The skyline of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia during a golden sunset
SKY-HIGH CITY

Cruise to Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia

Home to nearly 2 million people, Malaysia's bustling capital Kuala Lumpur is a massive city of skyscrapers and historic architecture. See the Petronas Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world, with their ultra-modern style and contrasting traditional motifs from Islamic art. Then, stroll down to KLCC Park and walk around its man-made lake and fountain backdropped by the modern skyline. Cruise to Malaysia and explore the historic side of Kuala Lumpur at the iconic Thean Hou Temple, with its red pillars, intricate carvings and decorative artifacts from Buddhist, Confucian and Tao tradition. Or see the Moorish architecture of Jamek Mosque, situated at the crossing of the Klang and Gombak rivers.
National Language Malay
Currency Accepted Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

Things To Do in Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang)

The very tall and modern twin towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Towering Views

The very tall and modern twin towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The very tall and modern twin towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Towering Views

Admire Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers, including the symbol of the city: the Petronas Twin Towers. Tickets to the Skybridge sell out early; it might be easier to get a ticket up to the observation deck of Menara KL Tower, which stands 1,000 feet tall. The KL Tower is also the official observation point for sighting the moon to determine the start of the holy month of Ramadan.

Yellow lanterns hanging on the roof of the temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Decorative Diversity

Yellow lanterns hanging on the roof of the temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Yellow lanterns hanging on the roof of the temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Decorative Diversity

See some of Kuala Lumpur's older buildings too. The Sri Mahamariamman Temple is covered with Hindu statues, and Jamek Mosque is in the Moorish style (you can tour parts of the inside enter if dressed conservatively). The National Museum is beautiful, too, and has replica Malay houses inside. The intricately decorated six tiers of Thean Hou Temple are a Kuala Lumpur landmark.

The Batu Caves with a gold statue of Lord Murugan at the entrance near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Batu Caves with a gold statue of Lord Murugan at the entrance near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Holy Spelunking

The Batu Caves, in the Kuala Lumpur suburb of Selangor, have Hindu shrines within them. You'll need to climb 272 steps to see the largest Cathedral Cave; there are several smaller caves, too. The 140-foot-tall golden statue at the entrance is Murugan, a Hindu deity.

Satay on a stick found as street food in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Satay on a stick found as street food in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Local Cuisine

Kuala Lumpur is a street-food mecca. Pick up satay skewers of grilled meat in peanut sauce. Cruise to Kuala Lumpur and try Malaysia's national dish nasi lemak, coconut rice with pandan leaf, spicy sambal, cucumber slices and a choice of meat — fried chicken is a favorite option. Indulge in the flatbread dish roti canai: Enjoy it in savory form with chicken or mutton, or try the dessert version with bananas and ice cream.

Lanterns hung in the shopping mall of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Lanterns hung in the shopping mall of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Shopping

Kuala Lumpur is known for its excellent shopping and for having prices better than Hong Kong and Singapore. Try the downtown neighborhood of Bukit Bintang, Suria KLCC below the Petronas Towers, or Chinatown's Central Market, also called Pasar Seni. During your Kuala Lumpur cruise, look for traditional fabrics like batik and Malay brocade.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 You'll find quite a lot of English spoken in Kuala Lumpur, as well as Malay, Mandarin and Tamil.
2 It can rain quite often in Kuala Lumpur. Pack a rain jacket and protective gear for your camera.

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