The sky’s the limit when it comes to the city’s marvellous skyscrapers! When in KL, be sure to visit these iconic buildings that have made their way to global recognition. A source of pride to Malaysians, these landmarks are easily accessible and boast an enthralling range of activities and attractions.
Standing majestically at a height of 451.9 metres, Petronas Twin Towers is a world-renowned icon of Malaysia. This gleaming structure of steel and glass is the centre piece of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre or KLCC, which consists of a shopping mall, star-rated hotels, a landscaped park and a convention centre. The highlight of a visit to the Twin Towers is the exhilaration of standing at the Skybridge on the 41st Floor and Viewing Deck on the 86th Floor.
KL Tower is one of the most prominent and distinctive landmarks in the country. This telecommunications tower, situated atop Bukit Nanas, is the world’s seventh tallest. Enjoy a magnificent view of KL from a dizzying height of 421 metres. Attractions include Sky Deck, Sky Box, Atmosphere 360°, Banquet Hall, XD Theater, Mini Zoo, KL Upside Down House and more.
Istana Negara or the National Palace is the official residence of the King of Malaysia. This majestic edifice situated at Jalan Duta officially became the National Palace in November 2011, replacing the old palace in Jalan Istana. Covering 97.65ha, the palace boasts a traditional Malay design with Islamic art works that were created by renowned sculptors from Terengganu and Kelantan. The palace is graced by 22 domes, with the largest standing at a height of 40 metres. Its two main domes are embellished with betel leaf motives that shine when illuminated at night and change colour according to the occasion.
Note: outside view only.
Website: www.istananegara.gov.my
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus
KL’s long and colourful history has left a legacy of heritage sites which bear the stamp of various foreign influences. The main heritage zones in the city are Merdeka Square, Market Square, Chinatown (Petaling Street) and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. A number of sites can be accessed by the tour bus, cycle tours or even a horse carriage ride.
Dataran Merdeka or Merdeka Square is a good starting point to explore the city’s heritage sites. The Union Jack was lowered here on 31 August 1957 marking Malaysia’s independence from colonial rule. Hence the name Merdeka, which means “Independence” in Malay. A 100-metre-high flagpole, said to be one of the tallest in the world, proudly flies the Malaysian flag. The Square used to be the focal point of Kuala Lumpur and the field here was the venue for police parades and cricket matches. Today, it is a beautifully landscaped area with gardens, terraces and fountains. Merdeka Square is still an important venue for national events such as National Day celebrations and street parades.
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / GO KL City Bus / Tram / KL Horse & Carriage Ride / RapidKL LRT – Masjid Jamek Station. Merdeka Square is a short walk from the station.
Adjacent to Dataran Merdeka is the Royal Selangor Club, a charming mock-Tudor structure. It was founded in 1884 as a small plank building with thatched roof, serving as a social and cricket club for the growing expatriate community. In the colonial days, the club was dubbed ‘The Spotted Dog’, a nickname purportedly originating from the Police Commissioner’s black and white dalmations which accompanied his wife to the club. The club was rebuilt to its present form in 1979 after a fire razed the building in 1970.
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / Tram / KL By Cycle / KL Horse & Carriage Ride / RapidKL LRT – Masjid Jamek Station. Royal Selangor Club is a short walk from the station.
This remarkable edifice, built in 1897, was named after the State Ruler and served as the government administration building during the British era. Boasting a Mahometan or Neo-Saracenic style, the building is constructed entirely of brick. It was the largest building of its day and was said to be the finest in the Malay states. The stately structure consists of an imposing porch, graceful horseshoe-shaped arches, shiny copper domes and a 41.2-metre-high clock tower. The building makes an impressive sight when illuminated at night.
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / Tram / KL By Cycle / KL Horse & Carriage Ride / RapidKL LRT – Masjid Jamek Station. Sultan Abdul Samad Building is a short walk from the station.
This building, designed by architect and engineer TY Lee, is a fine example of Art Deco styles of the 1930s. Central Market used to be the town’s wholesale and retail wet market for fresh produce. It was renovated and reopened in 1986, and it was the first example of a heritage building being adapted for a different use. It is now a leading crafts centre in the city.
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / RapidKL LRT – Pasar Seni Station.
Just a short walk from the Central Market, Jalan Hang Kasturi used to be the spot for provisions such as dried fish and preserved vegetables. Many of the dried goods stores here can still be found today. The pre-war shophouses are mostly of Neo-Classical style.
