Top attractions in Kuala Lumpur include the Petronas Twin Towers, Merdeka Square, the Batu Caves and the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia.
The Petronas Twin Towers
Between 1998 and 2004, the Petronas Towers were the tallest buildings in the world. They’re still the tallest twin towers, at 451.9 metres high, and unlike many tall buildings that are all about the height, Cesar Pelli’s masterpiece is genuinely, gracefully beautiful. There’s an observation deck, but the best views of the towers themselves come from the KLCC Park beneath.
The Kuala Lumpur Tower
If it’s views of the city you’re after, then the lines of sight from the Kuala Lumpur Tower are a better bet – at least partly because it’s an ugly old communications tower and you can see the Petronas Towers from the 300 metre-high Skydeck. Get there with a wander through the KL Forest Eco Park, a piece of protected rainforest with bamboo and banana plants in the middle of the city.
Merdeka Square – with Masjid Jamek and the Sultan Abdul Samad building
KL’s most impressive heritage buildings congregate around Merdeka Square, which was the colonial heart of the city. The Moghul-style mosque, Masjid Jamek, combines with several Moorish-style efforts. These include the Sultan Abdul Samad building with its copper domes and clock tower. Come at night and the latter is lit up, somewhat less traditionally, with multi-coloured, changing LEDs.
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is an architectural star in its own right, incorporating courtyards, domes and traditional elements of Islamic design. These are complemented by the collection of silks, calligraphy and ceramics from around the Islamic world, although the architecture section – with dozens of painstakingly recreated scale models of mosques – is the highlight.
The Batu Caves
At the end of the KTM Komuter train line, the Batu Caves are a popular Hindu pilgrimage site. Now, you can go just to see the relatively cool caves, but a visit is really about the people-watching and blaze of colour. Clamber sweatily up the 272 sweaty steps towards the caves, and there’s a 42 metre-tall gold statue of Lord Murugan, a Hindu god. You’ll probably have accompaniment from opportunistic snack-nabbing monkeys on the way.
The Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex
KL is not exactly short of shopping malls, but for something with a more distinctive local edge, the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex has plenty on offer. Designed to be a showcase of Malaysian crafts, it provides a fine array of souvenir fodder, with borderline garish batik clothing, woodwork and weaving amongst the goodies to tempt the wallet open.
