The 7 Best Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia: My Favorite Activities in KL

Last Updated on June 22, 2025 by Oliver

I’ve said this in a few of my other articles already, but Kuala Lumpur is definitely one of my favorite big cities in Southeast Asia. It’s got that proper big-city energy, a huge skyline, tons of things to do, but it’s still super affordable. I always think of it as a cheaper, more laid-back version of Singapore.

Whenever I’m on a longer Southeast Asia trip or backpacking around the region, I somehow always end up back in KL. Partly because it’s a major hub, but mostly because it feels like a bit of a safe haven. After weeks of hostels and bumpy bus rides, Kuala Lumpur is where I know I can get a comfortable place to stay with a skyline view without blowing my budget. I can find proper food from just about anywhere (sushi, pizza, you name it), and there’s always something fun to do, so it usually turns into a bit of a recharge stop for me.

This article is all about the things to do in Kuala Lumpur, but to be honest, I don’t think it’s one of those cities where sightseeing is the main draw. KL’s more about the vibe. That said, there are some pretty cool spots worth checking out, and you can easily fill three or four days here without running out of things to do.

Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur – My Experience

Like I mentioned in the intro, whenever I’m in Kuala Lumpur, I’m not really in full sightseeing mode, not the way I would be in a place like Bangkok or Hanoi. I usually come here for the comfort. Good food, nice accommodation, a bit of a break from the usual backpacker chaos.

That said, there is plenty of cool stuff to do in KL, and by now I’ve done most of it. So I feel like I’ve got a good idea on what’s actually worth your time here and what’s not.

For me personally, the Batu Caves are a non-negotiable. It’s one of KL’s major sights, and for good reason. I’ve been twice now and it’s just such a cool, unique place to visit. Also, watching tourists get ambushed by monkeys is both terrifying and hilarious.

Another thing I always do when I’m in KL is head to a rooftop bar with a proper view of the Petronas Towers. But do yourself (and me) a favor: skip Heli Lounge Bar. It’s overpriced, packed with tourists, and honestly, the view isn’t even that great anymore. There are better rooftop spots around the city that give you the same skyline experience without the crowds.

But if I’m being totally honest, my main activity in KL is the food. I use the city as an excuse to treat myself, sushi, ramen, pizza, whatever I’m craving. It’s all high quality and surprisingly affordable here, so I go all in.

1. Visit the Batu Caves

Right at the top of my list is visiting the Batu Caves, one of the most iconic attractions in Kuala Lumpur, and more importantly, one of the most significant Hindu temples in the region. Let’s be honest though, most people (myself included) come here first and foremost because it looks incredible.

Getting there is easy. If you’re traveling with someone, just split a Grab, it’s super cheap and quick. And the best part is that the entrance is completely free.

The colorful staircase leading up to the cave is stunning, and the massive Arulmigu Murugan statue standing guard outside is just ridiculous in scale. It’s one of those places that really does live up to the photos and 100% worth seeing in person.

But a word of warning: the monkeys here are absolute menaces. No joke, they’re the most aggressive macaques I’ve ever encountered. One of them cornered me, snatched my water bottle, then sat there in front of me, opened it, and poured the whole thing out like it was some kind of power move.

Don’t bring anything you don’t want to lose. Avoid bags, shiny things, or loose accessories. Keep everything in your pockets, including your sunglasses. The less you give them to work with, the better.

2. Try Stingray at Jalan Alor Food Street

Yes, it’s touristy, but I really don’t care. Jalan Alor Food Street is one of my favorite places to go at night in Kuala Lumpur. It’s the city’s most famous night market, packed with street food stalls selling everything from bubble tea to grilled squid, and lined with Chinese-style open-air restaurants on the other side.

It’s at one of those restaurants that I tried stingray for the first time. And honestly? It was actually pretty good. Definitely worth a try if you’re feeling a bit adventurous.

But even if you’re not into stingray, the vibe here is just great. Sitting outside at one of those classic plastic tables, eating delicious Chinese food, sipping a cold beer, and watching the chaos of the night market unfold around you, there’s just something exciting about it. It’s noisy, crowded, a little chaotic, and somehow kind of perfect.

