1. Tugu Negara
Also known as the National Monument, the Tugu Negara was built in remembrance of the fallen soldiers during the fight to independence in Malaysia and is one of the country’s most significant historical spots. The 15.5m tall monument is one of the largest bronze statues in the world and consists of 7 soldiers carrying the Malaysian flag.
Each of the soldiers represents one of the seven qualities of leadership: command, unity, courage, strength, wariness, suffering, and sacrifice. The monument and overall area is beautiful and well worth a visit, do however remember to bring along an umbrella or wear a cap if you’re visiting on a sunny day as there is little shade here!
2. Zoo Negara
Zoo Negara is Malaysia’s National Zoo that houses over 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish! The open concept zoo spans over 100 acres of land and is dedicated to conservation, recreation, education, and research of a wide variety of animal and plant species including endangered and exotic species such as orangutans, Malayan Tigers, tapirs, and more.
Whether you’re a visiting tourist or a local Malaysian looking for a weekend outing spot to bring your kids, add Zoo Negara onto your list for an unforgettable day out with your family.
3. KidZania Kuala Lumpur
Welcome to the tiny interactive city of KidZania! Located in the Curve NX Shopping Mall, KidZania is where your children can simulate what it’s like to be a doctor, a fireman, scientist, pilot, or any other role they’re interested in. Built to help children develop independence, responsibility, and confidence, KidZania offers great opportunities for them to take on hands-on roles in a fun learning environment. Who knows they’ll take home lessons and life-skills from their role-playing sessions and be inspired to work towards a specific career in the future?
4. Aquaria KLCC
Aquaria KLCC is KL’s world-class oceanarium that’s home to over 5,000 aquatic and land creatures including hundreds of brilliantly-coloured fishes, sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, adorable otters, sea turtles, and more. While it’s perfect for visits with family, it’ll be equally as fascinating for just about anyone who has a soft spot for the beauty and wonders of marine life.
The aquarium’s 90-metre underwater tunnel is definitely one of our favourite spots in here! Get your open-dated, discounted Aquaria KLCC tickets on Klook for a hassle-free and fun visit.
5. KL Tower
Standing at a majestic height of 421 metres, the Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower) is easily one of Malaysia’s most iconic and popular landmarks, alongside the Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC). The KL Tower is the 7th tallest freestanding tower in the world, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city from the highest viewpoint in Kuala Lumpur!
Ride a high-speed elevator to the observation deck at the top, or even enjoy a buffet lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea at Atmosphere 360, the modern revolving restaurant furnished in a spaceship-like atmosphere, with incredible city views from its floor-to-ceiling windows.
6. The Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC)
The Petronas Twin Towers is perhaps one of the most iconic landmarks of Kuala Lumpur and of Malaysia. Impressive by day and dazzling at night, it’s a sight you cannot miss when exploring this vibrant city. For those in search of a good view from the top, head to the Observation Deck on the 86th floor or the double-decker Sky Bridge that connects both towers in the middle. If you’d prefer to snap photos from the ground, there are great photo spots of the Twin Towers from various points of the city. One such is from the KLCC Park which can be accessed via the Suria KLCC shopping mall.
7. Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Located just across the street from the Merdeka Square, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building is one of Malaysia’s most significant monuments. The building is constructed entirely of brick, with graceful arches and a clock tower that looks like a mini Big Ben! It was built in 1897, designed by the same architect responsible for the equally beautiful Masjik Jamek (Jamek Mosque). Pop by to snap some photos and read up on the history behind the building if you’re a history buff.
8. Central Market
The iconic Central Market is an iconic centre for Malaysian culture. Built in 1928 and painted a pastel shade of blue, it’s also called Pasar Seni in the local language, and was revamped into a handicrafts outlet after serving as a wet market in the older days.
The Central Market is excellent for souvenir-shopping as it houses shops and souvenir stalls with a great selection of local merchandise and handicraft items from authentic Malaysian batik prints to local snacks, artwork, and embroidery carvings. The space is even divided into different zones so you can locate souvenirs of your liking easily.
9. Pink Mosque, Putrajaya
Another popular mosque is the picturesque Putra Mosque (Masjid Putra) constructed in rosetinted granite (thus giving it its iconic desert-pink hue). Built in 1999 facing the beautiful Putrajaya Lake, the mosque looks as if it’s floating on the lake when you view it from a distance!
While the Putra Mosque located a short distance from the Kuala Lumpur city centre (approximately 40 minutes by car), it’s still worth a day visit if you have some time on your itinerary. While in Putrajaya, you can also check out other landmarks in the area such as the Perdana Putra (the building that houses the office complex of the Prime Minister of Malaysia), Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin (also affectionately known as the ‘Steel Mosque’), the Putrajaya Lake, and the Putrajaya Botanical Gardens.
10. Masjid Wilayah
Malaysia is home to a handful of stunning mosques, but the majestic Federal Territory Mosque (also called Masjid Wilayah in the local language) definitely deserves a special mention. This huge mosque can house up to 17,000 worshipers at a time and its architecture was inspired by the design of many other impressive mosques in the world including the Blue Mosque in Turkey. The mosque welcomes both Muslim and non-Muslim visitors and there are even volunteers on-site that will gladly offer you guided tours and interesting nuggets of information. Make sure you dress conservatively while visiting!