Kuala Lumpur day trips and activities
Batu Caves has a imposing staircase
Kuala Lumpur is a modern metropolis on the rise and has countless things for tourists to see and do. Sports fans will find all they need to indulge their passions whilst there are many opportunities for those of an artistic nature to observe great works or even try their hand at creating a few. The city is littered with opportunities to spend your hard-earned cash with grand shopping malls boasting designer brands next to quaint markets where life has hardly changed for decades.
Getting around the city is easy although be weary of walking too far – the heat and humidity can take their toll and crossing the traffic can be daunting. But cheap taxis and the extremely efficient metro system means you’re never long from your next destination. For more on transport in KL.
Below is a brief guide to some activities in KL but for the full low-down visit our dedicated 100-page guide at 1stopkualalumpur.
Activities in Kuala Lumpur
Sightseeing
There are plenty of attractions in KL to keep visitors busy for weeks including a burgeoning arts and music scene. Plus with a rainforest in the centre of the city, museums on every imaginable topic and even the world’s largest walk-in bird aviary, you’ve little chance of getting bored. Take time away from the more obvious attractions such as the Petronas Twin Towers to explore the Lake Gardens area and the affluent expat-friendly neighbourhood of Bangsar. For more on sightseeing.
Shopping
Shopping is a major pastime in Kuala Lumpur with everything from weird and wonderful Chinese potions to the latest electronics and designer fashions on offer. Some people can come to KL and never leave the countless air conditioned shopping malls. Central Market is a great place to pick up souvenirs and handicrafts while electronic gadgets can be found at any of the great shopping malls such as Suria KLCC, Pavilion or Berjaya Times Square. Or head out to Chow Kit Market where snakes, creepy crawlies and bright potions are traded. More on shopping in KL.
Day trips and excursions
Getting out of the city is a great idea, if only for a few hours to take in some of the magnificent sights surrounding Kuala Lumpur. These can be done on one’s own or buy arranging an organised tour through most hotels, guesthouses or one of our online partners. The Batu Caves are only eight miles north of KL and remain one of Hinduism’s most holy shrines. The Thaipusam festival held every February sees thousands of devotees descend here to pay their respects. More KL day trips
Only 90 minutes from KL is Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Farm. This sanctuary within the heady rainforest is a great place to visit for children to get a personal encounter with enormous pachyderms. Visitors may feed the elephants, wash and ride one or just observe them at work and play. There are also many theme parks located in and around the city which makes for a tremendous treat after dragging the kids around countless museums. Sunway Lagoon Theme Park has 80 acres of water rides and games to enjoy. For more on KL amusement parks.
Sunway Lagoon amusement park
Sports
For most people visiting Kuala Lumpur, the hotel gym and spa is all that they require whilst in town. However, expats wanting a few extra facilities will not be disappointed and there are many different clubs to belong to. There are 10 Fitness First gyms in KL all with exercise classes, weights and sauna. While Bangsar Sports Complex (Jalan Terasek Tiga, Bangsar, tel: +60 (0)3 2284 6065) has tennis, swimming, basketball and squash facilities.
Football fans can join in a match at Sports Planet (Jalan Memanda 9, Ampang Point, +60 (0)3 4252 0816, from RM40) or Astrodome (Persiaran Kewajipan, Subang, +66 (0)3 8024 2288) while cricket enthusiasts with cash to splash could join the prestigious Royal Selangor Club which once occupied the Merdeka Square lawns for matches. Golfers will find countless world class courses in the surrounds with extremely reasonably green fees. For more on sport and golf in KL.
Spas
All Southeast Asian countries have their own versions on what makes a great spa experience and Malaysia is just the same. Kuala Lumpur abounds with cheap and chic spas where popular treatments such as aromatherapy, thalassotherapy and coconut scrubs can be arranged. Many of the five star hotels have their own facilities but for a truly exceptional experience you cannot beat our top recommendations on our spas page.
Visit our dedicated guide at 1stopKualalumpur for more things to do in KL.
