Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur (KL), officially the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, is the capital city and a federal territory of Malaysia.
It is the most populous city in the country, covering an area of 243 km2 (94 sq mi) with a population of 2,111,536 as of 2026. Greater Kuala Lumpur, which itself includes the Klang Valley, is an urban agglomeration of 8.81 million people as of 2024. It is among the fastest growing metropolitan regions in Southeast Asia, in terms of both population and economic development.
Getting to Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia's transportation systems function well, by regional standards. Planes, trains, buses, and taxis are linked in a system conceived and constructed by, if not an order-loving person, at least a dedicated amateur. The planners' aims are an ultra-modern, chic, European-style system that are a far cry from the city's humble barrio beginnings.
- 01Kuala Lumpur International Airport
The primary airport serving Kuala Lumpur, 50 km south of Kuala Lumpur in the Sepang district of Selangor.
- 02Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport
More commonly referred to as Subang Airport, this was the city's main airport until KLIA opened.
- 03KL Sentral
- 04Pudu Sentral
Worth seeing
When people think of Kuala Lumpur the first thing that comes to mind is probably the Petronas Towers, which is in the Golden Triangle. Whilst they most certainly are an architectural delight (particularly at night), there is much more to be discovered in Kuala Lumpur.
Things to do
Kuala Lumpur is well known for its wide range of shopping and eating options, which are adequately covered in the Eat and Buy sections of this article and listings within the district articles. Skyscraper Gazing is the obvious option, with glass and steel abound and excellent views available from the Petronas Towers or the KL Tower (Menara KL) viewing decks, both located in the Golden Triangle.
Where to eat
Malaysian food is amazing, making Kuala Lumpur an excellent place to eat as it hosts cuisine from all around the country and beyond. Most restaurants close by 10PM, but in the city centre, there are always a few 24-hr kedai mamak (curry houses) or fast food places if you get stuck.
Getting around Kuala Lumpur the local way
- Get inThe service stretches from Johor Bahru at the border with Singapore up to Butterworth in Penang (with a ferry connection to George Town) or Padang Besar at the border with Thailand.
- Get inFerries operate international services from Sumatra, Indonesia and a domestic service to Pulau Ketam.
- Get inCruise ships also call at Port Klang, usually on the way to other destinations in Asia, allowing for a day trip to Kuala Lumpur.
- Go nextPulau Ketam (Crab Island) - at the mouth of the River Klang and its Chinese fishing villages make for an interesting day trip.
- Go nextBird-watching, jungle trekking and other outdoor activities are also available.
- Go nextScuba diving, snorkelling, Kayaking and jungle trekking are just some of the many activities to do in Langkawi.
- Go nextTaman Negara - The largest National Park on Peninsular Malaysia with plenty of activities for those wanting to connect with nature include bird watching, cave exploring, Jungle trekking and night safaris.
From Wikivoyage: Kuala Lumpur, CC BY-SA. Not yet checked by us. Last edited 2026-09.
Text adapted from Wikipedia and Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photograph: Will Simmonds from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, China (CC BY 2.0), Wikimedia Commons.
