Explore the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur, from Petronas Towers and Batu Caves to street food, markets, temples, and museums. Wandering the streets of Kuala Lumpur can mean dipping in and out of an urban present into an ancient past. The city is visually defined by the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, which, at 88 stories high, are the tallest twin buildings in the world and a vision of modern architecture. Noun kuala (Jawi spelling کوالا, plural kuala-kuala) (geography) confluence (point where two rivers or streams meet) Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia. It is the country’s largest urban area and its cultural, commercial, and transportation center. Kuala Lumpur lies in hilly country astride the confluence of the Kelang and Gombak rivers; its name in Malay means ‘muddy estuary.’ We spent a full week exploring KL and have created a detailed Kuala Lumpur travel guide to give you inspiration on the top things to do. Experience authentic Malaysian culture as we visit colorful Hindu temples, sample incredible street food, explore the historic Sultan Abdul Samad Building, and witness the stunning contrast between. Greater Kuala Lumpur, which itself includes the Klang Valley, is an urban agglomeration of 8.81 million people as of 2024. It is among the fastest growing metropolitan regions in Southeast Asia, in terms of both population and economic development. The city serves as the cultural, financial, tourism, political and economic centre of Malaysia. The Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, lies in the western part of the peninsula, about 25 miles (40 km) from the coast; the administrative centre, Putrajaya, is located about 16 miles (25 km) south of the capital. Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: See Tripadvisor's 752,350 traveler reviews and photos of Kuala Lumpur tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in November. We have reviews of the best places to see in Kuala Lumpur. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Koalas are not bears—they’re marsupials. Learn about koalas’ unique traits, including six opposable thumbs, downward-facing pouches, and a tendency to sleep nearly all day in tree branches..