Kuala Lumpur’s performing arts scene is packed with an exciting array of entertainment all year round. The offerings include traditional cultural shows, contemporary theatre, orchestral concerts, recitals and ballet performances. The city frequently plays host to internationally renowned musicians, artists and touring groups.
Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and acoustics, these premier concert halls promise an outstanding experience for lovers of the fine arts.
Istana Budaya or the Palace of Culture is the leading venue for the performing arts in Malaysia. Its striking multi-tiered blue roof is inspired by the sirih junjung or traditional betel leaf arrangement that is used in Malay weddings. Istana Budaya is equipped with state-of-the art sound system and equipment, ranking it among the top 10 theatres in the world. Visitors can enjoy a variety of local performances as well as touring concerts and musicals.
Entrance:
Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office Counter.
Tel: 03-4026 5555
Website: www.istanabudaya.gov.my
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus
The Petronas Philharmonic Hall is a premier concert hall providing a world-class musical experience. It is the home of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), an internationally acclaimed home-grown orchestra. The annual schedule here includes chamber music, contemporary music and commissioned works.
Entrance: Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office Counter, by phone and online.
Opening Hours:
Performance nights and Performance Sundays:
Tuesday – Saturday: 10.30am – 6.30pm
Performance nights: 10.30am – 9.00pm
Sunday: 12noon – concert time
Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays unless a concert is scheduled.
Tel: 03-2331 7008 (General Line) /
    03-2331 7007 (Box Office)
Website: www.mpo.com.my
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / RapidKL LRT – KLCC Station.
Visitors can enjoy scheduled performances at the following venues:
This one-stop centre for tourists offers cultural performances daily at 3.00pm (except Sundays).
Entrance is free.
Tel: 03-9235 4800 / 4900 / 4848
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off Tour Bus / Taxi / KL
Monorail – Bukit Nanas Station / RapidKL LRT- KLCC or Dang Wangi Station.
Malaysia’s rich heritage can be experienced by watching the traditional dances performed by Menara Kuala Lumpur’s Performing Arts Group. Among the dances performed are Zapin, Asyik, Inang and many more. Visitors can also join the dancers on stage and try out the steps.
Tel: 03-2020 5444
Website: www.menarakl.com.my
Kuala Lumpur provides a cutting-edge facility to aid the growth and advancement of performing arts practitioners. Diverse, innovative performances cater to a broad spectrum of artists and audiences while outreach programs seek to develop public participation in all aspects of the performing arts.
The nation’s leading arts academy trains students in various fields such as cinematography, dance, music and writing. Performances are staged periodically by students.
Tel: 03-2778 5999
Website: www.aswara.edu.my
Getting there: Taxis are the most convenient mode of transport to the academy.
Malaysia’s first privately owned theatre company holds various plays and conducts classes for enthusiasts. Enjoy entertaining performances at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac).
Tel: 03- 4047 9000
Website: www.theactorsstudio.com.my
Getting there: Take the RapidKL LRT to Sentul station. KLPac is situated nearby.Â
Auditorium DBKL is an event space located in Menara DBKL 1. It is frequently used to host live performances and shows.
Tel: 03-2617 9000
Website: www.dbkl.gov.my
Getting there: RapidKL LRT – Bandaraya Station. The auditorium is about 10-minute walk from the station.
This is a privately owned performing arts centre which promotes traditional and contemporary arts, mainly Indian classical dances. The Sutra Gallery here showcases a collection of works related to dance. It is open to the public on certain days.
Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, off Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah
Tel: 03-4047 9000
Box Office Operating Hours: 10.00am – 8.00pm
Website: www.klpac.org
Getting there: KTM Komuter – Sentul Station. KLPac is about 5-10 minutes’ walk from the station.
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.
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.
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!
