Here’s What Expats Should Do in Kuala Lumpur
The capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, consists of historical landmarks, iconic skyscrapers, picturesque greenery, and delicious food. Kuala Lumpur is well known for its multicultural community, primarily composed of Malay, Chinese, and Indian residents. As a result, numerous vibrant festivities occur throughout the year, and Malaysians love to celebrate together. If you’re an expat, digital nomad, or a global citizen living in this city, here are the five ultimate things to do in Kuala Lumpur for expats.
1. Visit the tallest skyscraper in Malaysia
The Petronas Twin Towers are one of the tallest towers in the world. It was reputed as the world’s tallest buildings when it was built in 1998. Similarly, it was also the first tallest building since 1908 outside of the United States. Cesar Pilli and Associates designed this 88-story building. It stands tall at 1438 feet, and a double-decker Sky Bridge connects both the towers at 41st and 42nd floors. The Islamic-inspired architecture of the twin towers primarily houses corporate headquarters and other offices.
Tourists flock here not only to take pictures but to enjoy the high-end shopping mall at the base of the towers. Known as the Suria KLCC, it offers more than an upmarket shopping experience. At night, the entire tower comes to life with bright lights, and tourists get to enjoy the KLCC Lake Symphony Water Fountain Light and Sound show.
2. Standing history
In Kuala Lumpur, you will come across a unique building with a rich history. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is a Moorish-style building erected in 1897. It is named after the reigning sultan of Selangor at that time, Sultan Abdul Samad. It lies east of Merdeka Square (the spot where Malaysia celebrated its independence), and the Royal Selangor Club.
The secretariat primarily used this building for the British colonial administration. Then, it housed the superior courts of Malaysia, which are the Federal Court of Malaysia, the High Court of Malaya, and the Court of Appeals. These courts are now in Putrajaya. Currently, this historic building is home to the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture of Malaysia.
3. Food Galore
Another fantastic thing about Kuala Lumpur is the eclectic food that it offers. There are a variety of delicacies that’s sure to tantalize your tastebuds. You can spend your entire day eating delicious Malaysian food. in Kuala Lumpur, you’re bound to find hawker stalls open as late as 10 pm, some even open till late.
Jalan Alor in Kuala Lumpur is a famous road for food. Although digital nomads can find food anywhere in the city, tourists come here for the atmosphere. The bustling street is filled with hawker stalls and seafood restaurants. It is also one of the cheapest places to enjoy some delicious grub.
4. A Walk in the Park
At the heart of the country’s metropolis is Perdana Botanical Garden. This garden contains the most extensive collection of flower gardens and animal parks, all situated in Kuala Lumpur’s city center. You may find some locals calling it the Lake Gardens, and it is also a recreational park.
There are plenty of activities for everyone in this heritage park, from visiting the Orchid Garden, Bird Park, learning about the country’s national flower at Hibiscus garden, to visiting the National Monument and the National Planetarium. Expats can take a whole day enjoying this park.
5. Religious Hotspot
One of the most prominent tourist destinations, Batu Caves is a limestone hill home to the Hindu gods. It has three significant caves with smaller ones. The Cathedral Cave is the most popular one in Batu Caves. Devotees and tourists would have to climb 272 steps to get to the top. During Thaipusam ( an annual Hindu festival), Batu Caves is majorly crowded, with thousands of locals making their pilgrimage. It is a unique experience for travelers, as you will see locals fulfilling their vows to Lord Muruga in unique ways.
Are you packing your bags?
Living in Kuala Lumpur a vibrant multicultural city offering many sight-seeing opportunities for expats. But it is essential to do thorough research about a city and country before planning your travel itinerary. One of the most important things to do as a world traveler is to get health insurance. Expat Financial recommends digital nomads to get international health insurance when traveling. It will save you all the hassle when there’s a medical emergency.
