20 Must-Visit Attractions in Kuala Lumpur – Experience Culture and Explore Nature in Malaysia's Capital.

20 Must-Visit Attractions in Kuala Lumpur – Explore Exciting Destinations Filled with Unforgettable Experiences You Can't Miss in Malaysia's Capital with Travelok
Traveloka TH
03 Feb 2025 - 11 min read
20 Must-Visit Attractions in Kuala Lumpur

If you're looking to travel abroad during a long weekend, seeking a destination that's not far and budget-friendly, Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is a must-visit. Head out to explore the rich culture of a nearby country, with just a 2-hour flight—no need for long-haul flights!

Enjoy a complete travel experience with amazing book your flight deals to Kuala Lumpur now available on the Traveloka app! Take advantage of great promotions and get ready to pack your bags for an exciting adventure exploring Kuala Lumpur's top attraction.

20 Must-Visit Attractions in Kuala Lumpur

Get Ready for an Adventure in This Dream City! Kuala Lumpur is a place many people want to visit at least once in their lives. This trip is affordable, there's no need to worry about cold weather, and you won't have to endure long, tiring travel. Curious about what exciting attractions are waiting for you? Let’s find out!

1. Petronas Towers

Petronas Towers

The Petronas Towers, one of Kuala Lumpur's most iconic landmarks, is the world's tallest twin towers. This impressive structure serves as office space, residences, a museum, and a shopping mall. It is also home to a public park nearby. In the evening, visitors can enjoy a spectacular water fountain show accompanied by lights, sounds, and colors, all for free.

2. Batu Caves

Batu Caves

For those interested in Hindu culture, Batu Caves is a must-visit spot. These caves, over 400 million years old, consist of three smaller caves, with the most famous being the cave on a hilltop. Visitors must climb 272 colorful steps to reach the golden statue of Lord Murugan.

3. Jamek Mosque

Jamek Mosque

This mosque, located at the confluence of two rivers in Kuala Lumpur, is one of the city's oldest and features stunning Moorish architecture. It's an essential stop for travelers, though visitors must dress modestly. It is open for sightseeing outside of Friday prayers.

4. Chinatown

Chinatown

Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown, located on Petaling Street, is bustling with life and offers numerous Chinese shops and restaurants. This area is a haven for food lovers, offering various dishes, and there are also relaxing cafes for a casual break.

5. Perdana Botanical Garden

Perdana Botanical Garden

Known as Taman Tasik Perdana or Lake Gardens, this botanical garden provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It's an ideal place to take leisurely walks, enjoy the natural beauty, and snap some great photos amidst lush greenery.

6. Thean Hou Temple

Thean Hou Temple

This Chinese temple, located on a hill in the heart of the city, is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. It is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin, and the Goddess of the Sea, Tua Pek Kong. The temple is not only beautiful by day but also at night when it is adorned with colorful lanterns.

7. Putra Mosque

Putra Mosque

Located in Putrajaya, south of Kuala Lumpur, this mosque is known for its stunning pink color and exquisite design. Situated by a lake, the mosque offers a peaceful view, and the nearby five-domed tower is a significant landmark.

8. Genting Highlands

Genting Highlands

Located 2,000 meters above sea level, Genting Highlands is about 51 km from Kuala Lumpur. Visitors can take a cable car ride to the top and enjoy breathtaking views, various attractions such as hotels, a casino, an amusement park, a strawberry farm, a giant Buddha statue, and an arcade center.

9. Jalan Alor

Jalan Alor

A paradise for street food lovers, Jalan Alor is lined with various food stalls offering dishes from Chinese, Malaysian, Thai, and other cultures. It’s especially lively in the evening and into the night, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

10. Central Market

Central Market

If you're looking to shop in Kuala Lumpur, Central Market is the place to be. It offers not only fun shopping but also high-quality local goods, including souvenirs like magnets, flags, batik fabric, clothing, and popular local snacks such as Milo and Eureka popcorn.

11. National Zoo of Malaysia

National Zoo of Malaysia

Located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, the National Zoo houses over 5,000 animals, including famous pandas "Fuwah" and "Feng Yi". The zoo is divided into various zones, such as Asia, Africa, and America, making it an ideal family-friendly destination.

12. Aquaria KLCC

Aquaria KLCC

Aquaria KLCC is an oceanarium located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, featuring a 90-meter glass tunnel where visitors can watch aquatic life swim around. The exhibits are designed to simulate natural environments, providing an immersive and memorable experience.

13. Merdeka Square

Merdeka Square

Merdeka Square is where Malaysia declared its independence in 1957. The square features several historic buildings, including St. Mary's Cathedral and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. It’s a popular site for national celebrations, including concerts and sporting events.

14. Islamic Arts Museum

Islamic Arts Museum

The largest Islamic art museum in Southeast Asia, this museum houses over 7,000 artifacts, including the Quran, pottery, and architectural models from around the world. It also features unique exhibits, such as the Kiswah covering the Kaaba and a reconstructed 19th-century Ottoman-style room.

15. Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is a historic colonial-style building located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Built during the British colonial period, it features a blend of Islamic and Western architectural styles, with its iconic golden dome roof, intricate plasterwork, and towering clock tower. No matter from which angle you view it, this landmark is truly captivating.

16. Sri Maha Mariamman Temple

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple

The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in the heart of Little India. Dedicated to Lord Subramaniam, the highest deity in Hinduism, this temple is known for its vibrant architecture, including a tower-like roof decorated with colorful tiles, detailed plaster work, and intricately carved granite pillars. Visitors are allowed to take pictures only from the outside.

