An Evergreen Guide To Kuala Lumpur
This post is sponsored by Uber. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own as always.
Evergreen but stylish that is. Kuala Lumpur is one of those cities in Asia that pulsate with both modern attractions as well as historical landmarks, thanks to its rich history of being richly multicultural. There’s always something to see here, whether you’re a tourist discovering the city for the first time, or a local just looking to explore.
I am lucky enough to know Kuala Lumpur both as a local (as I lived here during my childhood and have lots of family here) as well as a tourist - having now lived half my life abroad. I’ve also learnt to appreciate the city more - playing tour guide to a lot of friends who are visiting the city. I’ve curated the below list of places to go and visit if you’re in KL, with an eye for the stylish and sophisticated traveler who wants to be seen as in-the-know - not any ol’ tourist.
In Kuala Lumpur, I tend to use UberBLACK more than anything else. I love how easy, pleasant and convenient my commute and travel has been with UberBLACK. I also find that with Uber’s “Scheduled Rides” feature, I can plan my appointments and meetings more efficiently as most of the time, I find my car arriving to pick me up much quicker.
By the way, the Scheduled Ride feature can be used up to 30 days in advance, so if you’re a planner like me, you can easily schedule airport pickups to and from the airport easily in advance.
KL’s award-winning mega mall is that one place you need to block an entire day for. Pavilion Mall, in all its 7-storey-glory, sits in the heart of the upscale Bukit Bintang area. It’s first of all a shopping haven—you can find high-end designer brands, mid-range fashion labels, and popular local stores. There’s also a spectrum of dining options available in nearly every cuisine imaginable. But if you came to chill, there are recreational places for you to enjoy, too: check out the Golden Screen Cinemas and Red Box Plus karaoke hub.
The inside of Pavilion KLCC mall. It is a one of the largest malls in South East Asia and boasts almost 600 stores ranging from mid to high-end.
Up for a night of fancy dining? It can’t get any better than Strato Italian Restaurant. Perched atop Troika Tower, this fine restaurant boasts striking views of the city that you can enjoy over homemade pasta, scrumptious pizza, and decadent tiramisu, among many Italian favorites. The modern ambiance is only enhanced by the superb staff—I’ve personally had lively conversations with them!
Malaysia has its fair share of upscale shopping centers, but standout ones like Starhill Gallery simply keep people coming back. The luxe structure plays a huge part in the shopping experience: towering dome-shaped interiors and reflective marble floors comprise the mall. It’s home to the largest watch and jewelry gallery in the world, as well as powerhouse brands from local and international fashion scenes.
L: Starhill Gallery is a shopping destination catering to both local and international luxury brands. R: The beautiful view greeting all diners at Strato Italian Restaurant.
If Pavillion and StarHill Gallery malls are all about the sophisticated and glamorous side of Kuala Lumpur - it’s time to get back to the essence of the city - how it all started. Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman is one of the first and oldest streets in KL. Before there were giant malls, there was Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, where ordinary people will go to get their shopping done.
It’s a busy stretch of a road dotted by dining spots and charming stores. The retail businesses you will find here go decades back and there are so many great finds at rock-bottom prices. Haggling and negotiating for a good price is common, and I know my mom and her friends still come here once in a while, as they get a sense of satisfaction from the act of getting the best prices possible for their purchases.
Taking a stroll through Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman immerses you into a cultural and shopping experience more authentic than any other!
A cafe that springs way back into 1921, Coliseum Cafe is a nostalgic destination in Kuala Lumpur. Just stepping into the place can make you feel like you time-travelled—the interiors are decked in vintage furniture and aged trimmings. To these day, locals frequent it for the hearty dishes—and the memories. If you’re a tourist, you’re bound to enjoy the tender steaks and Hainanese chicken. Down it with good (and cheap) beer and you’re in for happy hour, the Malaysian way!
And the best part about the Coliseum Cafe? It was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway, the famous American writer and novelist. He used to travel around South East Asia, and had stopped in Kuala Lumpur for a spell, frequenting the Coliseum Cafe often - perhaps he found inspiration here for some of his greatest works like “The Old Man and the Sea” ?
