What to see & do in Kuala Lumpur? – absorbing encounters in the Malaysian capital

Kuala Lumpur is an amalgamation of natural and man-made wonders that will be too good to be true upon first impression. Given its multicultural identity and myriad of tourist locations, the capital city of Malaysia is your introduction to the very essence of what the country stands for. Outlined below is a list of destinations and experiences that you ought to include in your itinerary.

Visit the Petronas Twin Towers

Dubbed the ‘Twin Jewels of Kuala Lumpur’ and that too for justifiable reasons, the magnificently positioned Petronas Twin Towers ranks as one of those edifices in KL that must be enjoyed. Open to the general public from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., these twin skyscrapers built out of steel and chrome are a tribute to contemporary engineering brilliance and a sought-after draw for those strolling through Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Featuring a mind-blowing 88 storeys, the Petronas Twin Towers are found near PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur which provides the ability to stay at a service apartment near KLCC and offers sweeping vistas of the city. For this purpose, you will be required to head over to the 58-meter-long Skybridge that connects both Towers at the 41st and 42nd floors and before long, you will be able to take in the enormity of what lies ahead of you.

Set foot within the hallowed National Mosque of Malaysia

Held in the highest of regard among the local Muslim community, the sacred National Mosque of Malaysia is an outstanding opportunity to delve into the heart of the local culture and its corresponding values & traditions. Located at Jalan Perdana, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, the Mosque’s design showcases distinct facets of Islamic architecture and art, inspired by the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Of particular relevance is the main dome which is shaped in the form of an umbrella and a 73-meter tall minaret that is adorned in beautiful blue and green colour tiles that will easily leave you in awe. While manicured gardens scatter certain portions of the Mosque’s grounds, the visitor will be encouraged to come by outside of the prayer times and importantly, be seen in appropriate attire. 

Even if you do not have a scarf or shawl, the Mosque will offer robes and head coverings that can be utilised to tour through one of the city’s and country’s most cherished landmarks.

Go walking at Perdana Botanical Garden

Perdana Botanical Garden in KL | Image via Wikimedia Commons

Replete with verdant stretches, well-paved pathways and a scattering of allures that will make you want to linger on beyond its daily closing time of 8 pm, the Perdana Botanical Garden comes across as a welcome distraction, well away from the hustle and bustle of commercial KL. Nestled in Jalan Kebun Bunga, Tasik Perdana, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, these captivating gardens are a treasure trove worthy of the nature love in you. Boasting the largest collection of flower gardens in the whole of the city centre, Perdana Botanical Garden contains amongst others the Hibiscus Garden where the country’s national flower blooms. 

Aside from this spectacular sight, one may venture off in the direction of artificial fountains, a semi-circle pergola with a rock garden where some 800 species of orchids grow. The Garden’s gallery ought to be accessed ahead of being educated on the significance that the Hibiscus flower holds in Malaysia’s storied history.

Voyage within Central Market

Considered the hub of KL’s artistic community, the sprawling Central Market is a journey that must be embarked upon before your time in the city draws to a close. Having started as a wet market in 1928, the Central Market would continue in this manner up until the 1980s when it underwent large-scale changes and was thereafter, re-introduced as a haven for handicrafts. Currently, the enthused shopper will be able to pick and choose from a gamut of traditional and affordable batiks, carvings, embroidery and fancy souvenirs of varying hues and shades.

Have the foodie in you take in the aromas and tastes of Jalan Alor
Picture a 250-meter-long strip flanked by hawker stalls equipped with plastic chairs and tables where you can settle down to polish off sublime street food creations. Then waste no time in beelining for Jalan Alor which is arguably, the city’s prized possession on the subject of street food. Found in the region of Bukit Bintang which is reputed for its flashy shopping malls, Jalan Alor’s will see to it that you receive more than what you initially bargained for. 

Whether it is barbecued meats, hot noodle-based broths & soups or flavorsome desserts that will awaken the sweet tooth in you, Jalan Alor is the place to be should you yearn for a side to Kuala Lumpur which is authentic from start to finish.