Eat, Play, Live Like a Local: 15 Places to Go in KL
More than just a springboard to further airline destinations, Malaysia’s bustling capital Kuala Lumpur (lovingly dubbed KL) is also a hotspot for tourists following its enticing trail of modernity meets tradition. But beyond the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, tourist strip Bukit Bintang, and cultural Batu Caves, what is it like to truly experience the enchantment of what KL has to offer?
In this article, we attempt to weave a rich tapestry of experiences for those who wish to eat, play, and live like a local in KL. We’ll dish out the places the local KL folks recommend to anyone visiting their hometown, from charming staycation options to fun family activities that keep the kids busy, and popular eateries that offer quality (and value-for-money) Malaysian culinary goodness.
So join us as we uncover 15 of the best spots to add to your KL itinerary — where to tidur, lepak, and makan!
Where to Stay in KL
Kuala Lumpur boasts some of the biggest luxury hotels, but we’ve curated a list of charming accommodations in KL that offer a mix of comfort and affordability, so you can experience the city’s hospitality without breaking the bank.
Sekeping Tenggiri
This art warehouse turned 7-bedroom villa is nestled in a tranquil neighbourhood of Bangsar. The charming guesthouse is characterised by rustic and minimalist design, blending gorgeous exposed red brick with lush greenery. With trees outside your window, a back-to-basic sleeping arrangement with mattresses on a platform, and inviting garden and pool areas that foster a sense of community and relaxation, this is an ideal retreat for those seeking a peaceful escape from the bustle of KL city. From RM220
The Chow Kit
Parked right by touristy spots Bukit Bintang and Petaling Street, The Chow Kit has earned the proud label of making it to the New York Times’ list of 52 Places to Go. A decadent boutique hotel with room names like “The Den” (after this area’s historically infamous gambling dens) and “The Towkay Soh Suite” (Hokkien for “boss lady” because we all know who’s really in charge), the design of The Chow Kit is a strong throwback to its late-night glory days in the 70s.
The heart of the hotel is its Kitchen & Bar, an open makan space where you can savour authentic recipes passed down through the generations and prepared with fresh ingredients from nearby Chow Kit Market (Malaysia’s largest wet market). Whether you want nasi lemak or avocado toast for breakfast, a nostalgic sarsi cocktail, or to dip food into their signature homemade sambal (which you can also buy in bottles), The Chow Kit has it all. From RM250
Dash Box Hotel
Slip into the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere of Dash Box in Cyberjaya, just a half an hour’s drive from KL. This fun and colourful boutique hotel is known for its quirky and playful design, where industrial chic meets street art graffiti. Taking upcycling to a whole new level, Dash Box has successfully transformed shipping containers into stylish and comfy accommodations (complete with air-conditioning and rain showers, thank you very much!). The rest of the property features an open, outdoor concept, with a large pool with slides for the kids and a pool bar for the parents — some might say, the ideal family retreat! From RM202
Where to Play in KL
Kuala Lumpur has its share of popular tourist spots, from the sky-high observation deck of the towering Petronas Twin Towers to the depths of the oceans at Aquaria KLCC. But where do locals hang out for fun on normal weekends? We share interesting places to visit in KL that will get your heart racing, and the gears in your head turning!
EDUTAINMENT
Why not learn something while you’re having a blast? Here’s where to go in KL to challenge your creativity, reflexes, and problem-solving skills. These are surely activities you can enjoy together with friends or family, even on rainy days.
Breakout Escape Room
If you and your family are fans of puzzles, then the escape rooms at Breakout Avenue K will keep you on the edge of your proverbial seats. With themes like mysterious marionettes, illusionist heists, missing WMDs and baffling amnesia, each intricately designed scenario will challenge your ability to decipher clues and solve riddles together before time runs out. (Free for kids 7 and below but recommended for older kids because of difficulty level)
Bomb Battle
It’s like somebody really couldn’t decide if they wanted to play escape room or paintball at the same time… so they made it into a thing. Put on your hazmat suit (for real) and get to work defusing the “bomb” with your team at this Berjaya Times Square location. Decrypt sequences, crack the circuit, and move your body just right to get through the laser maze. Try as you may to win, you might just end up getting splashed with neon paint! (Open to kids 7 and above)
VAR LIVE
Video games come alive at the largest VR theme park in Malaysia, located at MyTown Shopping Centre. Beyond simply donning a VR headset, VAR integrates auditory and visual elements with kinesthetic, experiential elements such as physical props, vibrating floors and wind effects. With a dozen different games to choose from, you could be shooting zombies, while the kids dance with Baby Shark (doo doo doo doo doo).
