Connoisseurs of the arts and crafts will find a wide selection of places to pursue their passion. The city’s museums, memorials and art galleries showcase a captivating collection of objets d’ art and paintings. Special events and exhibitions are held from time-to-time to showcase the exquisite art pieces from around the country and all over the world.
Travel back to the past, to the days when KL was founded at the confluence of two muddy rivers. Or, journey back in time to the days of the Morse Code telegraph or even the barter trade. Let these museums unravel and bring to life the interesting facets of KL’s rich history.
Malaysia’s premier museum serves as a repository for the nation’s rich history and heritage. Built in 1963, its façade features a Minangkabau-styled roof and two impressive front murals. The museum has four main galleries. Among the highlights here are the collection of keris or the Malay dagger, ceramics from the Ming Dynasty and traditional musical instruments from various parts of Asia. Thematic exhibitions are held from time to time.
Entrance: Malaysians: RM2 (Adults) RM1 (Senior Citizen)
Free for children under 12 years.
Non-Malaysians: RM5 (Adults) RM2 (Children aged 6 – 12 years)
Free for children under 6 years.
Opening hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm daily.
Closed on Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidiladha.
Tel: 03-2267 1111
Website: www.muziumnegara.gov.my
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / Tram /
Go KL Bus
Gain an insight into the heritage and legacy of the Malay world. This gallery showcases a collection of the finest and most uncommon exhibits that are associated with the Malay history and civilisation, sourced from various parts of the region such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Cambodia. It is situated within the grounds of the National Museum.
Entrance:
Malaysians: Adult: RM2
Senior Citizen and Physically disabled: RM1
Free for children under 12 years.
Non-Malaysians: Adult: RM5
Children (6 – 12 years old): RM2
Free for children under 6 years.
Opening hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Closed on Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidiladha.
Tel: 03-2267 1000
Website: www.jmm.gov.my
Getting there: (please refer to National Museum)
The museum provides an insight into the beauty of Islamic arts and the great civilisation that inspired it. The various themed galleries exhibit priceless treasures. Highlights include the Islamic Architecture Gallery which showcases replicas of famous buildings such as the Taj Mahal in India, Masjid Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca as well as the Amir Timur Mausoleum in Uzbekistan.
Entrance to Museum Galleries:
RM14 (Adults) RM7 (Students/Senior Citizens)
Free for children under 6 years and below.
Tickets are priced at RM12 and RM6 when the special galleries are closed. (Rates excluding 6% GST)
Opening hours: 10.00am – 6.00pm daily.
Tel: 03-2274 2020
Website: www.iamm.org.my
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / Tram / KL By Cycle
Located within the Craft Complex, the museum offers fascinating glimpses into the history and development of Malaysian crafts. Life-sized dioramas feature artisans at work.
Entrance: RM3 (Adults), RM1 (Children 7 – 12 years).
Free for students in school uniform.
Opening hours: 9.00am – 6.00pm
Tel: 03-2161 1470 / 1480
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus
Here you can learn about money through interactive and computerised games, and obtain interesting facts and information on money. The Art Gallery showcases the Central Bank’s collection of Malaysian and Southeast Asian art acquired since 1962. There are four galleries; Economics Gallery, Islamic Finance Gallery, Numismatics Gallery and Children’s Gallery.
Entrance: Free
Opening hours: 10.00am- 6.00pm. Closed on the first 3 days of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Tel: 03-9179 2784
Website: www.museumbnm.gov.my
Getting there: KTM Komuter- Bank Negara Station,
RapidKL LRT-Bandaraya Station and Taxis.
The Jade Museum displays a collection of antiques as well as accessories such as exquisite brooches, rings, earrings, necklaces and many more. Gifts and souvenirs are available for purchase.
Entrance: Free.
Opening hours: 9.30am – 6.00pm daily.
Tel: 03-2142 9648
Website: www.jademuseum.com
Getting there: The Jade Museum is situated in the vicinity of Bukit Bintang. Taxis are the most convenient mode of transport to the museum.
This museum chronicles 120 years of telecommunications development, from the early days of the Morse Code telegraph to the digital networks of today.
