Welcome to Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia's sleek, modern capital is famed for its incredible food, Olympic-level shopping, and welcoming vibes. At once forward-thinking and rooted proudly in tradition, KL, as it is commonly called, is symbolized as much by the vibrant cultural mix of its neighborhoods as by its shimmering, futuristic Petronas Towers. To make the most of your time—and to avoid the city's notoriously heavy traffic—guided tours are highly recommended. Book your skip-the-line tickets and take in the dizzying view from Petronas Skybridge, then visit city highlights such as the King's Palace, Merdaka Square, and the National Museum. Take a street food tour to sample local specialties like nasi lemak (spicy coconut rice with vegetables, anchovy, and peanuts), or one of the countless varieties of Malay-style curries, sopped up with a generous helping of naan or roti. Other popular attractions include the Batu Caves, which house an enormous, golden statue of Lord Murugan and hundreds of fearless macaques. For families, the Sunway Lagoon theme park and KL Forest Eco Park offer plenty of outdoor fun. For something completely different, try an exhilarating hot-air balloon flight over Putrajaya. Malaysia’s capital also makes a convenient gateway for day trips to colonial Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Farther afield, tours of the Cameron Highlands' tea plantations, the fauna-rich Taman Negara rainforest, and the magical evening firefly displays at Kuala Selangor are sure to enchant.
