Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia · Southeast Asia
A green, multicultural capital of street food, colonial arcades and record-breaking towers, with new hotels at gentle prices.
Why visit
Why visit Kuala Lumpur
Go for the food, which is the equal of Singapore's at half the cost: nasi lemak, char kway teow, banana-leaf rice, satay and durian in season. The Michelin Guide has covered the city since late 2022. Go also for the mixture of architecture, from the Moorish arches of the old railway station and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building to the Islamic Arts Museum and the towers of the city centre, and for hotels of the first rank at rates far below those of Hong Kong or Singapore.
Explore
What to see
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia has one of the finest collections of its kind in Asia, beside the Lake Gardens and the National Mosque. Merdeka Square and the surrounding colonial buildings mark the old centre. The Petronas Towers, by Cesar Pelli, are best seen from the park at their foot at dusk. The Batu Caves, a Hindu shrine in a limestone hill, are half an hour north. Chinatown and the restored shophouses of Kwai Chai Hong, the Thean Hou Temple and the weekend markets fill the rest of a visit.
Hotels
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
The Golden Triangle, between the Petronas Towers and Bukit Bintang, holds most of the leading hotels, including the Four Seasons and, from 30 October 2026, the Waldorf Astoria. Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur occupies the top of Merdeka 118, on the edge of the old town and Chinatown, with the widest views in the city.
Before you go
Practical information
Best time to visit
The city is hot and humid all year, around 32 degrees by day, with heavy showers on most afternoons. May to July and December to February are somewhat drier. Ramadan brings night food markets across the city, and Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Thaipusam, with its procession to the Batu Caves in January or February, are all celebrated on a large scale.
Getting around
The airport express train reaches KL Sentral in about half an hour. Within the city, ride-hailing cars are cheap and the most convenient way to move, though traffic is heavy at rush hours. The LRT, MRT and monorail lines are useful for the centre. Covered walkways link the main shopping district of Bukit Bintang with the Petronas Towers. The heat makes long walks tiring; go out early and late.
Practical notes
English is widely spoken. Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country and dress should be modest when visiting mosques, though the city itself is relaxed. Alcohol is available in hotels, restaurants and bars. Tipping is not expected. Many travellers combine the city with Penang, Langkawi or a rail journey on the Eastern & Oriental Express.
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