Discover Kuala Lumpur: Vibrant nightlife, amazing skyline and world-class shopping await
Malaysia’s capital city Kuala Lumpur (often referred to as KL), is a bustling metropolis that offers an eclectic blend of modernity and tradition.
Renowned for towering skyscrapers, diverse culinary scene, pulsating nightlife and exceptional shopping experiences, it truly is a city that never sleeps.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into our comprehensive guide to exploring the best of KL’s skyline, food, nightlife, and shopping extravaganza.
Awe-inspiring city skyline
Kuala Lumpur’s skyline is dominated by the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, which stand as a testament to the city’s rapid development and architectural prowess. These twin skyscrapers offer a breathtaking view of the city from their observation deck and Skybridge. For a different perspective, head to the Kuala Lumpur Tower, which provides panoramic views from its observation deck and revolving restaurant.
The cityscape is punctuated by historical buildings that tell the story of KL’s colonial past and cultural diversity. The Sultan Abdul Samad Building, with its Moorish architecture, and the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station are just a few examples that tell the story of this storied city.
Merdeka 118 is a new opening that is set to become a global icon in Kuala Lumpur, embodying the city’s spirit of innovation. At 678.9 m tall, it’s the second tallest building in the world, only behind Dubai’s Burj Khalifa (828m) and on decks 115 & 116 you will find Southeast Asia’s highest observation deck!
Savour the flavours of Kuala Lumpur
KL is a haven for food enthusiasts, offering a culinary journey that spans street food stalls to high-end restaurants. The city’s diverse population ensures a wide array of cuisines, from traditional Malay dishes to Chinese, Indian and Western fare.
Vespalicious Food Tour of KL is a fun-filled day that explores off-the-beaten track bites and local food markets by scooter. Ride through the busy traffic and narrow rear alleys of KL in search of some of the best food and most interesting cultural experiences the city has to offer.
For those with a taste for the finer things, KL has an exquisite fine dining scene that blends local influences with Chinese, Indian and Western cuisine. Upscale restaurants like Marble 8 and Nobu provide elegant atmospheres, impeccable service, and gourmet dishes crafted by renowned chefs.
With breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, dining in Kuala Lumpur is not just about food but also about creating memorable experiences that engage all the senses.
Kuala Lumpur after dark
When the sun sets, Kuala Lumpur transforms into a city of lights and excitement. The nightlife here is as diverse as its population, with options ranging from rooftop bars to lively nightclubs and cosy pubs.
KL as a cosmopolitan capital is not short of a subterranean bar, traditional pub or lively rooftop club with DJs spinning dance inducing beats!
Alcohol may be expensive on the whole, but there’s always a bargain to be had if you look in the right places at the right times – happy hour… Duh!
Rooftop bars are massively popular offering great atmospheres and breathtaking views of KL. Enjoy a drink and watch the sunset with a glamorous view of the city on the horizon at places like Marini’s at 57, Heli Lounge Bar, Sky Bar, Troika Sky Dining and Vertigo @ Banyan Tree Hotel to name a few.
To take your night to the next level, head to Changkat Bukit Bintang, widely regarded as KL’s premier party venue. Easily accessible from around the city, this narrow avenue is filled with international restaurants, nightclubs, cocktails bars, and DJs spinning music, ranging from house and electro to remixed pop and hip-hop.
KL’s Mega Shopping Sale
Until 31 July, Kuala Lumpur will host the highly anticipated Mega Shopping Sale, a city-wide event that promises unbeatable discounts and promotions across a vast array of stores.
KL is home to numerous shopping malls, each offering its own specialties, but here are some of the best ways to shop:
- Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, located in the heart of Bukit Bintang, is known for its luxury brands and upscale boutiques while Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers or Mid Valley Megamall features a mix of high-street fashion, electronics, and local brands.
- Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall just outside of the Kuala Lumpur city centre is an Egyptian-themed retail destination offering more than 1,000 stores. Renowned for its distinctive sphinx entrance and pyramid façade, shopping is complemented by an array of dining options, from Asian cuisine to Western fare and entertainment highlights include the adjacent Sunway Lagoon theme park and an ice-skating rink.
- For those on tighter budget, we suggest a visit to the; Central Markets, Petaling Street (Chinatown) or Brickfields (Little India) for a cultural experience and handcrafts items to take home.
- The Exchange TRX Shopping Mall offer a fun filled shopping experience for the whole family – blending retail, dining, and entertainment with prehistoric-themed décor and attractions.
Latest News
Cruiseabout celebrates opening of fourth store at BNE’s Westfield Carindale
Four times lucky, isn't that how the four leaf clover works?
Lee Ho Fook chef Victor Liong adds another chapter with new offering Singapore’s Quenino Artyzen hotel
Melbourne chef Victor Liong, of the two-hatted Lee Ho Fook, has added to his culinary storytelling with Quenino by Victor Liong, in Singapore’s Artyzen hotel, where contemporary Asian cuisine is served with a relaxed fine-dining flair. Artyzen Singapore emerged from an iconic Singapore heritage landmark that was once the sprawling tropical-garden mansion named “Villa Marie” […]
ATIA and Australian Travel Education to pursue individual paths
We look forward to new announcements for much-needed travel trade education programs next year. Where do we sign up?
Japan’s Nagano region looks to attract more tourists during the warmer months
We've tried the icy side of Japan's Nagano, but old knees make spring/summer look increasingly attractive.
Cruise Traveller launches special two-week cruise through the Adriatic with Atlas Ocean Voyages
We think they call these epicurean cruises 'walk on, roll off'.