History and delicious food at reasonable prices. What more could you want?
I rarely go on vacations, but if I am on one, I wouldn’t deprive myself of a chance to visit a spa—and in KL, I have my favorites. The Spa Village at the Ritz Carlton Hotel is one. This serene retreat whisks you away from the hustle and bustle of the metro. Their services are a balanced blend of global healing practices and traditional therapies of the region for your maximum rejuvenation. It’s uber spacious and stylish, with a well-trained staff to boot!
The Spa is located at the Ritz Carlton, and if you are in KL do yourself a favor and dine at Ritz Carlton Hotel. The cuisine at this lavish hotel is award-winning for a reason. For breakfast (or brunch!), you can pick from a selection that includes a diverse array of international and local flavors—think fresh oysters, premium cheeses, succulent meats, vibrant desserts. It gets better—many dishes are prepared à la minute. Top it off with free-flowing champagne!
This rejuvenated area next to the Klang River is so new that I would not have known about it if not for my architect brother, who was involved in the rejuvenation project. The Promenade is a welcome respite from the heat and provides new perspective on the Sultan Abdul Samad courthourse, one of the oldest and historic buildings in Malaysia.
The Sultan Abdul Samad Promenade is situated behind the historic Sultan Abdul Samad buidling.
If you’re looking for an alternative to dining spots and relaxing spas, feel free to explore the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. Sprawling across 20.9 acres of land, it’s one of the largest bird parks in the world and houses around 200 species, 90% of which are native to South East Asia. The birds roam freely overhead and on-land, making an incredible interactive experience for visitors.
I’ve never seen so many birds my whole life - including 7-8 peacocks - all of which are quite tame. The white peacock seen here is also one of the most beautiful creatures I’ve ever seen.
So one of the things I enjoy is getting souvenirs and gifts from my travels for my family and friends in Los Angeles. However, I am not a fan of campy keychains and t-shirts bought at the airport gift shop. In Kuala Lumpur, one of my go-tos when trying to find tasteful and sophisticated gifts is heading over to Ilham Gallery - a gift store that features art objects and souvenirs from Malaysians.
So many tasteful souvenirs to choose from at Ilham Gallery. The t-shirts feature well-known as well as up-and-coming local artists.
To cap off a full day of touring, nothing beats a dinner at the Kuala Lumpur Tower Sky Restaurant—also known as the Atmosphere 360. It’s the ultimate destination for you to enjoy sweeping views of the lit-up metro as you indulge in a lavish spread of Malaysian dishes. But the most interesting part is, it’s a revolving restaurant—so expect to have loads of fun looking for your seat as you go back and forth towards the buffet table.
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Wow, so many interesting finds and fabulous cities! I am already making plans to visit Asia this year and KL would definitely top my list of travel destinations.
That peacock is indeed stunning! I saw it when you posted on IG stories.. And all these wonderful lush greens are truly magnificent!
Oh I’ve heard so much about the KL Tower Sky Restaurant and been dying to experience it. Sounds really exciting!
Everything looks fantastic and mouth-watering! One of my long lost wish is to see the Petronas Twin Towers, but after reading this, I realized there’s still much much more I need to accomplish when I get there! Wow!
Wow! Ernest Hemingway in Coliseum Cafe? I didn’t know that! Thanks for this fantastic information!
I love learning new things and about historical insights of other countries. Malaysia sure is filled with great and powerful and beautiful sights and stories. ❤
Wow! Never knew that about Ernest Hemingway.. That is so cool. Love this country’s heritage and historical beauty!
I went there in Kuala Lumpur a few months back and had dined at Strato Italian Restaurant with my family. Everything looked great and delicious, and I agree, the staff were superb and gracious and always smiling. It’s like a I was at home away from home.
Thank you so much Heidi for this awesome guide.. Lots of greens and outstanding places to visit when I go there this summer. I’ll be sure to check them all out.
