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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Photo: Jakub Michankow, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Golden Triangle is Kuala Lumpur's main shopping and nightlife district. Considered to be the closest thing to a Central Business District (CBD), the Golden Triangle is home to the ever popular shopping area of Bukit Bintang. To the north is KLCC, a multi-purpose development known for its shopping and the Petronas Twin Towers. Whilst KLCC does stand for Kuala Lumpur City Centre, do not mistake this for the actual City Centre. Those looking to party should head towards Changkat Bukit Bintang and dance the night away.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Menara Berkembar Petronas
Perhaps the most iconic building of Malaysia and the tallest twin building in the world. Visitors first head up to the Skybridge at level 41-42, one of the highest suspended bridges in the world, before going up to level 86 to marvel at Kuala Lumpur from the observation deck. There are also displays and informational videos about the tower and its construction. Tickets can be purchased online or at the base of the tower. A ticket allows you access during a specific time block only and are limited, so either turn up early or purchase online in advance.
Menara KL
KL Tower has a viewing deck at 276bm provides great city views, and you'll be a few metres higher than the Twin Towers since the tower is built on a hill (also, the twin towers observation deck is 100 m below at 170 m). The outdoor Sky Deck and indoor Observation Deck require separate tickets, or a discounted combo ticket, but when it isn't raining, there is little reason to visit the lower indoor deck with not much to see inside the deck itself and the same view you get from the outside deck. For a free bonus, check out the wonderfully bombastic free film on the tower's construction, screened in a little cinema on the tower ground floor. There is free shuttle bus service from the main gate to the base of the tower, though number of seats in the bus is very limited. Around the tower are various attractions including pony rides, KL Animal Zone and a Malaysian cultural village exhibition. Tickets for these attractions can be purchased separately or as part of a combo with the KL Tower ticket.
A gigantic aquarium housing over 5,000 aquatic and terrestrial species. The aquarium has many displays including an underwater tunnel, interactive touch pools, exhibits of flora and fauna and multimedia kiosks. They also have feeding sessions throughout the day at specific exhibits, see their website for specific times.
Malaysian Heritage Trust
A non-profit organisation for the conservation and promotion of Malaysia's heritage and has various exhibits and seminars about Malaysia and its history. Rumah Penghulu is a major attraction, a traditional Malay house constructed in the 1920S in Kampung Sungai Kechil in Kedah. Tours of Rumah Penghulu are M-Sa at 11AM & 3PM. There is also a garden containing over 50 native Malaysian plants, includes rare species.
An exhibit of the science and technology behind the petroleum industry, mainly aimed for children and sponsored by the Petronas oil company. There are various science shows, interactive exhibits and simulation experiences throughout. Book tickets at least 30 minutes in advance, or even a few days earlier if you can. Can be very busy on weekends.
Telecommunications Museum
Built in 1928 as the Central Battery Telephone Exchange, converted into the Telecommunications Museum in 1994, showing the growth of communications technology in Malaysia. A rather limited amount of antique telecom equipment on display.
Formerly Cosmo's World
Malaysia's largest indoor theme park, located on the upper floors of the giant Berjaya Times Square mall and particularly notable for its hair-raising seven-story indoor roller coaster. The park is divided into two sections, one geared for small children, the other for those who want a little more excitement; one ticket gets you into both.
formerly Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve
Being the last virgin tropical rainforest left in Kuala Lumpur, this is certainly not your typical urban park. If lucky you may even be able to spot some wildlife, including birds, monkeys, lizards and even the occasional snake. The trails are not that challenging but be sure to bring comfortable shoes, water and even some repellent can come in handy. A camping ground is also available for those wanting to camp under the stars (another RM40).
Perkampungan Kraf
Part of a government-owned organisation which was set up to showcase Malaysian art and craft. You can create your own Malay art by having a dabble at batik drawing, wood carving and pottery making, all at a 'minimal fee'. While there you can also explore the museum, gift shop and café.
Dewan Filharmonik Petronas
The home of the well-regarded Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra is nestled at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers, offering performances of classical music most Saturdays at 8:30PM and Sundays at 3PM, with tickets starting at just RM25. Advance bookings are possible online. Note that a strict dress code applies: long sleeve batik or lounge suit for gala and evening performances, "smart casual" (no jeans, shorts, T-shirts, sneakers and slippers) for other performances.
