Everything to Know About Kuala Lumpur
Known as a melting pot of Southeast Asia, the many different races and cultures that comprise Kuala Lumpur make it a vibrant place to visit.
Being a relatively new city which has grown tremendously since the 90s, Kuala Lumpur is now one of the most modern cities in Southeast Asia offering the best of the old and new world combined into one radiant city. People are friendly and a majority of the population speaks English.
When to Go
The best time to visit Kuala Lumpur is between November and May when the weather is very pleasant. The summer season attracts many Middle Eastern tourists while the year-end offers some serious shopping bargains, namely the Malaysian Mega Sale where the entire country goes on sale.
Celebrate
One of the most incredible festivals on earth is no other than the Thaipusam Festival, held in January at Batu Caves. More than one million visitors attend the festival, where incredible vows and feats are carried out by devotees that make their way on foot all the way up to the cave temple. This is one of the must-not-miss festivals to witness and photograph when you are in Kuala Lumpur.
What to Eat
While guide books recommend Petaling Street and Jalan Alor, a true local food experience would be at the Pudu Food Street (Pudu Wai Sek Kai), a 20 minute walk from the Bukit Bintang area of Kuala Lumpur. Here, true authentic Malaysian street food is still being made traditionally with only locals coming here. It operates daily from 4 p.m. until around midnight.
Souvenir to Take Home
Any durian made product would be an awesome or quirky souvenir to buy for friends and relatives back home. While the durian fruit may be one of the most unique fruits of the world and native to Malaysia, local industries have come up with many creative ways to incorporate the durian. Look out for durian chocolates, cookies, cakes, snacks, coffee or even make-up when you are at souvenir shops.
- Nat Geo Expeditions
Sustainable Travel Tip
Moving around in Kuala Lumpur is best done on foot or by using the modern subway and monorail system. A special 'KL Travel Pass' is sold at KL Sentral, the main transportation hub of Kuala Lumpur, and this pass allows you to explore the city with ease using multiple types of transportation.
Instagram-Worthy View
It is no doubt that the Petronas Twin Towers are the most photographed and Instagrammed place in Malaysia, day or night. The alternative place would be Batu Caves, where a massive 140 feet golden statue of Lord Murugan is found by the entrance leading up to the caves.
