Top 25 Attractions in Kuala Lumpur

The city was founded at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang rivers by tin miners from China. For this reason, they chose such a name, translated as "dirty mouth." In the last century, Kuala Lumpur was under the control of the British and the Japanese (during the Second World War). The years of occupation did not pass without a trace for the region, but today, among the advantages of those left from that time, one can single out, for example, the architectural heritage of that era. Since then, much has changed, and now the capital of Malaysia is one of the most dynamically developing cities in Asia.

The districts of the city do not have clear boundaries. In addition, ethnic quarters are common here. One of the most developed is Chinatown. Many attractions are concentrated in the immediate vicinity of the Petronas Twin Towers. These two skyscrapers have become the hallmark of Kuala Lumpur over a couple of decades of existence.

What to see and where to go in Kuala Lumpur?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

petronas towers

Visiting card of the city. The twin towers were built for 7 years until 1999. Their height exceeds 450 meters. They are connected to each other by a covered bridge. It is not only convenient and beautiful, but also provides fire safety. The buildings have 88 floors. There is an observation deck at the level of the 86th floor. Inside the towers there is a shopping center, office space, a concert hall, restaurants, a museum.

Park KLCC

Located at the Petronas Twin Towers. Destroyed in 1998 by the Brazilian architect Roberto Burle Marx. It occupies an area of ​​20 hectares. The central park of the city is rich in alleys, fountains and artificial lakes. The largest fountain also serves as a children's pool. The perfect place to escape the heat of the day. A modern and safe jogging track has been laid across the territory.

Bukit Bintang

This area was developed in stages. First, an entertainment complex appeared - the first in the city. Then trading platforms and all kinds of leisure centers were added. There are stores for different budgets: for example, Star Hill Gallery is designed for a wealthy audience, and BB Plaza is a more economical shopping option. Restaurants serving dishes from all cuisines of the world and spas are also open here.

Petaling Street

Tourists and locals often refer to this street and its surroundings as Chinatown. Red lanterns are a typical decoration of the area. At the same time, not only the Chinese settled here, but also representatives of other Asian countries. Partially, Petaling street is located under a translucent roof and is filled with shopping arcades, as well as restaurants. Hotels in Chinatown are cheaper than in other parts of the city.

Jalan Alor Street

The main gastronomic street of the city. It gets especially crowded here in the evening. Tourists and locals gather in the open air to taste dishes from all parts of the Asian region and, first of all, Malaysia. Most of the dishes are prepared in front of visitors. Numerous fruits and vegetables are also on sale. No one pays attention to the noise and the crowd around - this is a special flavor of the area.

Royal Palace of Istana Negara

Initially, the building belonged to a Chinese rich man. During the Japanese occupation, it became a canteen for officers. Later converted into the residence of the state sultan. At the moment, the palace is the royal residence. Official events are held here. For this reason, tourists are not allowed inside. However, the attraction is popular: you can take a picture against the background or watch the changing of the guard.

Sultan Abdul-Samad building

The administrative building of the city and at the same time a monument of architecture. During construction in 1897, the author of the project, British Arthur Charles Norman, chose the Moorish style as the basis. At the moment, the Ministry of Culture is located inside. Independence Square, on which the attraction stands, is surrounded by other noteworthy architectural objects, such as the Textile Museum and the Jamek Mosque.

National Museum of Malaysia

The museum building itself can be counted among the exhibits. It was built in 1953 as a national peasant dwelling. It stands on stilts, the exterior is decorated with patterned panels, the interior is a mosaic with historical scenes. The collection is amazing: coins of antiquity, weapons from different eras, puppets of the wayang kulit theater, also known as the “shadow theater”, archaeological treasures from Kelantan.

Kuala Lumpur City Gallery

Unlike most galleries in the world, this one has a slightly different specialization. Inside the colonial building, there is an exhibition of photographs and newspaper clippings that tell about Kuala Lumpur of the past. Some buildings, even those that no longer exist, are presented as models. The authors of the exhibition also fantasize about the future. Films about the development of the city are shown at regular intervals.

National Textile Museum

Opened in 2010. The rich collection is divided into different categories. One of the halls shows outfits typical for all parts of the country. Another tells the story of the region's textile industry. The third contains jewelry and items made of precious metals. And in the fourth, national fabrics are presented. Entrance to the museum is free. There is a theme shop nearby.

Petrosains - The Discovery Center

The Research Museum is located in the Petronas Twin Towers. Almost all exhibits can be touched and studied in practice. Inside, during the tour, visitors are told about various technical means and scientific areas. However, the bias is in the direction of oil production. Even the entrance to the museum is unusual: you need to sit in special booths and drive inside through a tunnel.

Museum of Islamic Art

In 1998, a museum of Islamic art was opened in a purpose-built building. The exposition is divided into several separate galleries. The collection dedicated to the architecture of Islam shows many iconic knowledge in miniature. For example, the mausoleum of Timur Amir and the Taj Mahal. Archaeological finds are presented in another room. Two Orenburg shawls are stored in the costumes section. They were made by the Tatar Maginur Khusainova.

