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.

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

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 cocktail dresses 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 trips in order to reapply.

November through March is considered 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.

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.

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 the 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 property’s award-winning Cantonese restaurant. At lunch, dim sum is offered alongside premium Chinese teas, and at dinner, dine on refined dishes while a yangqing harpist plays. End the evening with a nightcap at The Library, where a fine selection of wine, Cognac, Armagnac and cocktails are on offer, as well as dinner options. Afternoon Tea, featuring the finest teas from Ronnefeldt and 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.

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.

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 been matured into a destination where almost any visitor will feel at home somewhere — and will be thrilled by new experiences right down the road.

A building with a domed tower peeks out from a dense forest of trees

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.

Discover More

Cultural Treasures

Chinese and Malay tin prospectors founded the city of Kuala Lumpur, but other countries have heavily influenced its history over the centuries.