Kuala Lumpur City

About Kuala Lumpur

The capital and the biggest city of Malaysia were established in the year 1857 and get city status on 01^st February 1972. In Malay Kuala Lumpur means “muddy confluence”. Kuala means a place where two rivers or estuary joins together while Lumpur means “mud”. The city is located in the west-central of west Malaysia. The estimated population of the Kuala Lumpur metropolitan region is approx. 8 million as of 2020. Kuala Lumpur is known for its cultural, commercial and transportation centre. Kuala Lumpur city has various famous attractions, one of the dominating structures of Kuala Lumpur and the world’s tallest twin tower lies in its modern skyline i.e. Petronas Twin Towers, a 451 mts tall glass and steel-clad skyscraper pair. The two towers are connected with the sky bridge on floors 42 and 43. Apart from this other famous attractions of Kuala Lumpur are Menara Kuala Lumpur is commonly known as KL tower, an observatory deck at 276 mts. Other famous attractions of Kuala Lumpur are Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Aqauria KLCC, National Mosque of Malaysia, Genting Highlands, Bat Caves, National Palace, Markeda Square- the historic square in the city etc.

Kuala Lumpur Geography

Kuala Lumpur (KL) is the capital of Malaysia and is situated on the west coast of the peninsula. The Titiwangsa Mountains to the east and the Strait of Malacca to the west surround KL, which is nestled in a vast valley known as Klang Valley. Because Kuala Lumpur is located near the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers, its name means "muddy confluence." The capital city of Selangor State, Kuala Lumpur, has a population of about 1.6 million people in the city core.

Tourist spot in Kuala Lumpur

KL is home to a wide range of architectural marvels. The former offices of the Colonial Secretariat (now the Sultan Abdul Samad Building) on Merdeka Square and the old Kuala Lumpur Railway station are among the city's grandest old British colonial buildings. They combine elements of British and North African architecture. The Royal Selangor Club is located on Merdeka Square's west side, and it looks like a failed transplant from Stratford Upon Avon. Masjid Jamek, a lovely Moorish-style mosque near Merdeka Square, is located at a Klang River confluence. Masjid Negara, Malaysia's National Mosque, was built in 1965 to commemorate the country's newfound independence. The two Jima Memorial in Arlington, Virginia inspired the National Monument in the lovely Lake Gardens. Nearby is the ASEAN sculpture garden. The previous mansion of the British High Commissioner, Carcosa Seri Negara, is also located amid the lake grounds and now houses an expensive hotel and colonial-style tea rooms. The Petronas Twin Towers are truly magnificent, but some buildings in the high-rise Golden Triangle, such as the KL Tower, are uninspired replicas of other iconic landmarks. The interesting small lanes of Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur's traditional business sector, with its many Chinese shops and restaurants, are also located within the city centre.

Petronas Twin Tower

The 88-story twin building is Kuala Lumpur's crown jewel, rising to a height of 451.9 metres. The PETRONAS Twin Towers are inspired by Tun Mahathir Mohamad's desire for Malaysia to become a global participant. They are majestic by day and brilliant at night. The international icon captures the nation's dreams and aspirations in collaboration with master architect Cesar Pelli.

Menara KL Tower

The KL TOWER is the world's seventh tallest telecommunication tower and Southeast Asia's tallest. We offer a unique blend of cultural, adventure, and nature experience not found anywhere else in the world, standing at 421m in the centre of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital city.

Sunway Lagoon

Sunway Lagoon is a one-stop shop for entertainment. Sunway Lagoon offers the ultimate theme park experience in 6 adventure zones: Water Parks, Amusement Parks, Wildlife Park, Extreme Park, Scream Park, and Nickelodeon– Asia's First Nickelodeon Themed Land, with over 90 attractions spread across 88 acres. By purchasing tickets online, you will be able to see them all.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is a late-nineteenth-century structure in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, located along with Jalan Raja in front of the Dataran Merdeka and the Royal Selangor Club. In its early years, the structure was simply known as Government Offices because it housed the offices of the British colonial authority. It was renamed Sultan Abdul Samad in 1974, after the reigning Sultan of Selangor at the time of construction.

