Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of people from all over the globe. It is a dynamic city that has grown into a must-visit Asian travel destination. The Malaysian city offers visitors a number of experiences from fine dining and unbeatable cuisine to extravagant shopping and luxury hotels fit for a king.
The capital city isn’t set in its past although you will find some amazing history courtesy of the temples found there. Kuala Lumpur’s architecture is ideal for anyone seeking a trip to a city firmly focused on becoming the best place it can be.
Kuala Lumpur is a financial powerhouse and its banking sector attracts individuals from all over Asia to work there. Its uniqueness is reflected in the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites found there.
If you want to explore one of the world’s fastest-growing financial powers, its melting pot population, and dine on incredible foods from around Asia, then do not miss your chance to visit Kuala Lumpur this year.
In this travel guide:
Kuala Lumpur City Center – KLCC
The city’s most important area is the City Center, also known as the KLCC. It is an entertainment hub and many of the individuals who work in the businesses around the KLCC soak up the district after dark once work is finished.
The Petronas Twin Towers rise high into the sky in the KLCC. The dual skyscrapers are the most significant landmark in the city and are a sign of Kuala Lumpur’s financial power. First-time visitors to Kuala Lumpur will find various top-end hotels in the neighborhood. Once the sun goes down, the nightlife begins.
You will notice a variety of after-dark hotspots opening up with throngs of locals and visitors exploring them. The KLCC’s reputation as a business sector of the city attracts many businessmen and women. You may find more diverse crowds elsewhere.
The KLCC is also an area in which you will see some of Kuala Lumpur’s wealthier individuals when going out. When the sun is up, don’t miss a trip to the Suria KLCC mall or the KLCC Park to burn off a hangover from the previous night out.
Best place to stay in KLCC
Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Cheaper alternative:
ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Address: 32 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Bukit Bintang
Travelers wanting to stay in one of Kuala Lumpur’s hippest locations should book accommodation in Bukit Bintang. The area is a hotspot for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
You cannot go wrong staying in Bukit Bintang on your first-ever trip to Kuala Lumpur. It is considered the most popular area of the city to book a hotel, apartment, or Airbnb.
Not only is there a wealth of accommodation choices, but there is always something to do. You can shop until you drop in Bukit Bintang. Fancy a film? The area has plenty of cinemas making it possible to go out for a quiet evening. You can always hit up one of the great restaurants or bars in Bukit Bintang after the film.
Staying in Bukit Bintang allows you to reach other neighborhoods very easily. There is a monorail station and MRT station located in Bukit Bintang. Malaysia’s Uber alternative, Grab, can be booked online and a number of drivers are likely to be in and around Bukit Bintang each night of the week.
Restaurants and nightclubs stay open all night, so book a hotel here if going out is your chief reason for visiting KL.
Best place to stay in Bukit Bintang
Hotel Ritz-Carlton. Address: 168, Jalan Imbi, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Cheaper alternative:
Anggun Boutique Hotel. Address: 9, Tengkat Tong Shin, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
KL Sentral
KL Sentral is a more diverse area than either KLCC or Bukit Bintang. Here you will notice the melting pot that is Kuala Lumpur as international restaurants, cafes, and shops can be found along the streets and side by side.
Travelers flock to KL Sentral due to it being the home of KL Sentral Train Station, which is the main transportation hub in the Malaysian city. You can reach other parts of Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia from the station or travel to Singapore or Thailand.
The local transport connections provided in KL Sentral allow you to reach many of the city’s most important tourist attractions including the Petronas Towers and Chinatown. The neighborhood’s hotel diversity is rather noticeable.
You can book into a five-star hotel or select from KL Sentral’s variety of budget-friendly accommodation locations. The entire area offers choice to travelers.
While staying in KL Sentral, don’t miss the chance to see the National Museum, KL Bird Park, or the city’s largest park, Lake Garden. Brickfield, also known as Little India, is perfect for foodies and right on the edge of the neighborhood.
