I know that Malaysia has been in the media recently for all the wrong reasons due to the Malaysian Airlines catastrophe but despite this negativity this country plays host to a number of gorgeous attractions, none more so than it’s capital city – Kuala Lumpur. We have been really considering visiting Singapore and trying to figure out if it would be feasible to visit Kuala Lumpur for a couple of days during this same trip.
Public transportation within this part of world is excellent but of course there are many cultural differences which all Western societies have to appreciate and be accustomed to when visiting Malaysia. Here are some of our recommended attractions in the Kuala Lumpur region.
Petronas Towers
Skyscrapers around the world are such marvelous pieces of architectural genius. One of the world’s leading buildings is located in Kuala Lumpur and offers not one but two towers. The Petronas Towers are just under 1500 ft in height and when it was first constructed in 1998 was the world’s tallest freestanding structure.
A differentiating factor over many other leading skyscrapers is the skybridge that connects the two twin towers and provides visitors with stunning views over the Malaysian landscape. If you don’t have any fear over heights, why not continue climbing to the observation deck on level 86.
Batu Caves
Batu Caves is both a series of beautifully structured caves on the side of a limestone hill and also a Hindu temple which attracts devoted Hinduism followers and tourists alike. One of the key attractions to this series of three caves is the large statue of the Hindu God located at the entrance, in addition to a steep 272 climb up its steps to provide a memorable view of the stunning Kuala Lumpur skyline.
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
World renowned as the largest free-flight walk-in aviary where birds can fly around to their hearts content, the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is located in the beautiful Lake Gardens. It provides a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur’s city lifestyle. A popular relaxing spot for Malaysian families to take their children for a perfect family day out, it is also very popular for tourists around the world. We both love visiting zoos whenever we travel to different locations and although this is a little different as it uniquely focuses on various bird species, it is a great way to relax!
KLCC Park
Much of Kuala Lumpur is like many other global cities with massive skyscrapers forming the skyline but because of this there is a distinct lack of greenery within the city center. Local authorities made note of this and the KLCC Park is one of their various attempts to bring a more rural approach to the city area.
Designed by a Brazilian architect, it’s interesting to note that the specific idea behind the KLCC Park was to “leave the world a little more sensitive and a little more educated to the importance of nature”. Does it achieve this? Well, looking at images and reading reviews of this park it certainly provides a hub of relaxation and also helps portray the Petronas Twin Towers in a different light rather than just as a t0wering skyscraper that many environmentalists probably cringe about.
Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary
The Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary is a great way to get a close-up look of Malaysian elephants. Day trips from Kuala Lumpur are available to provide a rare opportunity to learn about these amazing creatures protected by this orphanage. There are so many cool attractions here including the opportunity to take the elephants down to the river and help give them a bath.
***This post is part of the 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge (#DreamDestinations #AtoZChallenge)***
It’s extremely easy to get to Malaysia from Singapore. Bargain airlines like Air Asia have incredibly cheap flights, and it only takes about an hour. Like many people, my favorite places in Kuala Lumpur are Petronas Towers and Batu Caves (quite an experience during Thaipussam). However, let me suggest my lovely island of Penang as an alternative. It has the great mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures that KL does. The main city of George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and we’re renown for our street food, and increasingly for our street art. This is where the people from Kuala Lumpur come on their vacations. You could also do a jungle hike out to Monkey Beach then take a fishing boat back. It’s really a fun place.
Yes, Chris, do it. It is so easy to get to KL from Singapore. Very easy. Lots to do and see. I love Malaysia!
Yes, I can agree with the comments above – we visited Singapore, Borneo and KL on the same trip. My husband has been to Penang to visit a former student and he loved it, so I’d like to go there some time too.
Great post Chris, Kuala Lumpur is somewhere I definitely want to visit some day.
I transited in Kl for about 6 hours not so long ago and it was amazing how much I could see in that time. It wasn’t everything but it was enough for me to want to come back. Yes, go and if you do leave enough time to take up Michele’s suggestion. I keep hearing fabulous things about Georgetown
Def head over – I can vouch for all of these spots and while you are there also go the night markets and the famous street ‘Jalan Alor’ for street food YUUUUUMMY!
The bridge connecting the two towers would be cool and terrifying for me at the same time since I’m afraid of heights. The park very much reminds me of central park in NYC, so I think they did the best they could with what they had and it would be a great place to be able to step away to in the city. Very informative!
I love the Petronas Towers, I think they are architecturally one of the most beautiful architectural structures ever. Kuala Lumpur is a very beautiful city. It was a terrific find for us. Nice post. Must remind Gordon that I want to go back again
Kuala Lumpur, probably our favorite city in SE Asia. When we traveled in Asia, this city was like a hub for us where we always returned. We love the Petronas Towers, and even more the park around that. There’s too much humidity in that city, but we could still imagine living there, it’s an awesome place and you recommended the best of it!
We’ve heard wonderful things about KL and Malaysia in general. Definitely an area we’d like to visit in the future!
Same here Calli, aside from the recent negativity in terms of a tourist location and attractions, Malaysia is certainly one of the Asian countries you want to visit!
So, so excited to be heading here in early 2015! I knew about several of these places but you definitely just added a couple to my list. I hope y’all get to go while you’re in Singapore 🙂
I am just hoping we get to Singapore first 🙂 Still nothing firm booked yet so those plans could still change, with so much traveling lined up already in 2014 it’s tough to get so far ahead but I know in order to get good deals on flights etc. I need to start looking!
You will have an absolute blast there in KL so will definitely be looking forward to hearing about your experiences.
We spent a long weekend in Singapore – which was amazing – but sadly haven’t made it to KL yet. It’s definitely on the list, though. Looks like an awesome place to visit!
having been to Singapore, I would love to go here too! It is very abroad from the UK if you know what I mean, but also all so safe and clean that it makes it easy to see so much and no be worried. I think you could easily do Singers and here in say a weeks visit, but don’t forgo time on a remote island for it 😉