I love Kuala Lumpur for its unique culture and tradition. The city balances both the modern and traditional and that makes me appreciate living here even more.
Almost everyone here speaks good English which makes it easy to communicate with the locals. I love the cleanliness of the city, despite the modern infrastructure throughout the city area. Most of the buildings in the city are modern, with trees and flowers planted along the streets. If I want to eat at 3 in the morning, there are restaurants and hawkers available to serve my empty stomach. In terms of places to stay, Kuala Lumpur offers countless hotels, luxurious residences and guest houses. Every traveller is sure to find the perfect place to stay.
Kuala Lumpur is a convenient and accessible city even for first-time visitors. You can walk to most key landmarks while others can be reached by well-connected public transportation systems like the MTR, Monorail and Rapid Bus lines.
My Favorite Place To Stay In Kuala Lumpur
Personally, Bukit Bintang is my favourite area and JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur is the hotel I stay in while I’m there. Staying at the hotel, I can easily walk to nearby shopping malls like Star Hill Gallery and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Various restaurants and local attractions are also a stone’s throw away.
Along Jalan Bukit Bintang to Jalan Sultan Ismail, colourful lights adorn the streets from shop displays, decorations and various digital signage. The area is always busy yet beautiful to look at. It’s not unusual to see street performers and crowds gathering to watch. And then there are the crowds of people busily going about their daily life to those outside a cafe relaxing after a long day.
I can also find other facilities like banks or clinics within the area. I don’t have to travel far if I need these services.
The Best Areas To Stay For
- First Timers — Jalan Raja Chulan
- For Couples — Jalan Tasik Perdana
- Families With Children — Bangsar
- Food — Jalan Alor
- Nightlife — Jalan Sultan Ismail
- Shopping — Jalan Imbi
- Low Budget — Petaling Street
- High Budget — Jalan Pinang
Jalan Raja Chulan
For first-time visitors who plan to do a lot of sightseeing, an area like Jalan Raja Chulan at Jalan Bukit Bintang is a great place to stay. The area is not too crowded like Jalan Bukit Bintang and is certainly lined with affordable and five-star hotels. It’s a 5 to 7-minute walk to KL Tower and 10 minutes walk to Bukit Nanas Eco Forest.
Transportation wise, there’s a monorail station in Jalan Raja Chulan that connects to most areas in Kuala Lumpur. Taxis and public buses are easy to get in this area too. You can walk from this area to KLCC using the 1.173km-long pedestrian bridge that connects Pavilion to Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The other way is to walk a pedestrian tunnel on the convention centre’s concourse level connecting to Suria KLCC shopping mall.
My Hotel Recommendation
If you pick Jalan Raja Chulan as your area to stay during your vacation, consider Istana Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Standing in the heart of Jalan Raja Chulan, Istana Hotel Kuala Lumpur,has easy access to Star Hill and Pavilion KL Mall. You can get everything you want here, from shopping, food and entertainment. Istana Hotel Kuala Lumpur is great for a family, solo, couple or business travellers. The hotel provides a gym, sauna, swimming pool and a great buffet breakfast every morning.
Istana Hotel Kuala Lumpur is within walking distance of KLCC via the link bridge. A monorail station is located opposite the street and there are bars and pubs nearby.
My Area Ratings
Nearby Attractions
- Bukit Nanas Eco Forest Park – Located within the hotel area, this park has nature trails and a forest canopy walkway with beautiful scenery of the city’s skyscrapers.
- KL – Tower – Watch the most stunning view of the city from the deck or stand on one of the glass floors for an exhilarating experience. If you’re coming with kids, stop by the petting zoo near the tower.
- Petronas Twin Tower (KLCC) – An impressive 451.9 meters tall twin tower. The tower was designed by Argentine-American skyscraper expert César Pelli, an architect who also designed New York City’s World Financial Center.
- Bukit Bintang– The heart of Kuala Lumpur – a great place for shopping, food and entertainment.
- Central Market– Watch cultural performances every Saturday and Sunday. A place to learn batik printing, shop local handmade souvenirs like wau bulan (moon kite), sarongs, songket and rattan products.
Jalan Tasik Perdana
Kuala Lumpur has more romantic places to stay than you can shake a stick at. Sure, Kuala Lumpur may not be known as aromantic city like Paris, but the city has a great deal of things to help passionate couples or newlyweds set the mood. Kuala Lumpur’s glamorous skyline and the numbers of romantic fine-dining restaurants can help you celebrate your love. Jalan Tasik Perdana (Lake Gardens) is the ideal location for couples to stay.
