Chinatown – for local art, streetside shopping and artisanal souvenirs
Talking of Chinatown, it’s a great place to begin your exploration of Kuala Lumpur. With red lanterns hanging across the narrow lanes and brightly painted temples in every corner, this neighbourhood teems with frenetic energy day and night. Take a leisurely stroll through Petaling Street, followed by Kwai Chai Hong to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Chinatown - the clang clang of food stalls, the bargain shopping, the wall art and installations, the buzzing bars and cafés.
Then walk over to the late 19th century Art Deco building that is now known as the Central Market to peruse the rows of shops selling artisanal products like batik garments, handmade jewellery, paintings and sculptures, and much more. This is one of the best places in Kuala Lumpur to pick up a slice of Malaysia in the form of authentic souvenirs and gifts to take back home.
Tip for over-fifties travellers: The area is flat and walkable, with shaded areas and plenty of cafés to rest between stops
Photo credits: Renek78, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Batu Caves – for a look at Malaysia’s Indian Hindu culture
Just a short drive outside town is the stunning temple of the Hindu god Murugan, set in the midst of dramatic grey limestone hills, and reach through a set of 272 multicoloured steps leading up to the temple. The first thing you will notice – there is no way you will miss it – is the 140-foot gilded statue of Murugan that dominates the entire landscape.
While the main cave may not be accessible to those with mobility issues, the Ramayana Cave is easy to visit and has brightly painted statues of characters like Ravana and Kumbhakarna from this timeless Indian epic. And don’t worry if you are unable to climb all the way up because Batu Caves is still worth a visit if only to admire the fascinating limestone ecosystem and for fabulous photos of the towering statue against the backdrop of the colourful staircase.
Tip for 50+ travellers: Go early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. Ramps & easy access routes are available to parts of the lower complex
Photo credits: Chainwit., CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia
Thean Hou Temple – for a glimpse into Chinese Buddhism and lovely city views
While on the topic of temples, the other unmissable one is in the hilltop Thean Hou Temple in a tranquil neighbourhood. This Chinese Buddhist shrine is one of Malaysia’s largest and most ornate, and particularly comes to life in the evenings when the twinkling lights get switched on. And in the festive Lunar New Year season between mid January to mid February, the red and gold lanterns add more colour and character to the already brilliant façade.
The temple is set on multiple levels, with short and easy walks between the various shrines and prayer halls. But note that while some parts of the temple complex are access friendly, the upper levels will be more complex especially for anyone who doesn't want to climb stairs or manage heights. But the lower shrines filled with vibrant deities and the city views from the viewing platforms are enough to make this visit memorable.
Photo credits: Shesmax, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Perdana Botanical Gardens – for serene walks and communing with birds
Commonly referred to as the Lake Gardens, this is the city’s green lungs, offering a quiet respite filled with smaller gardens, ponds and pools, pretty little bridges and miles of walking paths winding through the 224 acres. Right next door is the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, which adults (to their surprise) end up finding delightful just as much as children do. There are over 3000 birds of 200 species, plus thousands of common and exotic butterflies at the adjoining Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park. The best thing is that all these green areas are access friendly, offering seamless mobility for those looking for easier ways to navigate the park or just have a more leisurely stroll.
Photo credits: Carven Yong Jui Ming, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
KL Forest Eco Park – for a green retreat in the heart of the city
While Malaysia itself is famous for its ancient rainforests, it is a little known fact that Kuala Lumpur is home to one of the world’s few remaining urban rainforests – and that too one nestled right inside the bustling city centre. The KL Forest Eco Park, earlier called the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve (although locals still refer to it as Bukit Nanas) was established as a conservation reserve in 1906 and continues to flourish as a secret oasis surrounded by the crowds and chaos of this city.
You can walk through easy jungle trails, visit the forestry museum and most importantly, walk over the tree cover on the canopy walk 21 metres above the ground. Apart from a rich birdlife, this park is also home to cheeky silver leaf monkeys and long-tailed macaques, so keep your eyes and ears peeled for glimpses of the resident birds and animals. And then there are also the wonderful views of the city’s iconic towers like the Petronas and Menara KL.
Tip for 50+ travellers: The park is right next to the Bukit Nanas monorail station — a quick, easy ride from anywhere downtown.
Photo credits: RivieraBarnes, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Jalan Alor and Pub Street
Finally, the food. There is no way you can leave Kuala Lumpur without indulging in Malaysia’s flavourful cuisine, influenced heavily by the cultures of both the Chinese and the Indian communities that have now called it home for generations. After all, Kuala Lumpur is a city where the crisp south Indian rice crepes thosai, rich and aromatic nasi lemak, chewy and savoury char kuey teow exist next to each other.
Once you have had your fill from all the fabulous restaurants in the city, head to Jalan Alor with its endless stalls cooking up a storm of authentic Asian dishes. Wash it all down with a walk up and down Changkat (Pub Street), sampling beers and assorted spirits to the inevitable sounds of a football match playing on the giant TV screens inside one of the pubs.
Tip for over-fifties travellers: Most eateries have outdoor seating and menus in English; taxis and Grab rides are plentiful and inexpensive for easy returns to your hotel.
Photo credits: IQRemix, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
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Kuala Lumpur rewards those who travel slow — who savour the coffee, pause for a chat, and notice the details. For 50+ travellers, it’s the perfect mix of adventure and assurance, where every experience is within easy reach and every day ends with a good meal and a great view.
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