Entrance: Malaysians: Adult: RM6
Children (Below 12 years and students in school uniform): RM3
Non-Malaysians: Adult: RM11
Children (3-12 years old): RM5
Opening hours:
9.00am – 5.00pm daily except during public holidays.
Tel: 03-2031 9966
Getting there: RapidKL LRT – Masjid Jamek Station. The museum is about 15 minutes’ walk from this station.
This museum houses an impressive collection of coins and notes from the early days of Malaya until the present time.
Entrance: Free.
Opening hours: 10.00am – 4.30pm (Mondays to Fridays). Closed on weekends and public holidays.
Getting there: RapidKL LRT – Plaza Rakyat Station. The museum is a short walk from the station.
The museum traces the trends and developments in the textile industry since the olden days to the present. A multimedia presentation provides more information on the textile production and techniques in Malaysia.
Opening Hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm daily except Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidiladha
Admission fee: RM2.00 Adults. Free for children in scholl Uniform. Non-Malaysians RM5.00 Adults RM2.00 Children
Tel: 03-2694 3457 / 3461
Website: www.muziumtekstilnegara.gov.my
Getting There: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / Go KL Bus / Tram/ KL By Cycle/ RapidKL LRT – Masjid Jamek Station. The museum is about 10 minutes’ walk from the station.
This museum showcases the lifestyle, culture and traditions of the Orang Asli, or Malaysia’s indigenous people. Among the interesting items on display are the native musical instruments, costumes, weapons, masks, sculptures and coffins.
Entrance
Malaysians: Adult: RM2
Senior Citizen and the Physically Disabled: RM1
Free for children under 12 years.
Non-Malaysians: Adult: RM5
Children (6-12 years old): RM2
Free for children under 6 years.
Opening Hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm daily except Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidiladha
Tel: 03-2282 6255 ext.171
Website: www.jmm.gov.my
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / Tram
This museum is housed in a building that was formerly the National Palace. Visitors can get a glimpse into the inner sanctum of the royal family for the first time since it was built 85 years ago.
Entrance:
Malaysians:
RM5 (Adults) RM2 (Children aged 6 – 12 years)
RM3 (Senior Citizen and Physically disabled)
Non-Malaysians:
RM10 (Adults) RM5 (Children aged 6 – 12 years)
Buggy Ride from the post to the Museum uphill at
RM1 per person
Opening hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm daily.
Closed on Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidiladha.
Tel: 03-2272 1896
Getting there: Taxis are the most convenient mode of transport to the museum.
Entrance: Free.
Opening hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm (Weekdays)
9.30am – 5.00pm (Weekends) Closed on Fridays.
Tel: 03-2117 1133/1202
Getting there: Taxis are the most convenient mode of transport to the museum.
Entrance: Free.
Opening hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm. Closed on Mondays.
Tel: 03-2272 5689
Getting there: Tram / KL By Cycle
For lovers of the art and craft, the city’s galleries give an insight into the lighter and finer side of things. From paintings to sculptures, these exhibits are a delight to explore.
Get an insight into Kuala Lumpur through an interesting collection of prints, miniatures and photographs. The gallery is situated in a 114-year old Moorish styled building, located at the historical enclave of Dataran Merdeka. Visitors can view a collection of beautiful art pieces and miniatures, modelled after the city’s heritage buildings and landmarks. Highlights include the Spectacular City Model Show, the first-of-its-kind in Southeast Asia. Visitors should not miss the Arch Gift Shop for a range of premium gifts and souvenirs. Interested visitors can join the DIY workshop to assemble their own souvenirs.
Entrance: RM10 (3 years and above)
Free for Senior Citizen above 65 years.
Opening hours: 9.00am – 6.00pm daily.
Closed on Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidiladha.
Tel: 03-2698 3333
Website: www.klcitygallery.com
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / Tram / KL By Cycle / RapidKL LRT – Masjid Jamek Station. The gallery is about 10 minutes’ walk from the station.
