Places of Interest

Arts & Crafts

Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Conlay. Tel : 603 21627533
9 am to 6 pm daily

A museum, mall and education centre all rolled into one, Kompleks Kraf or KL's Craft complex showcases the very best in Malaysian ethnic handicrafts. Drop by the centre, conveniently located within the Golden Triangle, to catch numerous craft-making demonstrations and workshops.

National Art Gallery
No 2 Jalan Temerloh, Off Jalan Tun Razak. Tel : 603 40254990
10 am to 6 pm daily

Housed in a 13,500 sq meter building, specially designed to blend traditional architecture with contemporary lines – the National Art Gallery reflects the development of the rich and diverse, artistic heritage of Malaysia.

Architectural Splendour

Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower)
Jalan Punchak Off Jalan P Ramlee. Tel : 603 20205446
9 am to 10 pm daily

The tallest tower in Southeast Asia and currently, the fourth tallest structure in the world, stands at an amazing 421 metres at the pinnacle of Bukit Nanas. The tower-head houses a revolving restaurant and an observation platform that provides a bird's-eye view of Kuala Lumpur. The Bukit Nanas Nature Park nearby is also worth a visit.

Petronas Twin Towers
Tel : 603 23311769
8.30 am to 5.30 pm daily. Closed on Mondays

The pride of the nation, the Petronas Twin Towers are the world's tallest free-standing towers. Standing at a dizzying height of 451.9 metres, the towers were designed by renowned architect Cesar Pelli, and stand amidst a 50-hectare landscaped park. The sky bridge that joins the two towers at the 41st floor is open to the public between 10 am to 12.45 pm and 3 pm and 4.45 pm daily, except on Mondays. Tickets are available on a first-come-first-serve basis from the ticket counter, which opens from 8.30 am to 5 pm. A total of 1,280 tickets are issued daily, free of charge.

The Colonial District

Merdeka Square
Jalan Raja 50050 Kuala Lumpur

On the turf at Merdeka Square, a marble plaque marks the spot where the Union Jack was lowered at midnight on August 30, 1957, and the Malaysian flag hoisted for the first time – marking the birth of a nation. The flagpole is the tallest in the world. Live entertainment and cultural shows are staged at the amphitheatre on festive occasions. The Royal Selangor club and St Mary's Cathedral are but two famous landmarks that can be found nearby.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, 50050 Kuala Lumpur

Originally the offices of the Colonial Secretariat, it later served as the first administrative centre of the Malayan government. Built in 1848 by British architects, A C Norman and A B Hubback, this historical landmark is famed for its Islamic-inspired architecture. Today, it houses the Courts of Law. The 40-metre high clock tower is a popular gathering point for New Year and National Day celebrations, parades and revelers.

KL Railway Station
Tel : 603 227447410

Built in 1910, the Islamic influences in the design of graceful arches and minarets make this one of the most distinctive railway stations in the world. The building underwent extensive renovations and refurbishment in 1986. This was the nerve centre of the Malaysian railways that stretches from the north to the south of the country, and eastward to Kelanatn before its recent relocation to KL Sentral.

Markets

Central Market
10 am to 10 pm daily

Central Market was once the city's largest fresh produce market. Today, it functions as a popular tourist attraction for arts and crafts, restaurants and cultural performances, similar to London's famed Convent Garden or the Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco.

Petaling Sreet
9 am to 9 pm daily

Petaling Street aka Chinatown, about a five-minute walk from Central Market, is lined with numerous stalls offering everything from 'designer label' bags, clothing and watches, to fresh fruit and flowers. When in Chinatown, take the time to bargain and you might walk away with a steal.

Museums

Forest Research Institute Malaysia Museum (FRIM)
Kepong. Tel : 603 62724470
Museum 8 am to 4.30 pm daily. Park 5 am to 7.30 pm daily.

The arboretum, established in 1952, collects and displays the different varieties of tree species found in the country. Guided tours are available by prior appointment.

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Jalan Lembah Perdana. Tel : 603 22742020
Tuesdays to Sundays 10 am to 6 pm. Closed on Mondays.

The museum houses various themed galleries among which include the Islamic Architecture Gallery, which showcases miniature replicas of buildings that boast magnificent Islamic architecture including the Taj Mahal, Imam Ismail Albukhary Mosque and Museum, as well as the Amir Timur Mausoleum.

National Museum
Jalan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur. Tel : 603 22826255
9 am to 6 pm daily

Featuring classical Malay architecture, the museum houses collections on history, local culture and customs, natural history, as well as outdoor displays of artifacts from the country's past.

Other Attractions

Dewan Filharmonik Petronas
Ground Floor, Tower 2, Petronas Twin Towers. Tel : 603 20517007

Located between the Petronas Twin Towers, Dewan Filharmonik Petronas is a magnificent concert hall incorporating local design elements with state-of-the-art acoustic technology. The design of the concert hall takes inspiration from the traditional shoebox shape of the great 19th century European concert halls. The hall has a capacity for 885 people, which includes box seating at Stalls level and 20 luxurious corporate suites at Circle and upper Circle levels. DFP is the focal point in Kuala Lumpur for large and enthusiastic classical music audiences. It provides Malaysians and visiting performers from around the world with opportunities to contribute to the richness and diversity of Malaysia's evolving musical culture.

Recreational Park

KL Bird Park
920 Jalan Lembah, Taman Tasik Perdana. Tel : 603 22735423
9 am to 6.30 pm daily

Located in the serene and scenic Lake Gardens this bird park is a must-see attraction, just 10-minutes from the city centre. Visitors can enjoy the colourful spectacle of birds flitting about freely, listen to melodic bird songs and just relax in natural, beautifully landscaped surroundings. Stroll through the Walk-In Free Flight Aviary – the largest of its kind in the world and home to more than 3,000 birds comprising about 200 local and foreign species.

KL Butterfly Park
Jalan Cenderasai, Taman Tasik Perdana. Tel : 603 26834799
9 am to 6 pm daily

KL Butterfly Park is a fascinating walk-in tropical park in the heart of the city. It is home to over 10 species of butterflies.

Lake Gardens
Developed in the 1880s, these gardens cover 70 hectares of rolling lawns, picturesque flower gardens and two lakes. It is home to many species of colourful and exotic fish. The bird, butterfly and deer parks, as well as orchid and hibiscus gardens are located within these grounds. This is one of the prime natural landmarks of our city.

Tourism Centre

Malaysia Tourism Centre (MTC)
109 Jalan Ampang. Tel : 603 21643929
Information kiosk is open from 7 am to midnight

MTC is a one-stop centre providing various facilities and information of tourist activities in Malaysia. Built in 1935, the building was once the home of wealthy tin miner Eu Tong Seng. During World War II, it served as the British War office for a short time (until the Japanese invasion). Today, this architecturally breathtaking premises is open from 7 am to midnight with daily cultural and traditional performances.