Situated between Lebuh Pasar Besar and Lebuh Ampang, Market Square refers to the spot once owned by Yap Ah Loy, headman of the Chinese community. The three-storey shophouses here are examples of ornate Neo-Classical designs, as characterised by the decorative plaster garlands, roof-top gables and balustrades.
This bustling street was the traditional preserve of the Chettiars, or South Indian moneylenders who were an economic force in the early days. The glazed ceramic tiles, peacock designs, traditional low benches and chests are some of the distinctive features of this community. Today, the street is still predominantly occupied by Indian traders, with restaurants, textile shops and sundry stores.
Formerly known as High Street, the stretch of shophouses here are some of the oldest, dating back to the mid-1880s. This was one of the early streets in which the shophouses were rebuilt in brick and tiles. A unique feature here is that the five-foot ways are lower than the surface of the road. There is also a strong Chinese influence in this street.
Getting there: Jalan Hang Kasturi, Market Square and Jalan Tun H.S Lee are within walking distance to the RapidKL LRT – Pasar Seni Station.
KL’s Chinatown is a bustling and colourful street of shops, restaurants and hawker stalls. Aside from the popular shopping district of Petaling Street, the nearby buildings, clan houses and temples contain evidences of the city’s built heritage. Among them are the Lee Rubber Building, Kwong Siew Association, Old High Street Police Station, Police Sikh Temple, Old China Café, Old Victoria Institution and Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / RapidKL LRT – Pasar Seni Station. Chinatown is a short walk from the station.
Originally known as Batu Road, this road was then named after the first King of Malaysia. The buildings here reflect the changing trends in architectural design, and provide clues as to the period of their construction, including the Utilitarian, Neo-Classical and Art Deco traditions. Noteworthy buildings in this zone include Masjid India, PH Hendry Building, Coliseum Cinema, Coliseum Café and Rex & Tivoli Hotels.
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / RapidKL LRT – Bandaraya Station.
This splendid building was the hub for the nation’s rail transportation system before the modern KL Sentral Station was built. Its Moorish architecture with graceful arches and minarets makes it one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. Equally impressive is the Malaysian Railway (KTM) Headquarters situated overlooking the railway station.
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / Tram / KTM Komuter – Kuala Lumpur Station
Set in a colonial building, MATIC is a one-stop centre for tourists with a host of facilities such as a 24-hour tourist police counter, Internet access, tour agencies, currency exchange, hotel reservations as well as souvenir outlets and a chocolate boutique. This building was constructed in 1935 as a family residence by Eu Tong Seng, a wealthy tin miner and rubber estate tycoon. During the war, it served as the military base of the British army and as the headquarters of the Japanese army. The building has been the venue of numerous significant occasions, including the first sitting of Malaysi a’s Parliament and the installation ceremonies of several kings of the country.
Entrance: Free.
Opening hours: 8.00am – 10.00pm daily.
Tel: 03-9235 4900 / 4800
Website: www.matic.gov.my
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / KL Monorail – Bukit Nanas Station / RapidKL LRT – KLCC or Dang Wangi Station. MATIC is a short walk from the stations.
The Heritage Centre is owned by Badan Warisan Malaysia or the Heritage of Malaysia Trust which promotes conservation and preservation of the nation’s heritage buildings. This centre offers an insight into Malaysia’s built heritage through exhibitions and seminars. Within its grounds is the Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman, a fine example of a traditional Malay house. Originally the residence of a local headman, the house was restored and transported from the northern state of Kedah. It showcases intricate carvings, as well as furniture and artefacts dating back to 1930.
Opening hours: 10.00am – 5.00pm. Closed on Tuesday until Thursday and public holidays.
Entrance: Entrance to the Heritage Centre is free.
Guided tours of Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman are available twice a day at 11.00am and 3.00pm. Tours at other times are by appointment only. Tours are available by a minimum donation of RM10 per person. Closed on Public Holidays.
Tel: 03-2144 9273
Website: www.badanwarisan.org.my
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / KL Monorail – Raja Chulan Station. The Heritage Centre is a short walk away.
Be it Islam, Taoist, Christianity, Hinduism or other religions, Malaysians are free to practice their faith and observe their rituals. There are many beautiful places of worship in the city, some even situated near one another along the same street. As a mark of respect, visitors are encouraged to observe respectful silence and dress modestly. Ladies will be required to wear headscarves to enter mosques.
