Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia–less formally known as KL–is a Southeast Asian gem of a city full of instaworthy places. Little did I know there would be so many sites to see outside of the more famous Petronas Towers and Batu Caves! In a city with such strong Indian, Chinese and Malay cultural influences, you’re bound to find some fascinating points of interest. Here is a collection of our top 10 spots –

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10. Perdana Putra – Putrajaya 

 

 

This beautiful palace sits on a hill in Putrajaya, Malaysia – about 40 minutes outside of Kuala Lumpur’s city center. This is where the Prime Minister of Malaysia sits with several other government agencies. Next to this building you will find the Palace of Justice (#7) and Putra Mosque (#4). A day trip to Putrajaya to see all these sites is well worth it!

Pro-tip if you plan to visit Perdana Putra: it’s recommended to dress on the professional/conservative side as this building contains government offices.

Address: Persiaran Sultan Sallahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Presint 1, 62000 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Mondays to Fridays; 8.00 am – 12.30 pm, 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm, Saturdays from 8.00 am – 12.30 pm

Closed to the public on Sundays, public holidays and every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month.

 

9. Federal Territory Mosque (Wilayah Mosque)

 

 

Built in the year 2000, the Federal Territory Mosque, also known as Wilayah Mosque, is located about 10 minutes outside of the KL city center. Upon arriving to the front of the mosque, you will be requested to wear a teal-colored robe to cover your body and head. The mosque has volunteers on staff that will provide you with a free tour and answer any questions you may have.  There is no need to tip the guides but donations to the Mosque are welcomed!

Address: Wilayah Mosque, Jalan Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, Kompleks Kerajaan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Hours: Tour guides available from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

8. Thean Hou Temple

 

 

This gorgeous Chinese temple located about 15 minutes outside of the city center is a sight to see. This monument is one of the largest Buddhist Temples in SE Asia and where you’ll find devotees and visitors alike kneeling inside for prayer. Thean Hou Temple is a special place to visit in KL, especially so during Chinese festivals.

Address: 65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Hours: Opening Hours: Daily: 9:00 am- 6:00 pm

 

7. The Federal Court of Malaysia (Istana Kehakiman) – Putrajaya 

 

 

This is the highest court of appellate in Malaysia. Few people know that directly inside this building you can find the Justice Museum and a cafe if you’re in need of a quick bite! Inspired by Moorish Architecture, the arches, columns, and domes make this a site worth seeing!

Address: Persiaran Perdana, Presint 3, 62100 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, Malaysia

Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

 

6. Masjid Jamek Mosque

 

 

Known as Jamek Mosque with the locals, this is the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur and a gem to see! Upon entering the mosque, it is required that visitors cover themselves with the robe provided by the mosque. You will be asked to take your shoes off and are free to explore the area on your own. You’ll find Jamek Mosque located in Merdeka Square (#3) along the Klang River (#5) about 10 minutes outside the city center.

Address: Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Tun Perak (8,825.19 mi)
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 50050

Hours: Monday to Frida 5:30 am – 9:30 pm

5. Klang River

 

 

With beautiful dome shaped palaces surrounding the Klang River, you’ll find this gem of a spot in Merdeka Square (#3). This a lovely place to take a stroll, enjoy an ice cream and end up at Jamek Mosque (#6)

Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

 

4. Putra Mosque Putrajaya

 

 

Located on the Putrajaya Lake, this pink domed mosque imitates Persian-Islamic style architecture. Non-muslim visitors are welcome! But please note – females will be asked to wear a robe that is provided by the mosque. I was able to sneak in a photo without one on right near the entrance! 😉

Address: Persiaran Persekutuan, Presint 1, 62502 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, Malaysia

Hours: Saturday-Thursday: 9:00 am-12.30 pm, 2:00 – 4:00 pm, 5.30 pm-6:00 pm, Friday: 3:00 -4:00 pm, 5.30 – 6:00 pm

 

3. Merdeka Square

 

 

You can spend a half day exploring the Merdeka Square and surrounding points of interest. This is the heart of KL. Make sure to check out Petaling Street (Chinatown) nearby to purchase all sorts of things (like fake Gucci shirts) and try various types of food!

 

2. Batu Caves

 

 

This incredibly colorful Hindu shrine is molded on a cave in Kuala Lumpur and is iconic to the city. It is said that the limestone which makes up the cave is 400 million years old! To take the perfect IG shot, try to arrive at 6am on a weekday, otherwise you will find the place packed with tourists!

Address: Batu Caves, Sri Subramaniam Temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Hours: Daily 6:00 am – 9:00 pm

1. Petronas Twin Towers

 

 

The Petronas Towers land the number one spot as together they are the most iconic place in all of Kuala Lumpur. You’ll find several people near the tower selling wide angle lenses to make your photos in front of the towers more epic. They’ll also be offering to take your photo for you. I say take them up on the offer or you’ll end up with a silly photo like this ^!

Address: Concourse Level, Petronas Twin Tower, Lower Ground, 50088, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Hours:  Daily 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (closed for Friday prayers 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm)

For more on Kuala Lumpur, check out: 

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3.  Kuala Lumpur: 3 Day Itinerary