Best place to stay in KL Sentral
Le Meridien Hotel. Address: 2, Jalan Stesen Sentral, 50470, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Bukit Nanas
Bukit Nanas is home to one of Kuala Lumpur’s top tourist attractions, the Menara Tower. Erected in 1995, it rises 421 meters into the sky. The observation deck provides a truly unique vantage point to look out across Kuala Lumpur.
The true gem of Bukit Nanas is the KL Eco Park Forest Reserve. The forest is an incredible 11,000 sq meters. Established in 1906, it is a tropical rainforest situated right in the city center. The park has a variety of meandering trails that can be explored all day long.
The neighborhood is located in the center of the city. Thanks to its location, you will find a variety of top-notch hotels and other accommodation options.
Best place to stay in Bukit Nanas
Hotel Ceylonz Suites. Address: 3 Persiaran Raja Chulan Ceylonz Suites KLCC, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Chow Kit
The name of the neighborhood may be a bit confusing, but once you arrive in Chow Kit, you will find an amazing area filled with exciting attractions. Chow Kit was named after a well-known miner and department store owner, who opened up shop in the neighborhood decades ago.
Today, it is a thriving, diverse area that attracts people to its Bundle Chow Kit Night Market. Chow Kit is also home to Southeast Asia’s largest biggest Sikh temple. Bazaar Baru Chow Kit market can also be found in the neighborhood.
Word of warning, Kuala Lumpur’s red-light district opens up shop after dark across from the Bazaar Baru Chow Kit. If you are traveling with kids, you may want to avoid the market area when night falls.
Titiwangsa Lake Gardens is a great escape for travelers seeking a breath of fresh air. It is ideal for health-conscious individuals looking for a jog or to rent a bike for a ride. It also gives you the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur.
Best place to stay in Chow Kit
Hotel The Chow Kit. Address: Jalan Sultan Ismail, Chow Kit , Chow Kit, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Where travel critics stay in Kuala Lumpur
Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Kuala Lumpur? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Kuala Lumpur.
Budget
“This chic pit-stop for flashpackers offers polished-concrete finishes, Zen decoration, rain showers (all rooms share bathrooms) and a blissful central courtyard sprouting spindly trees.” — Lonely Planet.
Address: 30, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Mid-range
“There are only 18 rooms at the Anggun KL, each with handcrafted teak beds, ceiling fans, air-conditioning and air purification features. Interior courtyard rooms are best.” — CNN.
Address: 9, Tengkat Tong Shin, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Luxury
“Villa Samadhi is a luxurious boutique hotel that lives up to its name, a Sanskrit term referring to that moment the mind achieves stillness. The hotel is small and private, offering guests a retreat from city life – yet it’s still conveniently close to Kuala Lumpur’s business and shopping districts.” — Telegraph.
Address: 8, Jalan Madge, Taman U Thant, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
FAQ: Kuala Lumpur hotel tips
Looking for the best budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Kuala Lumpur? Or maybe you’re a backpacker looking for an excellent hostel? Want to know which Kuala Lumpur hotel serves a great breakfast? Here are the answers to all those and other questions about where to stay in Kuala Lumpur.
What is the best budget hotel in Kuala Lumpur?
If you’re looking for a cheap hotel in Kuala Lumpur, then book Boutique Hotel Anggun. It’s an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It’s in a good location, it’s been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Kuala Lumpur.
What is the best boutique hotel in Kuala Lumpur?
Not a fan of big chain hotels? No problem. If you want to stay in a boutique hotel in Kuala Lumpur, then you should book The RuMa Hotel. The hotel has been rated highly by previous guests for its boutique style. It has also been recommended by influential travel journalists. Also, make sure to read our shortlist of the best boutique hotels in Kuala Lumpur, it’s a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
What is the best luxury hotel in Kuala Lumpur?
If money isn’t a problem and you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Kuala Lumpur, then go for Villa Samadhi. The hotel offers excellent service, it’s in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. If you need more tips about luxury stays in KL, check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Kuala Lumpur.
What is the best hostel in Kuala Lumpur?