INTERACTIVE
Why pick out souvenirs from market stands, when you can create one-of-a-kind ones with your own two hands? At these local workshops, you and your family will create hands-on memories to bring home with you.
Batik Painting
Did you know that the craft of batik making is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list? Learn from local artisans the philosophies and artistic skills that go into this Malaysian craft, and experience staining the fabric with dye colours to create your own personalised masterpiece.
DIY Pottery
Turn lumps of clay into beautiful and unique cups, bowls and plates with wheel-throwing lessons suitable for complete beginners at the Good Times Pottery Studio at MyTown Shopping Centre. Your finished artworks will be ready in 6-8 weeks, and you can arrange for them to be delivered to Singapore for a small cost. You can also opt for rug tufting or easy baking workshops at this studio.
Personal Pewter
Surely nothing speaks more to Malaysian heritage than the art of pewter, and the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre offers a glimpse into the country’s long history of tin mining and craftsmanship since the 19th century. Join their School of Hard Knocks workshop and knock your way to making your very own pewter dishes from scratch using traditional pewter crating tools. (Suitable for all ages)
ACTIVE
If you’re travelling with kids, then you’ll also need some activities on your KL itinerary that are going to wear them out! These next active picks will make sure they hit the pillow quickly, so you can enjoy some rare romantic time with the spouse at night.
Wet World Water Park
With KL’s heat, it’s always the perfect weather for a refreshing, splashing good time outdoors. This water park in Shah Alam offers all the adrenaline-pumping slides, lazy pools and interactive kids play areas for families to enjoy a day of fun in the sun. Since you can expect locals to hang out here on weekends, come on weekdays to beat the crowds. (Closed on Wednesdays)
Jump Street Asia
KL’s biggest indoor trampoline park also offers other crazy activities like dodgeball, fly-on-a-wall, and zip lining to make sure you and your kids expend all that energy while having a ton of fun. Finally, a place to let your kids bounce off the walls — literally.
Roller Light
Such a great bonding activity for parents and kids as young as 4 — pick up a new sport while moving to upbeat music and colourful lights! Roller skating is back in trend, and it promises everyone a fun time, whether it’s the rush of skating at great speed, or the laughs when you find yourself on your bum! Free beginner lessons are available on Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm, but you’ll have to register via Whatsapp ahead of time.
What to Eat in KL
Food is at the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s cultural diversity, and exploring its hidden gem eateries is a culinary adventure in itself. For the most touristy spot for the greatest variety of KL street food, simply walk along the bustling food haven Jalan Alor. But we share some local makan spots and KL buffets that also come recommended as “die die must try”! (All halal, of course)
Restoran Rebung Chef Ismail
The restaurant itself may be built with bricks, but the kampong spirit is still well alive at this establishment. Run by celebrity chef, Chef Wan, this Malaysian heritage cuisine restaurant atop a multi-storey car park is regularly revisited by locals craving their favourite kampong dishes. Go for the traditional Malay buffet lunch and savour delicious dishes like ikan pari asam pedas and daging salai lemak, that always come highly recommended. Make a reservation to ensure a table in the air-conditioned area.
NZ Curry House
It’s a mamak-style chain of restaurants located all over Malaysia, but it’s certainly become a must-visit on any KL trip. Just seeing the locals line up at this desi (traditional) Indian food eatery will convince you that you definitely need to join the queue! Apparently, this is the place to go for the best nasi kandar, roti tisu and kopi ais in KL. And as a bonus at their Jalan Ampang branch, your meal also comes served with the perfect view of the Petronas Twin Towers.
Banglo 289
Definitely a hit with the locals, and a whispered secret amongst backpackers, Banglo 289 at Jalan Raja Chulan serves all your favourite authentic Malay dishes at super affordable prices — absolutely ridiculous considering it’s in the KLCC area! Come for the ayam goreng berempah (spiced fried chicken), the sotong sambat telur masin (salted egg stuffed squid), or the daging harimau menangis (Thai-style bbq beef) — served in generous portions! Open from 7.30am to midnight, this hidden gem will surely satisfy your food cravings all day and all night!
Even if you’ve visited KL plenty of times before, we hope that this list of 15 exciting places to go in KL has inspired you to revisit the city some time soon!
Don’t forget that even when flying an hour away just across the border, you should still make sure that you have valid travel insurance. Book 30 days before your flight leaves, and you won’t have to worry about cancellations or delays.
(Psst! It’s also a great time to consider a KL trip for your department’s team-building retreat, as our DirectAsia group travel insurance is now available for up to 20 people.)
