The landmark art deco Central Market is crammed with alluring ethnic stalls selling all sorts of batiks, pottery, woodcarvings, basketry, Kris daggers and other Malaysian handicrafts perfect for take-home souvenirs. A tucked-away Annexe Gallery hosts art shows and workshops, and the second level is given over to a bustling food court.
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Things to see in Kuala Lumpur
Tourist offices
Tourist Information
Address: 11 Jalan Tangsi, Kuala Lumpur, 50480, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3 2698 0332.
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri 0830-1730.
www.visitkl.gov.myThe main tourist bureau is located in the City Hall and can offer recommendations on where to stay, food to try and places to visit. Maps and brochures are available for free at the centre and are also distributed in various public spaces. The office also offers guided walks free of charge on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, meeting at KL City Gallery at 9am.
Central Market
Opening Times: Daily 1000-2130.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address:
Jalan Hang Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur, 50050, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 3 2031 0399 or 5399 or 7399
Website:
www.centralmarket.com.my
Dataran Merdeka
Ringed by heritage buildings, Kuala Lumpur’s central square is dominated by a soaring flagpole where the Malaysian flag was raised to mark independence in 1957. On its western edge stands the Royal Selangor Club, a former hangout for wealthy colonials, while opposite is the 19th-century Sultan Abdul Samad Building, noted for its fanciful Moorish-style turrets.
Opening Times: Daily 24 hours.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Telephone: +60 3 2698 0332 (tourist office)
Website:
http://www.visitkl.gov.my
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Neighbouring the National Mosque, this fascinating museum displays an astonishing collection of Islamic painting, sculpture, jewellery, carpets, ceramics and religious manuscripts from across the Muslim world. Highlights include exquisite hand-painted tiles and illuminated medieval copies of the Quran. Allow a couple of hours to explore the air-conditioned galleries and admire the stunning domed exterior.
Opening Times: Daily 1000-1800.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address:
Jalan Lembah Perdana, Kuala Lumpur, 50480, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 3 2092 7070
Website:
www.iamm.org.my
Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
The travel writer Paul Theroux summed up this unique building by calling it ‘the grandest station in Southeast Asia.' Its riot of minarets, towers, arches and spires date from 1911, but today the station serves only as a minor commuter train stop. Nevertheless, it's worth visiting this unique architectural smorgasbord incorporating Moorish and colonial styles.
Opening Times: Daily 24 hours.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Address:
Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, Kuala Lumpur, 50621, Malaysia
Menara Kuala Lumpur
One of the world's tallest telecommunications towers, the dome-topped, needle-like Menara Kuala Lumpur has fantastic 360° panoramic views from its 276m-high (905ft) observation deck overlooking the soaring Petronas Towers and surrounding skyscrapers. It’s a good starting point to get your bearings and also offers a revolving restaurant, cafes and a souvenir shop.
Opening Times: Daily 0900-2200.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Telephone: +60 3 2020 5444
Website:
http://www.menarakl.com.my
Muzium Negara (National Museum)
The National Museum is an essential stop for anyone interested in Malaysia’s rich history and culture. Completed in 1963, the eye-catching building combines architectural elements from across the nation and holds exhibitions covering everything from tribal culture to modern times. Free English-language guided tours run Monday to Saturday.
Opening Times: Daily 0900-1800.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Telephone: +60 3 2267 1111
Website:
http://www.muziumnegara.gov.my
Perdana Botanical Gardens (Lake Gardens)
Covering 90 hectares (200 acres), this sprawling green oasis was laid out in 1888 when British colonials built elegant houses around the landscaped greenery. The grounds feature boating lakes, pavilions and sculpture gardens, plus a hibiscus garden with 500 species, a butterfly house and an excellent bird park with exotic Malaysian birds. Free guided tours are available on weekdays.
Opening Times: Daily 0700-2000.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address:
Jalan Kebun Bunga, Kuala Lumpur, 55100, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 3 2617 6404
Website:
www.klbotanicalgarden.gov.my
Masjid Negara (National Mosque)
Constructed in 1965, the National Mosque is a striking geometric building full of Islamic symbolism. Its roof is shaped like an 18-pointed star, representing the 13 states of Malaysia and the five pillars of Islam, while the main prayer hall can hold up to 15,000 worshippers. Visitors are welcome outside of prayer times but must dress modestly.
Opening Times: Daily 0900-1200, 1500-1600 and 1730-1830, closed Friday morning.
Admission Fees: No.
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Address:
Jalan Perdana , Kuala Lumpur, 50480, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 3 2693 7784
Website:
www.masjidnegara.gov.my
Sin Sze Si Ya Temple
Hailed as the oldest Chinese temple in Kuala Lumpur, pocket-sized Sin Sze Si Ya was built in 1864 and hides down an easy-to-miss alleyway in Chinatown. Festooned with red lanterns, this incense-infused temple is decorated with beautiful artefacts; fortune-telling sticks are provided for devotees.
Opening Times: Daily 0700-1700.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address:
14A Leboh Pudu, Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur, 50050, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 3 2078 9052
Petronas Towers
Measuring an eye-watering 452m (1,483ft), the futuristic Petronas ruled as the world's tallest buildings between 1998 and 2004. Visitors can marvel at the intricate exteriors incorporating traditional Islamic motifs before shooting up to the 42nd floor, where a bridge links the two towers together. The grand finale is on the 86th level, where there’s an observation deck with heart-racing views.
Opening Times: Tues-Sun 0900-2100 (closed Fri 1300-1430).
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: Yes
Telephone: +60 3 2231 8080
Website:
www.petronastwintowers.com.my
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