7. Kuala Lumpur
Please note all prices and currency conversions are approximate at time of writing.
The Malaysian capital is a hub for commerce and technology in South-East Asia, making it a logical spot for business trips. The city is a gem with great food culture and a mix of modern colonial architecture.
Getting around
Affordable and reliable, Kuala Lumpur’s public transport system — via the Light Rail Transit (LRT), Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Monorail — connects major business and tourism districts. The Monorail travels intra-city and is best for short trips. The Rapid KL buses dominate city routes and are affordable.
There are also several privately owned airport buses that travel from the airport to multiple locations. Red and white taxis are common, as is ride-hailing company Grab.
Travel from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the city centre by KLIA Ekspres train for MYR105 or by taxi for MYR100. Grab costs roughly the same as a taxi.
Local tastes
Malay, Chinese, Indian and other international cuisines showcase Kuala Lumpur’s culinary creativity.
Thirty8, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur: Come for the food, stay for the panoramic views of the skyline and Petronas Twin Towers. Perfect for business lunches or dinners.
Bōl: Enjoy modern Asian fare at this farm-to-table eatery, located in a colonial-era terrace house in Bukit Bintang. Book in advance.
Lot 10 Hutong Food Court: This award-winning food court in Bukit Bintang delivers an affordable taste of the city’s street food scene, including noodles, pastries and soups.
Where to stay
Choose from one of many stylish hotels with attentive service and great value for money.
Element Kuala Lumpur: Eco-conscious Element is centrally located and close to shopping facilities. It offers great rooms at modest prices and a well-equipped gym.
Else Kuala Lumpur: Melt away stress in Chinatown’s luxury hotel, where flotation pods, serenity and self-discovery are the focus.
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur: Conveniently located in the Golden Triangle commerce precinct, the Grand Hyatt features a business centre, meeting rooms, limousine service and laptop-compatible desks.
Where to play
From temples and towers to impressive new cultural precincts, Kuala Lumpur is a sight to behold.
Petronas Twin Towers: This building is the most famous landmark in Malaysia. At 452m high, the structure boasts the tallest twin towers in the world. Take the lift to the 86th-floor observation deck for unbeatable views of Kuala Lumpur.
Rexkl: Where the beloved REX Cinema once stood, this immersive art gallery is now a part of REXKL, one of the city’s newest cultural hotspots. It features a mix of vintage clothing and lifestyle stores, plus a labyrinthine bookstore.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building: Sitting opposite Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), the Sultan Abdul Samad Building is one of the most beautiful heritage buildings in Kuala Lumpur. It features a 41.2m-high clock tower, inspired by Big Ben in London.
Insider tip
Contactless payments and ATMs are widely available in the city, but it pays to stock up on the local currency, ringgit, for travel to the countryside.
