It doesn’t matter whether you’ve lived in Kuala Lumpur your entire life, become a naturalized KLite or visited the city often enough that you think you’ve tried everything – there’s always something new cropping up in this dynamic capital.
So if you’re stuck on what to do in Kuala Lumpur, then check out our newest video series, “Traveloka Travel Guide”, where we cover the top things you’ve got to see and do – and eat! – in various destinations across Malaysia. Because our first stop is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s crowning jewel.
(Pro Tip: Subscribe to the Traveloka YouTube channel so you won’t miss an episode!)
Here’s what our lovely host, Aina, and her guest, Mat Dan, got up to in the city:
Aina looks a bit nervous around our feathered friends, while Mat Dan fits right in!
Did you know that KL Bird Park is the “World’s Largest Free-flight Walk-in Aviary”? This 20.9 hectare park allows visitors to walk among the birds as they freely wander around the park… Just make sure you don’t get on the wrong side of any of the birds like Mat Dan did.
One of the best ways to explore Perdana Botanical Garden is to rent a bike and cycle around.
Get some fresh air with a stroll around Perdana Botanical Garden (formerly known as Lake Gardens). This beautifully-maintained park is filled with all sorts of fun things to do, including a deer park, a couple of playgrounds and bicycles you can rent. It’s free to enter, so spend as long as you like here!
A #truth that all Malaysians know. ;)
If you’re hankering for some traditional Malay cooking like the kind you’d find in the kampung, then look no further than Restoran Rebung, which is located right next to Perdana Botanical Garden. Co-owned by Chef Ismail, a local celebrity chef, you’ll get to taste one of the best Malay cuisine buffet spreads in town, like Gulai Daging Salai (smoked beef curry), Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) and Ais Batu Campur (mixed ice dessert). The all-you-can-eat buffet is only RM40 for lunch and RM50 for dinner. Be sure to make a reservation so you won't be disappointed!
The wondrous sight of the River of Life lit up at night inspired Aina and Mat Dan to break into song.
The River of Life project revitalized the Gombak and Klang Rivers that run through the city, turning them from polluted waterways into a tourist attraction. While it’s lovely to visit in the day, the junction where the rivers meet at the city’s oldest mosque, Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, is best seen at night. When evening falls, the riverside becomes a stunning visual and sensory experience with fog and lighting effects.
*gets Pendidikan Seni class flashbacks*
Spend the afternoon attempting to master the intricate traditional art of batik painting with myBatik, one of Kuala Lumpur’s top cultural hubs. Visitors can sign up for various batik painting workshops that start from as low as RM53. You can also purchase ready-made batik products or browse through the works of local artists at the art gallery.
Get away from the urban hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur and savor a cup of coffee at this hidden gem just off Jalan Ampang. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, try their Croque Chicken Sandwich (RM13), Breakfast Plate (RM18) or Turkish-style Poached Eggs (RM12).
"Oh look, I think I spot Sebastian the Crab!"
Spend the day “under the sea” at Aquaria KLCC! This family-friendly attraction is home to over 150 species of marine life, from tiger sharks and blue rays to otters and sea turtles. There are 12 exhibits for you to learn more about the wonders of our oceans. To witness the thrilling view of sharks being fed, be at the Aquatheatre by 3pm on Mondays, Wednesdays or Saturdays.
Admission Fee
MyKad Holders: RM49 (Adult); RM39 (Child); RM39 (Senior)
Non-MyKad Holders: RM69 (Adult); RM59 (Child); RM49 (Senior)
Is your tummy rumbling, but you and your friends still haven’t been able to pick a place to go for food? No need to decide – you can try a bit of everything at Tapak Urban Street Dining. Located along Jalan Ampang, this empty lot has been transformed into a lively food truck park serving mouthwatering snacks and dishes from 6pm to 12am. It’s got everything from local to fusion to Western food, so choose whatever your stomach desires.
If you need someplace to rest your head after an activity-packed day around the city, then look no further than The Hulo Hotel + Gallery, where you’ll be surrounded by eye-catching works of art. Located in Bukit Bintang, you can easily get to popular attractions such as Berjaya Times Square and Bintang Walk, KL’s premier shopping district.
As the name suggests, the hotel doubles as an art gallery for Malaysian artists to showcase their work – and if any of them catch your eye, you can even buy it! Or you could simply strike a pose in front of all the Instagram-friendly pieces on display. Rates start from as low as RM84 per night.
Want some insider tips for all the places Aina and Mat Dan visited? Well, that’s strictly on a “need-to-watch” basis – as in you’ll need to watch the video to catch all the tips they share!
Don’t forget to stay tuned for Part Two of Aina and Mat Dan’s adventures as they explore even more must-visit gems of Kuala Lumpur.
How well do you really know Malaysia? Test your knowledge and uncover a different side of the country with our “Traveloka Travel Guide” video series. In each episode, we list the crème de la crème of things to see and do in Malaysia’s top destinations.