Here's a Kuala Lumpur travel guide with recommendations from a local on what to see and eat in the Malaysian capital.
Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s vibrant, multicultural capital where Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures intersect. A key hub in Southeast Asia, the city features modern cityscapes with bustling markets, cultural landmarks, and an excellent street food scene. For this travel guide, I collaborated with my friend Esther Chung, who is from KL, to share her local perspective on the best places to visit and eat.
Table of Contents
Best Places to Visit in Kuala Lumpur
1. Petronas Twin Towers
You can’t miss the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, the 88-storey twin skyscrapers that stand as Kuala Lumpur’s crown jewel, on your trip to this city. Visitors can head up to the Skybridge on the 41st and 42nd floors, as well as the Observation Deck on the 86th floor for panoramic views of KL. At the base sits Suria KLCC, a six-storey shopping mall home to luxury brands, cafés, and a wide range of dining options. Around 17:00 – 18:00, the towers are beautifully illuminated until midnight, offering a completely different and majestic vibe.
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 09:00 – 21:00
Cost: From MYR 72
2. Merdeka Square
I ❤️ KL sign near Merdeka Square. Photo: Kate Acuña
Merdeka Square marks the site where Malaysia declared independence from British rule in 1957. Surrounded by colonial landmarks like the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the National Textile Museum, it’s a key stop for understanding Kuala Lumpur’s history. Nearby attractions such as Masjid Jamek and Central Market make the area an easy cultural hotspot for sightseeing.
3. Kwai Chai Hong
Photo: Kwai Chai Hong Facebook
Tucked away in Chinatown, Kwai Chai Hong – meaning “little ghost alley” in Cantonese – is a restored heritage lane brought to life with murals and interactive installations. A walk through the alley feels like stepping back into Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown of the 1960s, with scenes of everyday life vividly recreated on its walls. QR codes beside each mural can be scanned to hear the stories behind them. During Chinese New Year, the alley also hosts a special annual art exhibition, adding to its nostalgic charm.
Recommended by a local
Location: Lorong Panggung, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 09:00 – 00:00
Cost: Free
4. Petaling Street
The entrance of Petaling Street. Photo: Criselda Isorena
At the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown is Petaling Street (Jalan Petaling), a bustling district for shopping and street food. This is the place to bargain for everything, from clothes and souvenirs to electronics. Food stalls line the street, serving local favourites well into the night. Whether you’re here to hunt for deals or sample classic street eats, Jalan Petaling’s energy doesn’t slow down.
5. The Exchange TRX
The beating heart of Tun Razak Exchange, The Exchange TRX is an experience-led lifestyle destination seamlessly integrated with a 10-acre public park. Positioned as Kuala Lumpur’s new lifestyle hub, it brings together over 350 dining spots, concept stores, and new-to-market brands, alongside curated social and cultural experiences.
Recommended by a local
Location: Persiaran TRX, Tun Razak Exchange, 55188 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00
6. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Ready for Year of the Horse! Photo: Nenita Bohol
Blending high-end fashion, local brands, and international retailers, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit for shopaholics. This luxury mall in Bukit Bintang houses over 700 stores across ten levels and eight themed precincts. Beyond shopping, it also offers dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences.
Location: 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00
7. The Campus Ampang
With a vibe reminiscent of New Bahru in Singapore, The Campus in Ampang combines modern sports facilities, top-notch schools, a variety of shops, and buzzing entertainment venues — all in one dynamic setting. Perfect for residents and tourists alike, it’s a place to play, shop, learn, and connect.
Recommended by a local
Location: Lot 7706, Jalan Kolam Air Lama, Mukim, Hulu Kelang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00
8. Batu Caves
Statue of Lord Murugan at the entrance of Batu Caves. Photo: Lord Acuña
Batu Caves is a Hindu temple complex set within dramatic limestone caves and serves as the focal point of the annual Thaipusam festival. It is fronted by one of the world’s tallest statues of Lord Murugan, standing guard at the base of the site. To reach the main cave temples, visitors climb the prominent 272 brightly coloured steps. Located in Gombak, around 30-40 minutes from Kuala Lumpur’s city centre, it is easily accessible by public transport.
