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Kuala Lumpur

Name: Southern Thailand to Singapore
Brand: Contiki
Price: 2397 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (97 reviews)

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Introduction to Kuala Lumpur

Home to Malay, Indian and Chinese communities, Malaysia is one massive melting pot of the best of Southeast Asia. As its capital city, Kuala Lumpur packs a punch. Full of history, culture and food, you’ll leave this place with a brain (and stomach) stuffed with all the good stuff.

For a crash-course in the tumultuous history and politics of Malaysia, head straight for the National Museum. This place gives an amazing overview of how life and culture evolved over the years, from prehistoric times, to the arrival of Hinduism and Islam, to its independence from Britain in the 20th century. Check out some of the country’s beautiful handicrafts and costumes, as well as some ground-breaking art, at the National Textile Museum and the National Art Gallery.

The best way to learn about culture is to just get amongst it. With so many cultural and religious communities, you’ll come face-to-face with interesting and amazing festivals and practices. See how the streets reflect the changing of the seasons from the red lanterns of Chinese New Year, to the green ketupat-shaped ornaments of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Learn about Hinduism at the blue Sri Mahamariamman Temple and try not to wince at the body piercings of the Thaipusam festival.

For a different view of this crazy and amazing city, head straight up to the Petronas Towers. And they sure don’t disappoint – these twin buildings tower 450 meters above the streets. Cross the glass sky bridge connecting the two towers for a scary-yet-exhilarating walk you won’t forget.

Between chowing down on dumplings and rendang during festival time, you’ll also want to hit the streets in search of the best street food Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Discover nasi lemak and mie goreng at the Central Market and Hainanese chicken rice in Chinatown.

With so many delicious and exciting things to get stuck into, pack it all (and more) into a trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

FAST FACTS
Language:  Malay
Currency:  Malaysian ringgit
Electricity:  240V
Visas:  Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Malaysia.
Dialling Code:  +60
Time Zone: (GMT +08:00)

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Things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Take in the history at Sri Mahamariamman Temple

If you love art and culture, you can’t go past the Sri Mahamariamman Temple. Built in the nineteenth century, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu Temple in Kuala Lumpur. It’s also one of the most instagramable spots of the city: its bright blue exterior stretches up into a tower-like triangle, in the typical Hindu style. The façade of the temple is also filled with statues of different Hindu gods and goddesses, which depict different Hindu stories. Located on the edge of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, this temple is still an active place of worship for the local Tamil community. Check out the temple grounds and gardens to learn more about the Hindu religion and its history in Kuala Lumpur.

Visit the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur

One of the most iconic sites of Malaysia and most-visited Kuala Lumpur attractions, the Petronas Towers are the tallest twin towers in the world. While these contemporary glass towers look super modern, its architectural design symbolises the minarets of Muslim mosques, as an ode to Malaysia’s national religion. For the most remarkable views of the city, zip up the elevator and head straight to the top of the tower. For those who are game, walk across the glass sky bridge that connects the two towers. If you’re not the best with heights, grab a buddy who’ll help you tackle your fear.

Enjoy the culture at the National Museum

From its Hindu origins to its Muslim conversion and being taken by the Brits, Malaysia has gone through a lot of political and religious change. Learn about the fascinating history of this country at the National Museum. Telling the story of Malaysia from prehistoric times, discover artefacts, musical instruments and costumes that give you a sense of its colourful culture. The museum building is something of a work of art, fashioned in the shape of a traditional Malay house and decorated with a blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Located near the famous Lake Gardens, you can also sneak a visit to the Museum and its neighbouring botanic garden in on the same day. Winning.

Uncover your inner child at Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

Adrenaline junkies, this one’s for you. Sunway Lagoon Theme Park is located just outside the centre of Kuala Lumpur and is one of the biggest theme parks in Southeast Asia. Get your adrenaline hit on a range of rollercoasters, swing pirate ships and water rapid rides. The park complex is way more than just a theme park: it’s also a water park and zoo. Spend a day soaking up the sun or sliding down some serious drops at the Water Park, or discover white lions and meerkats at the Wildlife Park. If you’re itching for something more adventurous, or you’re all cultured-out, go shake up your holiday at Sunway Lagoon.

Shop like a local at Central Market

If you’re anything like us, you love a good market. The Central Market in Kuala Lumpur, also known as Pasar Seni, is the most famous market in the city. What used to be a ‘wet market,’ selling fruit, vegetables and meat to the locals, has now expanded and developed into something of a hybrid between a Western shopping centre and an open-air bazaar. Here you’ll find all cultures of Malaysia represented in its street food and permanent stores, selling a range of Indian, Chinese and Malay products, souvenirs and arts and crafts. Bargain your way through Central Market and enjoy the bustle of this busy part of town.

Top 5 Festivals in Kuala Lumpur

As a country with so many distinct cultures, it feels like there’s a different festival happening every week in Kuala Lumpur. With the streets getting lit up for Chinese New Year, Eid and Deepavali, you’ll also find a heap of music festivals mixed in with the traditional stuff. Here’s when it all goes down in Kuala Lumpur.

Chinese New Year

Culture

Marking the start of a new lunar calendar and lasting 15 days, the Chinese New Year celebrations go off in Kuala Lumpur. The most important festival for Malaysia’s Chinese community, traditional festivities include giving red envelopes, lighting firecrackers and feasting with family. You best bet the streets of Kuala Lumpur get lit up with lanterns, fireworks and dragon dances.