Take a plunge (literally) and explore Aquaria KLCC with the resident aquatic animals. The Cage Rage package takes you underwater in the safety of a cage. Be sure to say hello to the sharks when down there. The Dive with Sharks package is definitely for who are more adventurous, where you can explore the underwater area without a cage and get up close to the aquatic life. You also get a certificate and t-shirt to remember your close encounter.
A kid-friendly urban park surrounded by a concrete jungle. It boasts a children's pool and playground, walking/jogging tracks, a bird sanctuary, sculptures and 66 species of palm trees. Check out the lake symphony fountains which spray water up into the air. During the evening the fountains are the centrepiece of a light and music show at 8PM, 9PM and 9:45PM. Visitors are rigorously sent out at 10PM.
An impressive cluster of spas within Starhill Gallery, with services ranging from world class all day treatments (RM600), to affordable facials and one hour long full body massages (RM100).
This shopping mall in the Golden Triangle has a collection of 20 street vendors who were invited to relocate in the food court. Provides an excellent spread of Malaysian food in hygienic and air-conditioned food court comfort at prices that are only slightly above those outdoors. Many famous Chinese style and KL-based foods are served in this food court.
A huge outlet of Malaysia's largest nasi kandar chain, with long queues snaking out at lunchtime. Ordering is easy, just choose and point, but be sure to ask for their speciality kuah campur (mixed gravy), meaning that you get half a dozen curry sauces splashed on top. Air-con upstairs. By Malaysian Mamak restaurant standards, having a meal here is more expensive than having a similar meal elsewhere. Worth it for the wide choices of food, the cleanliness and the quality.
3 Jln Ceylon - Modern-styled décor in a home-like setting with outdoor verandah-garden compliments the well prepared (though perhaps slightly overpriced) Malaysian food. Classy patrons and impeccable service however make it worth a try.
In the heart of KL and within walking distance from the shopping district of Bukit Bintang, Jalan Alor has become one of the most popular food streets in KL. Running the length of the street is row after row of restaurants and stalls, focusing on Malay, Chinese and Thai food. You will notice that touts frequent the front of many restaurants to entice you in, but don't let that factor where you dine. Restaurants towards the western end of the street tend to be cheaper and also lack touts. Be careful walking along this street as it is also open to traffic. Despite being somewhat touristy, it is still an excellent place to eat if you hunt out a good restaurant.
Pudu Wai Sek Gai
Another street full of food stalls similar to Jalan Alor, but a lot less touristy and more authentic.
Great vegetarian food prepared by volunteers. Earnings are used to maintain the temple. A favourite among local office workers. The food is free of charge on Fridays and Sundays. Feel free to leave a donation though.
One of the best Hong Kong-style restaurants in KL. Menu includes porridge, wantan mee or chicken rice. Good food with reasonable pricing.
A popular Chinese restaurant attracting a clientele ranging from local billionaires to middle class families. Food is outstanding and if you care to take a little time and book a day or two earlier you can order any number of special dishes that are typically but not necessarily more expensive. Service is haphazard and as prices are cheap, a discrete tip to one of the Captains and the waitress however, will change everything. Favorite dishes here include the 'Har Lok" which are large river prawns cooked in a thick soya based sauce, the suckling pig sandwich and the asam fish.
An excellent Indian restaurant that offers both northern and southern Indian cuisine. Favorites here include the Chicken Beriyani, Chicken Tandoori, Chukka Mutton, Fried Fish, Malabar Avial and the slightly expensive but very tasty PTI Prawn masala.
Sri Ganesa
A fantastic place, Indian food that you don't get at most places, served on banana leaves.
set 1. one piece of chicken with chicken rice and a drink . Ice cream cone is just 0.50c
Bar and grill in a quaint old building serving pan-Western cuisine and an extensive drinks list, turning into a nightclub later on. Features a pleasant outdoor seating area with a smoking section and Cuban cigars for sale; these aren't cheap due to high local taxes, but you can bring your own for no extra charge.
Large, authentic and popular Middle Eastern eatery in Ain Arabia, KL's Little Arabia. The giant mezze platter (RM29) will leave two stuffed and a shisha water pipe at RM10 tops off the meal nicely.
Stylish bar and restaurant. Great contemporary food. The bar is very popular at night. Affordable lunch deals at RM30. Mains RM30-60.
