When to go and what to do in Kuala Lumpur

With its proximity to the equator, Kuala Lumpur experiences warm, humid weather year-round and you should always be prepared for the odd shower or two any time of year. No matter when you go, Kuala Lumpur is a fantastic modern city, filled with attractions, entertainment venues, culture, and historical sites, not to mention enough restaurants and street food markets to make you feel like you’ve found foodie heaven! 

When is the Best Time to Visit Kuala Lumpur?

There are two distinct seasons that are experienced by Kuala Lumpur: dry season and wet season. Most tourism tends to visit around the dry season between May through July or December through to February. These months also coincide with what is considered high or peak season where accommodation and flights are often at their most premium rates. 

May through to August is slightly better than other times to visit Kuala Lumpur as it’s mostly dry during these months with fantastic blue skies and warm weather that extends well into the evenings. You’ll still need to pack an umbrella or raincoat, but you’ll be able to enjoy comfortable warm temperatures ranging from 73-92°F (23-33°C).

Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur

Whether you’re just stopping over for a weekend break or intend to spend a few weeks in Kuala Lumpur, there’s more than enough to see and do to keep you entertained for the entire length of your Karambol Malaysia itinerary. Here are a few popular ideas that will showcase the best that the city has to offer. 

Petronas Towers

Affectionately called “The Twins” by locals, the iconic Petronas Towers are top of the list for most visitors. While the 88-floor towers are well past their heyday of owning the title of the world’s tallest building (1998-2004), they’re still a sight to behold with their huge tubular design, steel, and glass towers up to the skies that are influenced by Islamic art.

For thrill-seekers or those simply looking to conquer a fear of vertigo, head straight to the 41st-floor Skybridge and the 86th-floor observation deck where you’ll be greeted with stunning panoramic views of the city. 

The Height of Luxury Shopping

If you’re looking for a slightly less vertical challenge, then visit the Suria KLCC Mall located at the foot of the towers. You’ll find over 6 floors of international luxury brands, restaurants, and an inexpensive food court, plus there’s also a branch of the best international supermarket in the city, Australian Cold Storage.

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Butterfly Park, and Orchid Garden

With excellent warm weather, Kuala Lumpur hosts excellent outdoor attractions such as the gorgeous Butterfly Park, the Orchid Gardens, and the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. All of these attractions can be easily visited in one day and should feature at the top of your Malaysia itinerary! 

The Bird Park spans over 20 acres of outdoor space and aviaries that are home to over 3000 birds, with a strong focus on local flora, fauna, and bird species. Just across the road, you’ll find the Orchid Gardens, where approximately 800 species of orchids are grown amongst stunning gardens and natural walkways. 

The butterfly park is a veritable secret paradise where visitors experience 80,000 sq ft of lush landscaped gardens, exotic plants and ferns, and over 5,000 live butterflies that are keen to dance and parade themselves amongst the visitors to the park. Bring a camera, as this is a great butterfly selfie opportunity! 

Street Food Heaven at Jalan Alor

For those looking to sample the cuisine and delights of Malaysia in the heart of the city, head straight to the Bukit Bintang area and you’ll find Jalan Alor: 550 yards of street food vendors crammed into a bustling street. 

Things get quite rowdy once the sun has gone down, but it’s an exciting way to enjoy some of the best culinary delights of the city at very affordable prices. Be sure to bring a good appetite! 

Explore Ancient Forests and Caves

The Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve in the Kepong municipality is located around 7 miles from the city center and is an incredible tropical forest spanning 545 hectares. A natural heritage-listed site since 2009, the incredible lush landscape hosts the Kepong Botanical Gardens. There, you can trek curated trails whilst exploring natural fauna and flora and cool off in the central lagoon. 

Nearby is the popular Batu Caves, where you’ll find the world’s tallest Murugan statue, standing at 140 feet tall. A photogenic set of brightly colored steps leads you into a series of limestone caves such as the Art Gallery Cave, Ramayana Cave, the Museum Cave, and the Temple Cave to name a few. 

Each cave explores various elements of mythological importance, not to mention a fair amount of very loud local inhabitants: bats! 

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

Just a few miles South-west of the city center lies one of the city’s largest and most thrilling attractions, the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park. With the tagline of “Simply the best day, ever!”, the park certainly offers plenty of opportunity with a water park, amusement park, wildlife park, extreme park, scream park ; Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon spread over 88 acres.

Ideal for families or simply the young at heart, you can easily spend an entire day here and there are plenty of dining options available. For when one day isn’t enough, pamper yourself and the entire family at the Sunway Resort Hotel ; Spa, which is just next door. This 5-star hotel offers opulent luxury, an outdoor swimming pool and pool bar, spa, and premium lounge and dining options. 

Summary

Whether you’re craving sunshine and a few cocktails by the pool bar, or you’re looking for a glimpse into the history and culture of the city, or ready for a coffee-fuelled shopping spree in world-leading fashion stores, Kuala Lumpur has an extensive range of options for every taste and preference. 

The weather remains warm year-round thanks to the city’s proximity to the equator, and there’s really no bad time to visit Kuala Lumpur. Make sure you allow at least a few days for your Malaysia itinerary to take in the sights, tastes, and attractions of this beautiful and modern city.