Kuala Lumpur: Markets, Museums and Distinctive Landmarks
Accommodation in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur brings together markets, museums, historic sites and distinctive landmarks. If you are looking for a hotel in the city, it can help to decide in advance what you want to focus on during your trip: are you especially interested in the city’s history, its architecture, or seeing birds and city views? The following examples offer concrete pointers to help you choose.
Markets and local impressions
Chow Kit Market is a wet market visited by locals and visitors; cooked meals are also available there. Details of what the market offers may change. If a particular offering matters to you, check before your visit.
Getting around and city transport
The GoKL bus service comprises 15 routes: four run through the city centre, while eleven serve outlying neighbourhoods. The routes connect residential areas with major MRT, LRT, Monorail and KTM Komuter hubs. The route network may change, so check current maps before travelling.
History and architecture
Merdeka Square covers 8.2 hectares. A 100-metre-high flagpole stands in the square. In colonial Kuala Lumpur, Merdeka Square was a central location and was called the Parade Ground because British military parades were held there. The square is also used as a venue for parades and other important national events. If you are planning to attend an event, check the dates in advance.
In 2013, Kuala Lumpur City Hall offered guided tours three times a week covering the history and architecture of Dataran Merdeka and ten surrounding historic buildings. For current tour planning, check whether tours are available.
Masjid Negara is located opposite Kuala Lumpur’s old railway station. Its minaret is 73 metres high and shaped like a closed blue umbrella. The National Museum (Muzium Negara) was built in the style of a Malay palace. The Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery is located in the Sasana Kijang building.
Thean Hou Temple, a Chinese temple associated with the Malaysian Chinese community, stands on Robson Hill. The National Monument in Kuala Lumpur is a sculpture commemorating those who died in Malaysia’s struggle for freedom, particularly during the Japanese occupation in the Second World War and the Malayan Emergency of 1948 to 1960.
Birds and city views
At Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, visitors can observe birds in a landscaped setting designed to resemble a natural environment. The park comprises four zones: Zones 1 and 2 make up the free-flight area, and Zone 3 is the Hornbill Park.
Menara Kuala Lumpur is a 421-metre-high telecommunications tower and is considered a viewpoint overlooking the city. Its observation deck offers a 360-degree view. The tower also houses a revolving restaurant; check whether it is currently open before planning a visit.
The Petronas Twin Towers are 452 metres high, making them taller than Menara Kuala Lumpur. A pedestrian bridge connects the twin towers on the 41st floor. This comparison highlights two distinct architectural features: the towers’ height and their connection above the city.
For the broader travel overview: Kuala Lumpur.