Recommended by a local
Location: Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 06:00 – 21:00
9. The Library by BookXcess
The Library by BookXcess at Sunway Square is ASEAN’s largest 24-hour bookstore, spanning 38,000 sq ft. With over a million books — including rare and niche titles — it’s a paradise for book lovers. Browse freely or settle in one of 300+ seats, from quiet nooks to communal tables. Power outlets at every spot make it ideal for students and remote workers. This vibrant space blends reading, productivity, and inspiration, all without any pressure to buy.
Recommended by a local
Location: L2-19, Level 2, Sunway SQ Mall, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
10. Vertigo at Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur
The night is (pretty) young! Photo: Lord Acuña
Ready for a nightcap after a fun day out? Sip cocktails while taking in stunning views of Kuala Lumpur’s remarkable skyline at Vertigo rooftop bar on the 59th floor of Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur hotel. Note that entry is strictly for guests aged 21 and above.
Location: Level 59, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, 2, Jalan Conlay, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 18:00 – 00:00
Where to eat in Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia boasts a rich food culture, with signature dishes and street food to suit every palate. Thinking of heading to Jalan Alor for something sedap? You might want to skip the usual tourist trail and explore this curated list of places to eat in Kuala Lumpur instead — all personally recommended by Esther.
If you hate crowds, I would recommend to avoid Jalan Alor entirely. It’s a popular street food area, but the big crowd can get really overwhelming (think: pushing against each other). And you can find local street food that’s just as good, if not better, in many other parts of the city.
1. Mollagaa Restaurant
Photo: Mollagaa Restaurant Facebook
Mollagaa Restaurant serves authentic Indian cuisine with no MSG added, and is known for its authentic banana leaf meals and aromatic biryanis. Esther says, “My family likes the chicken biryani and prawn ghee roast.”
Location: 50A, Lebuh Ampang, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 11:00 – 22:00
2. Village Park Restaurant
Village Park Restaurant is a Chinese-Muslim establishment popular for traditional Malay breakfast. Esther shares, “Very nice nasi lemak, I love it. Many people would say it’s not the best and that there are many other nicer places, but I find this place holds its standard well. Get the nasi lemak ayam berempah (spiced fried chicken).”
Location: 5, Jalan SS 21/37, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 06:30 – 17:30
3. Super Kitchen Chilli Pan Mee
Photo: Super Kitchen Chilli Pan Mee official website
Super Kitchen Chilli Pan Mee began as a small family-run eatery and has now grown into a well-loved chain with 18 outlets, including a presence in Singapore. All dishes are prepared to order, ensuring each bowl is served fresh. Esther recommends the dry flat noodles, topped with fried anchovies and chilli flakes for the full experience.
Locations: 18 outlets, including 1 Mont Kiara, Pandan Indah, and Sri Petaling.
Opening hours: 08:00 – 23:00 (Double-check with the branch.)
4. Beato Aged Steakhouse
Founded in 2012, Beato Aged Steakhouse pioneered dry-aged steak in Malaysia. Its steaks are aged for several weeks in a temperature-controlled environment, then simply seasoned with salt and pepper before being expertly cooked and served with mustard.
Locations:
Bangsar – 24-1 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Publika – D3-G3-7 Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours:
Both outlets are open everyday, except Wednesday, from 17:30 – 22:30.
5. Croisserie Artisan Bakery
Photo: Croisserie Artisan Bakery Facebook
Croisserie Artisan Bakery uses premium ingredients for its wide range of breads and pastries. They are baked fresh daily, keeping the quality and authenticity in every bite. Esther says, “I love the pastries here. I think they specialise in croissants and buttery, flaky pastries.”
Location: Plaza Damansara, 33, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 07:30 – 20:00
6. Ramly Burger
Esther shares: “Try a Ramly Burger – you can easily find these at roadside stalls. They’re cheap, sloppy burgers that I feel are part of the Malaysian experience. The chicken special with cheese is a good ‘beginner’ burger, and the ‘special’ means the patty is wrapped in an omelette.”
With these recommendations, you’re all set to explore Kuala Lumpur beyond the usual spots. How many of these places will you add to your itinerary? A big thank you to Esther for sharing her favourite places and local insights throughout this guide!
About this collaboration
This Kuala Lumpur travel guide is a collaboration with my friend Esther Chung, who hails from the city and is currently based in Singapore with her family.
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