How to Reach Kuala Lumpur

KL has a well-developed and well-connected transportation system. Getting into KL is simple, whether you fly in with Malaysia Airlines or take a trip on one of the Transnasional buses. You may use KL's network to see the rest of Malaysia and the world because it is the country's transportation hub.

Kula Lumpur by Air

The Kuala Lumpur International Airport is located in Sepang, 50 kilometres from the city. It is well-known for its cutting-edge amenities. This airport is likewise regarded as one of the best in the world. At this airport, approximately 40 international flight services are received. It is divided into two terminals and receives flights from all over the world, including Delhi, London, Manila, and Singapore. Air Air India, Air Asia, Air China, Nippon Airways, and British Airways are the main serving airlines. Shuttle buses run from the airport to the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur by Rail

KTM, or Keretapi Tanah Melayu, is Malaysia's railway service provider. This city's previous train station is known as Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, and the modern one is known as KL Sentral Railway Station. KL Sentral is the hub for most international trains as well as trains from other cities. The rates are reasonable, and reservations may be made online. Trains from Singapore, Thailand, Kota Bharu, and other international destinations are available. Other local transportation options include the Monorail, KTM Komuter, and ERL. A trip on the monorail provides a great view of the city.

Kuala Lumpur by Road

By road, Kuala Lumpur is well connected to its neighbouring cities as well as foreign destinations. Peninsular Malaysia is connected to it. The city is crossed by the North-South Expressway and the East Coast Expressway. North-bound, south-bound, and east-bound bus routes are separated. It is recommended that you arrive at least 15 minutes before the bus departs. For sightseeing, double-decker buses covering 42 locations are provided. Other buses that roam around with defined destinations are available. Even though buses run every 15 minutes, due to traffic, it could take up to two hours to get there. Taxis in this city are coloured red, white, and blue, with various pricing. It is recommended to utilise taxi-booking apps like Uber and Grab instead of these taxis because they can be more expensive and taxi drivers may refuse to use metres or simply reject passengers. Rental cars are an option, but they can be avoided. The local signs and road etiquette are the most difficult aspects of driving here.

Kuala Lumpur by Boat

Though no waterways are connecting Kuala Lumpur to Port Klang, the boat cruise from Indonesia to Port Klang is enjoyable. Kuala Lumpur is 40 kilometres away. By car, it could take up to 90 minutes. This port is separated into three sections: north, south, and west. At the south port, the KTM trains come to a halt. A cab journey from the west port, where the cruise liners are, to the south port is required.

Best time to visit Kuala Lumpur

Because Kuala Lumpur's weather may be unpredictable, including floods and heatwaves, it's a good idea for travellers to know when the best time to visit is. Peninsular Malaysia, where KL is located, is subjected to two major monsoon seasons each year, and certain places are subjected to brief showers and thunderstorms throughout this time. The eastern portion of the peninsula is pounded the worst between October and January, and while a mountain range that runs across the middle of the country gives some protection from the eastern monsoon, KL still gets rain. Meanwhile, the western monsoon reaches the city straight from March to April, providing the heaviest rain. May through July is the greatest season to visit KL for stable weather, as the entire country is experiencing a dry spell, resulting in blue skies and hot temperatures.

Excursions from Kuala Lumpur

Batu Caves

The easiest place on our list to access is Batu Caves, which is only around 13 kilometres outside of the city and can be reached in a short amount of time by vehicle or train. The caves are open to the public for free, but be prepared to put in some effort; the entrance is at the top of 272 stairs. Three major caverns and several smaller caves off the main rooms make up the limestone caves. There are various Hindu shrines and Swamis to see inside the caves, and a large monument of Lord Murgan stands outside the caves. You can get a magnificent view of the KL skyline from the top of the steps if you go on a clear day.

