Planning A Trip To The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur skyline by day showcasing the Petronas Towers and other buildings as well as fluffy clouds and foliage

Planning Your Trip

From fantastic shopping and gleaming skyscrapers — the Petronas Twin Towers which are the tallest twin towers in the world dominate the skyline — to natural wonders and significant religious sites like the Batu Caves and its Hindu temples and shrines, there is much to see and do in Kuala Lumpur. Here’s what to pack to experience it all. Don’t Forget: Pack a lightweight scarf or shawl both to use as a covering when visiting sacred sites as well as a quick way to ward off the chill from the plentiful air conditioning you’ll find indoors.

Planning Your Trip

What to Pack

Pack a lightweight scarf or shawl both to use as a covering when visiting sacred sites as well as a quick way to ward off the chill from the plentiful air conditioning you’ll find indoors.

Exploring the City

There is so much to do and see just outside of the hotel — long walks exploring the bustling city streets, as well as the British colonial-era landmarks, are perhaps the best way to take it all in. Pack thoughtfully to make the most of your touring.
Temperatures in Kuala Lumpur hover around 80 degrees year-round, so pack lightweight layers to stay comfortable in the heat and humidity.

While locals are quite modern in their dress, Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country, so more modest clothing is the norm. Particularly if visiting a religious site, opt for pants over shorts and avoid anything too revealing.

There are many great spots for a special dinner or night out on the town, so bring one more formal outfit like a cocktail dress or slacks with a collared shirt. Locals get quite dressed up for big nights out.

Business Travel

Kuala Lumpur — or “KL,” as the locals call it — is both the capital and business hub of Malaysia. Even with the city’s year-round warm climate, conservative business attire is standard.

For men, pack a dark suit and dress shirt and expect to wear a tie to most meetings.

Traditional batik shirts with dress slacks are also acceptable menswear for any formal evening events.

For women, standard Western business attire is the norm in KL as well but err on the conservative side with longer hemlines and higher necklines.

Outdoor Adventure

Whether trekking through the Lake Gardens or scaling the stairs at the Batu Caves, it’s wise to pack a few key pieces to ensure you’re comfortable and prepared for the elements.

Not only are temperatures and humidity high, but the sun can also be strong. Bring a wide-brimmed hat and take sunscreen with you on any day trip in order to reapply.

November through March is considered the wet season, and the sudden downpours can be heavy. Be prepared with an umbrella and a lightweight rainproof layer.

Particularly for long walks, pack a pair of comfortable shoes. While sandals make sense in the heat, a more substantial pair of shoes is best for a day of trekking.

Planning Your Trip

What To Reserve

Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant metropolis with a variety of activities for visitors of all types. Book a few experiences in advance to make the most of all the city has to offer.

Outdoor Excursions

Arrange for a car to take you on the 20-minute drive to Lake Gardens, the city’s most popular park. Originally built in the 1880s, the property features a children’s park and a beautiful lake with rowboats. The Batu Caves are home to a spectacular Hindu temple set in the limestone caves, but come prepared to scale a large flight of stairs. For bird lovers, the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is home to thousands of colorful birds roaming free as well as soaring in walk-through aviaries. A similarly striking attraction is the Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park with its more than 5,000 colorful butterflies among koi ponds and flowering gardens.

Dining Reservations

For a truly special dining experience, make a reservation at Li Yen, the hotel's award-winning Chinese restaurant named in the MICHELIN Guide's Selected list. At lunch, the finest Hong Kong dim sum is offered alongside premium Chinese teas, and at dinner, dine on refined and authentic Chinese classics curated in harmony with the seasons, while a yangqing harpist plays. Charming and intimate, The Patisserie is a welcoming oasis brimming with tastefully crafted delights that will enliven your daytime dining experience. Our legendary Afternoon Tea, featuring the finest teas from Ronnefeldt and house crafted sandwiches, pastries and scones, is a special tradition that is not to be missed. Order a cup of The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur tea, a special blend crafted from green Oolong Tie Guan Yin, a tea served to royalty since the Tang Dynasty. End the evening with a nightcap at The Lobby Lounge.

Spa Appointments

After a busy day of meetings or touring KL, relax with a signature treatment at Spa Village Kuala Lumpur, such as the Sensory Sound Bath, a combination of deep tissue massage with hot stones and a rejuvenating sound bath. Or arrange for the Campur-Campur, a treatment combining Thai and Malay techniques including touch, tone and aromatherapy. Arrive early or stay after your appointment to enjoy the swimming pool.

Museum Tickets and Cultural Sights

There are many attractions to fill your days while in Kuala Lumpur. The Aquaria KLCC is a world-class 60,000-square-foot aquarium with stunning interactive displays that take visitors from the rainforest to the reefs. Get a spectacular bird’s-eye view of KL from the sky bridge at the Petronas Twin Towers, which are among the world’s tallest free-standing buildings. Or tour some of the notable architectural sites like the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a beautiful colonial building in the Victorian and Moorish style; the Istana Budaya, a blue and white contemporary building hailed as one of the city’s most beautiful modern buildings; or The Royal Museum, the former residence of Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Supreme King) of Malaysia that overlooks the Klang River.