Wilayat Persecutuan Mosque

The main mosque of the city was founded at the turn of the XX-XXI centuries. It was built in the likeness of the Blue Mosque of Istanbul. The architectural style is mixed: there are signs of both Ottoman and Malay styles. The domes of the mosque deserve special attention. They are made from a unique blend of materials to ensure the structure is lightweight, strong and durable. It occupies an area of ​​5 hectares. At the same time, 17 thousand people can pray here.

Jamek Mosque

It was built at the confluence of Klang and Gombak in 1909. For more than 50 years, the mosque has been the main one in the country. During the construction, stones of red and white colors were used. Together with a large number of small details in the decor, the mosque turned out to be very elegant. Palm trees protect the territory from the bustle of the city. For tourists, the object is closed, but you can walk around the area around and take a photo.

Mosque Negara

It was built in the 60s of the XX century. The mosque has become one of the symbols of the country's independence. The government wanted to introduce new social and cultural projects after the liberation from the power of the colonialists. The Negara Mosque was built as part of one of them. In 1987, the pink roof was changed to blue-green. Nearby is the mausoleum of Makam Pakhlavan - the burial place of some Malaysian politicians.

Tian Hou Temple

The largest Chinese temple in the country. The complex was built in the 80s of the last century. The temple united traditional Chinese religions: Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism. It is made in the classical style, decorated with carvings, paintings, lanterns. On the territory there is a dining room, souvenir shops, a landscaped garden. Herbs used in Chinese medicine are grown here.

Sri Mahamariamman Temple

The oldest Hindu temple in the city. Located on the outskirts of Chinatown. It was founded in 1873, and almost a hundred years later it was heavily rebuilt. The main change is the appearance of a new tower, called "Raja Gopuram". The interior decor is rich, reminiscent of Indian palaces in style. The building is recognized as an architectural monument. During the period of great holidays, the temple attracts pilgrims from other cities.

national monument

Installed in Lake Park in 1965. The sculptural group is dedicated to the fight against the Japanese invaders during the Second World War, as well as the liberation of the country from the colonial authorities. The height of the monument is about 15 meters. Around it is a water channel and fountains. Seven bronze soldiers identify important qualities for the heroes. One of the fighters is holding the Malaysian flag - a symbol of independence.

Central Market

As a place of active trade, this territory has been known since the 80s of the last century. In 1936 a large building was built to make the trade more organized. Currently, the specialization of the market has changed: you can’t buy food inside, but many shops with handicrafts have opened. There are also galleries of local artists. You can also buy goods from India.

TV Tower Menara

Construction was completed in 1996. The TV tower is one of the ten highest in the world - 421 meters. When designing, the landmark in detail was made on Islamic architecture. In the evening, the Menara is illuminated in a special way. Because of this, it is called the "garden of light." One of the TV tower's features is the Seri Angkasa revolving restaurant. It is located at an altitude of 282 meters. There is also a paid observation deck.

Old railway station

It was built during colonization - in the early years of the 20th century. The architecture is dominated by the Moorish style. Since a new transport hub was created in 1986, the old vocals were no longer used for their intended purpose. A museum about the history of Kuala Lumpur's railway transport was opened inside. The building is recognized as an architectural monument. The railway station hotel, which has changed after the restoration, has been preserved nearby.

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

The largest open aviation in the world opened in 1991. Since then, more than 2,000 specimens of hundreds of species have been collected on an area of ​​8 hectares. The main feature is the absence of cages and aviaries in the usual way. The entire area is covered with a net, so the birds live almost in natural conditions. In the amphitheater, performances with the participation of birds are held, and in the scientific center they are told in detail.

Kuala Lumpur Botanical Garden

It was created at the end of the 19th century as part of the residence of the British government. At the moment, many remarkable objects are located on an area of ​​90 hectares. Separate territories are reserved for a deer park, hibiscus and orchid gardens. The National Planetarium and the Police Museum operate. Due to the special regime of nature protection, a number of restrictions apply in the botanical garden. Among other things, you can not pluck plants or walk dogs.

Oceanarium Aquaria KLCC

One of the largest aquariums in the world. Located at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers. Famous for its 90-meter glass tunnel. In it, marine life is on all sides of the visitors. Notable mini-shows include feeding piranhas and watching scuba divers swim with sharks. Visitors are allowed to touch the inhabitants of some pools without taking them out of the water.

Batu Caves

They are located north of the city. The limestone caves are named after the river that flows nearby. They are one of the few Hindu shrines located outside of India. Undeveloped caves have also been preserved, but it is the temple part that attracts the attention of tourists and pilgrims. Here you can see numerous statues, colorful lights and several buildings. The Thaipusam festival is regularly held.