a variety of noodles to satay, asam laksa, char kway teow to Indian and Chinese snacks.

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Kuala Lumpur Food Directory

  • Hawker Stalls: Serves the best of the food in Kuala Lumpur. Most of these dishes can't be found in restaurants
  • Kopitiam: Old-style Chinese coffee shops. These are known for their noodle and rice dishes and strong coffee
  • Restoran: Local restaurants and eateries which range from old Chinese establishments to upscale international fare
  • Pasar: Local markets having local food stalls
  • Pasar Malam: Night markets which are also good hunting grounds for local street food

History of Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur was a very small place back in the 1820s, a small settlement of few houses and shops at the confluence of Sungai Kombak and Sungai Klang before it grew into a town. Although, it is believed that it was first named Pengkalan Lumpu. A place called Sungei Lumpoor was the highest tin producing setllement near the Klang river, and it is uncertain who changed its name to Kuala Lumpur. It is believed that KL became established as a town in 1857 when Malay Chief of Clang hired some Chinese miners to open new tin mines here. Kuala Lumpur was the furthest point near the Klang river upto which the tin could be transported by river, after that it became a collection and dispersion point of tin mines. Kuala Lumpur achieved the status of city in 1972, becoming the first place in Malaysia to be granted the status after independence.

Best Time to Visit Kuala Lumpur

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FAQs on Kuala Lumpur

What is the best time to visit Kuala lumpur?

Located in proximity to the equator, the weather remains hot, and it rains almost throughout the year in Kuala Lumpur; however, May to July remains the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur as the area remains relatively dry during these months, the skies are bluer than ever! The months from December to February and May to August are comparatively drier than the other months. The hotels and flights are expensive during the dry season, while the offseason will afford you some discounts. 

Additionally, during these months, tourists can make most out of Kuala Lumpur attractions, such as Sunway Lagoon Park, Bird Park etc.! The temperature during these months ranges between 30 to 35 degree Celsius in the day and 25 to 29 degree Celsius during the night. 

Kuala Lumpur can also be best visited in December, January and February as the streets are full of Christmas and New Year cheer, decorated brightly and liveliness is all around!
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What is the local food in Kuala lumpur?

Since Kuala Lumpur is a multi cultural city, one can get a wide variety of choice in food. Restaurants generally offer non-vegetarian cuisines over here out of which some are Nasi Lemak and Ikan Bakar.The best breakfast in Malaysia is considered to be 'roti canai' which is a flatbread that is first twirled and then grilled, and is usually served with curry and dhal for dipping. Nasi Lemak is a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf and is considered to be the national dish of Malaysia, whereas Ikan Bakar is a dish of charcoal-grilled fish. KL is a big place and one can easily digest food travelling from one place to another.
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What is the best way to reach Kuala lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur can be easily reached via direct flight to KL international airport.
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How much does a package cost for Kuala lumpur?

The packages for Kuala lumpur start at INR 9035 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What are the top hotels in Kuala lumpur?

There are 3401 in Kuala lumpur which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Kuala lumpur are Chic Lifestyle Suites Glomac Residences, Seri Bukit Ceylon Bukit Bintang, S Home, Cozy Homestay in KL, The Rokr Gallery, A Suites. You can see all the hotels in Kuala lumpur here

What are the things to do in Kuala lumpur?

The top things to do in Kuala lumpur are Petronas Towers, Batu caves, Menara Kuala Lumpur, Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, Aquaria KLCC, Jalan Alor. You can see all the places to visit in Kuala lumpur here

What are the places near Kuala lumpur?

The top places near to Kuala lumpur are Petaling jaya which is 10 km from Kuala lumpur, Melaka which is located 122 km from Kuala lumpur, Georgetown which is located 297 km from Kuala lumpur, Genting highlands which is located 33 km from Kuala lumpur, Selangor which is located 20 km from Kuala lumpur

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Popular Questions And Answers on Kuala Lumpur

Q. Is Langkawi a good island for honeymoon?

Khushal Nandhan Devaganugula

9 months ago
It?s good if your thinking to relax and kick back
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Kuala Lumpur Reviews

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Taniya Batra

on Genting highlands or Resorts world genting 5 years ago
Genting Highland is not a place you would want to miss out on. Unlike any other, the highlands with their cool temperature and ever-present fog feel like a mysterious haven. The First World resort ha (Read More)s indoor and outdoor theme parks along with a ton of other attractions such as the haunted house that you should definitely visit. A cable car is the means of transport to the resorts. Be sure to carry a jacket especially during the visit to the outdoor theme parks as it is quite cold outside.

Saanya Lulla

5 years ago
Its name means ‘Muddy Confluence’, which truly signifies the melting pot of cultures that the city is known for. The Petronas Towers and the Menara KL Tower are important landmarks, and left us amaze (Read More)d by their architectural excellence. My favourite part was our visit to the colourful Chinatown, where one can see a number of restaurants, stalls and temples, giving you a realistic idea of the raw beauty of Kuala Lumpur. The famous Genting Highlands is another must-see! A tip for tourists is to make use of the affordable rent-a-car services and drive around, if possible.
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