Genting Highlands

The only casino resort in Malaysia, set in the magnificent mountains north of Kuala Lumpur. If gambling isn't your style, you may still have fun at the massive indoor/outdoor entertainment park. It's sure to get your adrenaline pumping with roller coasters, Asia's only skydiving simulator, and a slew of other rides. Finally, don't miss out on the chance to ride Asia's longest and fastest cable car, which offers breathtaking views of the jungle below.

Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands is located 200 kilometres outside of Kuala Lumpur and take approximately three hours to reach. The trip alone is worthwhile, as it passes through lush green forests on the way to Malaysia's largest highlands resort. The Cameron Highlands has cooler temperatures and visibly fresher air, making it an excellent area to visit during the hot summer months. A trip to the tea estates and a nice warm cup of tea is a necessity. You can also go strawberry picking, stroll through rose gardens, and visit butterfly and honeybee farms. Take a dip in the extremely cold waters of Lata Iskandar waterfall if you're feeling extra courageous.

Places to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

For your convenience, Plan My Package has compiled a list of the best hotels in Kuala Lumpur City with excellent reviews and arranged them by price. The city was categorised among the six greatest neighbourhoods. You've come to the right place if you're wondering which Kuala Lumpur neighbourhood is the greatest to stay in.

Kuala Lumpur City Centre(KLCC)

KLCC is the ideal area to stay in if you're visiting Kuala Lumpur for the first time (Kuala Lumpur City Centre). This is the ideal location if you want to be in the thick of things at all times, as well as the location of all the major attractions.

Best Hotels in KLCC:

Best Luxurious Hotel: Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Best mid-range hotel: CitizenM Kuala Lumpur
Best Budget Hotel: The Bed KLCC

Bukit Bintang

Bukit Bintang is known as KL's shopping district, with some of the city's greatest shopping malls, cafes, pubs, night markets, and street food outlets. Tourists flock to Bukit Bintang (particularly because of Jalan Alor Food Street), although it is primarily populated by local and international youth groups. Because of its central location, the Bukit Bintang district is easily accessible via public transportation (local monorail station, taxis, buses).

Best Hotels in Bukit Bintang:

Best Luxury Hotel: Pullman Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Best mid range hotel: MOV Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang
Best Budget Hotel: Travelodge Bukit Bintang

Chow Kit

This neighbourhood was named after a well-known miner and the first local proprietor of a department store, which was at the time one of the city's largest. Large Indonesian and small African groups presently occupy the area.

Best Hotels in Chow Kit:

Best Luxury Hotel: Pullman Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Best mid-range hotel: Red By Sirocco
Best Budget Hotel: KL Skyline Hostel

China Town

This neighbourhood is ideal for budget travellers, as the majority of the options are mid-range guesthouses and hotels that provide basic facilities and charge a reasonable nightly rate. While you're there, don't forget to stop by the Petaling Street Market!

Best Hotels in China Town:

Best Luxury Hotel: There is no Luxury hotel in China Town
Best mid-range hotel: The Quay Hotel KL
Best Budget Hotel: Hotel Iron Inn

KL Sentral

KL Sentral has many luxury hotels as well as local and international eateries that are popular for travellers, despite its location outside of the city centre. You may take a short stroll from KL Sentral to the Brickfields neighbourhood, which has several Buddhist temples and nice stores with a lot of South Indian influences!

Best Hotels in KL Sentral:

Best Luxury Hotel: Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur
Best mid-range hotel: Hilton Kuala Lumpur
Best Budget Hotel: Double M Hotel @KL Sentral

Near KL International Airport(KLIA)

Nowadays, most foreign flights enter and depart through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL/KLIA), where Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia fly. However, there is another airport in the city, Subang Airport (SZB), which operates on a smaller scale, with just Terminal 3 serving local Malaysian destinations and short routes to Thailand and Indonesia. For your convenience, Plan My Package has included hotels near both airports. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for Kuala Lumpur airport hotels:

Best Hotels near KLIA:

Best Luxury Hotel: Movenpick Hotel and Convention Centre KLIA
Best mid-range hotel: Sama Sama Hotel KLIA
Best Budget Hotel: Capsule Transit KLIA

