Kuala Lumpur holidays provide experiences that will excite all your senses, thanks to glittering skylines, incredible food and a thrilling cultural mix.
Step back in time when you take a stroll around historic districts such as Merdeka Square with their vintage architecture and vibrant markets.
They’re a striking contrast to the awe-inspiring skyscrapers, including the soaring Petronas Towers, that the Malaysian capital is known for.
Make the most of the fantastic shopping with visits to malls of every description at the Golden Triangle. Then, once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll be able to dine out on fabulous food such as the must-try fragrant national dish, nasi lemak.
Balance all that indulgence with some colourful culture in Chinatown or a tour of the famous Batu Caves when you start to build your holiday to Kuala Lumpur with Etihad.
Whether you’d prefer a gastronomic tour, a spectacular shopping trip, a cultural excursion or a temple exploration, Kuala Lumpur holiday packages can oblige – this is a destination that ticks all the boxes.
When the Petronas Towers were completed in 1996, few could have predicted they would become such an important symbol of the nation.
Take in amazing views of the cityscape from the skybridge on levels 41 and 42 or, for those with a true head for heights, the 86th floor observation deck.
The towers are best appreciated from the viewing deck of the nearby KL Tower, where you can bask in the glow of the illuminated Petronas spires.
At 1,381 feet (421 metres) the KL Tower is one of the tallest buildings in the city. Dine at the revolving restaurant 1,099 feet up for uninterrupted views of the Petronas Towers and beyond – you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.
Kuala Lumpur is a city that loves to shop. An abundance of malls, markets and bazaars are scattered all over the city, and in the hottest and most humid months these spots double up as social hubs where people come to spend their evenings, strolling and chatting, dining and hanging out.
Head for the Golden Triangle for the most glamorous malls and designer stores housed in sleek buildings. The upmarket district of Bukit Bintang is home to big-name brands and the latest looks from the catwalks.
For local treasures and one-of-a-kind gifts, the stalls and souvenir shops of Chinatown are a must, where bargains on handcrafted goods can be found.
Filled with Buddhist temples, mosques, Hindu shrines and churches, Kuala Lumpur’s multicultural and multi-faith history has heavily influenced its architecture.
The temple complex at Batu Caves is a major attraction close to the city, surrounded by dramatic landscapes and greenery with some beautiful shrines. Climb the 272 steps to the caves, passing the giant statue of the Hindu deity Murugan as you go.
Located on the edge of Chinatown, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple is an ornate Hindu place of worship, the oldest in the capital. Make sure you don’t miss Thean Hou Temple at dusk when it’s illuminated by hundreds of lanterns – it’s a captivating sight.
Begin your gastronomic adventure at buzzing Jalan Alor, the beating heart of Kuala Lumpur’s street food scene – where the seafood and freshly-squeezed juices come highly recommended.
Then perhaps venture to one of the many food courts to enjoy a great variety of dishes, and an array of sensational gourmet treats. Look out for specialities from India and China in particular – both these cuisines are well represented in Malaysia.
For fine dining, the Golden Triangle area is home to many of the city’s more upscale restaurants, with refined takes on the local cuisine.
Malaysia’s – and some would say Southeast Asia’s – finest collection of art from the Muslim world is brilliantly showcased in the galleries of the Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur.
Geometric and natural motifs are prominent, and exhibits include finely detailed carved woodwork, calligraphy, porcelain and sumptuous textiles.
Opened in 1998 and covering an area of more than 300,000 square feet, this hugely popular museum sits amid the leafy surroundings of the city’s Lake Gardens.
The area of Bukit Bintang is a fine option to use as a base for many reasons, not least its great variety of hotels and guesthouses, fantastic shopping, nightlife and its sizzling street food.
The high-rise Banyan Tree Hotel is superbly placed to make the most of all Bukit Bintang has to offer.
Wander between exclusive restaurants and hawker stalls, live music venues and designer-led malls. Perfect for a city break in Kuala Lumpur.
Anyone looking for easy access to the upmarket sights of the city should consider the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
A wonderful escape, this five-star hotel offers sleek and modern rooms with excellent facilities.
It’s ideal for a luxury holiday in Kuala Lumpur too, as the hotel is right next to the Petronas Towers, which are also home to the city's glitziest mall.
Plan a romantic Malaysian escape with a stay at the five-star Mandarin Oriental.
This stunning hotel provides a plush base for a Kuala Lumpur honeymoon or luxurious getaway.
Just in sight of the Petronas Towers, this central hotel offers modern luxury in the centre of the city, with elegant suites and a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the city skyline.
Kuala Lumpur is well suited to exploring on foot as it’s relatively compact, but you can also cover the city using three different rail systems. There’s a tourist-friendly hop-on, hop-off bus too, ideal for ticking off all the main sights.
The official language in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia is Malay, but many people speak excellent English. You may also hear Tamil, Mandarin and Cantonese being spoken too.
The currency used in Kuala Lumpur is the Ringgit. One Ringgit is divided into 100 Sen. ATMs are located throughout the capital. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants, hotels and larger stores.
Various cultural and religious festivals are observed locally, including Malaysia Day (in September) and Deepavali (in October).
No holiday to Kuala Lumpur would be complete without spending some time exploring the buzzing street markets dotted around the city.
Little India is a superb area to hunt for textiles – especially beautiful fabric sold by length – while the night market is great for souvenirs.
Chow Kit is the biggest attraction for shoppers in this neighbourhood, a sprawling produce market where you can join the locals stocking up on fresh ingredients.
Chinatown is another fantastic place to stroll around the street markets and breathe in the atmosphere of the most historic commercial district in the city.
Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim nation, though Buddhism is also very popular. Religious beliefs form an important part of daily life in the city and you’ll be expected to observe a few basic customs during your stay in Kuala Lumpur.
You’ll be asked to remove your shoes and socks before entering any religious sites. It is also considerate to dress modestly when visiting temples and mosques, covering your knees, shoulders and sometimes your head.
Not all mosques and temples are open to the public every day, so it’s best to check in advance.
If you’re thinking about a family holiday in Kuala Lumpur, you’ll find plenty to do with children of all ages.
When you’ve finished shopping with them at the malls, there’s a wonderful selection of child-friendly attractions clustered around the central KLCC district.
The aquarium is a perennial favourite with kids with its reef, freshwater section and a thrilling underwater tunnel.
The Lake Gardens are another prime destination for some outdoor fun, with the butterfly park, an orchid garden and a planetarium also on the must-see list.
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