Masjid Negara or the National Mosque is the most distinguished mosque in Kuala Lumpur. It has a unique star-shaped dome and a 73-metre-high minaret which stands impressively against the skyline. Within its beautifully landscaped grounds are pools and fountains. Visitors are required to be appropriately dressed while visiting the mosque. Robes and headscarves will be provided for ladies.
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / Tram / KL By Cycle / GO KL City Bus / KTM Komuter – Kuala Lumpur Station. The mosque is a short walk from the station.
Situated on a hillock, this mosque was inspired by 16th century Ottoman architecture. It boasts 22 beautiful domes of various sizes. It is situated within a well-manicured garden and is surrounded by a moat.
Getting there: Taxis are the most convenient mode of transport to get here.
This mosque occupies a historic location at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers, the birthplace of Kuala Lumpur. Built in 1909, this is the city’s oldest surviving mosque and was officially opened by the Sultan of Selangor at the time. Its design was inspired by Mogul architecture in northen India. Cupolas and minarets top the brick walls and arched colonnades, while a 70-feet dome surmounts the prayer hall.
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / GO KL City Bus / RapidKL LRT – Masjid Jamek Station. The mosque is a short walk away.
Just minutes away from Masjid Jamek is Masjid India. Built in the southern Indian style, this mosque is a three-storey structure with onion-domed chatris (open-sided umbrella-shaped cupolas) as well as arched windows with Islamic motifs. It was first built in 1863 as a wooden hut and underwent several renovations. The present structure was opened by the Sultan of Selangor in 1966.
Getting there: RapidKL LRT – Masjid Jamek Station. The mosque is a short walk away.
Situated in the prime tourist enclave of KLCC, the Asy Syakirin Mosque is a sight to behold. Adorned with intricate Islamic art, the mosque features a 45-metre minaret and a beautiful dome. Asy Syakirin Mosque was designed by craftsmen from Uzbekistan.
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / RapidKL LRT – KLCC Station. The mosque is a short distance away.
This magnificent Chinese temple has golden roofed pagodas and strings of lanterns. Located inside are three majestic statues of deities, including the main deity Thean Hou. Within its grounds are statues of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac.
Getting there: Taxis are the most convenient mode of transport to this temple.
This is the oldest Taoist temple in the city with a history dating back to 1864. It was built by Kapitan Cina Yap Ah Loy, the headman of the Chinese community. The temple pays tribute to the deities Sin Sze Ya and Si Sze Ya. The oracles of the former were said to have guided Yap Ah Loy during the Selangor Civil War. Its rather unusual position behind several shop houses is believed to have been determined by feng shui or the art of Chinese geomancy.
Getting there: RapidKL LRT – Pasar Seni Station. The temple is a short walk from the station. It is also accessible from Chinatown.
This Chinese temple pays homage to the God of War, Guan Ti. Portrayed with a red face, long beard and a huge sword, Guan Ti was a valiant warrior who had served as a General in the Chinese army. One of the most interesting features of the temple is the carvings that depict tales relating to filial piety. Visitors can stroll around the temple complex to enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Getting there: Taxis are the most convenient mode of transport to this temple.
This stunning Hindu temple is one of the oldest and most elaborate in the country. Its magnificent 22-metre-high gate tower and portico are adorned with intricately carved images of Hindu deities. Located within are the deities of the Hindu goddess Maha Mariamman, embellished with gold and precious stones.
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / RapidKL LRT – Pasar Seni Station. The temple is a short walk from the station.
This is a fine example of early English Gothic architecture featuring beautiful stained glass windows, tasselled tile paving and buttresses. Its design was proposed by AC Norman, a government architect. Of interest here is a pipe organ built in 1895 by Henry Willis, regarded as one of the greatest organ builders of his day.
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / Tram / KL By Cycle / KL Horse & Carriage Ride / RapidKL LRT – Masjid Jamek Station. The cathedral is a short walk from the station.
Go diving with sharks, visit an oil platform, save yourself from a speeding locomotive and create your own prized pewter souvenir! If these activities sound exciting, then the themed attractions in KL are the best places to be for some whacky fun
Covering over 60,000 sq ft, Aquaria KLCC is a state-of-the-art oceanarium. It showcases 5,000 aquatic and land-bound creatures from Malaysia and around the world. Designed by experts, the world-class facility has a 90-meter transparent tunnel for visitors to get a good look at Sand Tiger Sharks, Giant Stingrays and Marine Turtles. Feeding sessions as well as programmes such as Cage Rage and Dive with Sharks promise an exciting time for all.