It is near Sentral Station with its train links to Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Kuala Lumpur Sentral business vicinity. Petronas Twin Towers and Bukit Bintang are just ten minutes away by car.
My Hotel Recommendation
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
The Majestic Hotel is one of the swankiest hotels in Kuala Lumpur and is a rare combination of heritage and glamour. The hotel was built in 1932 with colonial architecture and is a romantic hotel for honeymooners. Locals often celebrate their wedding ceremony and anniversaries at this hotel. I’ve been to this hotel twice and I love it so much! The rooms are spacious with luxurious interiors.
The ‘Romantic Romance’ package from The Majestic Hotel offers a nice setting for couples and newlyweds.
The hotel provides a daily coach service for all guests who wish to visit Mid Valley Mall and Star Hill.
My Area Ratings
Nearby Attractions
- Lake Garden and Perdana Botanical Park – Peaceful and serene Perdana Botanical Park which is spread out within three walking trails. There are also hibiscuses, orchids and a planetarium.
- Sultan Abdul Samad Old Railway Station – Moorish architecture train station along Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin.
- National Mosque – A majestic mosque within Kuala Lumpur city centre with gardens, beautiful landscapes, pools and fountains.
- The Islamic Arts Museum – Witness a beautiful collection of Islamic arts from all over the world and displays of large porcelain from China and other parts of the world.
Bangsar
If you’re travelling with kids, an area like Bangsar is a perfect place to stay. Bangsar is situated less than 10 minutes away from the city centre. The place is accessible via public transport like the monorail and train via transportation links at KL Sentral. Bangsar has many hotels of various prices to choose from.
The area is filled with unique street markets and churches. The nearest malls are Mid Valley, The Gardens and Bangsar Shopping Centre, which offers many activities for children.
From Bangsar, you can take your kids to Butterfly Park located within the Lake Gardens area, just 10 minutes’ drive from Bangsar. If you have more time, take your kids to visit Bird Park that is located within walking distance of Butterfly Park.
My Hotel Recommendation
Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur provides a perfect location, positioning you within a 10-minute walk to Kuala Lumpur Sentral. The charming 35-storey Le Meridien is a five-star hotel with the largest free-form swimming pool in Kuala Lumpur. I love the fact that Le Meridien offers a splendid breakfast selection every morning.
Attractions like Muzium Negara are connected to the hotel via Muzium Negara Station and an air-conditioned walkway. The nearest malls are Mid Valley, Nu Sentral and Bangsar Shopping Centre.
Sunway Pyramid is a mall located outside of Kuala Lumpur, 20 minutes’ drive from Bangsar. It has a water park called Sunway Lagoon and a petting zoo.
My Area Ratings
Nearby Attractions
- Butterfly Park – Hundreds of beautiful and colourful butterflies can be seen fluttering freely under a huge canopy. There are over 130 different species of butterflies and an impressive collection of beetles and insects.
- KL Bird Park – With over 200 different species of birds, KL Bird Park is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kuala Lumpur.
- Jungle Gym and Roller Sports World at Bangsar Shopping Centre – Indoor playground for kids aged 3 to 12 years old.
- Kid’s E World Indoor Playground at The Garden – Another indoor playground for kids with slides and kids ball pool.
- National Museum – It provides an overview of the country’s history and culture. The exterior comprises elements of traditional Malay and modern architectures.
- Brickfield – If you love Indian food, Brickfield (Little India) is just steps away from the hotel.
Jalan Alor
You don’t have to be a gastronome to love Malaysian food. In Kuala Lumpur, you can choose between Malay, Chinese, Indian food and more. Although Malaysia is a Muslim country, alcohol is served in many restaurants.
But if you’re a foodie, Jalan Alor is where you should be staying. Located near Jalan Bukit Bintang, you can find a stretch of stalls selling noodles, seafood, banana fritters and fresh fruits. You can even try the king of fruits—durian, sold by the locals here at Jalan Alor.
Jalan Alor is within easy walking distance of other landmarks like KLCC and Pavilion KL.
Generally catering to a local crowd, food here is affordable, and it’s more of an open-air eateries concept.
If you are planning to stay near Jalan Alor, there’s a great number of hotels to accommodate your travel needs.
My Hotel Recommendation
Jalan Alor is the food street of Kuala Lumpur. Staying in the area gives you the opportunity to try every food available at the night market. The best hotel to stay at in Jalan Alor is Furama Hotel. Centrally situated in Kuala Lumpur’s energetic Bukit Bintang, Furama Hotel is close to Jalan Alor. You can barely hear the noise from the hustle and bustle of Jalan Alor even though its location is in a busy area.
