Batu Caves

Located on the outskirts of the city, this temple complex in a limestone hill consists of three caverns and several smaller caves, and is the shrine of Lord Murugan, a Hindu deity. It is filled with images of deities and murals depicting scenes from the Hindu scriptures. A flight of 272 steps leads up from the main entrance to the temple cave.

Central Market, Jalan Hang Kasturi

This is Malaysia’s arts cum culture bazaar and has been likened to London’s Covent Garden. Built as a wet market in 1936, it has now been converted into a cultural market. Its mezzanine floor has been transformed into a Malay kampong where traders selling songket, batik, silverware and antiques are housed. Order exclusive hand-made handicrafts or have your portrait painted by the local artist for a reasonable price.

Chinatown, Jalan Petaling & Jalan Hang Lekir

Often known as Chinatown, this area features stalls selling artifacts, clothes, fresh flowers, shoes, watches and handbags at attractive prices. From 6:00 p.m. onwards, the street is turned into a large night bazaar, as open stalls are setup. Be prepared to bargain and haggle over prices while absorbing the unique and bustling atmosphere.

Forest Research Institute Of Malaysia, Kepong

FRIM is very popular for recreation, picnics and soft adventure activities. Located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, the park is spread over 1,528 hectares and has over 1,000 species of trees in the various arboretums. Visitors have a choice of spending their day at the waterfall, taking a pleasant stroll around the grounds or for the more adventurous, walking along the 30 metre Canopy Walkway.

Genting Casino and Theme Park, Genting Highlands

The City of Entertainment is a comprehensive holiday destination incorporating a wide range of recreational and sporting facilities as well as luxurious hotels and apartment complexes. Located 2,000 metres above sea-level, it has mature into the region’s premier hill resort and houses the area’s first indoor theme park, and an outdoor theme park, both of which is still growing. The City of Entertainment is constantly being upgraded to include new facilities in order to maintain its reputation as Malaysia’s premier fun destination for the whole family.

The Casino de Genting, Malaysia’s premier Casino is open 24 hours where one can pit one’s luck at blackjack, roulette, baccarat and other thrilling games. At the theatre-restaurant, international performances and magic shows are performed to packed audiences.

The Outdoor Theme Park is a die-hard thrill seeker’s paradise with heart-stopping, gut-wrenching, nerve-numbing, scream-inducing rides like the Corkscrew and the Runaway Mine Train if you can stomach the intensity. Settle for the sedate but equally enjoyable rides and attractions like Showboat, Dinosaurland, Monorail Flying Dragon Coaster and Bumper Boat.

The Indoor Theme Park contains a rich variety of games of skill and computerized wizardry, as well as coin-operated kiddie rides and video games. For more thrill, try the Odyssey ride or the latest Motion Master Simulator "James Bond License to Thrill" for a futuristic, super-realistic virtual reality encounter that will have you believing you’re part of the action.

Genting Highlands Resort
69000 Pahang Darul Makmur

Operating hours:

• Weekdays: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
• Weekends & public holidays: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.

Istana Negara, Jalan Istana

The official residence of DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di Pertuan Agong (His Majesty the King) and DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong (Her Majesty the Queen), the Istana Negara (National Palace) is situated on Jalan Istana (Palace Road) and is a favourite spot for photography among tourists.

Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman

This stretch of road houses pre-war buildings packed with stores selling mainly textiles, bric-a-brac and local handicrafts at reasonable prices. This is an excellent place for batiks and Indian Saris.

KL Tower, Jalan Puncak, Off Jalan P Ramlee

Menara Kuala Lumpur, the tallest telecommunications tower in South East Asia stands at 421 metres, where by day visitors will be treated to a breathtaking 360 degrees view of the city and a sea of twinkling lights by night. Among its attractions are the revolving restaurant, an amphitheater and a 100-year-old Jelutong tree.

Operating hours:

• Weekdays: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Weekends & public holidays: 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Kompleks Kraftangan (Craft Cultural Complex), Jalan Conlay

A favourite stopover for batik, songket, embroidery, beads, carving, pottery, baskets, pewterware, brassware and tapestry.