EEST is a prominent Asian restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. Savour the blend of authentic flavours specially selected from Asian cultures right here in Kuala Lumpur. Indulge in Asian flavours at EEST with a selection of Asian cuisine to delight your palate.
The French dining experience from aperitif to digestif, ranging from steak frites to crême brulée. Open daily from 11AM until late. Lunch prix fixe at RM15.95, dinner prix fixe at RM69.95.
German-run eatery with kitschy pig-themed decor specializing in all things pork, particularly Spanish treats like jamón serrano and whole suckling pig, complete with ceremonial plate-breaking. Organic lamb ribs are excellent. Portions are generous and quality is excellent. The place is usually packed and noisy, so book ahead (esp. on weekends).
Italian restaurant and deli, specialized in pork meat. They serve great Italian hearty food with one of a great selection of Italian cured meats and cheeses, also for take away. Open from 9:3AM (Tuesdays from 3PM) until midnight.
Great fusion food with stunning views towards the Petronas Towers.
Menara PanGlobal 34F, Jalan Punchak (off Jl P. Ramlee). - Super-chic breezy rooftop bar with a pool in the middle and the best night views in town. Show up early to grab a romantic windowside niche. Drinks RM20 and up, cover charge of RM50 (incl. one drink) may apply on weekends after 21:30.
Pinchos is a great place to meet and mingle over a pitcher of their sangria and plates of their delicious tapas. In the evenings, Pinchos is one of the hottest places to be. After midnight, it really kicks off as patrons try to squeeze in to the restaurant-bar that’s already bursting at the seams. Expect to guzzle down one of their Spanish drinks like the Estrella Damm, the beer of Barcelona or El Gaitero, a Spanish cider while listening to the Latin music and lively atmosphere. Every night feels like a real fiesta at Pinchos.
Incredible bar with great views over the city and the Twin Towers.Located on the top floor of the Traders Hotel, it is built around the Hotel swimming pool. Loud techno music late at night. Best place to be around sunset. be prepared to pay 5 star hotel prices. One of the best places in town before dinner.
Amazing location on a helipad high above the city with amazing views.
Boutique budget hotel with dorm bed and private rooms. Beautiful building with tasteful, rainforest-themed decorations. Clean and air-conditioned dorms and rooms with key card entry and Wi-Fi available. Several common rooms are available with televisions and small, covered porches with couches on the upper floors.
A small and friendly family run hostel with modern but basic facilities. Breakfast is included in the price and free Wi-Fi/computers also available.
All rooms equipped with air-conditioning, telephone, private toilet and bath. Some of its facilities and services are cafe, transit lounge, wake-up call, parking, airport and city transfers. Friendly staff, but hot water is not always working well.
A clean hostel with plenty of shower stalls, laundry service, and friendly workers at the front desk available 24/7.
A huge place with lots of dorms and rooms, lots of travelers all the time, and good prices, great showers, quiet rooms.
51 air-con small rooms with free Wi-Fi Internet, hot water, cable TV (very bad signal--don't even bother taking the remote from the lobby). Well situated, but small rooms with bad lighting, a few tiny bed bugs. Don't trust the online reservation system to tell you how many rooms are available.
68 Jl Bukit Bintang. Hotel that offers traditional look, feel and service. Rooms from RM139.
Opposite the main bus terminal, walking distance to Chinatown and a short walk to Bukit Bintang. Rooms are cozy with all the expected modcons - 32" LCD flat screen TV, air-condition, an in-room safe, key card locking system and an ensuite bathroom. The Cafe has an internet station, dishes up a good buffet breakfast and has a small but good selection of local dishes. Rates are very reasonable from RM110 onwards (rates may vary). Be on the lookout for bedbugs.
A decent mid-range hotel that is fairly good value with all the typical amenities you would expect, including a pool. The rooms in the Premier wing are a bit more expensive than the regular rooms but they offer services and amenities comparable to hotels of a higher category for a remarkably lower price. Wi-Fi and Breakfast included in the stay. The Hard Rock Cafe is downstairs.
Jl Alor - In the middle of the hustle and bustle of hawker street Jalan Alor, offering basic rooms starting at RM75.
Offers comfortable rooms, laundry service and free parking; also has a restaurant that serves authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. From RM 103.
Embracing 478 serviced apartments and offering a variety of one bedroom, two bedroom apartment suites and four bedroom penthouse suites.