Conveniently located near the shopping hubs, with Imbi Station a few minutes’ walk away, Furama Hotel Bukit Bintang is a mid-range hotel perfect for families, couples and solo travellers. The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is located less than a mile from the hotel.
My Area Ratings
Nearby Attractions
- The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple – One of the oldest and intricately designed temple of South India, a Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur.
- Sungei Wang Plaza – Shop your street fashion brands or get a foot massage within the facilities inside the mall.
Jalan Sultan Ismail
Nightlife experiences in Kuala Lumpur are ample as the city is brimming with clubs along the streets in the city and chic swanky cafes on the rooftops of five-star hotels. At night the city comes alive with nightclubs offering lively and glitzy ambience, with talented DJs spinning modern and hip tunes. There are lots of options in terms of nightlife, it’s just a matter of what you’re looking for.
For great club-hopping, stay in Jalan Sultan Ismail area. Here, you’ll find a mix of everything from lounges, speakeasies, nightclubs with cocktail bars and lively pubs with DJs spinning groovy tunes, from hip-hop, house to electronic music to keep you entertained. So grab a cocktail or two, and have fun!
This area is always packed with clubbers and a party that won’t end until 4 in the morning.
My Hotel Recommendation
If nightlife is what you’re looking for in Kuala Lumpur, staying in this area will keep you busy. The accommodation nearest to these night entertainment hubs is Concorde Hotel which is located next to Hard Rock Cafe. Other than nightlife entertainment, the Concorde Hotel is just stroll away from KL Tower and KLCC. Another famous street for nightlife entertainment known as Lorong P.Ramlee is located just a 5-minute drive from this hotel. Bukit Nanas Eco Forest is just 5 minutes walk from the hotel.
There are a lot of fusion and mediterannean restaurants available in the area if you’d like to try some unique cuisine. Transportation is easy, since the Sultan Ismail monorail station is located near the hotel.
My Area Ratings
Nearby Attractions
- Hard Rock Cafe – You can enjoy live band performances whilst enjoying your dinner.
- KL Tower – Enjoy the panoramic view from the tower. It is advisable to come during the day to see a clear view of the city.
- KL Eco Forest Park – you can hike in the forest surrounded by tall buildings under a huge canopy. It’s a must-visit in Kuala Lumpur if you love hiking.
Jalan Imbi
Shopping in Kuala Lumpur is fun! There are over 600 shopping malls nationwide, so Kuala Lumpur is practically a shopping heaven. There’s something for everyone. From chic boutiques filled with local designers and international brands, upscale shopping malls to night markets, the list continues. The best place to stay if shopping is your thing is Jalan Imbi. There’s a stretch of hotels along Jalan Imbi that are near malls like Berjaya Times Square Mall. Berjaya Times Square is a mall where you can get everything you need, from fashion to electronic items to toys at very affordable prices.
Jalan Imbi is within easy walking distance of high-end malls like Star Hill and Pavilion KL. Star Hill is a luxurious mall catering to both men and women and provides high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and other more luxurious brands. Not only for shopping purposes, Star Hill is also where fine-dining restaurants and cafes with live bands are located in Kuala Lumpur. If you love gadgets, head to one of the oldest shopping malls in Bukit Bintang known as Low Yat Plaza. The mall specialises in IT and electronic products sold at bargain prices.
Packed with shopping malls left and right, Jalan Imbi is filled with hotels and luxurious apartments. If shopping is your thing, staying close to this area is a must. You don’t want to haul your shopping bags across town or get crammed into a train. Hotels near the shopping areas include Melia Hotel, which is located opposite to Berjaya Times Square Mall, Dorsett Kuala Lumpur and Park Royal, all within easy walking distance from Lot 10 and Pavilion KL.
My Hotel Recommendation
Located near Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Imbi is another busy district in Kuala Lumpur. There are many low budget and five-star hotel in this area. One of the best hotel in Jalan Imbi is Melia Hotel. Surrounded by Berjaya Times Square, Sungei Wang and Low Yat Plaza, Melia Hotel is certainly a perfect place to stay for a shopaholic! After a fun day of shopping, you can take a nice dip in a pool overlooking the city.
You can walk towards Jalan Alor to sample some local delicacies. The hotel is walking distance from MRT, LRT and monorail station.
Malls like Berjaya Times Square provides everything you need under one roof with a fair price. I could mall-hopping from one mall to another just by walking.
My Area Ratings
Nearby Attractions
- Berjaya Times Square – Indoor theme park where you can enjoy a fun day of roller coaster rides or wall climbing.