Thaipusam

Culture

For Malaysia’s Indian community, Thaipusam is an annual Hindu festival that occurs in late January. This festival honours Lord Murgan, the Hindu god of war and son of Shiva. Taking place in the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, the Hindu devotees pierce their bodies with hooks and skewers to showcase devotion to the deity.

Good Vibes Festival

Music

Taking place in the hills to the north of Kuala Lumpur, Good Vibes is a music festival that usually happens at the end of July every year. Showcasing local and international acts, the festival's line up has included the likes of Phoenix, Lorde and Alt-J. You’ll also find a bunch of art installations and performances happening around the festival grounds.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Culture

Hari Raya Aidilfitri, also known as Eid al-Fitr Internationally, is celebrated by the Muslim community in Malaysia. It marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which calls for Muslims to fast for 40 days. Hari Raya Aidilfitri is celebrated by feasting and partying in the streets, with ketupat-shaped ornaments and lanterns decorating the streets.

Deepavali

Culture

Deepavali is the biggest festival for Mayalsia’s Hindu community. The festival commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his 14-year banishment, signifying the triumph of good over evil. Also called 'Diwali' or Festival of Lights, Hindu temples and major public places in Kuala Lumpur are filled with colourful lights, oil lamps and flowers. Deepavali usually happens in October of November each year.

Top 5 Museums & Galleries in Kuala Lumpur

As a place where three very distinct cultures meet, the fascinating history of Malaysia comes to life in its many museums. From understanding its political history to learning about its decorative and visual arts, here are our picks for the top five museums to visit in Kuala Lumpur.

National Museum

Built in 1963 after the independence of Malaya from Britain’s colonial forces, the National Museum details the history of the country. From prehistoric life to the big events of its modern history, this museum prides itself in explaining how this part of Southeast Asia, which was known as Malaya, developed into the nation of Malaysia.

Islamic Arts Museum

The biggest museum housing Islamic arts and artefacts in Southeast Asia, the Islamic Arts Museum is something of a shrine to Malaysia’s national religion. It documents the history of the religion all over the world, from the Middle East to China, India and its spread through Southeast Asia.

National Textile Museum

Based in a Mogul-style building, the National Textile Museum is a beautiful collection of Malaysian costumes and fabrics. The museum explains traditional Malaysian techniques and machinery, including songket, the method of creating silk or cotton pieces with gold threading. Here, you can also check out some pretty fabulous ceremonial headgear and jewellery.

Bank Negara Malaysia Museum

The Bank Negara Malaysia Museum is a series of small museums that focuses on banking, finance and money. While it might sound like a business studies excursion, it’s way more interesting than that. With a collection of ancient coins and money and a massive private art collection, this museum is definitely worth a visit.

National Visual Arts Gallery

Located in northern Kuala Lumpur, the National Visual Arts Gallery is packed with incredible works that deal with Malaysian politics and local identity. The building is an artwork in-and-of itself. Built in a triangular shape and covered in glass, you’ll find a winding staircase inside that’s not too dissimilar to that of the Guggenheim in New York.

Food in Kuala Lumpur

With influences from China, Indonesia and India, Malaysian food is the original fusion food. Spicy, rich and fragrant, you’ll find a bunch of good eats in Kuala Lumpur. Here are our picks for five iconic Malaysian foods you’ve got to try.

Nasi Iemak

Cocooned in banana leaf or served steaming hot on a plate, Nasi Lemak is Malaysia’s national rice dish. With spicy sambal is piled onto coconut-infused rice and served with an assortment of sides, including fried anchovies, eggs, cucumbers and beef or chicken curry. Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa serves up a mean version of this Malaysian staple.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa, 4 Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur}

Rendang

Warm, spicy and filling, rendang is one of the most loved curry dishes of Malaysia. Usually served with beef or chicken, this rich Malay dish is packed full of flavours. Made using galangal, lemongrass, turmeric, kaffir leaves, coconut milk and tamarind, you can pick up a bowl of rendang at Opium Kuala Lumpur.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Opium KL, 50 Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur}

Hainanese chicken rice

The ultimate chicken dish for Malaysians is Hainanese chicken rice. Originating from the Hainan district of Southern China, this dish was brought to Malaysia by its Chinese community. The fat from the poached chicken cooked in garlic and ginger is used to make the flavoursome rice accompaniment. No one does this dish better in Kuala Lumpur than Restoran Hainanese Chicken Rice.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Restoran Hainanese Chicken Rice, No. 651-1, 3 1/2 Miles Jalan Ipoh, Wilayah Perseketuan, 51200 Kuala Lumpur}

Mie goreng

Unlike the packets of instant noodles that got most of us through university, mie goring in Kuala Lumpur is the simple and delicious way to fry noodles. This street food staple is flavoured with garlic, onions, Chinese cabage, kecap manis, chilli and fried chicken, pork and shrimp. Get stuck into the mie goreng at Mee Goreng Tanglin.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Mee Goreng Tanglin, Kompleks Makan Tanglin, Jalan Cenderasari, 50480, Kuala Lumpur}

Ketupat

Ketupat is a Malaysian rice dumpling. Unlike its Chinese counterparts, these aren’t filled with meat or vegetables, but rather served as an accompaniment with meat or veggie dishes. Wrapped up in a triangle using palm leaves, these dumplings are cooked slowly for hours, turning them into delicious rice cakes. Ketupat Palas pumps these out like nobody else.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Ketupat Palas, M3 Mall, Jalan Madrasah, Taman Melati, Gombak Setia, 53100 Kuala Lumpur}