If you’ve previously visited Kuala Lumpur, chances are you wouldn’t recognise the place on your return visit. As the fastest growing metropolitan area in Southeast Asia, the cityscape of Kuala Lumpur is in a constant state of flux, with ultra-modern skyscrapers being thrown up left, right and centre.
That’s not to say the city isn’t still in tune with its colourful past. On the contrary, the Malaysian capital is festooned with cultural hot spots that are sure to seduce the gadabout traveller — from the Batu Caves to the Sultan Abdul Samad Building.
For those visiting Kuala Lumpur on their next cruise break, we’ve put together a brief guide on what to see, do and eat during your visit.
See
Batu Caves
‘Batu’ is the name given to a series of caves in Gombak, a mountainous region just beyond Kuala Lumpur’s city limits. The Batu Caves has become a world-famous spiritual landmark thanks to the number of Hindu shrines it contains — not to mention its stunning natural beauty.
Sultan Samad Building
In stark contrast to KL’s modern high rises, the Sultan Samad Building is constructed in the typical British colonial style — with a striking shiny copper dome and a 40m high clock tower. The building is housed in lush grounds, making it the perfect place to while away an hour or two during your visit to Kuala Lumpur.
Chinatown
Throw yourself among Kuala Lumpur’s celebrated hustle and bustle with a trip to the city’s hectic Chinatown district. With countless independent food and craft vendors, this colourful quarter is the perfect place to grab a bargain or simply take in the authentic sights and sounds of the city.
Do
Take in the View from the Petronas Towers
You’ve probably seen the Petronas Towers in one film or another, but nothing compares to seeing them in the flesh. The towers stand at a staggering 451.9m, making them the tallest pair of twin towers on the planet. For those with a head for heights, why not take a walk on the Petronas Towers sky bridge, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city?
Make a Splash in the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park
If you’ve got time to squeeze in a swim during your visit to Kuala Lumpur, the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park is the perfect place to take a plunge. With an incredible array of rides and slides, this waterpark is prime territory for thrill seekers and children alike.
Browse the Wares at Central Market
Whether you’re looking to pick up a souvenir for loved ones back home or fancy treating yourself to a trinket to remind you of your trip — Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market is the perfect place to spend your cash. With hundreds of stalls and vendors at your disposal, this charming marketplace is sure to have just what you’re looking for.
Eat
Jalan Alor
If you love authentic Chinese food, head to Jalan Alor — a strip of alfresco eats, serving a delicious array of oriental fare. Part street food, part enclosed dining area, Jalan Alor is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most celebrated eating spots, with locals and tourists alike chowing down on faithful Chinese cuisine.
Sham’s Cooked with Love
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to tuck into a bounty of genuine Malaysian fare, Sham’s Cooked with Love has steadily become the best-loved Malaysian restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. From its friendly and hospitable staff to its appetising menu offering, Sham’s Cooked with Love is the ideal place to sample some proper home-cooked Malaysian fodder.
Skillet at 163
Prefer to stick with the familiar? Then why not book a table in Skillet at 163, a western-themed steakhouse serving some of the finest steaks in Kuala Lumpur. Aside from delicious steaks, Skillet’s menu also boasts an eclectic range of other contemporary dishes — from duck confit to the sous vide salmon.
Interested in booking with a stop in Kuala Lumpur? To browse a complete range of Southeast Asia cruises, visit the Cruise1st Australia website, here, or call our team today on 1300 857 345.
Header image sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credit: Axel Drainville
Body images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons: Credit: David Davies, Hadi Zaher, Azfar Ahmad
