The capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a modern city famous for its skyscrapers and British colonial-era landmarks. Apart from the mentioned attractions, visitors also visit Kuala Lumpur to experience its culture, enjoy the weather, and explore the myriad of natural attractions. The city also hosts a wide variety of expansive shopping malls, selling labels from all over the globe where visitors can grab a souvenir. Which so much to discover in Kuala Lumpur, you can never get bored. In case you run out of ideas on what to do during your visit, check out the best non-touristy things to do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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1. See the fireflies at Kuala Selangor
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and travel along the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Selangor a small town famous for its fireflies sanctuaries. Kuala Selangor is located off the normal tourist route, hence it still has its traditional village atmosphere preserved. Fireflies are not the only thing to discover in Kuala Selangor. During your time here, you will also get to see the Bukit Melawati, a small peak that was once a mighty fortress constructed to safeguard the state. You will also get the chance to discover the unique silver leaf monkeys, baby monkeys that are born with a golden colour and turns black when adults.
Visited this place?
2. Get a bird's eye view of KL from a helicopter
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by HeliOutpost Malaysia on Sunday, January 19, 2020
Come and experience an epic 30-minute helicopter ride in Kuala Lumpur as you discover Kuala Lumpur’s essential landmarks from an incredible bird’s eye view that will allow you to enjoy the views from every angle and perspective. You will love the beautiful scenery from high above giving you excellent photo opportunities that you cannot afford to miss. Your well-trained pilot who is also an in-flight commentator will give you live commentaries on famous landmarks such as Batu Caves, the city center, PETRONAS Art Gallery and many more. This activity is kids-friendly so make sure to bring your whole family along.
HeliOutpost Malaysia
Address: Jalan Kuantan, Titiwangsa, 53200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: HeliOutpost Malaysia
Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)
Price: From 360 USD
3. Watch a show at Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre
If you are looking for something entertaining during your stay in Kuala Lumpur, then you should go and watch a play at Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre. Located in Sentul Park, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre is a not-for-profit company, dedicated to the practice of traditional and contemporary performing arts, as well as community outreach. Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre almost always has something for you, be it a play, musical, or a dance. The institution is also home to studios, theatres, cafes, restaurants as well as a performing arts library. Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre is not only home to the arts community but it has become the lifeline that keeps the Malaysian arts and cultural life breathing.
Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre
Address: Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Sentul, 51100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre
4. Enjoy a drink at Changkat Bukit Bintang
Ciccio Bar Pizzeria KL
Posted by Changkat Bukit Bintang on Sunday, 28 April 2019
If you want to sample KL’s nightlife further, head to Changkat Bukit Bintang. Don’t let the pre-war colonial structures fool you–this is actually a happening district lined with great spots for you to enjoy the night. Not only an area to catch the hippest music performances, try lively dance parties, or to try the most delicious drinks, but also join film screenings, see comedy shows, and witness open mic nights. With all that it offers, Changkat Bukit Bintang is regarded as the ‘it’ party venue by both locals and visitors.
Changkat Bukit Bintang
Address: Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur Tour Guide
Reka Luxshmi
Hello, I'm Reka, a HR professional with a master's in Business Administration who's passionate about exploring new places and savoring local cuisines. Recently licensed as a tour guide in Malaysia, I'm eager to showcase the beauty of my country, its vibrant culture, and diverse culinary delights. While I remain active in the corporate world, guiding offers me a fulfilling escape. I specialize i... Read more
Tours by Reka
Kuala Lumpur Tour Guide
Shazriza Rais
Hey there! I'm Shaz, your go-to tour guide for exploring the best of Malaysia. Born and raised in this vibrant country, I've got a deep passion for sharing its wonders with travelers from all walks of life. I've been in the game for 7 awesome years, leading tours across Malaysia's hottest spots like Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Penang, and Langkawi. Whether you're a solo adventurer or a big family cr... Read more
Tours by Shazriza
Kuala Lumpur Tour Guide
Kovin Sivanasvaran
I am a geologist graduate with a passion in eco-adventure tourism. I have 10 years experience in guiding as I started from a young age. I am currently running my own tour company called Mowgli Venture where I bring guest out of their comfort zones to enjoy nature. My passion project would be waterfall exploring and cliff jumping. My long term goal is to write a book of 1000 waterfalls in Malays... Read more
Tours by Kovin
Kuala Lumpur Tour Guide
Haz Samat
Explore and Experience Kuala Lumpur city with me-Zach. Get the local insight of the diversity of races, culture and religions, and the lifestyle. I have the passion to show travelers of the under-rated Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia as travel destination that often overlooked by travelers. There's a long trail of history and stories that made us claim-"Malaysia Truly Asia".