Heads up: it’s definitely a bit more expensive than other local food spots, but you’re paying for the atmosphere as much as the food.

3. Check Out the Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC Park

I never get tired of seeing the Petronas Twin Towers. It’s one of those buildings that still impresses me every time, even if I’m just sitting in the back of a Grab on the highway and catch a glimpse of them lit up at night.

I’ve only ever admired them from the outside, usually while walking around KLCC Park, which is the area surrounding the towers. It’s a nice place to stroll or sit for a bit, and there’s a massive shopping mall at the base, full of international brands, restaurants, and, more importantly, air conditioning. Sometimes it’s just a good spot to escape the heat for an hour or two.

You can go up to the skybridge or observation deck, but personally I’ve never bothered. I’d rather see the towers than be inside them, if that makes sense. If you’re the same, either take a photo from the front (like the classic shot everyone does), head to a rooftop bar, or even better, stay in a hotel or apartment with a proper view of the Petronas Towers.

If you’re looking for a place with Petronas Tower views, check out my guide on where to stay in Kuala Lumpur.

4. Explore Thean Hou Temple

Thean Hou Temple was one of the most beautiful Chinese temples I’d seen at the time, just a stunning place to wander around for a while. Even if you’re not particularly into the religious side of things, the architecture alone makes it worth the visit. Red lanterns, ornate rooftops, all the classic design details, if you watched Mulan as a kid, you’ll know exactly the kind of look I’m talking about.

By the time I came here, I hadn’t yet been to Taiwan and the temples there are on another level. (Side note: huge recommendation to visit Taiwan if temples are your thing.) But as a starting point for what might become your new Chinese/Taiwanese temple obsession, Thean Hou is a pretty great introduction.

5. Go for Brunch or Coffee in One of KL’s Amazing Cafes

After spending a few years living in Australia, my obsession with coffee and brunch is very real. So naturally, I hunted down some great cafés in Kuala Lumpur and thankfully, there’s plenty of them.

There are loads of good spots around the city, especially if you’re in the mood for a proper flat white and some avo toast or eggs benedict that could hold its own in Melbourne.

A few favorites:

Feeka Coffee Roasters: Perfect for a relaxed sit-down brunch with great food and coffee.

VCR: Probably the coolest coffee spot I know in KL. Great vibe, great coffee.

Bean Brothers: A good choice if you need to open the laptop and get some work done.

6. Wander Through Petaling Street and Chinatown

I actually really like Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur. Petaling Street is the main thing to do here, a busy street market right in the middle of it all, where you can buy everything from street food to knock-off sneakers to underwear. 

What I really come here for, though, is the food. There are some amazing noodle spots in this area, and one of my absolute favorites is Mee Tarik Restoran, they serve hand-pulled noodles and dumplings, and both are excellent. Huge recommendation from me. Just across the street is a cozy little café called Mingle Café, which is a nice spot to sit down for a coffee afterward.

I also think Chinatown is a pretty good area to stay in, especially if you’re backpacking. There are loads of hostels around, and you’re right in the middle of the action with markets, cheap food, and easy access to the rest of the city.

7. Visit the Islamic Arts Museum

If you’re into art, history, or just feel like escaping the heat for a couple of hours, the Islamic Arts Museum is well worth a visit. Even if museums aren’t normally your thing, this one’s surprisingly engaging. The architecture is beautiful, the space is calm and airy, and the exhibits are genuinely interesting.

It’s also not one of those museums that drags on forever, you can see the whole thing at a relaxed pace in about 1–2 hours. And it’s a nice change of pace from the traffic and noise outside. If you’re nearby (it’s right next to the National Mosque), it’s definitely worth popping in.

8. Watch the Sunset from a Rooftop Bar (Don’t Go to Heli Bar)

One of the best ways to enjoy Kuala Lumpur’s skyline is with a drink in hand at a rooftop bar, preferably around sunset when the city starts to light up and the Petronas Towers look extra stunning. There are a bunch of rooftop spots in KL, and most of them are better than that one everyone talks about: Heli Lounge Bar.

