If there is another city in Southeast Asia that I consider as my second home, I can say that I will probably go to Kuala Lumpur.
Writing this blog, I must say that I can be very biased because of my love for this city. I love "almost" everything about it. I say almost, because at times I can't really stand the heat..but there's always air conditioning (I lived in Dubai for 10 years, so Malaysian heat is nothing).
I have been to Kuala Lumpur numerous times. That before we all go restricted to travel (you know when the big C happened), I always find myself booking a weekend trip to KL and meet friends over kaya toasts and Kopi and at times go shopping. Glad that Philippine Airlines have a daily direct flight from Manila to KL.
During my recent famtrip with Philippine Airlines, I got to explored Kuala Lumpur as a tourist and I was so happy to see KL in this light.
So if you are going on a trip to Malaysia and have a few days in KL, here are some of the things I recommend visiting:
KLCC / PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS
KLCC, Short for Kuala Lumpur City Center is an iconic location at the heart of Kuala Lumpur. You can find the famous Petronas Twin Towers standing tall at 452 meters.
The sight of the Twin Towers itself is a good reason enough to visit this place. Although a very touristy thing to do, but don’t forget to take your photo at the middle of the towers. YOU HAVE TO DO IT!
TIP: best photo spot is from the KLCC Park
If you walk towards the based of the Petronas Twin Towers, you’ll find yourself in Suria KLCC. A premiere shopping mall that offers a wide range of local and international brands and famous restaurants. Talk about shopping and dining in one of the most sought after address in town.
Just outside of Suria KLCC (at the back of Petronas Towers) is KLCC Park. We spent a chunk of our time in KLCC here. Just sitting under the shade and appreciated the beauty of the Twin Towers. It is a park that spans over 50 acres that features a man made lake and even a small water park.
KL TOWER
KL Tower, also known as Menara Kuala Lumpur, is a famous tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Maybe a iconic second landmark that comes to mind when you think of KL
Standing tall at 421 meters, it offers an amazing views of the city. There are two ways to enjoy the view from the tower. One is trough the observation deck where you can see the almost all of Downtown KL including the famous Petronas Twin Towers.
Another way (and I must say highly recommended), is by getting a buffet dining in the revolving restaurant called Atmosphere 360. Because it is a revolving restaurant, you can enjoy the view without walking around the tower, just enjoy the food and the view.
BUKIT BINTANG
Bukit Bintang is probably the shopping capital of Kuala Lumpur. It offers a wide range of retail options that will fit everyone’s budget. From bargain hunting to luxury items, you’ll find it here.
You can kickstart your shopping adventure at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, an awe-inspiring architectural gem that houses upscale brands, fashionable boutiques, and an enticing selection of global cuisines.
My favorite is actually ISETAN The Japan Store which makes you feel like you are really in Japan. Complete with a Donki shop (yay).
Aside from shopping, there are also several amazing restaurants around Bukit Bintang. Recently I frequently go to some of the Arabic restaurants selling authentic shawarmas and Kunafa…which apparently became very trendy in KL recently.
JALAN ALOR
Just a few walks away from Bukit Bintang is the famous street food paradise called Jalan Alor.
This is a very famous tourist destination as you can try so many local dishes in a hawker style setting. Take note though, it can be so crowded especially during dinner time.
Jalan Alor caters to food enthusiasts in search of an immersive and genuine dining encounter. The street's lively ambiance, enhanced by vibrant neon signs and the lively chatter of both locals and tourists, contributes to the overall thrill as visitors embark on an unparalleled culinary journey.
If you love Durian, this is the place for you.
MERDAKA SQUARE
Merdeka Square, also known as Dataran Merdeka, is a historically significant landmark situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
It holds great importance as it was the site where Malaysia proclaimed its independence from British colonial rule on August 31, 1957.
The square is marked by the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building, an impressive Moorish-style structure that served as the administrative center during the colonial era.
Merdeka Square is also known for its towering flagpole, where the Malaysian national flag proudly flies. The square hosts annual National Day celebrations and is surrounded by notable attractions, making it a must-visit destination to learn about Malaysia's history and culture.
Best is to just walk around and immerse yourself with the grand architecture and imagine the rich history that evolves around each monumental buildings.
PETALING STREET
Probably my favorite spot in all of KL. Petaling street also known as Chinatown, well, I call it hipster town.
China town is famous for a lot of bargain shopping but for me what draws me to Petaling street every time is its culture and artistic vibe.
There are so many things happening here. You’ll find stalls of hip cafes and local koptiam that offers amazing Malay-Chinese fusion dishes (my favorite!).
If you are looking for a cheaper accommodation, you can find a lot of good hostels here as well. That is why, this became an unofficial backpacker street.
Recently new attractions such Kwai Chai Hong and REXKL were added to the must visit places when you are in China Town.
BATU CAVE
Batu Caves, located near Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, is a renowned site that consists of a series of caves and Hindu temples. It holds great religious significance for Hindus.
Although we were not able to visit here during my recent trip, I had an opportunity to have seen this place numerous times as it is very accessible via train from KL Central.
Batu Caves is an important religuous site for Hindus in Malaysia. It is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu deity of war and victory. The main cave, known as Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave, houses several shrines and statues depicting Hindu gods and goddesses.
The striking features of Batu Caves is the giant golden statue of Lord Murugan and the iconic 272 colorful steps that you'll have to climb to reach the main cave.
THEAN HOU TEMPLE
The Thean Hou Temple is not only a significant religious site but also a popular tourist destination in Kuala Lumpur.
What makes it appealing to tourists is mainly its architectural beauty showcasing stunning blend of traditional Chinese architectural styles. With grand ornate structures and vibrant details.
It also offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur skyline. In some cases visitors can observe religious rituals and ceremonies that can be an immersive cultural experience for tourist.
During my visit here, I saw several wedding photoshoots as well as the temple can be a beautiful backdrop for portrait photos and also a wedding venue.
If you are going to visit Malaysia from the Philippines and want to experience these destinations with ease, you can contact these travel agents:
Step Up Internation Services Inc
stepupinternationalinc@gmail.com
Lindela Travel & Tours
jayceedesa@lindelatravel.com
Mulan Travel
nelliemulantravel@gmail.com
The Travel Guru
lydiadelacriz@thetravelguruinc.com
I Love Travel
ilovetravelntours@yahoo.com
Bon Voyage Travel
bonvoyage0811@yahoo.com
Larry's Classic Travel
jo@larrysclassictours.com
Destination Unlimited
reservations1@destinationsunli.com
Pan Pacific Holidays
cherriepptc@yahoo.com
Fiesta Tours and Travel
tourdesk@fiestatours.com.ph
FCM Travel Services
jimbanez@ph.fcm.travel
If you want to fly from Manila to Kuala Lumpur comfortably, Philippine Airlines is our Airline of choice. Philippine Airlines flies daily from Manila to Kuala Lumpur.
This trip is in collaboration with Philippine Airlines. Follow their instagram page @flypal and our trip at #flypaltonewdiscoveries . All editorials and photos are my own unless mentioned or sighted from sources.
No comments