What to See in Kuala Lumpur

KL Tower has a viewing deck at 276m provides great city views, and you'll be a few metres higher than the Twin Towers since the tower is built on a hill (also, the twin towers observation deck is 100m below at 170m). For a free bonus, check out the wonderfully bombastic free film on the tower's construction, screened in a little cinema on the tower ground floor.…

This large mosque, which was opened in 2000, was partly inspired by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. The mosque's website currently is in Malay only. Statistics on the number of tourist visits are given, so it is clearly possible to visit the mosque outside of prayer times, but the website doesn't seem to make clear what a…

Perhaps the most iconic building of Malaysia and the tallest twin building in the world. Visitors first head up to the Skybridge at level 41-42, one of the highest suspended bridges in the world, before going up to level 86 to marvel at Kuala Lumpur from the observation deck. There are also displays and informational videos about the tower and its construction.…

Hindu priests have used these caves as temples since their discovery in 1878 by William Hornaday. Crowds of Hindus visit the caves in January/February for the spectacular Thaipusam festival, when devout Hindus skewer portable shrines to their bodies and carry them all the way from central KL. They contain a large number of beautiful and fascinating statues of the Hindu Gods.…

One of the largest and most ornate Chinese temples in the region. The six-tiered temple was built by the Hainanese community and is dedicated to Tian Hou, or The Heavenly Mother. But, as an example of the syncreticism of Chinese religion, also houses two other altars, one for Shui Wei Sheng Niang, the Goddess of the Waterfront and another for Kuan Yin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy.…

This square has a special place in the hearts of all Malaysian as it was here that the Union Jack was lowered for last time in 1957 and Malaysia gained her independence. Standing tall here is also one of the tallest flag poles in the world, measuring in at 100 m. Surrounding the area are host of historical structures like Sultan Abdul Samad building (see below) and the Old City Hall.…

Contains exhibits on traditional life among the various ethnic communities of Malaysia, numerous well-explained artifacts including fine clothing and shadow puppets and Orang Asli woodcarving pieces. The history section is divided into four galleries - Gallery A (prehistoric), Gallery B( Malay kingdoms), Gallery C (colonial era) and Gallery D (modern Malaysia).…

A non-profit organisation for the conservation and promotion of Malaysia's heritage and has various exhibits and seminars about Malaysia and its history. Rumah Penghulu is a major attraction, a traditional Malay house constructed in the 1920's that was originally located in Kampung Sungai Kechil in Kedah. Tours of Rumah Penghulu are M-Sa at 11:00 & 15:00.…

Originally the offices of the Colonial Secretariat, they later served as the first administrative centre of the Malayan government. Built in 1848 by British architects, A C Norman and A B Hubback, this historical landmark is famed for its Islamic-inspired architecture. Today, it houses the Courts of Law.…

A Moorish-style masterpiece designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, a British Architectural Assistant to the Director of Public Works. As well as suburban trains and express trains to Ipoh, it houses a mini-museum of Malaysian railway history.…

This immense bronze structure was built as a memorial to the soldiers who gave up their lives for their country. This sculpture depicts seven soldiers holding the Malaysian flag, each symbolising one of seven qualities; unity, strength, leadership, sacrifice, courage, suffering and vigilance.…

Jalan Lembah Perdana, - One of the most interesting museums in KL, the Islamic Arts Museum houses both modern and traditional Malaysia as part of the larger Islamic world and, through exhibitions of objects of religious and aesthetic significance, shows both the connection of Malaysian Islamic culture to the Muslim lands to its west and its uniqueness.…

A quaint museum situated on Orang Asli land that showcases the culture of the different indigenous peoples from Peninsular Malaysia. With over 3,000 artifacts that tell the history, practices and lifestyle of the many indigenous tribes who occupied Malaysia before the advent of urban society.…

An exhibit of the science and technology behind the petroleum industry and much more, mainly aimed for children and sponsored by the Petronas oil company. There are various science shows, interactive exhibits and simulation experiences throughout. Book tickets at least 30 minutes in advance, or even a few days earlier if you can.…

Located at the convergence of the Klang and Gombak rivers is the stately Masjid Jamek, constructed in 1909 and, therefore, one of the oldest mosques in the city.…

A gigantic aquarium housing over 5,000 aquatic and terrestrial species. The aquarium has many displays including an underwater tunnel, interactive touch pools, exhibits of flora and fauna and multimedia kiosks.…

Istana Budaya (meaning Palace of Culture) is home to the National Theatre and is equipped with cutting edge stage, sound and lighting equipment on par with the top theatres around the world. It host productions of both domestic and international origins. The building itself is a beautiful and a tourist attraction.

Masjid Negara is unique in that it incorporates Malay-Islamic rather than the usual Arabic-Islamic architecture. It is known for its conspicuous turquoise umbrella-like roof. A yellow umbrella is usually part of the royal regalia of the sultans of Malay kingdoms.

Located at the northern side of Kepong and only 6 km from Sri Hartamas, this place features a lake and is ideal for flying kites. Jogging/cycling tracks, remote control car track, football field and observation tower are among the facilities provided.

Founded in 1894 by the Sinhalese to provide a place of worship for their Sri Lankan Theravada tradition, this beautiful temple with echos of colonialism in the architecture sill supports an active Buddhist community in Kuala Lumpur.

One of Malaysia's prettiest mosques, Masjid Jamek was built in 1907 and served as KL's main mosque from its opening in 1909. Its location between two rivers makes it appear as an island of tranquility in the busy city.

The attractions here include space science and astronomy exhibits, a theatre screening 3-Dimensional movies, a viewing gallery and an observatory.

Opened in 1890 this Tamil temple is located in at the eastern end of Jalan Scott. Photography and videography is no allowed within the temple.