Holidays in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Quick Hotel Link

Keenly Kuala Lumpur

Just because you’re in a bustling metropolis doesn’t mean the natural world doesn’t get a look-in. Burrowed into the hillside 13 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur, you’ll find the astonishing Batu Caves. This unique limestone cavern complex, first ‘discovered’ in the 1800s, has actually been known to the region’s indigenous people (the orang asli) for centuries. Beneath the 100-metre vaulted ceiling of the largest chamber, the Cathedral Cave, are several Hindu shrines and, most eye-cathchingly, a 43-metre statue of the Hindu war god, Lord Murugan. Every year, the caves attract thousands of pilgrims, sightseers and opportunistic macaque monkeys alike.

Become a member

Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia
Cityscape
Urban jungle, suburban sprawl
City life
Fun in the fast lane

Kuala Lumpur – known to the savvy visitor as ‘KL’ – is Malaysia’s brash and bustling boom-town: a heady urban blend of impossibly tall towers and ornate temples, mega-malls and chic eateries, big business and pure pleasure…

From the observation floors of KL’s own wonder of the modern world, the Petronas Twin Towers, you can see the city unfurl like a giant concrete map, splashed with colour by elegant mosques and Hindu temples. With over one and a half million people living, working and playing here, it’s mainland Malaysia’s most dynamic city and, of course, its capital. Despite its global renown as one of Asia’s high-rise business heavyweights, there’s a lot more going on under the smooth, executive surface. Gourmets and gluttons alike thrill at the vibrant cuisine scene – from mouth-watering street-eats to upmarket fine-dining – and hardcore boutique-browsers will revel in the city’s wallet-draining shopping hub, the ‘Golden Triangle’.

Pictured: Carcosa Seri Negara

Boutique hotels in Kuala Lumpur

Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and boutique hotels in Kuala Lumpur

more
Holidays in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Getting there

Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.

more

Holidays in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Worth getting out of bed for

Highlights the best Kuala Lumpur has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.

more

Holidays in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Eating, drinking & dancing

We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Kuala Lumpur.

more

Kuala Lumpur hotel map - Smith Maps

Smith Maps

Here is the map of Kuala Lumpur; each Mr & Mrs Smith hotel is marked by a flag; click it for more details.

more

Local knowledge

Taxis
To get around town, taxis are a cheaper option than in many capitals. Insist on paying for a metered fare, or negotiate a price before getting in. Although you should be able to hail a taxi easily, keep an eye out for taxi ranks, usually in front of shopping malls.
Tipping culture
Tipping is not common, so only tip if you’ve received outstanding service. Many hotels and large restaurants will automatically add a 10 per cent service charge (in addition to the five per cent government tax) to your bill.
Siesta and Fiesta
KL-ites work late and stay up later; 9.30am to 7pm are the normal shop opening hours. Department stores generally open from 10am to 8pm, and the bar scene extends well into the early hours.
Packing tips
Kuala Lumpur is hot and humid all year round, so pack light linens and summer clothes, sunscreen and something to keep the mozzies at bay. Although KL-ites are generally a liberal lot, do bear in mind that most Malaysians are Muslim – bikini tops and shorts might offend so, wardrobe-wise, modesty is the best policy.
Recommended reads
The Harmony Silk Factory by Tash Aw; In Liberal Doses by Marina Mahathir; and The Asian Renaissance by Anwar Ibrahim.
Cuisine
Malaysian cuisine is flavoured by the country’s history and geography; Indonesia, India, Thailand, and China have all sprinkled their spices in the broth. The result is a mélange of feisty flavours, usually centred on fragrant rice or noodle dishes.For fabulous Chinese-hawker fare, head to Jalan Alor in the morning for nasi lemak, a KL breakfast favourite made from eggs, anchovies and coconut rice, or try the crisp barbecued chicken wings finished with a hint of calamansi lime juice. Also keep an eye/nose out for durian, a large spiky fruit with an odour generously described as ‘piquant’.
Currency
Malaysian ringgit (RM) – the exchange rate is roughly RM7 to £1; RM3 to $1.
Time zone
GMT +8 hours
Dialing codes
Country code for Malaysia: 60; Kuala Lumpur: 3.
Do go/don't go
Kuala Lumpur’s equatorial climate keeps the city warm, sunny and humid all year round, but the occasional evening storms get more intense between September and April. In summer, ‘the haze’– a dense dusty fug created by Sumatran forest fires – often comes to town and stays for one or two weeks.

Hotels

Find and book hotels in Kuala Lumpur