Before the trip, I compared several districts of Kuala Lumpur: KLCC – Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Bukit Bintang and Chinatown. Everyone has their advantages, but in the end I chose KLCC — the Petronas Towers area, the most modern and convenient city center. And the longer I’ve lived here, the more convinced I am that the solution was perfect.
Why did I choose KLCC
Cleanliness and order
The area is very neat — in places it resembles Singapore: smooth paths, a well-maintained park, glass skyscrapers. Everything is organized, calm and pleasant. In the evening, the park comes to life, people walk, take pictures of the towers, the atmosphere is super pleasant.
Super location
The Petronas Towers are only 5-10 minutes away on foot.
In my complex, the pool is on the 69th floor, and in the evening the view of the towers is fantastic. You go out to the pool in the evening, and there they are — right in front of you.
Infrastructure around
Nearby there is a huge Suria KLCC shopping center with a good and inexpensive food court. There are also supermarkets and cafes and shops underground near the metro. Within walking distance is KLCC Park with fountains, jogging paths and recreation areas. This is one of the most beautiful and cozy places in the city, where people come to look at the towers.
Menara Kuala Lumpur TV Tower is a 10—minute walk away.
Convenient transportation
The metro is literally at the foot of the towers. KLCC provides direct access to any part of the city, which is very convenient for tourists.
Nearby is the nightlife of Bukit Bintang
Bukit Bintang’s bustling streets, bars and street food can be reached on foot in 20-30 minutes. I liked walking there in the evening and then returning to my quiet, clean neighborhood.
What should be considered in KLCC
To make the picture honest, I will note the nuances:
- after 22:00 most cafes, shops and shopping malls are closing;
- it’s already quite difficult to eat after 23:00 — the choice is minimal;
- there is almost no nightlife — the area is dying out strongly;
- the lighting of Petronas and the TV towers are turned off at night, the streets become very calm.
These are not disadvantages, but features. If you are looking for an active nightlife, it is better to watch Bukit Bintang. But KLCC is perfect for a comfortable and relaxing stay for the first time.
Where I lived: Star Suites KLCC
I am staying at Star Suites KLCC, Kuala Lumpur. I booked through Airbnb — it turned out to be cheaper than on the official e-booking website. The complex has both blocks from the management company and apartments of private owners. I was lucky: six days cost 16,000 Turkish lira (~360 USD).
The owner arranged a transfer from the airport for 90 MYR (~25 USD). They drove me right to the door.
Although the check—in officially started at 3 p.m., I was accepted at 10:30 a.m. There were a lot of available apartments, so there were no problems. After a night flight, it was a rescue.
I was given an apartment that was different from the photo, but even better: spacious, bright, with high ceilings. The balcony opens — it’s important for me, I like to ventilate.
The complex has about 74 floors, a swimming pool on the 69th, and another on the 6th. There is a gym, a reception with security. Access is provided by a pass card everywhere. The elevators are fast, there are no queues.
The apartment had everything you needed: a microwave, a washing machine, and supplies. Towels and trash bags were changed every three days. There is a convenient and clean garbage chute on the floor.
The complex is really thoughtful and convenient. The towers are 3-5 minutes away on foot, and the metro is nearby. Next time, I would settle here again.
Which areas were I considering (and why I declined)
1. Bukit Bintang — movement, food, nightlife
If you need a place that lives late into the night, with bars, restaurants and street food, this area is for you. But it’s noisy, chaotic, and dense.
I came here for a walk almost every evening: a sea of Chinese and Japanese restaurants, shops, street food, and concerts at intersections, attracting numerous spectators. It’s a little dirty in places, but the color is strong.
There is a street with nightclubs, bars and endless hangouts. Plus massage parlors and escorts that actively attract tourists — the area is known for this.
However, I would not live here — there is too much fuss. For me, this is a place to “come, walk and leave.”
2. Chinatown — authenticity and budget
Chinatown is about street food, markets and vibrant Chinese vibe. Atmospheric and cheap, but the area may seem too chaotic to live in, especially if it’s your first time in Kuala Lumpur.
To be honest, I didn’t really like this area. I came here using Google maps, went out onto the main tourist street and saw the outright filth and unsanitary conditions. That’s why I didn’t even consider it for living — Chinese street food scares me a little personally: it’s noisy, cramped, and doesn’t always look hygienic.
But at the same time, it still has its own flavor. I went to a local Chinese bakery and bought pies — ChatGPT helped me choose the name and filling. It was interesting, but not so interesting that I wanted to come back.
I went to Chinatown once, and I didn’t feel like doing it again.
Bottom line: if this is your first time in Kuala Lumpur, choose an area near Petronas
KLCC — it’s comfort, cleanliness and tranquility:
✔ safe
✔ modern
✔ beautiful park
✔ metro nearby
✔ everything is within walking distance
✔ excellent balance of silence and convenience
If you want an active nightlife, choose Bukit Bintang.
If you want peace, order and beautiful views — KLCC.
Personally, I will choose KLCC again — I consider it the best area to explore Kuala Lumpur for the first time.
