Top Attractions in Kuala Lumpur

Sri Ganesar Temple (Kottu Malai Ganesar Temple)

The history of the foundation of the temple goes back to 1897, when an Indian gardener started a prayer session in the backyard of a British official's residence. Wagner, the official, threatened to destroy Ganeshar's image and days later, his hands and legs became paralysed. The gardener had a dream in which Lord Ganesha instructed him to smear vibuthi (ashes) onto Wagner's legs and hands. Wagner soon recovered. After this incident, Wagner initiated the building of a proper temple and provided the necessary funds. Today, Sri Ganesar Temple is a household name for almost every Malaysian Hindu.

Kuala Lumpur Tourist Information Centre

This Information Center is located in Kuala Lumpur's famous historical district. It was near here in August 1957 that the Union Jack was lowered for the last time to herald an independent Malaya. Around the Center, other interesting sights include the venerable Selangor Club, Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the National History Museum. Tourists can pick up information brochures covering information on the city and other parts of the country. Seek advice from the friendly counter staff if you are still unsure of local customs, lodging, getting around or any other traveling issue.

Safari Lagoon Rooftop Water Theme Park

Here is a place, which offers fun and excitement to parents and children alike. Safari Lagoon Rooftop Water Theme Park is the first theme park to take family entertainment to a new level. The 7th floor to be precise! The two-acre recreational park can hold 3000 fun-seekers at any one time and is designed to allow easy access to each attraction. There is a deli for those who need some refreshments and the park is further complemented with animal sculptures and verdant terrain.

Muzium Negara Malaysia

The National Museum is a palatial structure adopting the style of old Malay architecture. Its imposing entrance is flanked by murals depicting aspects of Malaysian culture and history. Inside there are exhibits on local history, culture and traditions, arts and crafts, economic activities, currency, weapons and local flora and fauna. Outside, old locomotives, vintage cars and other relics of transport from days gone by can be found. Reconstructed Malay palaces from other parts of the country also grace the expansive grounds.

Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square)

The Dataran Merdeka, or Merdeka Sqaure was once a focal point— and cricket pitch—for the British colonial presence in Malaysia. The structures bordering the Dataran Merdeka resemble the physical environment of the colonists' native land. Situated on one corner of the square is the Selangor Club, replicating the Tudors of merry old England. It was at this square in 1957 that the Union Jack was lowered and the Malayan flag hoisted, signaling Malaysia's independence as a nation. A 95-meter flagpole, one of the tallest in the world, marks the spot.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Visitors will love this distinctive landmark in KL, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Moorish in design, this building, completed in 1897, was formerly the seat of the British colonial government. Perhaps the most photographed building in the city, it features a 40-meter clock tower affectionately dubbed "Big Ben", topped with a golden dome and flanked on both sides by two domed towers. During state occasions, colored lights twinkle in the arches, making it look like a scene from an Arabian Nights' tale.

Butterfly Park

Just a stone's throw from the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is the enchanting Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Farm, which contains more than 6,000 butterflies from 120 exotic species. 15,000 plants are also used to create this tropical rain forest within the city. Contributing to Butterfly Park's beautiful landscape is a uniquely designed hydro-pond built with a limestone path right in the center. A gazebo surrounds this hydro-pond with a breathtaking view. There is also a souvenir shop near the exit selling local handicrafts and framed butterflies and beetles. Admission: Free

Kuala Lumpur Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur)

Built in 1995, this statuesque tower that reaches an imposing height of 421 meters is currently the fifth tallest in the world. One of the distinctive architectural features of Menara Kuala Lumpur is a dome-shaped arch at every doorway on the upper ground floor, decorated with glass pieces that illuminate like giant diamonds. Visitors can enjoy a bird's eye view of the city from either the height of the observation deck or from the revolving restaurant. Check website for full details.

Petronas Twin Towers

At a dizzying height of nearly 1500 feet, the Petronas Twin Towers, a pair of 88-story buildings, are the world's tallest twin towers. Apart from offices, these awesome towers also house a state-of-the-art concert hall—the Petronas Philharmonic Hall, home of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra—as well as shopping arcades, restaurants, and a science museum. The designs on the towers are based on geometric patterns common in Islamic architecture. Special features of the towers include the double-deck sky-bridge between the 41st and 42nd floors and double-decker elevators. Admission is free, however tickets are limited and issued daily on a first-come-first-served basis.

National Mosque (Masjid Negara)

Built in 1965, the national mosque is Malaysia's principal mosque and one of the most prominent buildings in the city. The MYR10 million structure stands diagonally opposite the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station in a five-hectare landscaped garden. Reputed as one of the more beautiful mosques in Southeast Asia, its modern design embodies a contemporary expression of traditional Islamic art, calligraphy and ornamentation. The minaret stands 73 meters tall and the bright blue, umbrella-like rooftop is an 18-pointed star. Visitors are welcome but must be respectably dressed.