Operating hours:

• Opens daily: 8:45 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Bukit Melawati

The park comprises 250 hectares of coastal mangrove swamps, home to 130 species of birds. The park is an ideal place for ecological studies and observing nature. At Kampung Kuantan, about nine kilometres from Kuala Selangor, you can observe thousands of fireflies light up the mangrove forests during a quiet boat-trip down the river during nightfall.

• Park Office: (603) 889 2294
• Information about fireflies: (603) 559 1957

Lake Gardens, Jalan Parlimen

Developed in the 1880s these beautifully landscaped gardens consist of lawns and huge trees, beds of flowers and two lakes. Adjacent are the Asean Sculpture Gardens – the site of award winning Asean sculptures; Bird Park – with more than 2,000 species of birds; Butterfly Park; Hibiscus Garden – the national flower with more than 2,000 hibiscus plants; Orchid Garden – with over 700 species of exotic orchids; and The Deer Park where mousedeers roam freely. The National Monument, a giant bronze sculpture depicting the victory of the Malaysian Security Forces in defending the nation’s honour, is located opposite the Lake Gardens.

Lake Titiwangsa, Jalan Kuantan, off Jalan Tun Razak

A quiet and shady park surrounding a man-made lake with canoeing, aquabikes, squash and tennis activities. The park is also a jogger’s haven for the nearby residents, away from the city’s air and traffic.

Malaysian Agricultural Park, Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam, Shah Alam

The world’s first agro-forestry park offers tropical vegetation, nature trails, picnic areas and cultural exhibits. Among the features are the Padi Gardens, the Cocoa Gardens, the Spice and Beverage Gardens, an exotic Ornamental garden, a Mushroom Garden and an arboretum which features exotic and near extinct species.

Operating hours:

• Opens daily, except Mondays: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Mid Valley Megamall, Mid Valley City

Welcome to Malaysia’s largest mall. Stroll through five kilometres of shopping, leisure and dining choices with more than 430 modular shops on 5½ floors, a mind-boggling selection for all, and three of Malaysia’s successful anchors – Carrefour, Jusco and Metrojaya. This megamall also houses Asia’s largest cineplex, Golden Screen Cinemas, and South East Asia’s largest fitness centre, Sweat Club. Then there is a state-of-the-art Bowling Centre and a one-stop IT Centre. Or, how about browsing to your heart’s content in MPH, the mega bookstore?

If you need to re-fuel after all that glorious shopping, there’s a whole world of culinary delights waiting for you. From chic bistros to fast-food outlets to local and international food courts all here to satisfy all tastebuds.

The Mid Valley Megamall is fully wired for e-commerce shopping. You can shop on-line or simply surf around for the perfect gift all at the click of the mouse! Go to www.midvalley.com.my.

National Planetarium, Jalan Perdana

On display are satellites, planetary movements and dinosaurs and a space theater with its sky dome screen, which shows three-dimensional images. On its grounds are replicas of Stonehenge and ancient Indian and Chinese observatories.

Operating hours:

• Opens daily, except Fridays: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

National Zoo, Jalan Ulu Kelang

Located about 5km from the Jalan Ampang junction on Jalan Ulu Kelang, close to the heart of the city, the zoo has over 200 different species of animals and an aquarium. It is a pleasant location for a picnic and its lake, which is home to various water birds, makes it a peaceful place for city dwellers to relax. Train rides around the zoo are available, with a souvenir shop located inside the zoo.

Operating hours:

• Opens daily: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

One Utama, Bandar Utama

Located in Bandar Utama about 45 minutes from The Ascott, this shopping centre houses major boutiques, gift shops and many bistros and restaurants and a large food court which serves a variety of local and international flavours. Ikea, the Swedish furniture giant, is one of its anchor tenants.

Petronas Art Gallery, Level 3 Suria KLCC

Recognised as one of Malaysia’s leading venues for exhibitions of traditional, contemporary and modern art, this elegant 20,000 sq-foot gallery brings the best in fine art to the widest possible audience.

