Petronas Twin Towers
Dominating the Kuala Lumpur skyline, the iconic Petronas Twin Towers are the world’s tallest twin structures, joined by a sky bridge and standing at an impressive 452 metres and 88 storeys tall. Marvel at the Islamic-inspired architecture or head up to the 86th floor, absorbing spectacular views over Malaysia’s capital. At the base lies KLCC Park, home to the impressive dancing fountains, as well as a shopping mall, art gallery and the Petrosains Science Centre.
Shopping
Kuala Lumpur’s retail offerings rival anywhere else in the world, flaunting sleek air-conditioned shopping malls filled with designer labels – including Mid Valley Mega Mall, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Suria KLCC. Beyond the ultra-modern delights, you can visit authentic Malay markets selling locally-made handicrafts and great souvenirs, while Chinatown is home to many of Kuala Lumpur’s last remaining artisans and antique dealerships.
Cultural Gems
Though often recognisable by its modern skyline and swish malls, Kuala Lumpur continues to boast a range of heritage buildings and cultural delights. Characterised by shophouse-lined streets and bustling markets, Chinatown is well worth a visit. Located amid the lush greenery of Perdana Botanical Gardens, the Islamic Arts Museum is home to over 7,000 Islamic artefacts from around the globe – including manuscripts, architectural models, calligraphic scrolls, vases, wood carvings, jewellery, metalwork, coins, textiles and more.
Merdeka Square
The place in which Malaysian independence was declared back in 1957, Merdeka Square surrounds several heritage buildings, including the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and St Mary’s Anglican Cathedral, and is speared by one of the world’s tallest flag poles, on which the Malay flag was raised for the very first time.
Batu Caves
Located outside of the city and reached in around 35 minutes by road from central Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves are a true national treasure, comprising intricate limestone caves that house several Hindu temples. Temple Cave, the most impressive of them all, is reached by a hike of 272 stairs and guarded by a huge statue of Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war. As well as the striking natural formation of the caves and the colourful temples, an array of Malaysian wildlife is often spotted here – particularly cheeky monkeys and hundreds of bats.
Direct from London to Kuala Lumpur with British Airways and Malaysia Airlines.
Flight time: 12 hours, 40 minutes.
Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations ie, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.