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Kuala Lumpur (1 day)

Updated: Nov 13, 2022


Key Points:

  1. Kuala Lumpur is not one of the best travel destinations, but is an important part of travelling around the world.

  2. WikiVoyage has the original version of travelling in Kuala Lumpur. But we have rewritten and integrated several articles together to create a better version.


According to Wikipedia, "Kuala Lumpur, officially the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and colloquially referred to as KL, is a federal territory and the ceremonial, legislative and judicial capital city of Malaysia. It is one of the fastest growing cities in Asia and the largest city in Malaysia. It is among the fastest growing metropolitan regions in Southeast Asia, both in population and economic development."


Here we quote the best way to travel in Kuala Lumpur provided by wikiVoyage, a multilingual, web-based project to create a free, complete, up-to-date, and reliable worldwide travel guide. Wikivoyage is hosted by the Wikimedia Foundation, a non-profit organization that also hosts a range of other project such as Wikipedia. Please edit the articles and find author credits at the original wikiVoyage articles on Kuala Lumpur, KL sightseeing walk. Content on wikiVoyage can be shared under a Creative Commons License.


Part 1: Understand. As in most of Malaysia’s cities and towns, Malaysian Chinese form a majority of the population, at 55%, in Kuala Lumpur. Malays (who form the majority of Malaysia's population, overall) and Malaysian Indians are also present in large numbers in the city, and there are substantial numbers of more recent immigrants and workers from South and Southeast Asia, Eurasians, and expatriates from Western countries and the Middle East. The result is a mix of cultures that meld together to make Kuala Lumpur a modern and diverse capital.


Part 2: Prepare. About the only equipment you will need is comfy shoes, sun screen and possibly insect repellent. There are countless restaurants, food stalls and mini markets along the way. Some top picks are highlighted. The hike will take you around 3 hours of pure walking. With museum and sightseeing stops - especially at KL Tower - plan at least 5 hours for the whole trip. It is best to take this walk early in the morning or in the late afternoon, in order to avoid the hottest hours of the day.

One option could be to start the walk at around 16:00-17:00 at Maharajalela station to arrive at the observation deck of KL Tower shortly before sunset (19:15-19:30). The attractions in the second part of the hike (namely Changkat Bukit Bintang, Pavillion, KLCC Park, Petronas Towers and Saloma Link Bridge) are all even more impressive in the dark. Chow Kit market will already be closed at this time though.


Part 3: Itinerary


1. Chinatown


Exit Maharajalela monorail station and walk towards northwest. You will reach Chinatown and the colonial district.

  • Chan She Shu Yuen Temple. Calm ancestral hall for the Chan clan.

  • Kwai Chai Hong. Back alley with Instagram-worthy murals.

  • Sin Sze Si Ya Temple. The oldest Chinese temple in Kuala Lumpur.

  • Merdeka Square & Flag pole. Malaysia declared its independence here in 1957.

  • Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Formerly the offices of the Colonial Secretariat it houses the Courts of Law today.

  • River of Life walkway. Beautiful walkway opposite Jamek Mosque at the confluence of Gombak and Kelang rivers (Thus the name "Kuala Lumpur", which means "Muddy River Mouth").

  • Masjid Jamek. One of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in the city.


2. Golden Triangle


Jungle, nightlife and shopping awaits you in this part of the city.

  • Muzium Telekom. If you are interested in the history of telecommunication in Malaysia this could be worth a visit.

  • St. John's Cathedral. A historic Catholic cathedral and the seat of the archbishop. Makes for a good photo motif with the KL Tower in the backdrop.

  • Menara KL (KL Tower). The viewing deck provides a stunning 360° panorama of the city.

  • Street Art. Colorful back alley.

  • Bukit Bintang junction. The beating heart of the city.

  • Aquaria KLCC. A gigantic aquarium housing over 5,000 aquatic and terrestrial species.

  • KLCC Park. Urban park, which is surrounded by skyscrapers.

  • Petronas Twin Towers. The most iconic landmark of the country.


3. Kampung Baru & Chow Kit


Stunning contrast between the village charm of Kampung Baru to all those highrisers, which are only a stone's throw away.

  • Saloma Link Bridge. Pedestrian footbridge with extraordinary design. Beautifully lit during night time.

Part 4: Stay Safe. Stay alert. Pickpocketting and snatch thefts with scooters can happen. Chow Kit - the northern terminus of this hike - is considered a bit "rough" for KL standards. Thus if you want to avoid risks better don't go there after sunset.


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