Operating hours:

• Opens Daily, except Fridays: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur City Centre

The world’s tallest twin towers sited on a commercial development dubbed Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) with an 860-seater Petronas Philharmonic Hall, Petronas Art Gallery and Petrosains exhibition centre. Adjacent is Suria KLCC shopping complex, a 20-hectare park with lake, fountains, landscaped gardens and a state-of-the-art children’s playground. A 58.2 metre Sky Bridge connecting the twin towers at 170 metres above sea level, is open for viewing and popular for photography. Scheduled visits are available.

Operating hours:

• Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
• Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Putrajaya

The new administrative centre of the Federal Government, Putrajaya sits on 4,581 hectares of former oil palm plantation. The pink Putra Mosque, named after the country's first Prime Minister, incorporates architectural elements from Turkestan, Kazakhstan and Morocco, can accommodate 15,000 worshippers. Nearby is the Prime Minister's Office, an eye-catching building that is six stories high with three wings topped by a main dome surrounded by four smaller ones. The Prime Minister's Official Residence, located opposite the lake from Putra Mosque, is also open for viewing daily except Mondays. Appropriate attire is expected. The Putrajaya Wetlands is sprawled over 136 hectares with a Wetlands Park that houses the Nature Interpretation Centre, a look-out tower, picnic area and plant nursery.

Sogo, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman

A major landmark along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, the Sogo Departmental store is well patronised for its quality goods. It houses boutiques, household furnishings, linens, Japanese goods and gift shops.

Starhill / KL Plaza / LOT 10, Jalan Bukit Bintang / Bintang Walk

The Starhill Shopping Centre, which is an Anglicised name of the road it is on, Jalan Bukit Bintang, houses the Tangs departmental store and other specialty stores. It has a large lounge on the ground floor where international cuisine is served. Next to Starhill is KL Plaza and Lot 10, with a multitude of stores packed with quality goods. Lot 10 is a distinct building because of its striking green facade. It also houses Isetan and specialty boutiques. Bintang Walk which stretches from the front of Starhill to the corner of Lot 10, has many exciting alfresco cafes and pubs.

Sungai Wang Plaza / Bukit Bintang Plaza, Jalan Sultan Ismail / Jalan Bukit Bintang

Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's main shopping district, Sungai Wang Plaza and Bukit Bintang Plaza boasts colourful and exuberant promotional events and an atmosphere of fun and gaiety. Both house the Parkson and Metrojaya Departmental Stores as well as other stores selling clothes, electrical equipment, fashion accessories and everything else a shopper would ask for.

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

Malaysia’s premier theme park offers non-stop fun and adventure for your family. From the rides and slides of the Waterpark to the Adventure Park and Fort Lagoon Wild Wild West, Sunway Lagoon offers the most spectacular adventure and never-ending excitement for the entire family.

Operating hours:

• Weekdays: 12:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• Weekends & public holidays: 10:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Sunway Pyramid, Bandar Sunway

Walk like an Egyptian at Malaysia’s ultimate mall – The Sunway Pyramid! The massive 2.5 million square feet complex has a unique Egyptian-inspired facade with an imposing lion standing guard at the entrance. Here, you can shop-till-you-drop in over 250 specialty stores, offering a variety of unique and contemporary items. The Pyramid Ice-skating Ring is fun and occupies the young ones. This mall is open all year round except during the Chinese New Year and Hari Raya holidays. Stores open from 10:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang

Just a stone’s throw from The Ascott Kuala Lumpur, Suria KLCC is Kuala Lumpur’s premiere shopping destination and located within the ultra-modern KLCC development. Suria houses two of Malaysia’s premiere departmental stores and supermarkets, Isetan and Parkson Grand. Offering a collection of clothes and fashion accessories stores, designer boutiques, elegant cafes, two large food courts including the 1,200-seat Scotts Picnic Food Court, flagship stores, plus a great number of handicrafts and jewellery shops. Suria KLCC should always be on the shoppers list for the best of Kuala Lumpur’s buys.

Templer's Park

Consists of lowland forests and a five-kilometre limestone ridge with abundant birdlife. There are waterfalls, jungle trails and a natural pool with a 740-metre hill and more than 366 metres of dark caves and tunnels. Camping is allowed within the grounds of the park.