10 best things to see in Kuala Lumpur
Marica&Sonia
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31/01/2018
Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia, also known as the city of extremes: unbridled capitalism, huge shopping centers and scorching heat; all opposed to rain forests, large urban parks and plenty of street food of all kinds.
We reach it by bus from Melaka and stay at The Explorers Guesthouse. We pay around 5.5 euros per person per night in a mixed 4-person budget dorm. The hostel is new, clean and with good Wi-Fi. The environment is familiar and it is easy to make friends. Moreover it is in an optimal position to visit the city.
Here is a list of the 10 places you should not miss once in the city:
- Petronas Twin Towers: they are the symbol of modern Malaysia, these 452 meters twin skyscrapers designed by Cesar Pelli, made of glass and steel with Islamic motifs. They host the Petronas oil company's offices and have a suspension bridge open to the public (access cost around 20 euros). Every night you can admire incredible light effects in front of the towers, to the rhythm of music.
- Jalan Alor: it's a street food heaven, right in the Bukit Bintang district. Here you can taste Asian delicacies of all kinds. The market is open until late at night and is always full of people. Unfortunately, however, it has become quite touristy, so the costs are higher than normal.
- Petaling Street: not only the city's Chinatown, but also the homeland of the tarot. The markets offer any kind of counterfeit article (even if very well) for which you will have fun negotiating.
- KLCC Park: a masterpiece of natural splendor and human ingenuity. A tropical park of 50 hectares in the middle of the city, ideal for those who want a moment's respite from the hectic metropolis. For animal lovers, here you will find the KL Bird Park, considered the largest avian zoo in the world, with over 3 thousand lively rainbow birds that flit everywhere posing for a photo (entry adults: about 14 euros).
- Batu Caves: The Batu Caves are a karst cavity around Kuala Lumpur. The cave is a destination for religious tourism, being one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India, and is dedicated to Karttikeya, of which a large statue is placed at the entrance. We have had the great fortune to attend one of the biggest and most important ceremonies of the year. In a few days, in fact, there will be a full moon scheduled for January 31, 2018. On this occasion, thousands of pilgrims come to these caves to make offerings and sacrifices to their Gods, asking health and happiness for their family in return. Given the huge amount of people, this ceremony starts from days before the real full moon day. It really is a unique and incredible show! The caves are easily reachable by train from the central station. The journey takes half an hour and the ticket costs around 1 euro return.
- National Mosque (Masjid Negara): inspired by the Great Mosque of Mecca, it is a splendid work of traditional Islamic architecture, completed in 1965. It is open to visitors also to non-Muslims, except on Friday, the day of celebrations. Near the mosque it is possible to admire buildings of historical value such as the old railway station, completed in 1910.
- KL Tower: the Menara KL is a 471-meter high telecommunications tower that serves not only as a recreation center for youngsters, but also as a restaurant with breathtaking views of the city. We have decided to take advantage of the Hi-Tea, or a buffet at the Atmosphere 360 restaurant, located at 282 meters high, for around 16 euros per person (RM 76). It is only available on Saturdays and Sundays from 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm and includes access to the Observation Deck at 276 meters above sea level. Really a unique experience and accessible to all budgets.
- Pavilion: is the largest shopping center in the city, with over 500 shops: from restaurants of the most varied international cuisines to all kinds of shops.
- Mardeka Square: is the square that recalls independence from British rule in 1957 through an auction set in the green. The surrounding buildings are true architectural works of art: from the Royal Selangor Club in the Tudor style, to the palace of the Sultan Abdul Samad in Moorish style, to the Saint Mary Cathedral in Gothic style.
- Little India: located in the Brickfields district, near the central station. Like any self-respecting Indian neighborhood, bright colors and the smell of street food prevail. It is pleasant to walk around and chat a little with its friendly inhabitants.
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