Insider’s guide to Kuala Lumpur.

Away from the skyscrapers and shopping malls of Kuala Lumpur, expats Lauren and Vaughan McShane share some of the vibrant city’s lessor known gems.

Nestled in the heart of South East Asia, Malaysia is fast becoming a top destination for divers, shoppers and heritage seekers. With a cultural core consisting of Malays, Indians and Chinese, this is a country you can never quite put your finger on. In Kuala Lumpur alone, you’ll find an intriguing contrast of modern skyscrapers alongside pre-war structures, holy places and old architecture all telling the tale of a rich past. Most visitors don’t make it past the Petronas Twin Towers and the golden triangle of shopping malls, but there is a lot more on offer for the discerning traveller if you’re willing to explore.

Thanks to Royal Selangor’s worldwide production of hand-crafted pewter products, Malaysia is world-renowned for its pewter and offers all assortments of tableware, wine accessories, gift items, tea sets and more. Visit the School of Hard Knocks at Royal Selangor Visitor’s Centre to make your own pewter plate or bowl using traditional pewter crafting tools.

Visit Studio at KL and explore just how far your hidden artistic flair may take you with a blank canvas and paint. This is a fun, relaxed environment where you can paint with friends to the sounds of music and also receive some advice from the experts. Use all the paint you want and go wild, you never know what might develop on your canvas.

Amidst the towers and KL’s most luxurious hotels, lies the small green lung of the city; KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) Park. This park boasts over 1900 indigenous trees and over 66 palm species. It offers a quiet green haven where walkers and joggers can enjoy the rubberized footpaths and jogging track, children can splash in the kid’s pool and people can picnic beside the fountains and lake.

Catch a glimpse of Malaysia’s burgeoning street art scene by walking along Jalan Raya Chulan to see the country’s largest street art mural ‘Brave’ by artist Akid_One. Just around the corner outside the Putra LRT station you’ll see a 3D Interactive art mural inviting the community to get involved in the piece and sit on its seats. The dynamic canvas of street murals down beside the Klang River can be seen from Pasar Seni Station. Street Artists keep it fresh by painting over each other’s work every so often, so snap a few shots while you are there as the art probably won’t be around very long.

Whilst tourists arrive at the Batu caves in their droves, you’ll find absolute serenity on the opposite side of the mountain at Gua Damai Extreme Park. Kids, beginners and expert rock climbers can scale the walls of this mountain with shoes, ropes and all safety equipment provided. Abseil down from a small cave or climb up as far as your arms will allow. Either way you’ll get a great workout and feel it all through the next day.

Looking out over the Seminyak Dam, you can almost be forgiven for imagining that you’ve crossed over into a pristine alpine region. Local fishermen cast their lines into the glassy dam and seasoned cyclists make their way along the winding roads – far away from the city’s traffic and smog. Cycling the overpass to get here should be left to advanced cyclists and even then you should accompany a group who knows this mountain as the bends can be quite treacherous. Those looking for a leisurely morning cycle can simply drive over with their bicycles and cycle alongside the dam. Head out early (before 8am) to escape the heat.

Zip lining through a rainforest is an activity the whole family can enjoy. Kids can choose the beginner routes whilst the adventurous can take it up a notch to intermediate or even the advanced routes. It’s a great chance to get active in a new environment and give your adrenalin a spike.

For the early birds and those wishing to feel somewhat cooler in KL’s humidity, drive out to Broga Hill in Seminyah, Selangor. It will take you about an hour to get there and once you do another 40 minute walk to reach the top. Walk up (with torches and good shoes) to arrive at the top of Broga Hill by 6:30am and enjoy watching the sun wash over the city and the lush, green hills that surround you.

• Espresso seekers: Coffee Société, Journal by Plan B, Artisan Roast Coffee, Coffee Stain.
• Trendy and light: Journal by Plan B, Antipodean, Konscious Café.
• Restaurants and bars with a view: Sky Bar at the Traders Hotel, Heli Lounge Bar at Menara KH, View Rooftop Bar at the GTower Hotel, Atmosphere 360°, Marini’s on 57 and THIRTY8 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

Getting Around

Further Information