←Malaysia travel guide
Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
Twin towers, colonial quarters, and street food on every corner
ArchitectureCultureFood & DrinkShopping
Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia's capital and largest city, where the Petronas Twin Towers rise above a skyline that mingles colonial-era architecture with gleaming high-rises. Markets, temples, mosques, and shopping malls sit within walking distance of each other, reflecting the city's Chinese, Malay, and Indian communities.
Check Malaysia visa requirements →
Best time to visit
May to July and December to February
Region
Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Main airport
Kuala Lumpur KUL (KUL)
Discover
Top Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur
City
Petronas Twin Towers
Once the tallest buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers still define the Kuala Lumpur skyline at 452 metres. A double-decker skybridge and an observation deck near the top give sweeping views, and timed tickets are best booked online ahead of busy weekends.
Culture
Batu Caves
A 272-step rainbow staircase climbs to a series of limestone caverns sheltering Hindu shrines just north of Kuala Lumpur. The towering golden statue of Lord Murugan at the base is one of Malaysia's most photographed sights, and entry to the main cave is free.
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Kuala Lumpur
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Malaysia. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Malaysia.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Kuala Lumpur
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Malaysia
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Malaysia page at Yoogo.
Malaysia's currency is the Malaysian ringgit (MYR). Cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and shopping malls, though smaller hawker stalls and markets generally operate on a cash-only basis, so it is worth keeping some ringgit on hand.
Malaysia is generally considered one of the safer destinations in Southeast Asia, and the US State Department maintains a Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) advisory for most of the country. Petty theft and snatch theft can occur in busy urban areas, so keeping bags in front and being alert around ATMs is sensible practice.
Kuala Lumpur has an extensive rail network including the MRT and LRT lines, and the Grab ride-hailing app is a convenient and widely used option throughout the country. Inter-city travel is served by buses, trains via KTM, and domestic flights, which are the most practical way to reach Sabah, Sarawak, and island destinations.
Malaysia is a year-round destination, though the timing depends on your destination: the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi, is driest from November to April, while the east coast and Borneo are best visited from March to October. The country experiences both the southwest and northeast monsoons at different times of year, bringing heavy but typically short-lived rainfall to different regions.
Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) is the national language, with Mandarin and Tamil also widely spoken among the Chinese and Indian communities respectively. English is used broadly in cities, tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, and most signage in major destinations is bilingual, making it straightforward to navigate as an English speaker.
The CDC and most travel health authorities recommend being up to date on routine vaccinations and also advise considering hepatitis A and typhoid, both of which can be contracted through contaminated food or water. Japanese encephalitis and rabies vaccinations may be recommended for longer stays or travel to rural or forested areas, particularly in Borneo; consult a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks before departure.
Tipping is not a local custom and is not expected in Malaysia. Many restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge to the bill, and in establishments that do not, rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated but entirely optional.