Tolpuddle Vineyard opens Tasting Room in Coal River Valley
Tolpuddle Vineyard is opening its Tasting Room at their Coal River Valley property in Richmond, Tasmania, this Friday, 13 December. The Tolpuddle Vineyard Tasting Room, managed by Pip Anderson, previously general manager of hospitality at Mona, will be open from Friday to Monday, 11am to 5pm with appointments available online. Visitors can taste a flight […]
Air Tahiti Nui celebrates big wins with 2025 APEX awards and Cash & Miles Program
Air Tahiti Nui has again been recognised for service to travellers being honoured with the prestigious Five Star Major Airline title for the 7th consecutive year. Announced at the APEX/IFSA Awards 2025 ceremony, the ranking is based on passenger reviews of over one million flights and 600 airlines. The flagship carrier of The Islands of […]
The future is here! Travel DAZE is back for 2025
Check out all the details for the 2025 Travel DAZE here! It is not one to miss!
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group set to sign two iconic European hotels by early 2025
Whether you like your caffeine from a classy Parisian cafe, or a hazy Dutch coffee shop, Mandarin has you covered.
APT Travel Group’s new-look websites for APT Luxury Travel and Travelmarvel
Hopefully this will have clients come in knowing what they want. We said 'hopefully'.
NETGEAR unveils new mobile hotspot designed to connect travellers on the go
For a moment there we thought we were working for a tech trade publication rather than travel when writing this!
Hotel Sorrento unveils Saint-Tropez-inspired Rooftop dining destination
Best to book ahead as all those Melbourne staycationers heading to their insular peninsula pad will be thirsty.
Blossoms, Louboutins and tears: behind the scenes at the Women in Travel Awards 2024
Now the big show is over, everyone wants to know how we pulled it together. Here are the juicy details.
Emirates remains Premier Partner of the Collingwood Football Club until 2029
Hopefully the renewed deal will help the Pies fly higher than 9th on the ladder in season 2024. Go Swans!
Qatar Airways’ Student Club marks four-year milestone with educate a child campaign
Qatar Airways’ Student Club program is marking its fourth anniversary by teaming up with the charity Education Above All that will see the carrier donate $10 for every booking made by a club member. Education Above All is the non-profit organisation founded by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson and founder of Education Above […]
Pan Pacific Perth announces launch of its Wellness Program
Having stayed at the Pan Pac Perth you'd be hard pressed getting us out of the room for a workout.
Moonlight Bay Suites reveals $4m refurbishment for Broome venue
Beware invisible stairs at Staircase to the Moon during the wet season.
For guests in search of something different – Back-Roads Touring
After travelling with Back-Roads ourselves, we can confirm the merits of the road less travelled.
Unforgettable Croatia’s record year in 2024 with ’25 bookings on track to match
Aptly named, how could you forget any time spent in a setting like this!
Surprise planned for travellers arriving at Hamilton Island Airport as it celebrates 40 years today
What do you buy a 40-year-old airport? If it's not a nice bottle of Scotch, perhaps a new lick of tarmac on the runway.
Emirates announces third Dubai-Melbourne route for March ’25, as Singapore-Melbourne is scrapped
There's so much movement for Emirates, we are getting dizzy watching changes in frequencies and destinations.
Qantas Freight unveils specially decorated ‘Santa’s Freight’ aircraft
For once, your child might actually see Santa if you tell them to look at the sky.
Qatar Airways surprises Melbourne passengers with upgrades to celebrate 15 years
Qatar Airways has celebrated its 15th anniversary in Australia by giving passengers Business Class upgrades at Melbourne Airport on Friday. The airline has flown over 9.7 million passengers in and out of Australia since starting its operation in 2009 with Australian operations commencing on 7 December 2009 with the Melbourne-Doha route. Since then, the airline […]
Norwegian Cruise Line joins Take 3 for the Sea for a beach cleanup
If they have any time left, our back garden could really do with a good clean to get rid of all the Huntsmans.
‘Office away from office’ call answered with Flight Centre Corporate and Crystalbrook Collection partnership
We could do with membership of this for the Travel Weekly crew. Although we prefer to relax 'unconsciously'.
Ayers Rock Resort stellar awards year the highest in the resort’s history
Anyone with a bit of coin might want to consider this asset. Sadly, we don't have a few hundred mill in spare change.
Qatar Airways Group CEO highlights importance of employee retention
Qatar is having its moment in the sun, but as we found out when in Doha it's quite cold when you are out of it.
TravelManagers call Cabo ‘the coolest place’ they’ve visited on return from ILTM famil
TravelManagers seem to be running famils non stop, so if you're craving a junket, you know where to look!
Klook wraps hugely popular, inaugural ‘Travel Fest’ event, welcoming over 10,000 attendees
Honestly a good prop will transform your entire day! Our editor is a big fan.
Accommodation Australia CEO James Goodwin to launch tourism employment platform in Canberra today
With all the high level stuff going on in travel and tourism it can be easy to forget the importance of recruitment.
Reflections Holidays surf contest brings best young talent to NSW North Coast
The best grommets in NSW were treated to cracking conditions, and of course top notch facilities at Reflections.
Monaco proves ultimate pre-ILTM destination for Australian travel advisors
We are happy to fill in for last-minute cancellations for one of these fam trips.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: Brisbane Airport
Nice to know, given Delta's new Brisbane flights deal and with the Olympics on their way.
Discovering RAKxa: A Fusion of Medical Innovation and Holistic Wellness
From oxygen therapy to anti-aging treatments, RAXka puts the well in wellness travel!
Fullers360 ticket sales for the first electric hydrofoil ferry
This would also be a great way to travel to work, but we figure it wouldn't go uphill to our location.
Virgin Voyages new annual pass offers agents up to $15k commission, first cruise to enable Bitcoin payment
Have you joined the crypto revolution? This seems like the perfect reason to if you haven't!