5. Learn how to cook Malaysian food like Nasi Lemak or Char Koay Teow
Malaysian food is a very palatable fusion of various diverse cultures mainly from Chinese, Indian, and Malay. At Kuala Lumpur, you will be introduced to some of the greatest traditional chefs including Nasi Lemak, Rendang, Char Koay Teow, Dhall and lots of others too. Each class has menus which feature a selection of dishes for starters accompaniments, main course, and dessert. The weekly class menu is normally the standard menu during the week but LaZat reserves the right to change the menu from time to time depending on the demand. Please note that LaZat also accepts special requests subject to prior notice being made.
6. Taste durian fruit
If this is your first time to travel to Asia, then you most probably have never tasted a fresh durian fruit before. The durian fruit is a tropical fruit that is mainly recognized by its large size and spiky, hard outer shell. Most people say that the fruit has a combination of sweet, savoury, and creamy taste all at once. The smell of the fruit might put you off, but the fruit has many health benefits including being used as an anti-fever treatment and as an aphrodisiac. Once you taste this stinky fruit, it is guaranteed that you will not forget the experience.
7. Make your own Batik souvenir
If you would love to have a souvenir to take back home, why not earn it in an interesting way? A batik and shibori workshop would give you the opportunity of exploring the basics of batik or shibori and the process of preparation of hand-dyed textiles and take home your personalized Batik Boutique product. Shibori is an ancient dyeing technique which produces patterns on the fabric while Batik is a wax-resist dyeing technique whereby patterns or lines are drawn or stamped with hot wax with a spouted tool or block. Mastering the techniques is easy and can take you up to four hours.
Batik and Shibori Workshop
Address: Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: Batik and Shibori Workshop
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
8. Sing in a karaoke bar at Bukit Bintang
At night, Kuala Lumpur always lights up with excitement as crowds of both locals and travellers frequent clubs, bars, and pubs on the streets. Almost all clubs in Kuala Lumpur including the well-known Neway Karaoke Box, offer Karaoke which is a popular activity, especially among the Chinese. Karaoke is a fun activity is usually among the company of friends and family. Karaoke Lounges are similar in design, style and architecture of a nightclub but they differ in their arrangement. The floor is normally divided into a series of insulated rooms equipped with a karaoke set and TV. As Malaysia is a Muslim country, please note that the authorities enforce a 3am curfew for nightspots in Kuala Lumpur city areas.
Neway Karaoke Box
Address: Level 4 & 5, Fahrenheit 88, 179, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: Neway Karaoke Box
Opening hours: 11am - 4am (daily)
9. Watch a movie at Golden Screen Cinemas
Posted by GSCinemas on Thursday, 27 June 2019
Located at Berjaya Times Square, Golden Screen Cinemas is the first IMAX theatre in Malaysia making it one of the most popular cinema chains in Malaysia. Golden Screen Cinemas offers three movie classes namely Standard Class, Premiere Class, and Gold Class. The Standard Class features theatre halls that accommodate connected seats, Premiere Class has more space, better sound system and a comfortable seat to enjoy your movie, while the Gold Class offers reclined seats, a small table, and complimentary drinks, pillow and blanket for extra comfort. The Gold Class area also has a lounge area connected to the cinema halls and it features a bar selling drinks and tidbits, sofas, a restroom and access to free WiFi.
Golden Screen Cinemas
Address: Pavilion, Lot C5.02 5 & Lot C6.01, 168, Bukit Bintang Street, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: Golden Screen Cinemas
Opening hours: Depends on screening
10. Admire art at Galeri Petronas
Posted by GALERI PETRONAS on Monday, 1 July 2019
If you love art, you are always welcome to pay a visit to Galeri Petronas also known as The PETRONAS Art Gallery. This non-profit gallery features displays of art, publications of Malaysian art, sponsoring documentation to encourage the progress of art in Malaysia, and a resource centre within the gallery. The gallery is located at the Petronas Twin Towers and it is owned by PETRONAS, a major oil and gas corporation in Malaysia. Exhibits at Galeri Petronas change throughout the year, therefore, it is always a good idea to stop by whenever you have the time.
Galeri Petronas
Address: 341-43, Suria KLCC PETRONAS Twin Towers, Persiaran Petronas, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: Galeri Petronas
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 8pm (closed on Mon)
Enjoy your time in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant modern city known for its skyscrapers. Apart from the skyscrapers, the town has a lot to discover. Check the things to do above and get ready to enjoy your time here.
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