Planning Your Trip

Itineraries

The vibrant blend found in both Kuala Lumpur’s culture and cuisine can be traced back to the city’s storied history: It was founded by Malay and Chinese tin miners in a land once ruled by Muslim sultanates, influenced by Indian traders and occupied by Portuguese and British colonists. Kuala Lumpur, now known as one of the Seven New Urban Wonders of the World, gracefully combines the ancient and ultramodern into a thriving, multicultural metropolis that has matured into a destination where almost any visitor will feel at home somewhere — and will be thrilled by new experiences right down the road.

Vast dining room with a dark wood wall lined by banquette seating, plus additional booth seating and natural light

Culinary Tour

Malaysian cuisine reflects the countries and cultures that have played a strong role in the region’s history — Chinese immigrants, Indian traders, Muslim sultanates, and Portuguese and British colonizers, to name a few. A culinary tour of Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, reveals a dizzying array of flavors, preparations and foods, from the spiciest chilies and curries to silky, savory congees and sweet cakes, and coconuts. From sun up to well past sundown, there’s always something new to sample.

Day 1

Morning

Lighten Up! To ascend the 272 steps to reach the Batu Caves, you’ll need lots of energy from a light, healthy breakfast. Swing into Rubberduck for a Sunshine Smoothie Bowl (banana, pineapple, mango, chia seeds, granola and coconut flakes), an omelet with toast, or a slice of frittata.

Midday

Brunch Bounty. Take dim sum at Li Yen, the award-winning Chinese restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur. Among the myriad options, be sure to try the cha siu bao (pillowy steamed buns with roast pork) and ha gow (shrimp dumplings in translucent wrappers).

Afternoon

Just Desserts. The six levels of shops at Suria KLCC mall include designer boutiques, ambitious apothecaries and a shop that specializes in traditional Malay sweets. Take the bubble lift to La Cucur to try a slice of kuih lapis, a steamed nine-layer cake made from coconut milk, tapioca and rice flour, coarse sugar and pandan leaves.

Evening

Crowdsourced Cuisine. If you’re game for an authentically bustling, open-air experience, head to Jalan Alor’s dynamic street-food scene after the sun drops. This makeshift outdoor eatery is noisy and full of energy, as vendors on both sides of the street roast, wok, fry and grill authentic Malay, Chinese and Thai dishes that attract thousands of hungry locals and visitors.

Or Quiet Time. For a more intimate experience, Bijan serves high-end Malay cuisine in a sleek, chic modern setting in the old part of Kuala Lumpur. Start with golden cucur udang (prawn and vegetable fritters), then select your favorite entrée and pair it with wine. If the weather agrees, ask to sit on the terrace for an alfresco experience.

Day 2

Morning

It’s Crunch Time! For a savory breakfast, order the soft-shell crab burger at VCR. The sandwich includes a deep-fried soft-shell crab with house-made tartar sauce, over a sunny-side-up egg, onion jam and quick-pickled cucumber. If you prefer a sweet start to the day, try a slice of The King, named after Elvis Presley — layers of chocolate-covered banana slices and banana cake, covered with peanut butter frosting and sprinkled with peanut nibs.

Midday

Hit the Streets. On your tour through Chinatown’s shops and kiosks, veer off Petaling Street, the pedestrian shopping mall, and onto Madras Lane. Here, you’ll find some of Kuala Lumpur’s best street-food booths — including Asam Laksam, which has been around for more than four decades, and Ampang Yong Tau Foo.

Afternoon

Currying Favor. Old China Café actually is one of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest eateries. The restaurant specializes in centuries-old recipes of Peranakan cuisine, which blends Chinese ingredients with Malay spices and cooking techniques. Spicy food is a star here, especially the stellar slow-cooked, dry-curry Beef Rendang, as well as Nyonya specialties such as braised-pork Babi Pongteh and Nyonya Laksa soup.

An Artful Excursion. Join the artists and filmmakers who gather for coffee at Aku Café & Gallery, created by a Malaysian film producer as a place where creative types and culture connoisseurs could linger. Cool down with a blended iced coffee or a banana iced chocolate.

Evening

Lights-out Cuisine. “What you get is what you see” is the antithesis of a successful dining experience at Dining in the Dark. Here, after a round of aperitifs, guests are seated for a four-course dinner that’s served in a pitch-black room. To ensure adherence to the theme, guests leave phones and other lighted devices in lockers outside the dining room; servers who navigate the room are blind or visually impaired.