53 air-conditioned rooms with Internet connection, mini-bar, and shower with bathtub. Some of its amenities include 24-hour reception & customer service desk, IDD telephone, and a foot reflexology centre.
221 apartments that come fully-furnished with a home entertainment system, kitchen and broadband Internet access.
In the mammoth Berjaya Times Square shopping mall complex. Has a large conference centre.
Fully A/C rooms with 32" LCD TV, satellite channels, in-house movies, free internet connection, and mini-bar. Spa, lounge by the pool.
Fully air-conditioned rooms, all equipped with cable and satellite television and daily supply of newspaper. Facilities and services are Bintang Revolving Restaurant, The Taj Restaurant and The Verandah.
All rooms have satellite TV, wifi.
Offers daily scheduled shuttle service to Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and Aquaria KLCC.
468 guestrooms including 30 suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide sweeping views of the city skyline. Hotel facilities include four restaurants and bars, spa and fitness centre, the Executive Club. Guests on the Executive Club floor are accorded signature amenities and exclusive privileges that include the service of a personal butler. Location is excellent with good access to Sungei Wang Shopping complex, the Pavilion and Starhill. The Grand Millennium has an excellent pork-free Chinese restaurant and an excellent coffee house both of which boast one of the best balanced wine lists in town.
Marriott's flagship hotel in Kuala Lumpur, decorated in a Malaysian style and conveniently located on Jalan Bukit Bintang near the shopping district. Connected to the posh Starhill Gallery and just directly opposite Pavilion shopping mall. The Marriott has an outstanding Shanghainese restaurant.
Pavilion Residences Kuala Lumpur is a 5-star property that offers luxury apartment style accommodation. Prices start from RM 1,740 per night with a minimum 4 night stay for a luxury three bedroom apartment. Pavilion Residences is located in Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur and is situated on top of the Pavilion Shopping Mall.
Solid if unremarkable four-star hotel opposite Berjaya Time Square and with a Monorail station next door. "Deluxe" rooms are equipped with not just broadband access, but an entire PC! Regular rates from RM200 for two with breakfast. Book online through their webpage to get the best discounts.
Extremely modern and well-equipped but quite lacking in identity, with nothing but the view to remind you that you're in Malaysia. Great spacious rooms with large bathrooms. Free Internet (Wi-Fi) available in the lobby and adjoining areas. Excellent gym and staffed Kids Club.
Started in the early 1980s, it has been kept up to date with the owners continually reinvesting in the property. Internet is free in the room and the hotel. The restaurants are generally good with the Chinese restaurant actually improving over the years and Zipangu setting some new trends for Japanese dining. The Lobby lounge which sadly has lost its classic look is still the lounge in Kuala Lumpur to enjoy an afternoon tea. The Lafite restaurant is now home to Damon Campbell who has a 'technological' take on many classic dishes.
This hotel and residence is connected to Starhill Gallery and hosts the Spa Village, one of the best in Malaysia. All rooms have 24-hr butler service and most of them have access to an executive lounge with free Internet access and drinks/hors d'oeuvres. For a Ritz the rooms are downright frumpy, but service is good and it IS cheap for a Ritz Carlton. Internet rates from RM380.
184 suites, all equipped with Air-conditioning, Cable TV and Internet connectivity. Some of its facilities and services are outdoor swimming pool, gym, Jacuzzi, and sauna.
In KLCC, this hotel is primarily for business travellers, but tourists will be well accommodated for. The restaurants within the hotel are among the best (and most expensive) in Kuala Lumpur. There is also an infinity pool looking over KLCC park.
Corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang. - Five-star hotel at the edge of the Golden Triangle, accessible by monorail (Monorail: Bukit Nanas) and LRT (Putra Line: Dang Wangi). The East Wing ("Superior" rooms) is newer and more modern, while the West Wing ("Deluxe" rooms) are older. Rates from RM250.
5-star hotel with all the trimmings.
Sister hotel to the Shangri-La, overlooking KLCC and the Petronas Towers. View from the open air bar and pool/spa complex at the top is stunning and food is exceptional. Rooms are very well appointed, and rates among the best of the top hotels in KL. Trader's club upgrade entitles you to free drinks, snacks and Internet broadband. A buggy service to Suria KLCC is also available.
