Kuala Lumpur Holidays

The iconic Petronas Twin Towers are a must-visit on your holiday to Kuala Lumpur. The crowning jewel of the city’s skyline, this pair of 88-storey skyscrapers offers fantastic panoramic views over KL. Go up to the two-storey Skybridge – which connects both towers – on the 41st floor and admire the city from above.

For a spot of culture, make sure you tick off the incredible Batu Caves. On the outskirts of the capital, this limestone mountain is filled with dozens of caves, each housing Hindu shrines and statues dating back hundreds of years. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a 40-metre golden statue of Lord Murugan – but the natural attractions are equally impressive, with the caves themselves thought to be 400 million years old.

And no trip to KL would be complete without a food tour. Thanks to the city’s array of cultures, the cuisine is varied and delicious, with flavours from China, India, Indonesia, the Middle East and, of course, Malaysia itself. Whether you’re looking for street food or sleek restaurants, Kuala Lumpur is filled with culinary delights.

Weaving around the soaring skyscrapers, the smaller, original streets of KL showcase most of the capital’s rich culture. The original city centre, Merdeka Square, is the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Here, reminders of British colonisation and Moorish influence stand prominently in the form of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the Royal Selangor Club and the Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.

Meanwhile, in Little India, you’ll find shops brimming with exotic flowers and elaborate Indian and Malay handicrafts. And in Chinatown, Jalan Petaling is lined with vibrant night markets, colourful food stalls and traditional shops.

Art-lovers will find plenty to discover, too. The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) boasts the largest collection of Islamic art in Asia with more than 7,000 pieces, including sculptures, jewellery and tapestries. Kuala Lumpur’s newer, burgeoning art scene is quite spectacular as well. The art district, known as MAP, hosts a variety of modern art exhibitions, theatrical performances and comedy shows.

Monkeys strolling through the local markets, lizards skittering across crowded streets, tropical birds flitting in-between the tower-pierced sky – these are just some of the reminders of Malaysia’s beautiful and diverse wildlife. In the city centre, you’ll find Kuala Lumpur’s most popular park, the Perdana Botanical Gardens. Formerly known as the Lake Gardens, this lush oasis offers you a glimpse of Malaysia’s rich flora and fauna. Spend an afternoon here exploring scenic walking trails, gorgeous orchid and hibiscus gardens, and bird, butterfly and deer parks.

But nothing compares to Malaysia’s tropical rainforest. If you want to walk on the wild side, spend a day trekking through the jungle at the Forest Reserve Institute of Malaysia, just a 40-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur. Or, better still, why not add on a visit to one of Malaysia’s islands? You could see orangutans in Borneo, spot cheeky monkeys in Penang, or snorkel with turtles and tropical fish off the coast of Langkawi. Whatever you’re looking for, our experts will be able to create your perfect itinerary.

Owing to Malaysia’s tropical climate, Kuala Lumpur is hot and humid all year round. But KL is also shielded by various mountains, meaning the city is cooler than most parts of the country. Daytime temperatures typically hover between 27°C and 33°C, but some months are better than others.

May to August is the best time for your Kuala Lumpur holiday, as this dry period sees clear blue skies and sunny days averaging 32°C. Alternatively, February – which is sandwiched between two monsoon seasons – is also a great time to go, as you’ll be able to make the most of this window of sunshine.

March and April are the wettest months in KL, so it’s best to avoid going at this time of year. October to January can also see heavy showers – but if you want to explore the city in cooler temperatures and don’t mind packing an umbrella, a winter getaway to Kuala Lumpur makes a good budget-friendly option.