Playing Tourist in Kuala Lumpur

Text & Images by MUHAMMAD HASIF MOHD JELANI

Kuala Lumpur is not all about skyscraping towers and concrete buildings. The city is also blessed with beautiful gardens, parks or urban forests that travellers can enjoy. It also possesses treasured, wellmaintained heritage buildings that remind us of the past. And not all restaurants serve modern or Western cuisines; as a matter of fact, there are now more restaurants catering to local and varied tastes. To list everything is simply impossible. However, we hope we could give you some ideas on how you to appreciate this beloved city on your next visit.

FOR FOODIES

Malaya Garden

Some of the dishes served at Malaya Garden.

www.facebook.com/malayagarden

This tropical-rainforest-themed café serves Eastern and Western cuisines with a twist of local ingredients and traditional dishes. Must try: Nasi Lemak Malaya and Smoked Salmon Roti Telur Benedict.

Tugu View Café

The famous fish head curry that should be savoured at Tugu View Cafe.

Popular during lunch, this café lying just next to Taman Tugu and Tugu Negara is a must-visit to taste kari kepala ikan (fish head curry), said to be one of the best in town.

D’Tebing Foodcourt

Located near the iconic Dataran Merdeka, D’Tebing Foodcourt is an ideal option to visit for a satisfying local or western lunch or dinner. Must try: Nasi Ayam and Kopi Gantung.

LaPark

The entrance of LaPark.

www.facebook.com/laparkfoodtrucks

There are almost 30 food trucks at this place in Jalan Conlay serving all kinds of foods and drinks! Must try: Nasi Kerabu Daging Bakar, Ayam Gunting Cheese and Cheesy on Fire Toast.

Ruma Puteh

One of the Instagramworthy spaces within Ruma Puteh.

www.facebook.com/rumaputehcafe

This is a good place to take Instagram-worthy shots and hang out with family and friends. Must try: Nasi Rewang and Kacang Phool.

Kampung Baru

To locals, Kampung Baru needs no introduction. It is a popular destination to savour local and Thai-inspired dishes, making it often packed during dinner. Must try: Nasi Lemak Wanjo and Suraya Seafood.

FOR HISTORY & CULTURAL AFFICIONADOS

Rumah Degil

Originally located at No.41, Jalan Chow Kit, the name Rumah Degil (Stubborn House) refers to its status as the last standing traditional Malay house in Chow Kit that seems to defy the surrounding development. Belonged to Haji Jaafar Sutan Sinombar, the house is now located on the grounds of the National Art Gallery.

Rumah Abdullah Hukum

Abdullah Hukum is a familiar name when it comes to the development of Kuala Lumpur circa 1880’s. Travellers can visit this house, which has now relocated next to Masjid Jamek Abdullah Hukum on top of a storeyed carpark that is now stands on the house’s original ground. It lies.

Little India

Little India is where travellers can find beautiful and affordable saree.

Spanning from Jalan Travers to Jalan Tun Sambanthan, this area is where travellers can find everything related to the Indian community in Malaysia, from sarees and flower garlands to spices and delectable Indian delicacies like laddu, chutney and rose masala tea!

FOR NATURE LOVERS

Taman Tugu

https://tamantugu.my

This urban forest park with over six kilometres of jungle trails is suitable for families to trek as it is equipped with convenient facilities including parking space, toilets and helpful signboards along the way.

KL Bird Park

Travellers are allowed to feed the birds with designated food at KL Bird Park.

www.klbirdpark.com

Home to around 3,000 birds from 200 species spread across four zones and standing upon 20.9 acres of land, KL Bird Park is the world’s largest free-flight walk-in aviary. Suitable for all ages, the park is also wheelchair-friendly.

Perdana Botanical Garden

www.klbotanicalgarden.gov.my

Within this garden, there is so much to explore: Orchid Garden, Hibiscus Garden, Sunken Garden, Cycad Island, Deer Park, Herbarium, Brownea Street and more! Anthophiles and outdoor enthusiasts should never miss the chance to admire the exotic collections of plants available here.

Taman Tasik Titiwangsa

Another favourite park for locals to jog, have picnic and cycling, this park is educational too. One of the main highlights is the Titiwangsa Range Canopy Bridge where certain unique tropical trees found around the Titiwangsa Range are cultivated here.

KL Butterfly Park

www.klbutterflypark.com

How does it feel to be surrounded by five thousand living butterflies? That Barbie-kind-of-experience is hard to find except in this 80,000-foot-squared area! There are many species you can find with different sizes, colours and patterns, including the iconic Rajah Brooke’s birdwing.

FOR ADRENALINE JUNKIE & INSTAGRAM ROYALTY

Hauntu

https://ihauntu.com

We wouldn’t call it a haunted house because it functions more like a theatrical game where travellers are part of the casts, only without scripts, since they need to solve mysteries and puzzles to get to the ending based on the choices made and actions taken. This experience is surely thrilling, chilling and exciting!

Berjaya Times Square Theme Park

https://berjayatimessquarethemeparkkl.com

This is Malaysia’s largest indoor theme park and it opens daily! There are a many games and rides that leave you awe-struck and excited at the same time such as Supersonic Odyssey, Spinning Orbit and Ooort’s Express.

Illusion 3D Art Museum

Travellers striking their pose at the interactive Illusion 3D Art Museum.

https://illusion3dart.com

Located inside the Central Market, this museum displays three-dimensional paintings with easy guidelines for photo-op ideas. Besides paintings, travellers are bound to be in awe of the museum’s 3D WondAR Augmented Reality and Glow in the Dark sections!

Street Art

The Umbrella Walk is a popular street art in Kuala Lumpur.

Walk around the city and hunt for the giant stunning murals, which are often easy to spot. Among the places that travellers should explore are Jalan Alor, Jalan Gereja, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Tan Siew Sin and Umbrella Walk.

Kwai Chai Hong

One of the giant murals that reminisces the old Kwai Chai Hong.

https://www.kwaichaihong.com

This alley was once filled with dark stories of gambling, gangsterism, drunkards and drug addicts. But now, after a major facelift, it has become an celebrated landmark in Petaling Street’s Chinatown! Travellers can discover the interactive murals and hipster cafes that turn the place as one of the trendy spots in the city to hang out with family and friends!