Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital and hub of Malaysia. It is a city with a wonderful and accepting mix of different cultures, religions and nationalities. It didn’t take long for Kuala Lumpur to capture my heart with its diverse variety of food, exciting nightlife, and rich past. Kuala Lumpur is an excellent location to reach any nearby country from, as it is a hub for many major airlines. Air Asia offers many flights at incredibly reasonable prices, oftentimes cheaper than travel via land. A trip to South East Asia is not complete without stopping in Kuala Lumpur. It is one of my favorite cities in the world.

Where To Stay
Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC) is a park area surrounded by businesses, hotels, and high-rises. It is pricier than other areas, but you can easily go anywhere from here. Bukit Bintang and Chinatown are popular areas for people who enjoy nightlife and backpackers.

What To Do

• Petronas Towers
  Admire the capital city from 170 meters above the ground on the Sky Bridge in the famous Petronas Towers. Visit the observation deck on the 86th floor. See the beauty of these buildings from the inside. 85 MYR to enter. Since only a certain number of tickets are issued per day, purchase tickets in advance online so you don’t get turned away after waiting in line.
• Marini’s on 57
  This bar, lounge and restaurant is located in Petronas Tower 3, the triangular building right next to the famous twin towers. I don’t normally get attached to places, but I am attached to Marini’s. Being on the 57th floor looking directly at the Petronas Towers while they are lit up in the evening was truly a beautiful experience. I highly recommend a cocktail or dinner or both at this place. Dress code is strictly enforced at Marini’s.
• Batu Caves
  Walking up 272 concrete steps to the entrance of the 400 million year-old limestone caves allows one to truly appreciate the coolness of the limestone and the sweeping views from the top. The stairs are steep and treacherous but worth the trip to the top. Batu Caves are located 13 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur and are accessible via public transportation, which will save you money. Ladies should dress modestly, as this is a religious site. If you do not have anything to cover up, a scarf can be rented at the entrance for 5 MYR (upon returning the scarf you receive 3 MYR back). Admission to the caves is free but donations are appreciated.

• Chinatown
  Chinatown offers visitors delicious and cheap food in many different varieties, colorful shows and shopping and a large market that is open during the day and at night. Ji Petaling market in Chinatown is one of the city’s biggest and best. Be sure to bargain with local shop owners if there is no price posted on the item you wish to purchase – this will save from overpaying.
• Aquaria
  Aquaria is a large marine display located in Kuala Lumpur City Center by the convention center. Be sure to check out the feeding times to get a true behind the scenes experience. Adult admission is 53 MYR, and tickets can be purchased online.
• KLCC Park
  Peace and quiet in the center of bustling Kuala Lumpur. Walk in this park to view the city from its very center. It is free and offers great views of the Petronas Towers and allows visitors to take unobstructed photos from numerous viewpoints.

• Trader’s Hotel
  Trader’s Hotel is the home of Sky Bar, a rooftop bar on the 33rd floor with views of the Petronas Towers from across the park. It is an open-air bar, and not air-conditioned, so keep that in mind if it is a scorcher outside.
• Indulge
  Kuala Lumpur has some of the most diverse and delicious food available on the planet. You can grab great deals at local markets and hawker stands. For the discount traveler, Little India and Chinatown offer delicious meals at extremely reasonable prices. If you feel like splurging a little, Kuala Lumpur boasts numerous celebrity chef and five-star restaurants.