Vantage Vintages. The floor-to-ceiling windows and 23rd-floor terrace at wine bar Claret offer stunning nighttime views of the city’s glittering skyline. Equally impressive: is the curated selection of champagnes, burgundies and other vintages from France and around the world.

Cultural Treasures

Chinese and Malay tin prospectors founded the city of Kuala Lumpur, but other countries have heavily influenced its history over the centuries. “KL” is a true cultural melting pot, where Hindu, Taoist and Muslim religious buildings are all venerated institutions, and modern skyscrapers mirror the country’s high-tech ambitions while the parks in their shadows offer protected habitat for local and imported wildlife. Celebrate the diversity with a tour through some of the city’s most renowned — and varied — sights.

A sleek black car parks in front of the hotel at twilight

Day 1

Morning

Social Climbing. The Batu Caves north of Kuala Lumpur attract thousands of visitors, who ascend the 272 stairs to explore the limestone caverns and Hindu temple and shrine. An early start helps you beat the crowds (both of humans and of local monkeys that hope to snatch snacks or other treasures from unsuspecting tourists).

Midday

Ramp It Up. A walk up the Guggenheim-style pedestrian spiral at the three-story National Visual Art Gallery gives visitors plenty of space to peruse the expansive variety of works from Malaysian and other Southeast Asian artists. Here, exhibits and galleries display historic folk art, modern caricatures, expressionist paintings, photos, prints, textiles and ceramics.

Afternoon

To Market, to Market. Central Market has been reinvented from its early days as a “wet market” where vendors sold fresh meats and produce. Now, you’re more likely to find batik emporiums, jewelry vendors, bakers and palm readers in this historic art deco venue. Tucked behind the main building is Central Market Annexe, an art space with galleries and a studio.

Find Your Fortune. Duck into Sin Sze Si Ya, the oldest Chinese Taoist temple in Kuala Lumpur. The beautifully ornate prayer hall and open-air pavilion, founded in 1864, is suffused with the scent of burning incense and joss sticks. In the mood to have your fortune read? Rattle the container filled with kao chim sticks until one falls out, match the number on that stick to one on a corresponding slip of paper, and offer it to a temple caretaker, who will translate its message for 1 ringgit (roughly 25 cents).

Evening

Crowdsource Your Cuisine. For an authentic, bustling open-air experience, head to Jalan Alor’s dynamic street-food scene. This makeshift outdoor eatery is noisy and full of energy, as vendors on both sides of the street roast, wok, fry and grill authentic Malay, Chinese and Thai dishes that attract thousands of hungry locals and visitors long into the night.

Day 2

Morning

Discover the Art of Islam. Natural light floods the rooms and detailed inverted ceiling domes at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, the largest museum in Southeast Asia. Wander through gallery space dedicated to Islamic architecture, arms and armor, jewelry, ceramics, metalworks and more.

Midday

Fowl Play. The 21-acre Kuala Lumpur Bird Park inside Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park includes free-flight zones and mini aviaries for hundreds of species of feathered fowl —chittering lovebirds and conures, wading flamingos and pelicans, even flightless emus and cassowaries.

Set Hearts Aflutter. If you prefer creatures with more delicate wings, the landscaped gardens at neighboring Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park house over 5,000 butterflies. Wander through more than 80,000 square feet of garden with flowering vines, exotic plants and ferns, as well as koi and freshwater turtles.

Afternoon

Then Set Them Racing. Doff your shoes and step out for a photo in the Sky Box, if you dare — the glass-bottom rectangle juts out from the Sky Deck ledge of KL Tower nearly 1,000 feet, or 91 stories, above the ground.

Evening

Adventurous Spirits. You won’t need a password to enter the speakeasy lounge Omakase + Appreciate — just a good sense of direction. Omakase means “I’ll leave it to you” in Japanese, so the adventure here is letting the bartenders create a custom cocktail based on your preferences and experiences.

Day 3

Morning

Idol Experience. Explore the technicolor carvings of Hindu deities of Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the nation’s oldest. Walk through the entryway under the 75-foot Raja Gopuram tower to visit shrines to Ganesh, Muruga and Lakshmi. The prayer halls feature hundreds of colorful sculpted idols and deities, while the scents of flowers, camphor and incense linger in the air.

Midday

Brunch Bounty. Take dim sum at Li Yen, the award-winning Cantonese restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur. Among the myriad options, be sure to try the cha siu bao (pillowy steamed buns with roast pork) and ha gow (shrimp dumplings in translucent wrappers).

Evening

Leader of the Pack. Maximize your last night in Kuala Lumpur by having the butler pack your suitcase while you enjoy dinner at The Library downstairs. All 364 rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur enjoy full butler service.

Go Out on Top. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls at Marini’s on 57, the city’s highest rooftop bar, offer spectacular views of the Petronas Towers and the rest of the city skyline, as well as an impressive list of cocktails and spirits, including 85 kinds of whiskey.

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