You’re looking fabulous, Heidi! Love that dress and all those places you’ve been to!
I always use Uber wherever I go, it’s great to know that they cater to Asia too.. Superb!
Love how Uber is so reliable and dependable all over the world. I’m gonna make sure to visit all these places in Kuala Lumpur, your country is so beautiful!
I was there last year but failed to fully explore the city. I would very much love to see all those sights and be able to relax at the Spa Village!
Ernest Hemingway? Really? Wow, that is so cool!!!
I was here last year too, but I wasn’t able to avail of Uber services. Next time I’m on a visit, I’ll make sure to get Uber and explore all these wonderful places you suggested!
Ritz Carlton is always a favorite of mine, wherever I go. But the KL Sky Tower sounds and looks really amazing, so I am positive that I’ll go there when I visit KL soon!
Wow, that’s so many interesting facts about Kuala Lumpur. I didn’t realize Ernest Hemingway also had his coffee there. That’s really great!
Those are really interesting and exciting trivia, especially about The Coliseum and Ilham Gallery and the Sky Restaurant. Speaking of which, is that also the same with the dinner restaurant where you are suspended in air for about 50 meters high?
I’ve been to Pavillon Mall and it’s really massive. You can get lost in just a matter of minutes, but you would need a whole day to explore the entire place. Truly one of a kind mall in Asia!
Thanks for sharing these wonderful locations in your beautiful city! I’ll be sure to check ’em all out with Uber next time I fly to Southeast Asia.
Those are wonderful tourist spots. I can’t wait to visit and see all of these places!
Yes! Love all these interesting sights, Malaysia is truly magnificent place to visit!
Where to next? Of course, it’s gonna be Malaysia for me! Would love to visit and stay a few weeks there soon!
I’d love to visit these wonderful places! Will definitely cal and use Uber when I get there!
Now that’s a really wonderful history and very rich culture. I would be honored to visit KL soon.
Oh, Ernest Hemingway! That is so amazing!
Oh yes, I’ve heard about that story regarding Ernest Hemingway when I got to visit Malaysia and had coffee with my friends in Coliseum Cafe. This place is a must visit!
You look lovely as always Heidi!
The Bird Park sanctuary looks really fantastic.. I love birds and everything about them fascinates me. Thanks for sharing this.
Wow, that’s so many interesting tourist spots! Thank you for sharing these photos. I’m very likely to visit that coffee shop Ernest Hemingway used to drink at. That’s awesome!
I’ve been to KLCC mall a couple of times already and each time is always a unique experience. It’s so big and filled with exciting boutiques and places to enjoy.
I use Uber a lot. I couldn’t go from one place to another without Uber, I need them like my second family. I cannot drive and I don’t have any vehicle, so Uber is definitely my saviour. Thanks for sharing these wonderful story and places in Malaysia!
So many interesting sights to see.. I, for one, love birds, so the bird sanctuary is definitely going to my bucket list. Thanks for sharing these, Heidi!
Can’t wait to see these marvels when I start my Southeast Asian trip this coming summer! Love everything you mentioned, Heidi!
I surely would love to go to that Spa Village at Ritz Carlton Hotel, it’s definitely a rewarding experience after a day or two of tour visits 🙂
I love exploring new cities and their cultures and sights… the streets and the people I’d be meeting during my travels. Malaysia is definitely on top of my list of places to conquer!
Two of the places I visited there in KL was the Strato restaurant and KLCC Mall which was massive! I can’t wait to go back and try the Tower Sky Restaurant, looks really exciting!
Such lovely places! Will definitely check ’em all out soon!
Those are truly fascinating and captivating sights to behold! I wish to visit KL soon with my family. Hope to run into you too, someday..
I’ve always been grateful ever since Uber came to be, because I really don’t know how to drive and I could easily get lost with or without maps. Uber is heaven sent, that I can assure you. Thanks for sharing this guide to Kuala Lumpur, everything sounds and looks heavenly!
Love love love all these photos.. Kuala Lumpur is so beautiful!