Situated impressively along Jalan Temerloh in between the National Library and the Palace of Culture, this is the country’s premier venue for local and touring exhibitions. It displays paintings, sculptures and other works of leading Malaysian and international artists. Its unique spiral passageway provides an excellent view of the exhibits.
Opening hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm daily.
Tel: 03-4026 7000 / 03-4025 4987
Website: www.artgallery.gov.my
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus
This gallery, situated at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers, has an interesting display of paintings, sculptures and contemporary art pieces. View the works of homegrown and international artistes.
Entrance: Free.
Opening hours: 10.00am – 8.00pm. Closed on Mondays.
Tel: 03-2051 7770
Website: www.galeripetronas.com.my
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / RapidKL LRT – KLCC Station.
Resembling a museum, this house has an assortment of cartoons and comics since the advent of cartoons in Malaysia. Visitors can browse the history of cartoons and comics in Malaysia from the pre-war era to the current trend of animations. There are about 500 original works of famous cartoonists such as Rejabhad, Lat, Mishar, Jaafar Taib and Zainal Buang Hussein.
Entrance:
RM10 (Adults)
RM5 (Children)
Opening hours: 10.00am – 5.00pm : Tuesday to Thursday. 9.30am – 6.00pm : Saturday & Sunday. Closed on Monday, Friday & public holidays.
Tel: 012-667 0620
Getting there: Taxi and KL Tram-Tram Interchange Station, near Kia Klemenz Gifts & Souvenirs
They are our heroes, our valiant soldiers, our respected statesmen and our much-loved artists. To know more about these outstanding figures who have helped to shape the country to what it is today, make a visit to these memorials.
Situated overlooking the KL Lake Gardens, the huge bronze monument was built to pay tribute to the valiant soldiers who gave their lives defending the country during the Communist Insurgency in the 1950s. It was designed by Felix de Weldon, the architect of the famous Iwo Jima Memorial.
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / Tram /
KL By Cycle
This memorial was established in honour of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Malaysia’s first Prime Minister (1957 – 1970) fondly known as ‘the Father of Independence’. He is best remembered for his role in gaining independence for the country. The memorial serves as a permanent custodian for all his archival, museum and library materials.
Entrance: Free.
Opening hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Closed on Mondays (except school/public holidays).
Fridays: Closed from 12.00 noon to 3.00pm.
Tel: 03-2694 7277
Website: www.arkib.gov.my
Getting there: KTM Komuter – Bank Negara Station.
The memorial is within walking distance.
The memorial is housed within Sri Taman, once the residence of Tun Abdul Razak, Malaysia’s second Prime Minister (1970 – 1976). He was hailed as the ‘Father of Development’ for his role in the development of modern Malaysia. This historical building exhibits library materials, personal belongings as well as gifts and souvenirs presented by leaders around the world. The memorial is situated close to the Bird Park in Perdana Botanical Gardens.
Entrance: Free.
Opening hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Closed on Mondays (except school/public holidays).
Fridays: Closed from 12.00 noon to 3.00pm.
Tel: 03-2693 7141 / 2693 7294
Website: www.arkib.gov.my
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / Tram /
KL By Cycle
Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad is well-known for his vision and foresight in accelerating the nation’s development. Sri Perdana was the Premier’s official residence for 16 years before it was shifted to Putrajaya. It now houses his personal collections and artefacts.
Entrance: Free.
Opening hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Closed on Mondays (except school/public holidays).
Fridays: Closed from 12.00 noon to 3.00pm.
Tel: 03-2072 0033
Website: www.arkib.gov.my
Getting there: Taxis are the most convenient mode of transport to this memorial.
The late Tan Sri P.Ramlee – actor, director, singer and composer extraordinaire – was known for his invaluable contributions to the music and film industry. This memorial houses various exhibits and audio visual materials pertaining to his life and artistic achievements.
Entrance: Free.
Opening hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Closed on Mondays (except school/public holidays).
Fridays: Closed from 12.00 noon to 3.00pm.
Tel: 03-4023 1131
Website: www.arkib.gov.my
Getting there: Taxis are the most convenient mode of transport to the memorial.
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.
