Kuala Lumpur
Step into the bustling capital city of Malaysia and discover some epic buildings (2nd tallest in the world!) with lots to see and do.
Kuala Lumpur (commonly referred to as KL) is defined by its contrasts: 450-meter steel skyscrapers mixed with 400-million-year-old limestone caves. We enjoyed KL far more than we anticipated, and were stunned by both the Batu Caves and the Petronas Towers. We expected to be underwhelmed with both of these places, having seen photos of them both online a million times before, yet we were still blown away.
Things to Do:
The Petronas Twin Towers: Once the tallest buildings in the world, these gleaming silver structures remain the iconic heart of the KL skyline. Walk the double-decker Skybridge on the 41st floor, then head to the 86th-floor observation deck for a view that makes the city look like a sprawling digital circuit board. Just book far in advance as tickets sell out fast!
Batu Caves: Guarded by a massive, golden 140-foot statue of Lord Murugan, these caves are a vibrant explosion of color. To reach the cathedral-like temple inside, you must climb 272 "rainbow" steps while dodging the cheeky (and often thieving) long-tailed macaques. Pro tip: Get here before sunrise and be the first people up the steps as it gets busy SO quickly!
Jalan Alor Night Market: The ultimate pilgrimage for foodies. At night, this street transforms into a smoky, neon-lit theater of food. Don't miss the famous Wong Ah Wah grilled chicken wings or the legendary salt-and-pepper squid.
Thean Hou Temple: One of the oldest and largest temples in Southeast Asia. This six-tiered pagoda is a masterpiece of ornate carvings and red lanterns. Perched on a hill, it offers one of the best free panoramic views of the city skyline.
KL Forest Eco Park: Experience a slice of ancient jungle right in the middle of the concrete. A canopy walkway lets you trek above the trees, giving you a surreal perspective of lush green leaves framed by the geometric glass of the surrounding skyscrapers.
Merdeka Square: The historic heart of the city, where Malaysia declared independence in 1957. It is surrounded by the stunning Sultan Abdul Samad Building, an architectural gem with copper domes and a 41-meter clock tower modeled after Big Ben.
The "River of Life": Visit the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. Once a murky waterway, it is now a stunning waterfront area with "dancing" blue fountains and atmospheric mist that turns the historic Masjid Jamek mosque into a fairytale scene at night.