This luxury megamall is an anchor piece of the world-class urban development comprising two luxury residential towers, a corporate office. The mall has six distinctive precincts, Couture Pavilion, Bintang Circle, Gourmet_Emporium, Connection, Seventh Heaven and Home that contain approximately 450 stores. Most of the restaurants on the ground floor are western-themed and aimed at tourists, but there is a good range of Malaysian restaurants on the basement level and a large number of restaurants spread throughout the mall. There is pedestrian bridge that links the mall to KLCC.
Opened in 2023 it is considered the most popular mall in the city. It has a beautiful outdoor garden and the only Apple store in Malaysia on its rooftop.
BBCC
Huge Japanese mall. Many lots still empty as of 2024 but the Gourmet Street - a pedestrian walkway with lost of restaurants - is worth a visit if you are nearby.
It has 12 levels of retail with a total of 320,000 m² (3.5 million ft²). It is a middle-class shopping mall offering youth fashion targeted at the younger crowds. For entertainment, it has the largest indoor theme park in Malaysia on the 7th floor of the building. It also offers a 3D-Imax theatre on the top floor of the retail podium. there is a Cold Storage Supermarket at the lower ground floor.
of lettable space spread over 5 levels of zoned shopping space. There are designated zones for Japanese and Korean fashion consisting of an entire floor each.
When opened in 1991, it was considered the Harrods-equivalent of Malaysia housing designer outlets like Aigner and Versace. Time has however taken a toll on this mall which boasts a green facade. Nowadays it is widely-reckoned as a middle-class retail destination as most outlets have shifted as a result of competition and degradation. Anchor tenants now include H&M and Japanese department store Isetan. If food is your thing, a cornucopia of Malaysia's best offerings can be found in the lower-ground floor food court, called Hutong.
A good place for computer hardware, game consoles and handphones. A "must visit" for the tech inclined. All IT Hypermart (4th floor) is a good one-stop shop, but there are dozens of specialist computing boutiques for the enthusiast. Do not always be fooled by the pricing as some unscrupulous sellers may have switched original components of devices with fakes. Verify before purchasing.
Adjoining the JW Marriott Hotel. The nearest station to this mall is Monorail Bukit Bintang. Starhill is a literally an English translation of “Bukit Bintang”. An upscale, luxury retail mall that rivals Suria KLCC for designer goods, is worth a visit just to look at the different interior designs especially 'Feast' floor (Ground Floor). A must-visit for watch aficionados as the ‘Adorn’ floor (1st floor) houses the biggest selection of designer wrist-watch boutiques like, amongst others, Jaeger-Le Coultre, Roger Dubuis, Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Tag Heuer, Omega, Vacheron Constantin, IWC, Patek Philippe and Rolex, of course. Great if you have lots of cash to splurge. There is a Food Galore on the Lower Ground floor which renders an excellent culinary experience in a cosy setting that exudes grandeur.
A popular place among local teenagers where fashion clothes, shoes, accessories and other trinkets and local designer clothes can be found with affordable price. A great place to buy cameras and watches (discounts are given for cash payments, although credit cards are accepted). Sungei Wang also hosts a concentration of tailors of men's and women's clothing. there is a Giant Supermarket at the Lower Ground floor.
Suria KLCC is one of Malaysia's premier shopping destinations due to its location beneath the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur City Centre. It is on 6 floors, with anchor tenants Isetan, Parkson, Kinokuniya, Tanjong Golden Village, Signatures Food Court, Marks & Spencer, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. Suria is the native Malaysian word for Sunshine. It houses mostly luxury and fashionable shops, as well as cafes, restaurants, a 12 screen cinema, a concert hall, an art gallery, and a Science Discovery Centre, over 6 floors.
Opposite Kuala Lumpur City Centre. With its bold tagline, "style has a new address", the complex is a hip shopping haven complimented by a classy, city-living address, "K Residence". Avenue K aims to create a "shopping culture, where lifestyle, aesthetic and social elements converge." It boasts internationally acclaimed fashion brands.
By bus
Many of the Rapid KL buses go into the Golden Triangle area.
By road
The main roads in the district are Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Imbi, Jalan Raja Chulan. All these roads suffer from acute congestion, especially during peak hours.
By bus
There is a free GO-KL bus service. The Green Line operates from Bukit Bintang to KLCC, traveling along Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan P. Ramlee and Jalan Ampang along the way.
By monorail
The monorail traverses the Golden Triangle and is especially useful, if you want to enter the district from KL Sentral, the main station of the city.
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