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• Things to See in Kuala Lumpur

Since they were built in 1997, the Petrona Towers are Kuala Lumpur’s best known attraction. They were the world’s tallest building until recently when ‘Taipei 101’ was completed in Taiwan. Standing at 1,483 feet tall, they dominate the city’s skyline.

While looking into the sky you can see one of the most modern buildings standing on the planet today, keep your vision at eye level and you can see more of the colonial KL. Merdeka Square just north of Chinatown, where Malaysia declared its independence in 1957, is the best example of this.

As with many Asian capitals, the streets themselves are an attraction in their own right. So many of the streets are filled with stalls and markets, churches and mosques, and there are some tranquil parks to stroll through when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The climb to the caves

These caves 13km from KL's city centre shouldn't be missed. Guarded by the world's largest statue of Hindu god Murugan and a spate of monkeys, they were discovered in 1878 by American Naturalist, William Hornaday. To get to the caves you have to climb a grand 272 steps. Once inside, the noise of Hindu music and dripping water, along with the sight of the numerous shrines, make this a truly unique experience. Open daily from 7am-9pm; return taxi from central Kuala Lumpur RM40.

Attractions in Kuala Lumpur

• Petronas Towers

  Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

  Until recently, the Petronas Towers were the world’s tallest buildings. Standing at 1,483 feet tall and 88 storeys high, they opened in 1997 and are the city’s best known landmark. A steel ‘skybridge’ connects both towers at the 41st and 42nd floors and this is open to the public who want to look out over the city’s skyline. This bridge is 558 feet above the ground. Between the two towers there are 76 lifts, 29 of which are double-decker high speed passenger lifts that can carry up to 26 persons.

• Central Market

  Jalan Benteng, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

  Built in 1936 and originally a ‘wet market’, the Central Market is now a centre for craftsmen and artists. Spread out over two floors, there are stalls selling all sorts of trinkets and you are sure to find something which takes your fancy. Even if you don’t, it is well worth the visit.

• Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana)

  Jalan Parliament, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

  Even though the lake in the Lake Gardens is artificial, it thankfully doesn’t take anything away from it. Covering 243 acres, the park is full of joggers, people playing sports and those just relaxing beside the lake.
  
  Also on the grounds of the park are the KL Orchid Garden (admission RM1), the KL Bird Park (admission RM1) and the KL Butterfly Park (admission RM5) that has over 6,000 species. All these combine to make the Lake Gardens Kuala Lumpur’s most popular park.
  

• Batu Caves

  8 miles north of KL, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

  The Batu Caves are just 8 miles (13 kilometres) north of the city centre and are the best way to get away from the the city centre. The main ‘Temple Cave’ is at the top of 272 steps, while the other most interesting caves are the ‘Dark Cave’ and the ‘Museum Cave’. Other extremely popular attractions at the caves are the Hindu Temples.

• Chinatown and Little India

  , Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

  These city centre suburbs are right beside each other, and both of them have their own charming characteristics. Both are extremely colourful and full with street traders, while around India you will find some Mosques to visit also.