Industrious Malay, Indian and Chinese communities have conspired to make Kuala Lumpur a centre of international trade. From the twin spikes of the Petronas Towers, to traders’ stalls piled high with pungent durian, this is a city on the rise.
1/6Kuala Lumpur’s futuristic twin skyscrapers, the iconic Petronas Towers, beautifully represent the city’s forward-facing culture
2/6Visit Merdeka Square, the site where Malaysian independence was declared in 1957 and one of Kuala Lumpur’s most important historical landmarks
3/6Take break from fast-paced city life with a stroll around Kuala Lumpur’s Perdana Botanical Gardens, a huge green space located right in the city centre
4/6Dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu, Kuala Lumpur’s imposing Thean Hou Temple sits atop Robson Heights for unparalleled views over the city
5/6The Batu Caves are perhaps Kuala Lumpur’s best-known attractions and are easily reached by train from the centre of the city
6/6Feast your eyes on the Sri Maha Mariamman temple, Malaysia’s oldest Hindu temple colourfully decorated in a lively South Indian style
1/6
Kuala Lumpur’s futuristic twin skyscrapers, the iconic Petronas Towers, beautifully represent the city’s forward-facing culture
2/6
Visit Merdeka Square, the site where Malaysian independence was declared in 1957 and one of Kuala Lumpur’s most important historical landmarks
3/6
Take break from fast-paced city life with a stroll around Kuala Lumpur’s Perdana Botanical Gardens, a huge green space located right in the city centre
4/6
Dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu, Kuala Lumpur’s imposing Thean Hou Temple sits atop Robson Heights for unparalleled views over the city
5/6
The Batu Caves are perhaps Kuala Lumpur’s best-known attractions and are easily reached by train from the centre of the city
6/6
Feast your eyes on the Sri Maha Mariamman temple, Malaysia’s oldest Hindu temple colourfully decorated in a lively South Indian style
Things to do
We've chosen the must-see highlights of this fantastic city.
We've chosen the must-see highlights of this fantastic city.
Eat
il Lido
The outdoor rooftop terrace encompasses a bar with framing views of the glittering Petronas Twin Towers. At the restaurant, Chef Andrea Zanella serves dishes such as fettuccine with roasted veal and squid ink taglierini, both of which reflect his north-eastern Italian roots.
Tucked away on a quiet street, Albion marries British cuisine with cosmopolitan flavours. It is instantly recognisable by its red signage in front of the two-storey building. Moody lighting complements the minimalist interior of dark woods and crimson cushions.
The upscale Ril's Steakhouse is just streets away from the touristy Petaling Street market. Expect the finest cuts of beef, sautéed in butter and roast garlic jus, along with spicy grapefruit margaritas and cool, crisp Negronis.
Tate's subdued lighting, comfy leather chairs and suit of armour prop, are masculine in personality. The drinks list is in a similar vein, featuring old-school tipples such as Hendricks, served on the rocks.
Pinchos, an intimate dining spot popular with the city's Spanish expatriates and clued-in locals, has a friendly vibe. It offers delicious tapas such as grilled Iberico pork and spare ribs and hearty paella, as well as potent red and white sangrias.
Frangipani has culinary roots in classic French technique, but its menu embraces a contemporary style. It is one of the most striking restaurants in town with its cream-coloured chairs and ornate stainless-steel wall panelling and its bar has been renovated with a chic design. Upstairs, the resident DJ spins house tracks that filter through to the outdoor deck area.
Housed in the slick Sir Norman Foster-designed Troika development, ACME Bar & Coffee is Kuala Lumpur's latest spot in which to be seen. The menu is a hybrid of Asian and international dishes such as smoked duck curry and Moroccan lamb stew.
Situated at the top of a peaceful hill, this Thai-Burmese restaurant evokes a resort ambience. Inside the thatched roof space, Indochinese objects d'art lend authenticity along with dishes such as tom yam river lobster and lamb massaman curry.
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