Most tourists come to Kuala Lumpur for one or two days, and that’s really enough to see the main thing.
But I decided to take my time and stayed for six days. I was talked out of it: “There’s nothing to do there.” But I’m not one of those people who gets bored in big cities. For example, in little Singapore, I spent ten days quietly and was satisfied.
During my stay in Kuala Lumpur, I managed to walk around without fuss, explore the city and collect my own impression. I’m sharing what’s really worth seeing.
Where is it better to live
The most convenient area is KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre), the area around the Petronas Towers.
If you are in the city for only a couple of days, this is an ideal location:
- you can walk to almost all the main places
- no need to waste time on transport
- safe, clean, lots of shops and cafes
- metro within walking distance
I’ve lived here, and I’ve never regretted it. I wrote more about this in the post “Where is the best place to stay in Kuala Lumpur”.
What to see in Kuala Lumpur
1. Petronas Twin Towers
It is a symbol of the city.
The best view is from KLCC Park.
Green hills, fountains, open panorama — from here you get the most beautiful photos.
The view from the opposite side is also quite good, but it is more difficult to find an angle due to the dense buildings.
Inside is Suria KLCC Shopping center:
- food court
- cafe
- shops
- supermarket
I often ate in the subway passage under the towers: there’s a small Japanese restaurant with sushi — cheaper and tastier than in the mall itself, and there are fewer tourists.
Viewing platforms:
- Skybridge (41-42 floor)
- Observation Deck (86th floor)
I didn’t go up, but if you want a panorama, feel free to go.
2. KLCC Park Central Park
My favorite place in the city.
It is quite large for the center of a megalopolis: a lake, running tracks, children’s areas, landscape compositions. In the evening, they turn on the light and music fountain show — it’s beautiful and calm.
If I were asked to name one place where I spent the most time, it would be KLCC Park.
3. KL Tower Television (Menara Kuala Lumpur)
It is easily accessible on foot from KLCC. I’ve photographed it outside several times—it’s especially beautiful at night, but the lights turn off at midnight.
For visitors there are:
- the main observation deck
- Sky Deck — an open panorama
- Sky Box — a glass cube above the city
The tower stands on a hill, so the view from here is higher than from Petronas.
4. Bukit Bintang District
If you want life, crowds, cafes, bars and nightlife, you’re welcome here.
The area has:
- shopping malls (the most beautiful is Pavilion)
- bars, clubs
- massages
- street food and a whole street with Chinese fast food
- in the evening — real Asian hustle and atmosphere
The perfect place to experience the vibrant Kuala Lumpur.
5. Masjid Jamek Mosque
One of the most beautiful and oldest mosques in the city. Nearby is a British—era colonial building, currently under reconstruction, but it looks impressive.
In the evening, they turn on the lights and steam generators over the river — it feels like you’re standing in a foggy cloud. It’s a very atmospheric place.
Masjid Jamek Mosque
Masjid Jamek Mosque, Kuala Lumpur
Masjid Jamek Mosque in the evening, Kuala Lumpur
Masjid Jamek Mosque turns on fog in the evening
6. Batu Caves
I set aside half a day for the visit, and it was worth it.
How to get:
It takes about 50 minutes from KLCC. I rode the subway + KTM train. The ticket cost 5 MYR.
What awaits you:
- huge statue of Murugan
- staircase of 272 steps
- temples and rituals of Indian culture
- a lot of monkeys
- accidentally joined the service with music — an incredible atmosphere
It’s a touristy, noisy, but very vibrant place.
7. KL Bird Park
It is located opposite the entrance to the botanical garden. The ticket is 90 MYR.
This is not a classic zoo, but a huge area under a giant net where birds fly freely. Inside:
- flamingos
- peacocks
- parrots
- birds of prey
- ostriches
- monkeys that walk by themselves
If you travel with children, you must. I spent about an hour there, it was interesting.
KL Bird Park, main entrance
KL Bird Park, Kuala Lumpur
KL Bird Park, Kuala Lumpur. Photo 1
KL Bird Park, Kuala Lumpur. Photo 2
KL Bird Park, Kuala Lumpur. Photo 3
KL Bird Park, Kuala Lumpur. Photo 4
KL Bird Park, Kuala Lumpur. Photo 5
KL Bird Park, Kuala Lumpur. Photo 6
KL Bird Park, Kuala Lumpur. Photo 7
8. Perdana Botanical Gardens
Admission is free.
In fact, it is a well-maintained urban park with different areas:
- orchid garden
- ponds
- large lawns
- forest trails
- playground
The first part of the route is a bit confusing, but closer to the center, the park becomes spacious and very pleasant.
Perdana Botanical Gardens, entrance to the Bird Park
Perdana Botanical Gardens, orchids
Perdana Botanical Gardens, photo 1
Perdana Botanical Gardens, photo 2
Perdana Botanical Gardens, photo 3
Perdana Botanical Gardens, photo 4
Perdana Botanical Gardens, walking paths
Perdana Botanical Gardens, fountain
Perdana Botanical Gardens, fish pond
Perdana Botanical Gardens, picnic area
Perdana Botanical Gardens, Kuala Lumpur
Perdana Botanical Gardens,Kuala Lumpur
Perdana Botanical Gardens, children’s area
Results: how many days are needed
In short:
- Day 1: Petronas Towers → KLCC Park → Bukit Bintang
- day 2: plus KL Tower and Masjid Jamek
- 3 days: plus Batu Caves
- 4-6 days: Bird park, kindergarten, relaxing walks and cafes
Kuala Lumpur is a city that is worth watching not only running, but also at a comfortable pace. I’m glad I stayed for six days: I was able to feel its atmosphere, and not just “mark the dots.”