- Low Yat Plaza – Electronic and gadget mall.
- Kenanga Mall – Buy clothing, accessories or souvenirs at wholesale prices.
- Star Hill Gallery – Shop luxurious brands and enjoy fine dining options.
- Pavilion KL – With over 500 shops and restaurants to choose from, Pavilion KL is a shopaholic’s dream come true.
Petaling Street
Not all accommodations in Kuala Lumpur is a five-star hotel. If you’re travelling on a limited budget or you prefer to spend your money on shopping and sightseeing, Kuala Lumpur has tons of budget hotels to stay at. An area like Petaling Street offers an array of low budget hotels for solo and backpacker travellers.
My Hotel Recommendation
Petaling Street is Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown. The area is known for the hustle and bustle of the night market, unique antique cafes and Kuan Ti temples. There are numerous low-budget options in this area to fulfil every solo traveller or backpacker’s needs. One of the best hotels to stay at in Petaling Street is Lavana. Ideally situated in Petaling Street, the hotel provides easy access to all the interesting things in the city. Despite being in the low budget hotel category, the hotel offers a family room, Wi-Fi and 24-hour front desk assistance for all their guests. Public transport like MRT and the monorail are available in this area, connecting to most destinations in Kuala Lumpur.
My Area Ratings
Nearby Attractions
- Jamek Mosque – located within walking distance of Petaling Street. Masjid Jamek is the oldest mosque in the city, built in 1907 by a British architect. Overlooking the Klang River, Masjid Jamek offers a picturesque view that combines ancient Moorish, Mughal and Islam architecture and distant views of other Kuala Lumpur landmarks.
- Royal Selangor store at Central Market – shop pewter home-made accessories.
- Central Market – witness genuine batik prints and artwork, shop for souvenirs
- Petaling Street Night Market – Petaling Street is known as a shopping district for the locals. At night the place is filled with lively and vibrant night markets selling clothes, fresh fruits, electronic accessories and tidbits.
Jalan Pinang
If budget is not an issue, areas like Jalan Pinang are where the luxurious hotels and high-end residences are located. The hip and modern lifestyle of Kuala Lumpur is reflected in these lavish residences.
Staying in this area means you are just steps away from the iconic landmark, the Petronas Twin Towers.
If you fancy grand accommodation and staying smack dab in the middle of Kuala Lumpur’s concrete jungle, this is the right place for you. Travelling via taxi may be a bit of a hassle in this area, as at certain hours the place gets congested with traffic, but other modes of transportation like trains are easily accessible. KLCC hosts Petrosains (science museum), the philharmonic auditorium and several art galleries. KLCC Park invites locals and tourists to hang out and take in an impressive view of the Twin Towers.
My Hotel Recommendation
Grand Hyatt Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Personally, I think the best hotel to stay at in Jalan Pinang is the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. I have stayed at this hotel a few times. I love the hotel for its location, close to malls and public transport.
The hotel overlooks the symbolic Petronas Twin Towers, Aquaria, Philharmonic Hall and is a step away from Kuala Lumpur Convention Center. Grand Hyatt KL is strategically situated in the heart of the city and is within walking distance of Bukit Bintang, Jalan Alor and Bukit Nenas.
One of the poshest restaurants in Kuala Lumpur is located on the 38th floor of the hotel with a 360-degree panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur. The restaurant serves a variety of cuisine from Malay and Chinese to Western. Other amenities available at the Grand Hyatt are a swimming pool, gym and spa. The Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is the perfect place for families, business travellers and couples.
My Area Ratings
Nearby Attractions
- Petronas Twin Tower – Book a slot to the sky bridge and the observation deck to enjoy Kuala Lumpur’s scenic view.
- Aquaria KLCC – Discover oceanic life at Aquaria KLCC with your family. Home to over 150 species of marine life like stingrays, sharks and colorful corals. Aquaria KLCC is located within Petronas Twin Towers.
- Petrosains KLCC – Located within Suria KLCC, Petrosains is a science and technology museum.
- Istana Budaya – Also known as the Palace of Culture, Istana Budaya is the city’s main venue for local and foreign shows. Watch theatre, classical concerts and operetta.
Finding interesting areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur is definitely possible for most visitors. There’s no shortage of nice hotels from luxury to budget accommodations. And I personally go on staycations in the city whenever I get the chance. I hope my travel guide will help you plan your visit to Kuala Lumpur and have a fantastic time here!
What is your favorite place to stay in Kuala Lumpur? Let me know in the comments bellow!
