Updated: September 24th, 2023

Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur (often abbreviated in KL), I grew up in a vibrant multi-ethnic country that offers culinary delights, exuberant heritage, and exotic adventures. In a city where modernity and tradition coalesce, prepare to find towering skyscrapers and sleek shopping malls that coexist harmoniously with urban jungles, historical sites, and buzzing street markets. This amalgamation of contrasting themes also reflects the diverse cultures of Malaysia, where Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous tribes come together and create a rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and foods. Having grown up in KL, here are my personal recommendations when exploring the city! Feel free to also check out my custom Google Map here or below. Please note that this list is ever-expanding.

1. What's happening in Kuala Lumpur (Arts & Culture)

   • Kakiseni (Arts & Culture)

   • CloudJoi (Performing Arts & Theater)

   • Ping Ming Marker (Community Gatherings & Bazaars)

2. Historical Landmarks

   • Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC) and KLCC Park

   • Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower)

   • National Monument (Tugu Negara)

   • Independence Square (Dataran Merdeka)

   • The National Museum of Malaysia (Muzium Negara)

3. Cultural Landmarks

   • National Mosque of Malaysia

   • Thean Hou Temple  (天后宫Tiān hòu gōng)

   • Batu Caves

   • Central Market (Pasar Seni)

   • Petaling Street (Chinatown)

   • Kwai Chai Hong (鬼仔巷 Guǐ zǐ xiàng)

   • REX KL

   • Gamuda Mall Bukit Bintang (GMBB) 

   • The Zhongshan Building

   • The GoDown (Check their Instagram for events before going)

   • D' Sun Zone at Perdana Botanical Gardens

4. Foods

   • Lot 10 Hutong Food Court (Offers a mixed array of Malaysian foods)

   • Koon Kee Wan Tan Mee (Wonton Noodles) @ Petaling Street

   • Soong Kee Beef Dry Noodles

   • Lai Foong Beef Soup Noodles

   • Ho Kow Hainam Kopitiam (Coffeeshop)

   • Jin Xuan Hong Kong Restaurant (Dim Sum) 

   • Sun Ming Kee Duck Rice

   • Taisyu Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ)

   • Mabuhay Laguna (Filipino Restaurant)

   • Soondaeya (Korean Restaurant)

   • Connaught Night Market (Pasar Malam Taman Connaught) (Wednesday nights only)

   • The Messenger by JWC @ Starhill (Serves the best artisanal coffee, in my opinion)

5. Artisanal Shopping Centers

   • Gamuda Mall Bukit Bintang (GMBB) 

   • Kedai KL

   • Malaysia Grand Bazaar (MGB)

   • Central Market (Pasar Seni)

   • REX KL

   • The Row KL

6. Branded Shopping Centers

   • Pavillion Bukit Bintang (Do note that there are multiple Pavilion Shopping Centers in the city)

   • StarHill Bukit Bintang

   • LaLaport Bukit Bintang

   • Suria KLCC

   • The Exchange at Tun Razak Exchange (TRX)

   • The LINC KL

   • Mid Valley and the Gardens Mall

7. Transportation

   • Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)

   • Grab Malaysia (Ride-hailing)

   • Light Rapid Transit (LRT)

   • Malayan Railways (KTM) - unreliable