[ad_1] Kuala Lumpur is one of those cities that are so easy to underestimate. Earlier this year, our team was able to set foot in the Malaysian capital twice. But because of time constraints, we left craving more of the city. Even after each trip, we couldn’t shake off images of unticked boxes in our heads. So when Tourism Malaysia and Cebu Pacific invited us to tour the city one more time, we didn’t hesitate to grab the chance! As a bustling global city, KL is bursting with both traditional and modern attractions to offer to tourists. Aside from the iconic skyscrapers, the city also has a number of urban parks, vibrant street art spaces, and temples. For the shopaholics, several small markets, big malls, and outlet centers provide discounted items and the latest brands. Hungry? Many restaurants boast an international menu, while night markets are lined with stalls serving authentic Malaysian dishes. You can also use Kuala Lumpur as a base for day trips to nearby destinations such as Putrajaya and Melaka! If you’re KL-bound soon, here are some of the best things to do and places to visit in and around Kuala Lumpur. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE? Petronas Twin Towers They say you haven’t been to Kuala Lumpur if you haven’t stood in the shadows of the Petronas Twin Towers (also known as KLCC Twin Towers), Malaysia’s most iconic structures. Completed in 1996 but officially opened to the public in 1999, the towers have become the city’s most recognizable attraction. With 88 stories and at a height of almost 452 meters, it currently holds the title of being the world’s tallest twin structure. Emphasis on twin because it held the record for the tallest building in the world only until 2004. It was also the tallest in Malaysia until 2021 when Merdeka 118 was officially inaugurated. The best time to visit the towers is at night when they light up the night sky. The Sky Bridge connects Towers 1 and 2 on the 41st and 42nd floors. If you just want to admire the towers for free, you can view them from the outside. You can see the towers from almost anywhere within the city, but the best are from the nearby fountain/park and from the Saloma Bridge. If you wish to go to the observation deck, which affords an unparalleled panoramic view of the city, you need to go early to get tickets or book them online because they sell out fast. Location: Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaVisiting Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last admission is at 5:30 PM); Monday, CLOSED. The schedule might change, so check the official website first before going.Entrance Fee: Adult, RM 80; Senior, RM 42; Children (3-12 y/o), RM 33; Infant, FREETicket Booth: Concourse Level, Petronas Twin Tower, Lower Ground, Kuala Lumpur City CentreNearest Station: KLCC Station Saloma Link The Saloma Link Bridge is just a five-minute walk northwest of the Petronas Towers. Spanning almost 70 meters and connecting KLCC and Kampung Baru, this bridge crosses Klang River and Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway. One of the city’s newest attractions, the bridge was inaugurated in February 2020, just before the pandemic forced international borders to close. Designed by VERITAS Design Group, the architectural structure is inspired by the betel nut leaf, which is part of the Malay wedding custom. Expect bigger crowds at night when the bridge is dressed in colorful illuminations, a worthy companion to the Petronas Towers that stand proud in the background. The kaleidoscopic display and the view of the KL skyline mesmerize locals and tourists alike. It services both pedestrians and cyclists — with ramps on either side and an elevator on the Kampung Baru side. It was named after Malaysian-Singaporean singer Saloma, whose remains were laid to rest at the nearby Jalan Ampang Muslim Cemetery. Location: Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaNearest Station: Kampung Baru LRT Station or KLCC LRT Station KL Tower Menara Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur Tower), popularly called KL Tower, is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Shooting up from the ground at the height of 421 meters (including the antenna), this skyscraper is currently the world’s seventh tallest telecommunications tower. The most prominent features are a viewpoint called Sky Deck and and an observation deck called Kuala Lumpur Skyline View @ 276m. Other attractions include Sky Box, Jelutong Tree, Tower Facade Lightings (Illumination), Upside Down House, Sky Café, and a revolving restaurant with a view called Atmosphere 360. The tower also serves as an Islamic lunar observatory. It was officially opened to the public in 1996 and is still recognized as the city’s highest public viewpoint. Location: 2 Jalan Punchak, Off Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaOpening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM. The schedule might change, so check the updated opening hours first before going.Entrance Fee: Adult, RM 60; Children (4-12 y/o), RM 40 (Observation Deck) / Adult, RM 110; Children (4-12 y/o), RM 65 (Sky Deck + Sky Box)Nearest Station: Bukit Nanas Monorail Station or Dang Wangi LRT Station (From there, walk for about 10 minutes following the signage.) Thean Hou Temple One of the largest temples in Southeast Asia, the Thean Hou Temple was founded by the Chinese settlers from Hainan who dedicated it to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu. The construction was completed in 1987, but it was opened to the public in 1989. Built atop Robson Heights, it overlooks Jalan Syed Putra and offers a panoramic view of KL’s skyscrapers such as the Merdeka PNB 118 and the KL Tower. Covering more than 6,700 square meters, the temple complex’s highlight is the intricately designed six-tiered temple featuring a prayer hall with three altars, each dedicated to a deity — Guan Yin on the left, Tian Hou in the middle, and Shui Wei Sheng Niang on the right. Other features are the bright red pillars, the main gate, the ceiling art, the roofing, the garden, the incense burner, and the Guanyin