Kuala Lumpur holidays

How to reach Kuala Lumpur

Flight time: Flights to Kuala Lumpur (KL) from the UK take 12 to 13 hours. Some direct flights are available from London, and other options have a stopover in the Middle East or elsewhere in Asia, such as Singapore, taking the travel time up to 17 to 18 hours.

Transfer time: From Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the KLIA Ekspres train will get you to KL Sentral station in about 28 minutes. Taxis and Grab services to the city centre are also available and take around 1 hour, depending on traffic.

Price: The KLIA Ekspres train costs RM55 (£10) for a one-way ticket. Taxis range from RM80–RM100 (£14–£17.50), while a Grab ride should cost slightly less.

Best time to visit Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur’s tropical climate means consistently warm temperatures throughout the year, a decent amount of sunshine and high humidity. Malaysia does experience monsoon rains in spring and autumn months, but being on the west coast, KL is impacted less by this. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect throughout the year:

• December to February is a great time to visit KL. Temperatures hover around 31°C, usually with low rainfall, especially later in the season, making it ideal for sightseeing.

• March to April sees a slight increase in temperature, often reaching 33°C, but keep an umbrella handy as afternoon showers are common and can be heavy.

• May to September brings relatively drier weather again, with average temperatures around 31°C and lower rainfall, perfect for exploring outdoor attractions.

• October to November is the wettest season, with daily downpours and temperatures of about 30°C. While the showers can last a few hours, it is still a pleasant time to be here, and there are always plenty of indoor activities.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Malay, or Bahasa Melayu, is the official language, but English is widely spoken in Kuala Lumpur, particularly in tourist areas. Most signs are in English, making navigation easy.

• Local habits and customs: Malaysians are friendly and welcoming but also quite conservative. When visiting mosques or temples, modest dress is required: shoulders and knees should be covered, and shoes should be removed before entering. Avoid public shows of affection.

• Currency: Malaysia’s currency is the ringgit (RM). ATMs are widely available, and most places accept credit or debit cards. Having some cash on hand is useful for smaller purchases and street food.

• Getting around: The city centre is small enough to explore on foot, and public transport is affordable and efficient. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) system covers most of the city. Single fares range from RM1 (£0.20) upwards, with the Touch 'n Go card also available to load up with credit. Alternatively, Grab and Uber are affordable and convenient ways to get around.

• Electricity and plug types: Malaysia's electricity supply is 230V, with the same three-pin plug as the UK, so no adaptor needed.

• Time zone: Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of GMT.

Best things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur (KL) is the vibrant capital of Malaysia and a modern supercity with a diverse blend of Muslim, Chinese and Hindu influences. Shiny malls and impressive modern skyscrapers sit alongside colonial architecture, and bustling markets are juxtaposed with serene temples. Here's what to look out for on Kuala Lumpur holidays:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Petronas Twin Towers: At 452m, these iconic towers dominate the skyline. Head to the observation deck on the 86th floor for breathtaking views over the city, or, for a unique experience, walk the Skybridge that connects the two towers on the 41st and 42nd floors.

• KL Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur): One of the world's tallest telecommunications towers, KL Tower provides a panoramic view from its observation deck. For a special experience, dine at the revolving restaurant, Atmosphere 360, while taking in the cityscape.

The best districts

• Bukit Bintang: This is Kuala Lumpur’s premier shopping and entertainment hub. Packed with many of the best hotels and restaurants, high-end malls, street markets, trendy cafés and vibrant nightlife, it's a must-visit district for shopaholics and foodies alike.

• Kampung Baru: For a taste of traditional Malay culture in the middle of the modern city, this area offers quiet lanes with charming wooden bungalows with gardens, food stalls serving authentic Malay cuisine and a more relaxed pace of life.

Historical monuments

• Sultan Abdul Samad Building: This elegant colonial-era building with a unique Moorish design stands out in the heart of the city and is the perfect spot for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.

• Sri Maha Mariamman Temple: The oldest Hindu temple in KL, known for its intricate design and vibrant sculptures depicting Hindu deities, is a colourful place of worship and a must-see for culture lovers.

