Kuala Lumpur

At 452 metres, the Petronas Twin Towers used to be the tallest buildings in the world before being surpassed by Taipei 101 in 2004. Still the tallest twin buildings, they are a true symbol of the new Malaysia. You are welcome to the skybridge on the 41st floor. Petronas Towers are adjacent to one of the busiest shopping malls in Malaysia, Suria KLCC. Ticket sales start at 8:30am and are limited in number. If you plan to visit during the next 24 hours, tickets will need to be purchased at the Ticketing Counter on the Concourse Level, otherwise they may be pre-bought online. Time allotted per visit is 45 minutes, and includes visits to the sky bridge and observation deck.

Located just outside Kuala Lumpur's city centre, this six-tiered Chinese temple honours Mazu, the revered sea goddess. Since its opening in 1989, the active worship site has drawn visitors with its striking architectural features, from the grand prayer hall altars to the tiered roofs adorned with intricate carvings. The temple is open to tourists, but expect devotees filling the temple, burning incense offerings and praying. You can explore independently or join organised tours to appreciate this lesser-known gem's cultural and artistic significance.

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building, dating back to the late 19th century, is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic landmarks. Distinguished by its copper-clad domes and towering clocktower fitted with a one-ton bell, it was originally constructed as the administrative headquarters of the British colonial government. Today, it houses the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia as well as the Ministry of Tourism. The finest views are from across Merdeka Square, particularly in the early morning when the light is softer and the area is quieter. After dark, the building is beautifully lit, creating an entirely different atmosphere, although occasional scaffolding may obstruct parts of the façade. A visit here combines well with nearby highlights such as Merdeka Square itself, the towering flagpole, and the River of Life.

At Batu Caves you can climb up 272 steps, 61 metres, and be amazed by the Hindu’s Lord Murugan shrines built in natural limestone. Watch out for the monkeys who unscrupulously steal any loose items or visible food.

Escape from the bustling city and take a boat cruise or visit the Bird Park, Butterfly Farm, Deer Park, Orchid Park and Hibiscus Park. Here you can find a playground for children, running tracks and exercise stations.

In a lush area of central Kuala Lumpur’s Lake Gardens lies the Islamic Arts Museum. This is the largest museum of Islamic art in Southeast Asia, which exhibits more than 7,000 objects from all across the world, and includes garments, pottery, ornate wood carvings and miniature models of some of the most spectacular Islamic buildings on earth.

Give yourself an adventure among the marine wonders at Aquaria KLCC. This attraction is located in Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre just next to Petronas Twin Towers. Over 5,000 different animals are shown here and if you want to get really close to them, book one of their packages that includes diving with sharks or Cage Ride.

This Indian temple, founded in 1873, is the oldest and richest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur. Its decoration with beautiful colours and statues of different Hindu gods is breathtaking. The temple is located just 5 minutes walk from Chinatown.