The following is the top 10 MUST VISIT places in Kuala Lumpur without hurting your wallet (most are free to enter!).
10) Batu Caves
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| Lord Murugan Golden Statue at Batu Caves source: Wikipedia |
Malaysia is a multicultural society. Tamil culture and religion which is one of the major segment of the Malaysian society can be reflected if you visit the Batu Caves. Batu Caves, a limestone caves, also is a Hindu shrine famous for its 140ft giant golden Lord Murugan statue and 276 steep steps up into the caves. One can appreciate the beautiful karst topography of the old lime stone caves. Batu Caves is located at Gombak at the outskirt of Kuala Lumpur.
9) Saga Hill
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| Saga Hill : Hiking trails |
Saga hill is a small hill and reserve rain forest in Cheras area. It is easy to climb and enjoyable short hiking experience which the locals go for their daily exercise. There are few spots on the hill which one can have a clear scenic view of Kuala Lumpur city.
8) Bank Negara Money Museum
Bank Negara or the Malaysian Central Bank has a Money Museum is worth visiting. It is quite, awesome ambiance and free from the crowd! There is a children gallery. It is good place to teach your children about money. It opens everyday throughout the year except on New Year.
7) Night Market
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| Pasar Malam |
If you really want to experience true Malaysian experience, you must not missed the night market or Pasar Malam where everything from clothes, toys to DVDs were sold in low price. But that is NOT the reason why we go to Pasar Malam! We go there because of the yummy food sold there! From Malay cuisine like Keropok Lekor, Nasi Kerabu, Roti John, to Indian Tandoori, Naan and whole variety of Chinese food like Dragon Beard, Popiah, Pearls Tea. You even got Japanese or Vietnamese food there! The longest Pasar Malam in Malaysia is in Taman Connaught every Wednesday and we have the similar one in Taman Muda every Friday and Sunday evening. It is usually very crowded. Pasar Malam usually starts at 5pm and closes at 10pm.
6) Bukit Bintang
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| Bukit Bintang, every shopper's haven. Source: Wikipedia |
Bukit Bintang is the Malay word for Star Hill is Kuala Lumpur Golden triangle. All shopping malls, cafe, high end restaurants, hotels concentrate here. It is one place all tourists must go. Even locals go there for shopping because of the variety of awesome place to shop. You got place like the Pavillion which sells high end and branded goods and Sungai Wang which is a retail fashion outlet of a lower price. If you like to shop for electronic gadget, Low Yat plaza is the place to go. There is Berjaya Times Square which is one of the biggest shopping center in the world. If you love Malaysian delicious street food, then, you must definitely visit the famous Jalan Alor!
5) Central Market
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| Main Entrance of the Central Market Source: Wikipedia |
The Central Market was a wet market which was built by the British during the Colonial era is now a landmark for Malaysia culture and heritage. It is a place where they sell plenty of Malay traditional handcrafts and souvenirs which you might want to buy. From Central Market, you can have a clear view of Dayabumi complex which is a major landmark in Kuala Lumpur famous for its modern Islamic achitecture. Close to Central Market is Petaling Street which is a Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur which is another tourist area. You just need to beware getting ripped off at Petaling Street as haggling is expected!
4) Petronas Twin Tower
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| KLCC : Petronas Twin Tower |
The Petronas Twin Tower located in Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC) is one iconic skyscrapper which makes Kuala Lumpur so famous globally. The 88 stories tower was once the tallest building in the world. The shopping center there was located at the based of the city is, however, things are usually over priced. There is a Petronas Art Gallery and Petro-Science Center, a place you might want to bring your brilliant kids there. If you are a classical music lover, you might want to attend the concert by the famous Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra in KLCC. Outside the towers, there is a beautifully maintained park, dancing musical water fountain show, and the As Syakirin Monque.
3) Merdeka Square
Merdeka Square is the place where the Union Jack flag was lowered and the Malaysian flag was hoisted on 31 August 1957 which marks the Independence day of Malaysia from the Colonial British. It is the usual venue for the annual National Day parade. The best part of visiting Merdeka Square is the building in front of it - the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. This building is magnificently beautiful, plenty of space to admire from different angle, and is definitely worth visiting. Plus you definitely do not want to miss out Masjid Jamek, and the Old Railway Station which are close to the Merdeka Square.
2) Istana Negara (Former Royal Palace)
Okay, it is not exactly free to enter; the admission fee of RM 10 can be a bargain! It was the former Royal Palace which is recently shifted to Jalan Duta. One of the major tourist attraction, giving you the chance to peak into the lives of Malaysian Royal Family. Although, probably all real royal furniture has moved out and replaced with the cheaper ones.
1) Putrajaya
If you enjoy beautiful Islamic modern architecture, then visiting Putrajaya is a must. Putrajaya is the federal government control center akin Washington DC to USA. There is so many beautiful government building to visit! There is a tour around Putrajaya on Saturday and Sunday which cost only RM1. Just be sure to be punctual at Putrajaya Sentral (11am or 2:30pm) or at Putra Square (11:30am or 3pm).
The flyer for more details about the tour from the government website:
Of course, there are plenty more of interesting place to visit in Kuala Lumpur, which requires admission fee but you certainly do not want to miss it!