When people talk about Kuala Lumpur, they always talk about the Petronas Twin Towers — the two skyscrapers that emerge from the ground like a metallic rocket, ready to be launched any minute.
The also talk about the cheap and vast food selection, where a budget of $10 a day would be more than enough for a 3 course meals in the city centre.
But after that, they say there is nothing else to do in Kuala Lumpur. When it rains, they say you are out of luck as the best attractions in the city are outdoors.
Worry not. Here are some things that you could do and places you could go to if you are worried that rains would spoil your vacation. These attractions are guaranteed to keep you indoors for hours.
1. See the Islamic Arts Museum
Malaysians agree that their museums are nothing when compared to ones on the Western world. But the Islamic Arts Museum, a privately funded museum tucked in the Perdana Lake Garden is different. In fact, it is probably the best Islamic Arts museums in the region.
Here, you will see replicas of Islamic holy sites from all over the world as well as arts made by Muslims, particularly from the Asian region. We are talking about Chinese vases, Ottoman door carvings as well as Islamic arts from India here.
Better than that, there’s also an award winning Arab restaurant should you need to have lunch afterward.
2. Scale the Stairs in the Batu Caves
If the Islamic museum focuses on the impact of the Muslims on the world of arts, the hundred year old limestone complex of Batu Caves focuses on Hindu gods. It is not only important here, but is also considered one of the most important Hindu shrines outside India.
Here, you will see a spark contrast of the two religions. If the Islamic museum is void of idols and depiction of figures, the Hindu temples here is full of idols depicting the Hindu gods in mesmerizing colors and actions.
But because the shrines are housed in a cave nearly 300 stairs from the ground, you need to be athletic or at the very least, healthy enough to climb the stairs and get down from the caves on your own. If that doesn’t sound so bad, consider this. The stairs are full of mischievous monkeys ready to steal your food and camera.
But the atmosphere of the cave is worth the sacrifice — especially if you come during the Thaipusam festival, where devotees pierce sharp objects on their tongues, back and other parts of the bodies as a symbol of sacrifice to their Gods.
3. Shop in the Petronas Towers
The once tallest buildings in the world is not only home to nearly 5,000 office workers. It is also a place where you could shop and dine.
On the ground floor of the building is the Suria KLCC Mall — a modern and posh mall that caters the needs of the rich with designer boutiques like Fendi, antique galleries like the Pucuk Rebung and Japanese owned bookstore like the Kinokuniya.
But those with light pocket should not fret. You can always window shop and dine at one of the food courts in the mall. Your meals should not go above $10 if you dine here.
After lunch, you could also get into the free Petronas Gallery to see some contemporary Malaysian arts or make your way into the Petrosains children museum if you have kids.
Kuala Lumpur is much, much more than just skyscrapers or angry yellow t-shirt protestors. It is a city with modern infrastructure, tolerant dwellers, and cheap food.
Next time you visit Kuala Lumpur, be sure to try my recommendations, and let me know what you think of them.
