Temples in Kuala Lumpur
- 01
Batu Caves
A limestone hill north of the city with a Murugan temple in a huge cave, reached by 272 steps beside a 42.7 m golden statue of Lord Murugan.
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- Early morning, before the heat and the crowds
- Tickets
- Check current entry arrangements and any charges for the caves at the site or on the official temple channel. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees, remove shoes in temple areas, and expect very heavy crowds during Thaipusam.
- 02
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
The oldest Hindu temple in the city, founded in 1873 beside Chinatown, with a 22.9 m five-tier gopuram carrying 228 sculpted idols and a silver chariot used at Thaipusam.
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning, or early evening for the aarti period
- Tickets
- Free entry with dress and shoe rules typical of Hindu temples. Photography may be restricted in the sanctum; follow signs and ask. Temple timings and festival days vary.
- 03
Thean Hou Temple
A six-tiered Chinese temple on a hill in Seputeh, dedicated mainly to the sea goddess Mazu, mixing Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist elements.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning on a weekday; avoid Chinese New Year crowds
- Tickets
- Entry arrangements and any charges can change; check the temple's official channels. Dress modestly, remove shoes only where asked and ask before photographing worshippers.
Landmarks in Kuala Lumpur
- 04
KL Tower
A 421 m telecommunications tower on Bukit Nanas hill with an observation deck at 276 m, offering a city view that includes the Petronas Towers.
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Late afternoon into dusk, for sunset and city lights
- Tickets
- Check the official site for current ticket channels, prices, deck packages and opening hours, which can change. Book ahead at weekends and holidays.
- 05
Merdeka Square and Sultan Abdul Samad Building
The open green where Malaya's flag was raised for independence in 1957, facing the copper-domed Sultan Abdul Samad Building and a 95 m flagpole.
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon
- Tickets
- The square is open to walk through. Entry to buildings around it, such as galleries or museums, is separate, so check the individual opening hours and any charges.
Read the Merdeka Square and Sultan Abdul Samad Building guide →
- 06
Petronas Twin Towers
The 88-storey twin towers on Jalan Ampang, designed by Cesar Pelli and opened in 1999, joined by a skybridge and surrounded by the KLCC park and mall.
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours outside; about 1.5 hours with the observation deck
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning for the deck; evening for the lit towers from KLCC park
- Tickets
- The skybridge and level 86 deck are ticketed and limited to about 1,000 visitors a day, half sold online; check the official booking route and book ahead. The park and the mall are free to enter.
Museums in Kuala Lumpur
- 07
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
A large air-conditioned museum with more than 7,000 objects from across the Islamic world, including architectural models, textiles, jewellery, manuscripts and a restored Ottoman room.
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Weekday morning, or any hot or wet afternoon
- Tickets
- Paid entry; check the official museum channels for current fees, hours and any special-exhibition tickets. Dress modestly, and note that photography rules vary by gallery.
Places of worship in Kuala Lumpur
- 08
National Mosque (Masjid Negara)
Malaysia's national mosque, opened in 1965, with a 16-pointed umbrella-shaped roof, a 73 m minaret and space for 15,000 worshippers.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning on a weekday, outside prayer times
- Tickets
- Visitors should dress modestly with covered arms and legs, and check at the entrance whether cover-up robes are offered. Non-Muslim visiting times are limited around prayers; check the official site for current hours before you go.
Gardens and parks in Kuala Lumpur
- 09
Perdana Botanical Gardens
A 91.6-hectare park west of the centre, opened in 1889, with an orchid garden, hibiscus garden and deer park, beside the Bird Park, the National Mosque and the Islamic Arts Museum.
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Early morning, before 10 am
- Tickets
- The gardens are open to the public; check the official site for hours. Some attractions inside the area, such as the Bird Park, have separate tickets.