Look, I’ve been. It’s not terrible, but it’s overpriced, packed with tourists, and honestly the view isn’t even that great anymore with all the new buildings popping up. You can do better.

There are plenty of other rooftop bars in KL that are just as high up and way more enjoyable, with better cocktails and no stupid entrance fee. 

Better options are: Fuego at Troika Sky Dining or the Skybar at Traders Hotel

9. Take a Walk Through KL Forest Eco Park

KL Forest Eco Park is basically a patch of rainforest right in the middle of the city, which sounds random and kind of is, but it’s actually a nice little escape from the concrete and traffic. It’s not a full-on jungle hike or anything, but there’s a canopy walkway you can wander across, a few short trails, and enough greenery to make you forget you’re in the middle of Kuala Lumpur for a minute.

You don’t need a ton of time here, 30 to 45 minutes is more than enough but it’s worth checking out if you’re already near the KL Tower. It’s definitely not a must-see in Kuala Lumpur but it’s a fun way to be a little active.

Quick Kuala Lumpur travel Guide (Everything You Need to Know)

Use Grab for everything: It’s super cheap, reliable, and way easier than dealing with taxis or public transport. You can get across the whole city for the price of a coffee.

Dress light, but respectfully: It’s hot and humid year-round, but you’ll want to cover up a bit if you’re visiting temples or religious sites. After all, Malaysia is a very muslim country so be respectful.

English is widely spoken: You’ll have zero issues getting around, ordering food, or asking for directions. KL is very tourist-friendly.

Tap water isn’t drinkable: Always buy bottled or filtered water. It’s cheap and easy to find.

Bring a mix of cash and card: Most places take card, especially in malls and cafes, but street stalls and smaller shops are still cash-only.

Don’t just eat Malaysian food: KL is a global food city. Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Japanese, Western: it’s all here and it’s all good.

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

I’ve got a full guide on where to stay in Kuala Lumpur, but here’s the short version: whenever I’m in KL, I try to stay somewhere a bit more unique. One of the great things about this city is that you can stay in a really nice hotel or apartment without spending a fortune.

I usually stay somewhere near the Petronas Towers, Chinatown, or Jalan Alor in Bukit Bintang, it just depends on the vibe I’m going for.

Here are a few of my favorite places to stay:

Best Hotel in Kuala Lumpur: Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur

Best Value for Money: JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur

Best Apartment with a Petronas Towers View: Crown Suites Tropicana

FAQs About What to Do in Kuala Lumpur

What are the best things to do in KL for couples?

My number one recommendation? Go to Fuego. It’s a Latin American restaurant with an incredible outdoor terrace that looks straight at the Petronas Towers. Super romantic, totally unique, and honestly one of the most unique things to do in Kuala Lumpur.

What are the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids?

KL Forest Eco Park is fun for kids, the canopy walk gives them a little adventure, and it’s not too intense. But honestly, some of the best kid-friendly activities are just being inside the shopping malls with full-blast AC. If you’ve traveled with little ones in Southeast Asia, you’ll understand how brutal the heat and humidity can get.

What are the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur at night?

Definitely check out a rooftop bar, SkyBar at Traders Hotel is a classic with a great view. Or head to Jalan Alor Night Market for cheap Chinese food, grilled seafood, and a cold beer.

Is Kuala Lumpur worth visiting?

100% yes, I love Kuala Lumpur. That said, I wouldn’t fly here just for KL. I’d always make it part of a longer Southeast Asia trip. Either a proper Malaysia itinerary or as a stopover on the way to somewhere else like Bali, Thailand, wherever.

What are the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 3 Days?

The best Kuala Lumpur things to do in 3 days are definitely visiting the Batu caves, visiting Jalan Alor Food Street and visiting the Petronas Twin Towers. Those are must-sees when in KL.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur

I really like Kuala Lumpur. It’s got a good mix of things to do, interesting, fun, but not so much that it gets overwhelming. You can easily spend a few chill days here bouncing between good food, rooftop bars, cafés, a bit of shopping, and some light sightseeing. And the best part is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to do any of it.

I always make a point to come back to KL whenever I’m traveling around Southeast Asia. It’s one of those cities that just works and is comfortable, affordable, and full of good energy.

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