Malaysia is known for its spellbinding natural landscape: beaches, highlands, rainforests, you name it. And yet, smack in the middle of the country is its modern and ever-growing capital, Kuala Lumpur, which also retains a distinctive charm among a plethora of other options that the nation poses to travellers.
Possibly one of the most multiracial cities of Southeast Asia, a majority of Kuala Lumpur’s residents hail from Malay, Chinese or Indian lineage, making its culture and cuisine a vibrant mix of varied sensibilities and flavours, attracting visitors from all over the world. For all its commendable modernisation, Kuala Lumpur is firmly rooted in its history, well-known for preserving architecture from its British colonial past, honouring its heritage through monuments like the Hokkien-style Sam Kow Tong Temple or the ancient Batu Caves which is one of the most important centres of worship for Hindus in the country.
As you may have guessed by now, 48 hours in Kuala Lumpur is less than ideal, but if that’s all you can manage during your trip to Malaysia, let Discova take you on a journey that will tantalise and excite all your senses!
To understand how Kuala Lumpur has developed from a tin mining settlement in the 1800s to a city with the largest twin towers in the world, among other impressive skyscrapers, a half-day heritage walking tour is a must to delve into the evolution of Malaysia’s capital. A melting pot of religions and cultures, visitors in Kuala Lumpur are never far from colourfully adorned mosques and intricately decorated temples.
We start off at Medan Pasar, the historic market square, home to the last three-story colonial shophouses in the city. From here, the group continues to Central Market, an architectural marvel from British colonial times and visits Sze Ya Temple, the oldest Taoist temple in the city. Next, we explore Sri Maha Mariamman Temple and hop on a sky train to Brickfields, now known as Little India. Here, guests stroll through its vibrant streets and visit the Buddhist Maha Vihara temple. Later, we end the tour by enjoying delicious vegetarian food at a pay-as-you-wish restaurant near the temple.
After that delicious lunch, if you are in the mood for some more delicious and utterly flavourful food that the city has to offer, we set off on a culinary journey that takes you through the food courts and locally loved restaurants of Kuala Lumpur, which are mainly owned and operated by second and third generation families.
Try the signature dessert of Cendol, made with shaved ice topped with neon green pandan jelly and drizzled with coconut milk and palm sugar, which will give you a much-needed respite from Malaysia’s infamous tropical heat. Visit the centre of KL’s Indian community and savour delicious flatbread and curry. Walk further up the road to taste juicy beef meatballs served in hot soup inside a 70-year-old restaurant, followed by a sampling of claypot chicken rice, which is undoubtedly one of Malaysia’s most popular Chinese dishes. Finally, we hop into a vintage grocery store that sells local childhood snacks where you can grab a few treats for the road before we conclude the trip.
On the second day, we venture away from the big city to Selangor, Malaysia’s most developed state, to visit the magnificent century-old Hindu temple in Batu Caves. The caves themselves are estimated to be 400 million years old adding to the stature and aura of one of the country’s most-visited attractions, which is also known for its imposing gold statue of Lord Murugan, standing tall at an incredible height of 42.7 metres. After you climb 272 steps to the caves, your guide will tell you about the religious roots of this diverse nation and the significance of this spiritual landmark for its millions of yearly visitors.
After working up an appetite in the caves, it is time to hit the road to find the nation’s favourite lunch that is served on a banana leaf! Following our return to the city via the efficient train system, walk through one of the city’s busiest streets, Jalan Masjid India, lined with an array of delicious food before sitting down to enjoy your feast.
Following this four-hour excursion and a rather indulgent lunch, feel free to head back to your hotel for a quick afternoon siesta before exploring the city at your own leisure. You could go back to one of Malaysia’s famed food courts for a fitting farewell meal, ascend to the 86th floor of the Petronas Twin Towers to take in a glorious birds-eye view of the metropolis that stretches miles ahead of you or visit Kwai Chai Hong, a quaint little heritage back alley to appreciate the charming murals and street art that transports you to 1960s golden era of KL’s Chinatown.
At the end of your time in Kuala Lumpur, you may move to its less urban counterparts, which boast of beaches or mountains, but this city will remain forever etched in your travel memories as a place where diversity brings out the absolute best in terms of arts, culture and cuisine. And isn’t that a sure-shot recipe for a successful vacation?
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and stay at the forefront of new product offerings, Discova behind-the-scenes, destination news, travel trends and thought leadership articles from our on-the-ground experts.
