The Coolest Neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur may be best known for its amazing central city, but a cluster of neighborhoods that cater to a variety of tastes and lifestyles add to its variety. Here are some of the most interesting neighborhoods in KL for you to explore.
Bukit Bintang
Bukit Bintang
The main retail center of the city, Bukit Bintang is popular as a site of retail therapy, with many international franchises and high-end luxury brands. From food to fashion, spend a fun evening window shopping among some of the most world-famous clothing stores, and tuck into cheap and tasty food in the same area. In KL’s Golden Triangle, the malls are close together, so grab a cool bubble tea or two on the go.
Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Bukit Bintang | (c) Phalinn Ooi / Flickr
Changkat
Don’t turn in for the night just yet! Changkat Street is the ultimate place to get down and booze up. Catering to party people and pub-faithfuls, this street has everything you’d want in a good time on a night out. Malaysians love their nightlife – whether it’s partying their heart out or catching up over a nice simple cup of teh tarik – and be ready for a gastronomical trip, as a no outing is complete without food. Each bar and pub has their own specialty, from the local fusion meals to traditional English treats. The Whisky Bar especially is highly rated for its expansive collection of liquor and helpful guides in tastings for connoisseur tryouts alongside its pairing menu of seafood and steaks. If a more local taste is desired, head over to Opium KL for oriental fusion delights on their food and beverage menus. Don’t worry, opium is only in its name!
The Whiskey Bar KL, 46 Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL, Malaysia. T: +60 3-2143 2268
Opium KL, 50 Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL, Malaysia. T: +60 3-2142 5670
Brickfields
This predominantly Indian neighborhood features bright displays of cloth, jewelry and spices. While Malaysia’s Indian community are spread out all over the country, Brickfields functions as a Little India of sorts, and is the main area to go for all things Indian. Dine on authentic Indian foods and desserts to your heart’s content (recommend) and don’t be shy to go into the many stores for a curious look at the many cheap goods. Head over to Legend’s Claypot Briyani House, where the traditional Indian rice is cooked using an oriental method, via the clay pot for a true Malaysian multicultural feel; or Moorthy’s Corner for great banana leaf rice.
Legend’s Claypot Briyani House, 50 Ground Floor, Jalan Vivekananda, Brickfields, KL, Malaysia. T: +60 3-2272 4149
Moorthy’s Corner, 144A Jalan Vivekananda, KL, Malaysia. T: +60 12-288 0940
Pasar Seni
Market
Pasar Seni
This neighborhood is the proud cultural hub of the city. Pasar Seni is where a traditional Malaysia can be seen, with many old-time shops selling local produce from the many different cultures residing in Malaysia. Head to Petaling Street for some of the most exciting open market experiences full of Chinese street treats and other affordable specialty shops containing hidden treasures. Pasar Seni is also the junction for food roads, branching out from the historical alleys of Jalan Pudu to the very popular Jalan Alor.
Pasar Seni Central Market, KL City Center, KL, Malaysia.
Central Market | (c) Nguyen Hung Vu / Flickr
Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC)
Park
Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC)
KLCC is the business hub of the country, hosting many international offices and shops. The neighborhood of the Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC hosts some of the best state-of-the-art facilities that celebrate Malaysia through art galleries, science museums and a philharmonic hall. The number one tourist destination for pictures and hanging out, the KLCC Park and Convention Center are just some of the many areas to chill and take a scenic walk around. And if a little shopping needs to be done, the twin towers are surrounded by many international retail outlets catering to middle- to high-end budgets.
Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC, KL, Malaysia. T: +603 2331 8080
KLCC | (c) Kurtis Garbutt / Flickr
Bangsar
Bangsar
An affluent suburb, Bangsar has one of the largest clusters of hipster cafes in the region. This cosmopolitan area is the place to go for the modern art, boutiques and artisan places for the urban dweller. Catering to niche tastes, Bangsar is a great hideout for regulars and a haven for cafe hoppers looking for the new next best thing. The charm of the area is its more local feel, as foreign tourists aren’t the main target market. Even so, the basic cafe foods made to local tastes are sure worth a visit, and the innovation of some of these cafe-cum-bistros are fun to check out. KGB Bangsar is popular for the burger hype, offering spins on the classic burger with additions of pineapple and truffles; while La Cucina offers delightful renditions of Mediterranean cuisine.
KGB Bangsar, 23 Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru, KL, Malaysia. T: +60 3-2201 1220
La Cucina, Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar, No 1 Jalan Pantai Jaya Tower 3, Taman Bukit Pantai, KL, Malaysia. T: +60 3-2298 1888
Bangsar Village Mall | (c) Phalinn Ooi / Flickr
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.