Having asked what seems like every taxi man in Kuala Lumpur what to do, and having been repeatedly told to ascend skyscraper ‘x’ and tall building ‘y’, I took it upon myself to research what else I could do in Kuala Lumpur. This list is curated as a gift to every backpacker who, like me, isn’t interested in high rises.
Batu Caves
A huge series of caves and Hindu temples, Batu Caves is Kuala Lumpur's number one must-see attraction, hence its place on this list. With the temples beginning to take shape in the 1890s, the caves themselves are said to be 400 million years old. Only a short taxi ride north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves cost nothing but a gruelling walk up 272 rainbow-coloured steps and a possible dangerous encounter with the monkeys that patrol the area to enter. This is a small price to pay for an experience steeped in culture and grandeur.
KL Bird Park
With a massive collection of exotic birds kept in capacious avaries, KL Bird Park allows you the chance to walk alongside peacocks, parrots and everything in between. The £7.50 cost to enter may seem a bit steep, but the chance to take photos with parrots and see a peacock's fanned tail feathers makes the experience well worth it.
KL Eco Park
The amount of green space in such a bustling capital city is astounding, and KL Eco Park is the best amongst it all. The £6.50 to enter the large jungle area takes you straight out of the stress of traversing hectic highways and modern malls in a city that is hard to walk around, placing you alongside monkeys and huge tropical trees, giving the walkers amongst us the respite we need. The canopy walk is a must-do to truly bask in the juxtaposition of jungle and skyscraper.
Sri Maha MariammAn Temple
The oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, Sri Maha Mariamman sticks out like a parrot amongst a flock of pigeons. In the centre of the city, the ornate Hindu temple is free to enter, only requiring a small fee if you want your shoes to be kept safe and, as at every temple in Southeast Asia, removing your shoes is a requirement.
KL Butterfly Park
In a similar vein to KL Bird Park, Kuala Lumpur's Butterfly Park is a huge area where a number of exotic butterflies flutter free. However, at only £2 to enter, the park is significantly cheaper than its bird-filled counterpart, and with separate rooms sporting many wondrous insects and fish, KL Butterfly Park is definitely bang for your buck.
Tip: my girlfriend’s floral dress was a big hit with the butterflies, so consider this if you want them to land on you.
Central Market
Central Market is a shopping haven and the best market in Kuala Lumpur. A vast two storey building sporting more than 350 stalls, the market recreates traditional bazaars seen all over Kuala Lumpur since the 1800s. With a variety of products ranging from: art, clothes, jewellery, pottery, cameras and more, Central Market is cheaper and certainly more authentic than the westernised malls taking over the city centre.
Pealing Street Market
Although not as impressive or culturally significant as Central Market, Petaling Street Market is a great place if you want a bargain. If you aren't a fan of crowds, however, it may be best to avoid, as, decked with the best fakes I've seen across Southeast Asia, Petaling Street is crammed full of noisy hustlers and hagglers bargaining to their heart's content.
Summary
I hope this list gives you a good entry point into a beautiful city that, at times, can be very confusing when it comes to knowing what to do. Although not the daintiest of cities and definitely not the easiest to navigate by foot, there are many hidden gems. Do not miss the opportunity to eat some delicious and incredibly cheap food and be hosted by some of the friendliest and most accommodating people Southeast Asia has to offer. Kuala Lumpur is bustling at the seams with culture and vibrance; you just need to know where to look. If I've missed anything, feel free to comment with your favourite thing to do in Kuala Lumpur, just as long as it isn't a skyscraper!.