Gain an insight into the petroleum industry in this exciting discovery centre. With 7,000 square metres of exhibit area, visitors will have an enjoyable time with the host of interactive displays, dioramas and activities. Travel in an oil-drop shaped vehicle, visit an oil platform or enjoy a thrilling ride in a helicopter simulator.
Royal Selangor is the world’s largest pewter-maker. It is also the manufacturer of two other luxury brands; Selberan (fine jewellery) and Comyns (sterling silver). The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre gives an insight into the world of pewter with interactive exhibits and games. The highlight here is a visit to the School of Hard Knocks and The Foundry to create your own souvenirs. Visitors should not miss the retail store which offers an exciting range of pewter homeware, silver filigree jewellery and gifts. A shuttle service to the Visitor Centre is available from major hotels in the Golden Triangle.
Illusion 3D Art Museum is the latest attraction in Kuala Lumpur. More than 36 pieces of hand painted 3D art paintings are displayed in a gallery that is filled with aged wood and rustic ambience. Patrons are invited to participate in Augmented Reality scenes by INDE Appshaker’s video scenes, created in collaboration with National Geographic Society. Enjoy this rare opportunity!
Entrance: Call for details on entrance fees.
Opening Hours: 10.00 am – 10.00 pm daily.
Tel: 03-2022 1613
Getting there: RapidKL Monorail – Bukit Bintang Station / Taxis and also public buses.
The National Planetarium is situated on a hillock just outside the KL Lake Gardens. This blue-domed structure with futuristic design elements is the venue for a variety of fun-filled and exciting exhibits. The National Planetarium is accessible from the National Museum via an overhead pedestrian bridge.
There is so much to do and so many places to see in Malaysia. To make sure that you don’t miss anything, use this handy map to navigate your way across the country and find great places to visit.
Perlis is the northern gateway to Malaysia. Despite its small size, Perlis has an abundance of attractions that make it a great destination.
Kedah is Malaysia’s largest paddy producing state. Delve into history in Lembah Bujang, the site of an ancient civilisation or relax in Langkawi, a world-famous resort island.
The site of a UNESCO World Heritage City, Penang is a holiday paradise with fabulous beach resorts and eclectic cultures. It is also the undisputable haven for foodies.
A tin-rich state in its heyday, Perak beckons with a range of sights and experiences. The state’s top attractions include Pangkor, an island getaway and Pangkor Laut, an internationally-acclaimed private island.
Hailed as the Cradle of Malay culture, Kelantan is a destination teeming with age-old arts, crafts and pastimes.
Beautiful islands, culture and nature give Terengganu its magical appeal. Dive, snorkel, sunbathe at the islands or journey to its hinterland to experience the best of nature.
The largest state in the peninsula beckons nature-enthusiasts with exciting eco-adventures. From Taman Negara, the oldest national park in the country, to the idyllic Tioman Island, Pahang is simply mesmerising.
Malaysia’s dynamic capital city is bustling with attractions and activities. Explore the city by day and night.
Selangor is home to the country’s main airport KLIA, and the main gateway by sea, Port Klang. It is also the country’s most developed state with a long list of shopping malls and themed attractions.
Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia, is a well-planned township with impressive buildings, verdant parks, scenic lakes and beautiful bridges.
Enjoy birdwatching at 55 Important Bird Areas (IBA) throughout the country, tucked away at various habitats such as islands, coasts or lush lowland and montane rainforests.
Love the cool highlands? Find refreshing destinations to unwind in Malaysia. From French-themed settings, energetic amusement parks to forest-clad hills, there is something for everyone.
Find the fun and thrill that you are looking for in Malaysia. Meet your favourite characters, plunge down the world’s longest water slide or enjoy the rides and games!
From the majestic height of Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s tallest peak, to the stunning depths of the world-famous Sipadan Island, Sabah is a magnificent nature destination.
Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, has a vast wilderness that contains numerous national parks including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mulu National Park.
Located off the northwestern coast of Borneo, this island thrills visitors with its wreck diving sites, historical relics and duty-free shopping.
The birth place of the nation, Melaka is a treasure trove of history and heritage. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage City for vestiges of the past.
Known for its fascinating Minangkabau culture and a unique social system, Negeri Sembilan is the place to learn age-old customs and traditions.
Visit Malaysia’s southern gateway, for a family vacation at the theme parks or escape to its islands for an unforgettable holiday.