Where to next? Definitely KL Malaysia.. and I’ll make sure to use Uber services while I am there 🙂
I love Starhill Gallery. I always make sure to visit this place when I’m in town.
I love visiting these upscale restaurants and hotel/spas whenever I travel. I will make it a point to explore more of what KL has to offer. Souvenir shops are also a must-visit!!
I am bad at driving, I have to admit. So I always make use of Uber wherever I go and whenever/wherever it is available. I am glad there’s Uber all over the world!
All these look fascinating!
I remember seeing that magnificent peacock in one of your IG stories.. It’s so beautiful!
So many places to go! Wow! Now I have an idea where to go this summer! See you there Heidi.
Didn’t realize about Hemingway and I’m amazed at all that historic culture Malaysia holds. Truly fascinating.
I can always trust Uber to take me to places I’ve never been to. Thanks for this wonderful and useful guide, Heidi!
Thanks for this Heidi.. I am looking forward to a wonderful vacation in Malaysia this coming summer and I will make sure to book Uber and go to all these suggested places. I can’t pick just one so I am definitely going to visit all!
I love Uber, it’s always been my companion wherever I go travel to any parts of the world. I am glad Uber services is available including in Asia.
All these places look amazing. My next stop: Malaysia, it is!!
Every place you mentioned sounds exciting! I’m adding KL to my bucket list!
Everything looks incredible! I wish I was also your friend so I could come join you and be my tour guide on my next tour in Asia, and KL is definitely going to be my first place to visit!
I’ve heard so much about the KL Tower Sky Restaurant and I want to experience that kind of fine dining at the top of the world!
Kuala Lumpur is such a beautiful city! I encourage everyone to visit this wonderful place!
I’ve been to Pavillon Mall once when I visited KL and it was so massive and spacious and there were so many things to see and explore. I’d love to come visit again soon!
Oh, I didn’t know about the Coliseum Cafe! Thanks for sharing that tidbit 🙂
I’ve just been to Europe the last two weeks. Where to next? Definitely Asia and KL Malaysia is on top of my list! Thanks for sharing this, Heidi.
So many interesting places to visit, so little time.. I wish I could have stayed a lot longer during my two-weeks visit there in KL.. I promise to be back and explore all these places soon!!
I’ve heard about the Sky Restaurant in KL and I can’t wait to experience it!
I was madly impressed with Starhill Gallery when I dropped a visit there last year. It was massive yet still looks so elegant and high-class. Floors upon floors of splendidness. I wish I stayed there for a longer period of time. There were so many places to explore and admire!
Every place looks magical to me. I wanna go there as soon as I can!
I remember indulging and getting pampered at Spa Village at the Ritz hotel and it was really an amazing experience, very relaxing and serene. I wish to visit more soon.
These are all so wonderful!
Wow! I’d love to see a real live peacock and that white one seemed so majestic!! Will definitely visit that Bird park soon!
KL has a lot of wonderful places and historical spots every tourist and local should visit. I’m so lucky to have seen most of the beautiful sites of this city!
Wow! I have to go here in KL soon and explore everything it has to offer!
That was a nice trivia about Ernest Hemingway! I didn’t realize he was a wanderlust too!
Everything looks fascinating!
My friends and I are travelling SouthEast Asia next month and KL is our top choice. Can’t wait to explore all these sites you mentioned!
These are all must-see places in KL!
Kuala Lumpur is fascinating! I hope to visit your country one day, soon!
I love shopping, so I am definitely heading straight to all these shopping malls in KL!!
Wow, everything looks wonderful. First thing I’ll do when I get to KL, I’ll have me soaked in that Spa village and have my much needed rest and relaxation. And go to all these great places you mentioned.
Thanks for this splendid tour guide to KL.. I am definitely hitting all these beautiful spots you mentioned. Can’t wait to get away this summer!
How fascinating!! ❤❤ Thanks for the virtual online tour, KL sure looks amazing!
Would love to go there and meet up on KL!!
These are all so marvelous! Now I know where my next adventure would be!