Alternative Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur

For many travelers, Kuala Lumpur is the first destination of their trip, arrived at after a long-haul flight. Alternatively, it may be the last place they go before embarking on a long journey home. If you find yourself in Kuala Lumpur yet again with jet lag and time to kill; here are some alternative things to do.

Visit the Neighborhoods

In Kuala Lumpur, you will find a Chinatown (Jalan Petaling and surrounding area), a Little India (Brickfields) and an Arab Street (Jalan Berangan). Arab Street is a recent arrival, a vision of the KL government to encourage tourists from the Middle East, but the other two neighborhoods have been here for a long time. All of these neighborhoods are best visited in the evening when it’s not as hot, and you can combine a wander around the historic attractions, shops and bars with an evening meal.

Do Your Own Food Tour

A perfect way to see new places and eat new foods in Kuala Lumpur is to design your own food tour. Just choose four or five different places, work out how to get from A to B using KL’s extensive rail networks and have a small bite to eat in each. Here are a few ideas to get you started: go to Jalan Sultan’s Restoran Han Kee Bak Kut Teh for Bah Kut Teh to die for; eat satay outdoors at the humble Fat Brother’s Satay stall on Jalan Alor; visit Shah Alam for Nasi Lemak at Warung Nasi Lemak Pak Ayob at any time of day; and eat the Malaysian staple of Hokkien Mee at the historic Kim Lian Lee on Jalan Petaling.

Pamper Yourself

Whether you’re at the end of a long trip, just about to embark on a new adventure or are somewhere in the middle, Kuala Lumpur is a great city in which to indulge yourself in a bit of an image overhaul. Number76 in Bangsar is known for creating super-trendy, quirky styles; Hairplay in Publika is expensive but super luxurious; A Cut Above is a cheaper but a no less impressive salon located in Bangasar Shopping Centre. For men, get a haircut and shave at an old-school roadside barber on a back alley off Jalan Sultan, close to Chatime. Once you’ve got your hair looking right, head to one of Kuala Lumpur’s spas and give the rest of your body a pamper. Donna Spa in Starhill Gallery, Bukit Bintang, Erawan Wellness on Jalan Ampang and Swasana Spa located in the Impiana KLCC Hotel are all highly recommended.