Best Hotels near Subang Airport(SZB)

Best Luxury Hotel: New World Petaling Jaya
Best mid-range hotel: Acappella Suite Hotel Shah Alam
Best Budget Hotel: U3 Hotel

Places to eat in Kuala Lumpur

In KL, there are a plethora of dining alternatives, whether you're looking for traditional Malaysian fare or foreign cuisine. Trying out some local cuisine is definitely on my list of things to do in KL, so here are some must-try local meals, as well as the finest places to sample them:

Local Authentic taste of Malaysia

Assam Laksa — Rice noodles in a curry-based broth with fish and greens from the region.
Nasi Lemak - Steamed rice with coconut flavour served with sambal, boiled or fried egg, fried fish, and a simple Malay sauce.
Hokkien Mee – stir-fried egg or Hakka noodles with a rich sauce and your choice of meat or shellfish.
Roti Canai – a flaky Indian flatbread with a half-fried egg and curry.
Ikan Bakar - Ikan Bakar is grilled fish that has been marinated in a Malay spice marinade.
Hainanese Chicken Rice - Braised chicken in a Chinese style served with steamed rice and sauce.
Beef Rendang — A traditional Malay meat stew made with rice and tender coconut-flavoured beef.
Rojak — Shrimp paste-flavoured fruit or vegetable fritters in the Malay style.
Tropical Fruits - From durian to sweet mangoes to mangosteen, Malaysia offers a wide variety of fresh tropical fruits.
Satay - Satay is a popular Southeast Asian type of grilled meat, fish, and vegetables served on a stick.
Ice Kacang - A shaved ice mountain flavoured with jelly, syrup, and red bean paste.

Plan My Package Recommended Food Streets

Jalan Alor

For its offerings in the area of street cuisine, Jalan Alor has become a household name in KL. This is a well-known hawker centre street that attracts foodies from around the world. It's preferable to go to Jalan Alor on an empty stomach. There is so much to eat and taste that a single visit will not be enough. Different hawker centres sell the greatest Thai, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Malay dishes on Jalan Alor. This Kuala Lumpur boulevard is dedicated solely to the celebration of wonderful food.

Timing: 5 PM until Midnight
What We Ate: Vietnamese Chicken Pho, Dim Sums (seafood and chicken), Nasi Goreng, Fresh Tropical Fruits, and Durian Ice Cream. Try small sampling portions at different hawker centres.
Tapak Urban Street Dining: Tapak Urban is a newly opened food truck park in Kuala Lumpur's street food industry. The restaurant has quickly garnered a large following among foodies due to its excellent cuisine. Tapak Urban Street is located in the heart of the city and specialises in modern-day fusion Asian cuisine. The open-air seating area is surrounded by food trucks, and live music is provided for the guests' enjoyment.
- Timing: 6 PM until Midnight
- What We Ate: Chicken Falafel With Pita, Fresh Mango Juice, Churros With Chocolate Dipping Sauce.

Taman Cannought Night Market

Meal stories are frequently about the experience as much as they are about the food. The night market at Kuala Lumpur's Taman Cannought is all about the experience. Tourists flock here every Wednesday to buy a variety of products in stock, ranging from food to crafts and books.
- Timing: 5 PM until Midnight
- What We Ate: Grilled Corn, Fried Mee Hoon, Ice Kacang, Iced Milo

Little India / The Brickyards

The best Indian food in Kuala Lumpur can be found in Little India. You'll discover South Indian and "banana leaf" curry establishments among the many nasi kandar restaurants. Rice is served on a banana leaf, surrounded by various curries and daals, as the name suggests. Some locations are all-you-can-eat, and the staff will come around now and then to offer you another spoonful of whatever you want.
- Timing: 10 AM to 9 PM
- What We Ate: Tamil Food

Petaling Street Market, Chinatown

Petaling Street in Chinatown is the place to go if you want to eat street food and shop at the same time. The impact of Chinese cuisine can be seen in the native Malaysian cuisines. As a result, what could be better than sampling authentic Chinese cuisine in Chinatown?