Malaysia’s huge capital is chocked full of activities, making it a challenge to decide just which ones to tackle first, especially for first timers. To help you with your itinerary, here’s 6 activities that you absolutely have to consider during your trip to the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur.
Ascend the Rainbow Stairs of Batu Caves
One of the most popular things to do for visitors in Kuala Lumpur, second only to visiting the famed Petronas Twin Towers, would be to head north to where Batu Caves are. Brimming with a rich history dating back over 400 million years, Batu Caves is a network of limestone caves boasting large, airy caverns with high ceilings and stunning stalactites. Upon arriving by either the KTM Komuter Train or by driving, one will be treated to the magnificent sight of a gigantic gold statue — it is claimed to be the largest statue of Lord Murugan (the Hindu God of War) in the world. To its left, a flight of 272 multicoloured stairs leads up to Temple Cave, Batu Caves’ primary attraction; Be warned, the cheeky monkeys you meet on the way up may make a grab at your things, lending just a hint of danger and excitement to your journey.
Dive Underwater at Aquaria KLCC
Renowned amongst both locals and tourists alike, Aquaria KLCC is a state-of-the-art aquarium situated on the concourse level of Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Being both an educational as well as a riveting experience, it’s not uncommon to find yourself admiring the exhibits alongside enchanted schoolchildren who have come on a school excursion. There are plenty of activities for visitors here: Feel the texture of starfish and coral, take photos (without flash!) of adorable sea otters cuddling, stroll through an underwater tunnel and watch fishes swimming around a tree trunk submerged entirely in a huge tube of water; One can expect to be constantly amazed throughout the aquarium’s 10 exhibitions. It’s just a stone’s throw from Suria KLCC and the Petronas Twin Towers, so a visit to Aquaria KLCC is in order after some shopping and sightseeing.
Go Cafe Hopping at Bangsar
With the café scene booming all over the world owing to its Instagram-worthy aesthetics, soothing cuppas and soul-warming plates of all-day brunches, Kuala Lumpur definitely seems to be catching up. While Petaling Street happens to be one of the oldest and more popular locations for café hopping, offering an abundance of cafés with an inclination towards local fusion cuisines and a vintage-inspired ambience, Bangsar has recently made a name for itself. The neighbourhood has been steadily seeing new cafés popping up over the past few years — the joints here are more in tune with the Western influence and the popular Australian brunch movement, making it a top pick for visitors looking for a good shot, be it of their food, or of espresso.
Grab a Drink at Heli Lounge Bar
A fully functioning helicopter landing pad by day and a stunning rooftop bar by night, the Heli Lounge Bar used to be Kuala Lumpur’s best kept secret. Now that its magnificence has been revealed, the bar receives streams of eager customers every night. Upon entering the lounge located on the 34th floor of the Menara KH building, visitors are greeted by a quirky aviation-themed interior design — to add on an authentic flair, lounge staff are dressed in uniforms resembling that of pilots and cabin crews. Ascending two flights of stairs, the 36th floor is where the rooftop bar is. Decked out in minimal furnishings, one can get the best view of the sunset here while relaxing in one of the chairs and sipping on a cocktail. All around is a 360-degree panorama of Kuala Lumpur; There aren’t many other places offering such a luxury.
Shop Till You Drop at Pavilion Mall
This might just be the activity that tourists are most familiar with. Nestled in the heart of Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur’s shopping, entertainment and nightlife mecca, the Pavilion Mall is truly a sight to behold. Flaunting 7 floors crammed full of dining, fashion, luxury brands and Tokyo Street — an entire street dedicated to Japanese food and retail — one will be absolutely exhausted after exploring all the different levels and window-shopping options. The mall is beautiful, with 8 precincts: Couture Pavilion, Centre Court, Gourmet Emporium, Fashion Avenue, Dining Loft, Connection, Beauty Hall and Tokyo Street; There’s just about everything you can think of, including a movie theatre.
Visit the Renowned Petronas Twin Towers
To round off, we have the highlight of every traveller’s Kuala Lumpur itinerary: A visit to the notorious Petronas Twin Towers. The pair of skyscrapers graze the heavens at 1483 feet, and their status as the world’s tallest twin buildings remains unchallenged since construction finished in 1996. The architecture was modelled with Islamic designs, bringing out a unique Malaysian flair; Standing at 88 storeys high, Petronas Twin Towers’ main attraction is the sky bridge that connects the two towers at their 41st and 42nd floors, suspending visitors 558 feet above the ground — many flock here for a bird’s-eye view of the city and to fill their camera album with countless picturesque photos. Then, ascending to the 86th floor, catch a break at the towers’ observation deck, which offers you an even more spectacular perspective of the sprawling cityscape below.
Being a multicultural hotspot, Kuala Lumpur is diverse in its offerings and has something tailored for a variety of different interests. The city has an abundance of modern attractions, nature parks as well as streets teeming with local food. Now that you know, it’s time to get your adventure started — and this is only the beginning.
