Holidays in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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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.

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Eating, drinking and 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.

Restaurants

Cilantro


Named after the coriander leaf – a popular Malaysian ingredient – this restaurant first made its name as a pioneer of fusion cuisine. Under Japanese chef Takashi Kimura, this discreet fine-diner has blossomed, continuing to keep local and foreign fans enamoured of its superb Franco-Japanese culinary creativity.

368B, Jalan Tun Razak, KL 50400
+60 (0)3 2161 8833

Third Floor

This award-winning restaurant is hard to beat should you have seduction on the mind. Chef Ken Hoh’s delicate, detailed little morsels of fusion cuisine dance on the palate and the sleek, ultramodern dining room adds an element of romantic drama to the evening.

JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL 53200
+60 (0)3 2141 3363


The Gulai House

Head to former colonial mansion Carcosa Seri Negara, the best Malay fine-dining establishment in the city, for an authentic sampler of the country’s cuisine. Don't miss classic dishes such as udang putih masak lemak (prawns in a light coconut gravy) and ikan Pangang percik (grilled fish with a spicy turmeric paste).

Carcosa Seri Negara, Taman Tasik Perdana, KL 50480
+60 (0)4 2282 1888


Cafés

Alexis


For a laid-back lunch, make a beeline for this Bangsar bistro. Its sarawak laksa (a spicy noodle dish served in a prawn, chicken and coconut milk broth) and Ayam percik (grilled chicken with sweet sauce) are hot favourites.

29 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, KL 59100
+60 (0)3 2284 2880

Madam Kwan's

Hip KL-ites stave off their cravings for nasi lemak (rice served with chilli paste, deep fried anchovies and half a hardboiled egg) at this stylish stop-off in trendy Bangsar.

65 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, KL 59100
+60 (0)3 2284 2297


Bars and clubs

Luna Bar


Book a seat on the mezzanine level at this 34th-floor rooftop cocktail spot – its stunning skyline and romantic atmosphere ensure it’s always in the bar-hoppers top ten. Bring your trendiest swimwear too – there’s a pool right beside the bar counter.

Pacific Regency Hotel Apartments, Menara PanGlobal, Jalan Punchak, KL 50250
+60 (0)3 2332 7777

7atenine

Pop in for a chilled-out pre-dinner margarita at this glam gastro watering-hole where the scene starts heating up the moment the bar opens at 5pm.

The Ascott Kuala Lumpur, 9 Jalan Pinang, 50540
+60 (0)3 2161 7789