17. KL Tower

KL Tower

KL Tower, also known as the Kuala Lumpur Tower, is the 7th tallest communications tower in the world, standing 421 meters tall. Located on Bukit Nanas Hill, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. The tower's architecture features an Islamic-style dome roof. It is a must-visit landmark for tourists in Kuala Lumpur.

18. Sunway Lagoon

Sunway Lagoon

Sunway Lagoon is a large amusement and water park located just a short drive from Kuala Lumpur. It offers a wide variety of attractions for all ages, including thrilling rides, water slides, a zoo with over 150 species of animals, and many more activities in this exciting theme park.

19. KL Bird Park

 KL Bird Park

Relax and enjoy a peaceful day at KL Bird Park, home to over 3,000 birds from 200 different species. In addition to the bird park, you can also explore the Butterfly Park, which houses around 5,000 butterflies, and the Orchid Garden, which features an array of beautiful orchids throughout the garden. This is a must-visit destination in Kuala Lumpur for nature lovers.

20. National Museum of Malaysia

National Museum of Malaysia

The National Museum of Malaysia, designed in traditional Malay architectural style, showcases wall murals depicting the history of Malaysia from prehistory to the present. It also features Malaysian handicrafts, offering visitors a rich experience to explore the country's history and culture.

Discover flight with Traveloka

Wed, 20 Aug 2025

AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)

Bangkok (DMK) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Start from THB 1,691.71

Sat, 30 Aug 2025

Thai VietJet Air

Bangkok (BKK) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Start from THB 1,871.97

Fri, 29 Aug 2025

AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)

Phuket (HKT) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Start from THB 1,259.00

Measures for Travelers to Kuala Lumpur

Currently, tourists can enter Malaysia without quarantine, COVID-19 testing, or needing any app to fill out information. However, passports must be valid for at least 6 months. Thai passport holders can visit Kuala Lumpur without a visa and stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days.

Important Information for Traveling to Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is known for its cultural diversity and is filled with various interesting tourist attractions, including historical sites, nature spots, and shopping areas. The city is well-equipped with facilities suitable for all types of travelers.

Digital Arrival Card Registration (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card - MDAC):
Since January 1, 2024, all travelers to Malaysia must complete the Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) registration online within 3 days prior to travel. You can register through the official MDAC website, providing personal details, passport number, travel dates, and travel method (e.g., flight or boat).

Visa Exemption for Thai Citizens:
Thai passport holders can enter Malaysia for tourism without needing a visa and can stay for up to 30 days.

Documents to Prepare:

1.
Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
2.
Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): Proof of completed registration.
3.
Proof of Accommodation: Such as a hotel booking confirmation.
4.
Proof of Departure: Such as a return flight ticket.

Overview of Kuala Lumpur:

Kuala Lumpur, the capital and largest city of Malaysia, covers approximately 243 square kilometers in the central part of the Malay Peninsula. It is close to Petaling Jaya and Klang. The city has a mix of modern and old areas, and its population is mainly Malay, Chinese, and Indian.

Getting to Kuala Lumpur:

Kuala Lumpur is about 4,000 kilometers from Bangkok. The most convenient and fastest way to get there is by plane, with flights available from both Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport. Airlines such as AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Bangkok Airways operate flights, taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. You can check for flight tickets and promotions on apps like Traveloka.

Getting Around Kuala Lumpur:

Traveling within Kuala Lumpur is convenient with available public transportation like the monorail and buses, which cover key areas. You can purchase a Touch n Go card at stations to use for both trains and buses. Taxis are also widely available and can be hailed from taxi stands or by flagging them down on the street.

Language in Kuala Lumpur:

The official language of Malaysia is Malay (Bahasa Melayu), but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas such as hotels, restaurants, and shops. Other languages commonly spoken include Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi, Tamil, Arabic, and languages of indigenous groups.

Currency for Spending in Kuala Lumpur:

The currency used in Kuala Lumpur is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). The exchange rate between Thai Baht (THB) and Malaysian Ringgit may fluctuate according to the market. Many banks and financial institutions offer different exchange rates.

Time for Traveling to Kuala Lumpur:

Thailand and Malaysia are in different time zones. Thailand is in the UTC+7 zone, while Malaysia is in the UTC+8 zone (Malaysia Time, MYT). Therefore, Kuala Lumpur is 1 hour ahead of Thailand. Kuala Lumpur uses the 24-hour time format, just like Thailand, so be mindful of time differences for appointments or travel plans.

Climate and Seasons for Traveling to Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is located in a tropical rainforest climate zone, so it experiences hot and humid weather year-round. The city has three main seasons:

1.
Summer (March to May): The weather is hot and dry, with occasional light rain.
2.
Rainy Season (June to October): Hot and humid with frequent heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
3.
Winter (November to February): Cooler and more comfortable, with occasional light rain.

Despite the rainy season, the city's tourist attractions remain beautiful and accessible, so Kuala Lumpur can be visited year-round.

Flights Featured in This Article

Wed, 20 Aug 2025
AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)
Bangkok (DMK) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Start from THB 1,691.71
Book Now
Sat, 30 Aug 2025
Thai VietJet Air
Bangkok (BKK) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Start from THB 1,871.97
Book Now
Fri, 29 Aug 2025
AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)
Phuket (HKT) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Start from THB 1,259.00
Book Now
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