If you’re looking for a great hostel in Kuala Lumpur, then you should check out Hostel Backhome. The hostel has magnificent reviews by backpackers, it has been recommended by well-known travel experts and it’s in a good location. Also, make sure to read our shortlist of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur.
Which Kuala Lumpur hotel has the best swimming pool?
Try Mandarin Oriental Hotel or Le Meridien Hotel if you’re looking for a hotel with a great swimming pool. Recent customer review ratings have been excellent for their swimming pool.
Which Kuala Lumpur hotel serves great breakfast?
Try Le Meridien Hotel, if you’re looking for a delicious breakfast at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur. The hotel has excellent customer review ratings for breakfast.
How much does it cost to stay in a Kuala Lumpur hotel?
For a 3-star hotel, you have to pay around $40 per night and for a 4-star hotel, you would be looking at $70 per night. If you’re after a luxury 5-star Kuala Lumpur hotel then you can expect to pay around $120 per night.
Best time to visit Kuala Lumpur
The best time to visit Kuala Lumpur is generally between May and July, followed closely by December and February. During these months, you’ll avoid the worst of the monsoon season, which typically occurs from March to April and again from September to November.
The city’s streets are much drier and more pleasant to explore during these periods, giving you the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Kuala Lumpur’s culture, history, and modernity.
Not only are these months ideal for sightseeing, but they also coincide with a host of exciting events and festivals!
Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali are just a few of the celebrations that bring Kuala Lumpur to life with color, music, and dance. So, if you time your visit to coincide with these festivities, you’ll truly witness the city’s vibrant spirit in full swing.
One more thing to keep in mind when planning your visit is that Kuala Lumpur is known for its hot and humid climate.
However, the months mentioned earlier tend to offer slightly cooler temperatures, creating a more comfortable environment for exploring the city’s captivating attractions, such as the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves, and the lush KLCC Park.
Best things to do in Kuala Lumpur
There are plenty of things to do in Kuala Lumpur and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in Kuala Lumpur:
From Kuala Lumpur: Batu Caves Half-Day Tour
Explore Kuala Lumpur’s beautiful countryside. Discover the Batu Caves, Batik Factory, Hindu temple, and take in a fantastic view of the city. Price: $14. More info.
Genting Highlands Day Trip from Kuala Lumpur with Skyway Cable Car Ride
A hill resort north of KL, Genting Highlands is home to an indoor theme park, shopping complex, restaurants, and more, which you can enjoy at your leisure. Price: $34. More info.
Kuala Lumpur: KL Tower Admission Ticket
Enjoy sweeping views over Kuala Lumpur from the KL Tower Observation Deck. Admire 360-degree views and watch a film in the multisensory XD Theatre at your own expense, or upgrade your ticket to include the Sky Deck. Price: $13. More info.
More things to do in Kuala Lumpur
Deciding where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
As a closing note, let’s summarize this travel guide. We covered the best areas of Kuala Lumpur so you can decide which part of town you want to stay in.
Top 5 areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur
- KLCC
- KL Sentral
- Bukit Nanas
- Chow Kit
- Bukit Bintang
As you have seen in this article, there are a lot of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Kuala Lumpur is important. Whether you stay in KLCC, KL Sentral, Bukit Nanas, Chow Kit or Bukit Bintang, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.
The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur overview
| 🏨 Hotel prices: | Cheap |
| 🛏 Budget hotel: | $35 |
| 💑 Boutique hotel: | $110 |
| ⭐ 5-star hotel: | $160 |
| 🌎 Best area for first visit: | KLCC |
| 👪 Best area for families: | Bukit Nanas |
| 💎 Best luxury hotel: | Villa Samadhi |
| 👫 Best boutique hotel: | RuMa Hotel & Residences |
| 💰 Best cheap hotel: | Ahyu Hotel |
| 🎒 Best hostel: | Hostel BackHome |
More Kuala Lumpur tips
See our other guides about the best places to stay in Kuala Lumpur:
