FIVE MUST-VISITS IN KL

sojourndiaries 3 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur or simply KL is the sprawling capital of multi-cultural Malaysia. A vibrant city that is often being compared to its neighboring country, Singapore, KL is home to some of the world’s best value for money hotels and great shopping.

There is so much to see and do thanks to the eclectic mix of cultural and new-age attractions in KL that most visitors will usually require help in exploring this wonderful city.  So unless you have a trusty guide by your side during your time in KL, here is a list of must-visits in KL that is sure to offer up something to tickle your palette.

The Petronas Twin Towers

Albeit it being the most clichéd tourism spot for KL, visiting Malaysia without seeing the Petronas Twin Towers is akin to visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel tower.

Built in 1998, it is still a common sight to see tourists gawking and craning their necks to see the top of these magnificent 88-storey high buildings. The Petronas Twin Towers, which dominates the skylines of KL is currently the most impressive piece of architecture that Malaysia has to offer.

For those who are interested in taking a look at the world from the towers, there is also a viewing deck where a sky bridge joins both towers on the 21^st floors.

Petaling Street

Although the comparison is unfair, think of Petaling Street as the Chatuchak of Bangkok. Anyone who has been to Petaling Street will tell you that it is a bargain hunter’s haven. A well-known shopping street that only begins peddling its wares when dusk approaches, it transforms into a vibrant and happening marketplace with up to hundreds of stalls selling all kinds of stuff at ridiculous prices.

On Petaling Street, bargaining is considered to be their form of culture. Unless you have a mind to be ripped off, sometimes the stall owners will even enjoy the banter with you.  Do take note not to go too far, for some of them might get angry at the constant haggling and simply throw you out.

The Batu Caves

The Batu Caves is a series of caves carved out of a limestone hill that sits 13km away from KL. One of KL’s most frequented tourist attraction; the limestone hill is home to a hundred year old temple-cave, the Cathedral Cave which features tons of idols and statues around it.

Considered one of the most popular Hindu Shrines outside India, the attraction towards the Batu Caves also lies in its cultural element where it attracts Hindus by the flocks during Thaipusam annually. Nonetheless, while you might have the heart to get to the Batu Caves, it is not that easy, for there is still one unexpected but engaging challenge before you can reach the top – the climb to the caves.

The only way up to the caves, the 272 step climb is something that everybody would have to go through before reaching the Batu Caves. While being dogged relentlessly by long tailed monkeys, only the most determined will make it up to the temple-caves.

Jalan Alor

Kuala Lumpur is all about eating and where best can you do it if not for Jalan Alor?

Known as a food street near Bukit Bintang in KL, Jalan Alor is a place where even till the wee hours of the morning; the local Ramly burger seller would still be flipping burgers. Previously known as the red light district of KL, the area has transformed into a foodie’s paradise ever since its countless face lifts.

For first timers, the experience might be pretty overwhelming since there are more than hundreds of choices for you to choose from. Looking at the parked stalls seemingly meandering endless down the street, how do you even make the right choice of what to eat? However, since you are at the hearth of traditional local cuisine in KL, why not stuff yourself with authentic local food for once?

The Pavilion

If you are looking for someplace quiet to shop the rest of the day away or to take a break from the endless sightseeing, The Pavilion might be the right place for you. Unlike the typical shopping malls where they are usually packed to the brim with crazy shoppers, The Pavilion offers a quiet atmosphere where there are still aplenty of choices for shopping.

From high-end brands to street style, The Pavilion also has a gigantic food hall and a 4 level departmental store, Parkson, for all your needs. Indisputably the city’s best shopping centre, take note not to miss out the Pavilion when you are in KL.