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City Guide

Kuala Lumpur

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Malaysia’s capital, with its intoxicating blend of modernity and tradition, offers an ideal getaway for those who want the best of all worlds. Throughout the bustling streets, you’ll find everything from gleaming skyscrapers such as the iconic Petronas Towers to shopping malls, historic buildings and cultural attractions waiting to be explored. The trendy Bangsar district is teeming with chic cafés and award-winning bars; Chinatown is where you can immerse yourself in the city’s unique Chinese culture; and Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) will allow you to shop till you drop and indulge in the finest cuisine.

Book a PAL flight to Kuala Lumpur on www.philippineairlines.com

Where to Stay

The Majestic Hotel

For a national heritage landmark exuding old-world charm

The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel

For retro digs in the heart of the glittering nightlife district

The RuMa Hotel

For a colonial-chic stay with modern Malaysian fine dining

The Chow Kit

For a design-driven bolthole surrounded by heritage

Alila Bangsar

For a luxurious, greenery-filled oasis in the heart of the city

Things to See & Do

Thean Hou Temple

Constructed by members of the city’s Hainanese community in the late 20th century, this hilltop temple is dedicated to Mazu, the Chinese goddess of the sea. The impressive six-tiered temple’s multi-arched gateway is truly a sight to behold, as are the sweeping views of the city down below. Besides the temple complex, the grounds also include a garden, fountain and tortoise pond.

65 Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa, Kuala Lumpur 50460

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

With its Neo-Moorish architecture, all-white façade and multiple domes topping the roof, this is one of the most recognizable buildings in the city and is perfect for snapping some shots for the ’gram. The station was once Kuala Lumpur’s main railway hub and still remains operational today, though much of its function has been taken over by the newer Kuala Lumpur Sentral.

Kampung Attap, Kuala Lumpur 50000

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Art and history aficionados should check out this venue for the largest collection of Islamic art in all of Southeast Asia, with over 7,000 artifacts. The spacious museum is divided up into 12 main galleries, each of which is dedicated to a specific focus – such as textiles, manuscripts and ceramics.

Jalan Lembah, Tasik Perdana, Kuala Lumpur 50480

Batu Caves

One of the area’s most popular cultural attractions, this exciting limestone cave complex and Hindu shrine is located just a short half-hour drive or train ride away from the center of the city. At the base of the caves is a 43m-high statue of Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war. Make sure you wear proper shoes so you can scale a series of 272 stairs, which will lead you up to the main Temple Cave.

Gombak 68100, Selangor

Perdana Botanical Gardens, Kuala Lumpur

Need a green break from the concrete jungle? This beautiful urban oasis, located in the city center, offers a host of natural attractions to explore – such as large lawns, gazebos and a lake that’s often populated by otters, just to name a few. Two must-sees are the Hibiscus Garden, which highlights Malaysia’s national flower, as well as the Sunken Garden, which includes an eye-catching star-shaped fountain.

Jalan Kebun Bunga, Tasik Perdana, Kuala Lumpur 55100

Where to Dine & Drink

Aliyaa

For perhaps the best Sri Lankan cuisine in Kuala Lumpur, make a beeline for Aliyaa, located in Damansara Heights. The dishes are inspired by founder Abedan Kanthasamy’s mother’s cooking, and the wide-ranging menu includes everything from chicken kothu and rasam (soup made with tomatoes and tamarind) to eggplant sambal and mutton curry. Wash it all down with a mango or strawberry lassi.

No 48 G&M, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur 50490

Sitka Studio

Only open on Fridays, Sitka Studio in Damansara Heights is a contemporary restaurant that serves up interesting natural wines and an ambitious tasting menu centered on local produce. The current line-up features dishes such as yuba tartlet with crab, hazelnut and tofu; charred leeks with local cheese and chicken skin; seabass with oyster crème fraiche and cucumber; and white chocolate with strawberry.

8-5A Jalan Batai, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur 50490

Bar Trigona

The 14th best bar in Asia, according to the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, is a glam and glitzy affair at the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy panoramic views of the city as you sip on cocktails made with indigenous and sustainable ingredients, including the signature Trigona Old Fashioned which features rye whiskey, Cynar, trigona honey and cedar wood bitters.

145 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur 50450

DC by Darren Chin

Modern French fine-dining fare is the name of the game here. Helmed by Malaysian-born and Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Darren Chin, DC offers beautifully plated dishes in a cozy space. Standout offerings from the seasonal tasting menu include Hokkaido scallops with buttermilk and caviar; and A5 Wagyu with cured aubergine.

44 Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur 60000

Coley

This Bangsar-based bar, helmed by star bartender CK Cho, recently nabbed the 48th spot on this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. They specialize in libations that draw inspiration from classic cocktails and Malaysian flavors. Try the Whisky & Bubble Tea (made with Jameson whiskey, crème de cacao, milk tea and tapioca balls) and the Gin & Coconut (Beefeater London Dry Gin mixed with coconut water).

6-G Jalan Abdullah, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur 59000

VCR

Caffeine aficionados can fuel up at this popular specialty coffee shop which has outlets in the city centre and in Bangsar. You’ll find everything from espresso-based beverages to cold brews made using their in-house roasted beans, and can even opt for a house-made kombucha if coffee isn’t really your thing. Be sure to take some selfies against the eye-catching all-black exterior.

2 Jalan Galloway, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur 50150; 31 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur 59100

Dewakan

Arguably the most well-known restaurant in the city, chef Darren Teoh’s Dewakan captured a place on the latest Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2019, making it the first and only Malaysian restaurant to do so. The menu here focuses on modern local fare. You’ll be delighted with their seasonal tasting menu, which includes dishes such as the charcoal-grilled grouper with cashews, coriander berries and bee pupa; and steamed banana hearts with fiddlehead ferns and picked roses.

48/F Skyviews, Naza Tower, Platinum Park, No 10 Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur 50088

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