Things to do in Kuala Lumpur: An Honest Take
Kuala Lumpur wasn’t at the top of our bucket list, but it ended up surprising us in some ways. If you’re planning a trip through Southeast Asia or find yourself with a long layover, spending a couple of days here can actually turn into a pretty solid mini-vacation. Here’s our personal take on the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur.
Batu Caves: Better Than Expected
We went to Batu Caves with low expectations. Everything we’d read made it sound like an overcrowded tourist trap. But honestly? It wasn’t that bad. Yes, it’s popular. But it didn’t feel too chaotic, and the natural rock formations inside the caves are genuinely stunning. The giant golden statue, the colorful staircase, the monkeys running around. It’s a lot, but in a good way. There’s a reason why it’s the city’s top attraction.
REXKL: Artsy, Quirky, and Kind of Awesome Actually
REXKL is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a local secret. It’s an old cinema turned into an art and community hub in the heart of Chinatown. Inside, you’ll find vintage shops, food stands, an insane bookstore (seriously, it’s one of the coolest we’ve ever seen), and rotating art installations.
We checked out an immersive art show while we were there. It was pretty cool, though a bit underwhelming compared to places like Tokyo’s teamLab. Still, REXKL easily made it into our Kuala Lumpur highlights. It’s raw, creative, and gives you a feel for the local art scene.
Petronas Towers: Iconic and Unmissable
No list of things to do in Kuala Lumpur is complete without mentioning the Petronas Towers. These twin skyscrapers are kind of the face of the city. You can take a tour that brings you up to the skybridge and the observation deck on the top floors for some panoramic views. We didn’t do it ourselves because the ticket price felt a bit steep, but even from the ground, they’re spectacular to see up close. You obviously cannot miss them during your stay in Kuala Lumpur.
Hidden Speakeasies: KL’s Secret Side
One of the most fun things to do in Kuala Lumpur is to hunt down its hidden speakeasies. These places are tucked behind unmarked doors, inside barber shops or behind bookshelves. They’re cozy, dimly lit, and full of atmosphere. We found a few by searching on social media or just asking around. The drinks are usually fancy (meaning very good, but rather pricy), and the vibe is way more intimate than your typical rooftop bar. If you like finding “secret” spots and sipping cocktails in a place that feels like a little hidden world, Kuala Lumpur speakeasy scene is the way to do it.
Perdana Botanical Garden: Nature Meets Skyscrapers
If you need a break from the noise, this place is a gem. The Perdana Botanical Garden is big, green, and full of weird and wonderful plants. It’s peaceful in a way that makes you forget you’re in the middle of a massive city. That is, until you look up and see the skyscrapers in the distance. It’s kind of futuristic and slightly dystopian, but in a fascinating way. Perfect spot for a picnic, a lazy stroll or an afternoon run.
Chinatown
Chinatown is loud, messy, and alive. You’ll find bars, restaurants, souvenir stalls, and all kinds of little shops packed into narrow streets with red lanterns strung overhead. The market in the centre is fun to browse, even if you’re not buying anything. As we mentioned, REXKL is actually tucked into this area, so it’s easy to hit both in one visit.
Sri Maha Mariamman
It’s one of the oldest and most important Hindu temples in Kuala Lumpur. It’s located right on the edge of Chinatown, so it’s easy to stop by while you’re exploring the area. The temple’s front tower is covered in a mix of brightly colored statues. Even if you’re not super into religious sites, it’s worth a look.
Thean Hou Temple
It’s located on a hill just outside the main city centre with a solid view from up top. This is a Chinese temple dedicated to the goddess of the sea, and it’s got everything: red lanterns, dragon pillars, ornate carvings, and wide open courtyards. It’s a bit more effort to get to, but the peaceful atmosphere an amazing city panorama make it worth a visit.
Is Kuala Lumpur Worth It?
For us, Kuala Lumpur falls into the “glad we went, don’t plan to come back” category. It’s got a few standout spots, a stunning skyline, and enough personality to keep you interested for 2–3 days. A long weekend is the sweet spot. If you’re passing through on your way to somewhere else, definitely consider stretching your layover. It’s the perfect excuse to tick off a few things to do in Kuala Lumpur without much extra planning.
If you want to know more about the destinations we recommend for longer stays or find out about digital nomad lifestyle check out our other blog posts!
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