Word of Mouth - Kuala Lumpur Locals Tips

By Salmah Shahnawaz | 23, Nov, 2017
Word of Mouth - Kuala Lumpur Locals Tips
Kuala Lumpur is teeming with culture, sights, smells, and sounds, not to mention some great shopping spots. There are so many unique things to do in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia that if this is your first time, you will need some tips on travelling to Kuala Lumpur. While there are plenty of places suggested online, if your stay is short and you want to know what to do in Kuala Lumpur for 3 days, you need to embrace the city like a local. Here are our local’s tips for when you travel to Malaysia.
 

How to eat like a local in Kuala Lumpur

 
This one is easy: eat from hawker stalls. Street food is some of the best you can get in Malaysia, with dishes packed full of flavour and worth every penny spent. Note to Muslim travellers: Even though Malaysia is a Muslim country, they do have pork more freely available than other places. They also, however, clearly state when they do, so if you’re eating at a hawker stall, make sure you check on that first. Jalan Alor is the best spot for street food, so expect taste without the fine dining setting. Since it does have Chinese cuisine which features a lot of pork, make sure you know how to find Halal food in Kuala Lumpur. Check for the Halal sign or Muslim-owned places. The best part about Jalan Alor is that it is located in the Bukit Bintang district so it’s perfect to re-energise yourself after a shopping spree. It is also synonymous with food and has plenty to offer, so make sure you take your appetite with you! Ganga Café offers Indian vegetarian dishes at Bangsar, if you want to play it safe.
 

Shopping in Kuala Lumpur

 
Picture Credit -http://www.star2.com
 
Amongst the major shopping scenes are Bukit Bintang and KLCC holding the fort for fashion and entertainment. Bukit Bintang is home to many malls which makes shopping for branded quality goods easy and convenient. Pavilion KL, ISETAN Kuala Lumpur and Sephora KL, are among the high-end shopping options if you want to dish out more cash. If you’re looking for cheaper options, shopping tips in Kuala Lumpur include places like Berjaya Times Square, Sungei Wang Plaza, Bukit Bintang Plaza, and Plaza Low Yat. Chinatown is, of course, a great place to get cheap stuff, while Central Market is perfect for souvenirs and typical Malaysian items like batik, spices and local handicrafts.
 
 
Picture Credit - themalaymailonline.com
 
Peter Hoe Beyond is on the second floor of the Lee Rubber building in the middle of Chinatown, and sells all kinds of items made in Southeast Asia. In addition to being in a historical landmark, it is similar to Central Market but a nicer alternative. Batik, silk lanterns, block-printed table linens, artwork, fashion accessories and more can all be found at Peter Hoe Beyond.
 

Cultural things to do in Kuala Lumpur

 
Picture credit- iamm.org.my
 
There is plenty of culture present in simply walking the streets or markets, but if you really want to soak up some of Malaysian history, head over to the Museum of Islamic Arts which has been in business since 1998. This well-maintained museum is a great source of Islamic culture and hosts pieces from all over the world, including the actual Kiswa from 1964 – the black cloth that the Ka’bah is decorated with and is changed every year. Petronas Gallery at Suria KLCC also promotes arts and culture by local and international exhibitors.
 
 
Picture Credit -masjidwilayah.gov.my
 
You can find plenty of nearby mosques in Kuala Lumpur but Federal Territory Mosque(Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan) hosts tours for those who wish to take one. It is a beautiful mosque to behold, influenced by the Blue Mosque in Turkey, with intricate architecture that anyone can appreciate. The National Mosque (Masjid Negara) has beautiful landscaping and architecture, with fountains, ample space and impressive structure.
 

Activities in Kuala Lumpur

 
You can’t go to Malaysia and not visit the Petronas Towers – but be there early morning because there are only a handful of tickets issued per day. The iconic towers also have a bridge between the two buildings that are accessible to tourists. Genting Highlands is a Kuala Lumpur attraction with access through cable cars and has hotels, casinos and theme parks. The cable car ride provides breath-taking views, while many people go to Genting to escape the heat of the city. The Batu Caves are one of the top Kuala Lumpur attractions as it houses a Hindu temple in a large cave, but it also draws adventurers as it is one of the major rock-climbing sites in Southeast Asia. Get dropped off at the climbing site rather than the temple (as they are a bit far apart) and get ready to exert your muscles – for free – and climb the limestone walls. Don’t worry if you don’t have experience climbing as there are professionals present to give you a hand if you need one. All that work pays off with brilliant views from the top, and you get to admire the temple from your vantage point as well.
 
 
Picture Credit - sunwaylagoon.com
 
If you want a day of fun in the sun, Sunway Lagoon meets your needs with the theme and water park and is one of the top fun things to do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With relaxing rides and crazy ones, there is something for everyone. If you’re looking for something indoors, try out your moves at the ice skating rink at Sunway Pyramid Mall.
 
 
Picture Credit - menarakl.com.my
 
Throw your perspective into chaos at the Upside Down House. With everything literally upside down, you’ll be left with so many unique pictures that are very Instagram-able! The KL Forest Eco Park is situated within the city and perfect for nature lovers who want to take in some greenery and scenery. It has several nature trails and a forest canopy walkway. The KL Bird Park is the world’s largest free-flight walk-in aviary, housing more than 200 species of local and foreign birds. Think of it as a bird safari! The Aquaria at KLCC are for those deep sea lovers, and takes the visitor on the journey of water, from land to sea. It starts in the highlands and goes through rivers, rainforests, mangroves, and into the coral reef in the deep blue sea.
 
 
Picture Credits - www.klbirdpark.com
 
Make sure you check all of the Kuala Lumpur attractions entrance fees before making your itinerary for Kuala Lumpur. One of the best travel budget tips is picking a cheap place when looking for where to stay in Kuala Lumpur, as with so much excitement, you won’t spend much time in your room.
 
There are many strange and beautiful things about Kuala Lumpur, and with so much to see and do, a first-timer’s travel guide to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is essential. If you are on a short trip and want things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 2 days, pick one attraction, culture, eat and shop. If you have any Kuala Lumpur travel tips, connect with us through this post, the Halal Trip App, or any of our social media pages.

Salmah Shahnawaz is an avid reader, travel enthusiast, and a busy body in general. Mostly you will find her daydreaming about her next getaway, nursing a mug of coffee; or with her nose in a book when she can spare the chance.

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