• Merdeka Square: The site where Malaysia declared independence in 1957 is flanked by impressive colonial buildings, including the National Textile Museum and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, making it a perfect spot to discover more about Malaysia’s history.

Day trips in the area

• Batu Caves: Just a short way north of the city, these limestone caves, housing a series of Hindu temples and shrines, are one of Malaysia’s leading tourist destinations. Climb the 272 steps to the main cave, where you’ll be greeted by the impressive 140ft-tall golden statue of Lord Murugan.

• Hill stations: A cool escape from the city’s heat, hill stations such as Genting Highlands, Fraser’s Hill and Cameron Highlands offer a wide range of attractions, with everything from casinos, theme parks and the world's largest hotel to excellent nature trails, birdwatching and mountain views of the lush surroundings.

Activities for families in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a family-friendly city with plenty to keep both kids and adults entertained. Here are some top activities for families on holidays to Kuala Lumpur:

• Aquarium and zoos: The wonderful Aquaria KLCC takes you on an underwater journey with thousands of aquatic creatures in a series of themed tanks.

• Interactive museums: Petrosains in Suria KLCC mall is an interactive science museum that engages children with hands-on exhibits. The National Science Centre also offers a host of educational and fun exhibits.

• Theme parks and adventure: Families will love Sunway Lagoon, a vast theme park with water rides, roller coasters and a wildlife park. For a different adventure, Berjaya Times Square Theme Park, inside a shopping mall, offers indoor roller coasters and carnival games.

• Parks and gardens: The Perdana Botanical Gardens offers open spaces for kids to run around, while the KL Bird Park is an enormous free-flight aviary where children can interact with various bird species.

Free things to do in Kuala Lumpur

For those on a budget, plenty of free things to do in Kuala Lumpur will make your visit enjoyable without breaking the bank.

• Free events: Kuala Lumpur hosts various free cultural events throughout the year, including concerts and festivals such as the KL International Arts Festival and Merdeka Day celebrations at Merdeka Square.

• Free museums: Many museums in Kuala Lumpur offer free entry on specific days. The Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery is always free and offers exhibits on Malaysian banking history and fine art.

• Free guided tours: Kuala Lumpur City Hall offers free guided walking tours of heritage sites such as the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Merdeka Square and Chinatown, which give a fantastic insight into the city’s history and culture.

Local dishes in Kuala Lumpur

One of the best things about holidays to Kuala Lumpur is the vibrant food scene, which reflects the city’s cultural diversity. From high-end restaurants to some of Malaysia's best street food, you’ll find a delightful mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine. Here are some dishes you should try:

Some typical dishes

• Nasi Lemak: Malaysia’s national dish features coconut rice with spicy sambal, fried crispy anchovies, boiled eggs, cucumber and fried peanuts. It is often found accompanying rendang, a spicy meat stew.

• Char Kway Teow: A popular stir-fried noodle dish with pork, prawns, eggs and bean sprouts, flavoured with soy sauce and chilli, and typically cooked in a blazing hot wok.

• Laksa: A spicy noodle soup with a tangy tamarind base (asam laksa) or a creamy coconut base (curry laksa), usually filled with prawns or fish-cake dumplings.

Street food

• Satay: Grilled skewers of marinated meat, mostly chicken or beef, served with a rich peanut sauce. You’ll find this everywhere, from hawker stalls to night markets.

• Roti Canai: This flaky flatbread (aka Indian paratha) is a popular breakfast or snack option, served with dal or curry. Watch as vendors theatrically flip the dough before frying it to crispy perfection.

Sweets and desserts

• Cendol: A refreshing dessert made of coconut milk and green rice flour jelly on shaved ice, sweetened with gula melaka (palm sugar).

• Eis kacang: Also known as "air batu campur" (mixed ice) or “ABC”, this is a mountain of shaved ice topped with aduki beans, sweetcorn, jelly, condensed milk and coloured syrup.

Local drinks

• Teh and kopi: Tea and coffee are both popular in Malaysia, and the best way to try them is served "tarik" (pulled) for a frothy finish. They usually come sweetened with condensed milk, but if this is too sweet, just ask for yours black.

• Sugar cane juice: Freshly pressed and served chilled, this can be the perfect refreshment in Kuala Lumpur's tropical heat.