Have you ever wandered around your own city as a tourist? You will be surprised to discover that there is so much to see and how little you probably know about the place where you live.
As an ardent traveller, there is no doubt that exploring other cities is an unbeatable experience. The further I travel and the more people I met along the way, the more feedback that I receive about how interesting my city, Kuala Lumpur, is to those who have visited. This makes me realise how important it is to understand the very place where we live, which we always take for granted.
Read on to find out about the places that you can visit when being in one of the World’s Top 10 Most Visited Cities.
ADVERTISEMENTS
For Culture and History Buffs
Learn about Kuala Lumpur History in 60 Minutes through MudKL Musical Theatre
During my journey of exploration around Kuala Lumpur, I visited the iconic Panggung Bandaraya (City Hall Theatre) where an entertaining musical performance is fittingly held almost every day. MudKL is a 60-minute informative, colourful and interactive musical theatre that showcases significant history of Kuala Lumpur, which depicts scenes from 1857 until the mining boom of 1880, revolving around three characters namely Meng, Mamat and Muthiah who came to the city with the hope of seeking better opportunity and went through the joys, trials and tribulations of life.
It was my first time watching this musical theatre after reading about it on the Internet for a while, and I personally do not mind watching it again. The show enlightens me with brief yet vivid description regarding Kuala Lumpur’s past presented in an entertaining and interactive way. Each talent successfully injects emotions into their characters throughout the show, making the story more compelling.
Panggung Bandaraya, Jalan Raya 50350, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
3.150668, 101.694979
+6 03 2602 3335
www.mudkl.com
Join the Fascinating Kuala Lumpur Heritage, Cultural and Nature Trails
As someone who lives nearby Kuala Lumpur, I generally have in mind that the city centre is always a place we try to avoid due to the unpredictable crowd and traffic congestion. After undergoing this programme, I learned that there are various stress-free ways to discover and experience this city, which one of it is by joining KL free guided walk covering the city’s heritage, cultural and natural spots.
I joined ‘Jalan-Jalan at Kampung Bharu’ and ‘Kuala Lumpur Night Walk’ trails, which were insightful because they allow me to wander around important historical spots, letting me imagine the atmosphere in Kuala Lumpur back when it was still under British rule. Each trail lasts about two to three hours and brought me to some of the lesser-known but significant areas and selected markets that sell local food and souvenirs. The trails are highly recommended for locals – including city residents – and foreigners who wish to learn Kuala Lumpur’s storied past in an immersive way.
What to wear & bring: Wear comfortable clothes, footwear and cap. Besides, do bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
Tip: 24-hour advance book is highly recommended for individuals and groups to join these guided tours. Travellers may join all four trails (Kuala Lumpur Heritage Trail, Old KL & Nature Walk, Jalan-Jalan at Kampong Bharu and Kuala Lumpur Night Walk) to obtain perspectives and different experiences.
+6 03 2698 0332 (Office hours 9:00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.)
For Animal and Nature Enthusiasts
Walk on the Canopy Walk in KL Forest Eco Park
Did you know that Kuala Lumpur is the only city in the world that has a natural rainforest located at its centre?
KL Forest Eco Park, formerly known as Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, is one of the oldest forest reserves in Malaysia that has now become Kuala Lumpur’s famous attraction. Besides learning about different kinds of endemic plants, travellers may also walk along the 200-metre canopy walkway, which provides stunning view of the treetops and the city beyond with KL Tower looming dominantly. It is an ideal for those who intend to find a bit of paradise in the middle of the city.
KL Forest Eco Park, Jalan Punchak Off Jalan P.Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
3.150557, 101.701698
www.forestry.gov.my
Meet and Greet with the Adorable Animals at KL Tower Mini Zoo
The fact that there is a mini petting zoo located beneath the prominent KL Tower truly caught me by surprise. KL Tower Mini Zoo is another attraction in Kuala Lumpur that grants visitors from all walks of life the chance to see a collection of rare animals. This mini zoo is divided into several sections such as the Mini Jungle, Reptile Zone, Falabella stable, Birdy School, Vegetable & Fruit Walkway, Longkang Fishing, Pet Village and Jungle View.
I spent nearly an hour observing unique and adorable creatures such as the meerkat, bat-eared fox, fallabella horse, Saanen goat and alpaca. As an animal lover, I found this mini zoo captivating and different from other small zoos because I get to obtain unforgettable close-up experience to feed and pet those animals. Travelling families with children should visit KL Tower Mini Zoo for an educational and memorable experience.
Jalan Punchak, Off Jalan P.Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
3.152994, 101.703349
www.facebook.com/KLTowerMiniZooMalaysia
For Fun and Entertainment
Kuala Lumpur Upside Down House
If you are looking for a place where you can unleash your inner child and photograph your crazy poses, this should be your next stop after visiting KL Tower and KL Tower Mini Zoo. Officially opened in June 2016, Kuala Lumpur Upside Down House is one of the current attractions located in the heart of the city. It is a double-storey house styled like an English cottage with living room, kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms constructed upside down. There are also several upside down houses found in elsewhere such as Sabah, Pulau Pinang and Melaka but KL Upside Down House is by far the tallest in Malaysia.
I highly recommend travellers to come along with their family and friends so that they could help each other in taking photos and share the fun together. I visited this house with friends and we spent nearly an hour laughing and taking hundreds of fun and creative shots for our Instagram gallery. KL Upside Down House is interesting because it offers travellers unique and fun experience.
Menara Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Puncak, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
3.152998, 101.703530
For Foodies
Coliseum Café
Travellers should dine at Coliseum Café to enjoy a taste of nostalgia. Ranked as the Longest Operating Western Colonial-Themed Restaurant by the Malaysia Book of Records, Coliseum Café has been operating since 1921 and now becoming a part of Kuala Lumpur’s history. This restaurant stands tall as one of the popular dining options among locals and foreigners for its delectable colonial era-inspired dishes. Besides Kuala Lumpur, Coliseum Café has branches at Plaza 33 Petaling Jaya, Mid Valley and Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall.
Entering the restaurant is like a step into the past since the original furnishings are preserved from the time this café started operating until now. My friends and I savoured the highly-recommended Hainanese chicken chop. The chicken was deep fried to crispy perfection then covered in a tasty sauce that is made of tomato, peas, onions and mushrooms. Coliseum Café is definitely a restaurant that is worth visiting when being in Kuala Lumpur.
98-100 & 102 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
3.153895, 101.696351
+603 2692 6270
Kuala Lumpur Gourmet Safari
It is hard to deny that Kuala Lumpur is a city with massive number of popular cafés, bars and restaurants that sometimes left us confused as to where and what to eat. To help travellers experience great food at relaxed pace minus the confusion when being in Kuala Lumpur, simply head to Changkat Bukit Bintang and follow the Kuala Lumpur Gourmet Safari, organised by The Werner’s Group that owns six food and beverage establishments, which travellers get to experience all.
During the safari, my friend and I managed to savour several dishes two of their outlets: Opium and Dining in The Dark. Our journey began at Opium where we were served the scrumptious Cajun prawn with mango salsa and the mouth-watering sauteed black pepper dumpling. We then proceeded to a new culinary experience by trying out their ‘mysterious menu’ in a total pitch-black dark room aptly called Dining In The Dark. That was the time where I have to totally depend on my sense of smell and taste without relying on my sight to fully enjoy the food, which was totally mind-blowing. The gourmet safari is a truly delightful experience and that is bound to satisfy travellers’ taste buds!
45C Changkat Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+603 2145 2196
www.gourmetsafarikl.com
Filed in: AboutKL / DekatJe / Kuala Lumpur
