Petronas Towers, the quintessential symbol of Kuala Lumpur

The Golden Triangle is Kuala Lumpur's main shopping and nightlife district. Considered to be the closest thing to a Central Business District (CBD), the Golden Triangle is home to the ever popular shopping area of Bukit Bintang. To the north is KLCC, a multi-purpose development known for its shopping and the Petronas Twin Towers. Whilst KLCC does stand for Kuala Lumpur City Centre, do not mistake this for the actual City Centre. Those looking to party should head towards Changkat Bukit Bintang and dance the night away.

Get in

By train

The southern half of the Golden triangle, including  MR6   SBK18A Bukit Bintang and its surrounds, is best served by the KL Monorail and the newest MRT Kajang (KGL) Line. The MRT KGL line passes KL Sentral at Muzium Negara and nearby the old monorail station. The monorail passes directly through the district following along Jalan Sultan Ismail, originating from KL Sentral to the South and Titiwangsa in the north. Those heading towards KLCC and Jalan Ampang can take the LRT on the Kelana Jaya line. It is possible to transfer between the LRT and Monorail at Dang Wangi LRT and Bukit Nanas Monorail stations. Take note you must exit the paid fare area and walk along Jalan Ampang and purchase separate fares. Signs are there to guide you.

By bus

Many of the Rapid KL buses go into the Golden Triangle area.

A free bus service, called GO-KL, operates two circular routes that focus on the Golden Triangle and the City Centre. Those who are around Chinatown in the City Centre can catch the Purple Line which runs from Pasar Seni to Bukit Bintang, via Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve and Menara KL. The second route, or Green Line, runs solely within the Golden Triangle. see Get around for more information on this route.

By road

The main roads in the district are Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Imbi, Jalan Raja Chulan. All these roads suffer from acute congestion, especially during peak hours. If you are coming from outside KL and want to head directly here, there are a few roads which you can take.

• From the south if coming from the North-South Expressway, you can enter the Smart Tunnel at Sungai Besi and exit at the Jalan Sultan Ismail exit, which brings you smack in the middle of Bukit Bintang. The Tun Razak exit will bring you onto Jalan Tun Razak where you can then proceed directly into KLCC after the Singapore High Commission. Jalan Tun Razak also intersects with Jalan Ampang.
• From the north, after exiting the North South Expressway's Jalan Duta exit, proceed along Jalan Duta (towards the south end or "Seremban direction" of this road) and then Jalan Istana, and then Jalan Dewan Bahasa which will bring you to Jalan Hang Tuah and Jalan Imbi to the Bukit Bintang area. To get to KLCC, proceed towards Jalan Duta (south direction), then Lebuhraya Mahameru which links up with Jalan Tun Razak. There is a tunnel linking Jalan Tun Razak directly to the KLCC car park.

Get around

By foot

KLCC and Bukit Bintang are linked by the KLCC - Bukit Bintang Walkway, an elevated and air-conditioned pedestrian bridge that links the Pavilion to Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. A further pedestrian tunnel near the convention centre exit will take you to Suria KLCC, the Petronas Towers or KLCC Park. Look for a set of escalators going underground in front of the convention centre. The walkway also links up to Impiana KLCC Hotel and a further exit is a short walk from Raja Chulan Monorail Station. The walkway is open 06:00-23:00.

By bus

There is a free GO-KL bus service. The Green Line operates from Bukit Bintang to KLCC, traveling along Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan P. Ramlee and Jalan Ampang along the way. The other bus route, or Purple Line, joins up with this and heads towards the City Centre. This line can be handy to reach Menara KL and Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve.

By monorail

The monorail traverses the Golden Triangle and is especially useful, if you want to enter the district from KL Sentral, the main station of the city.

See

• 1 Petronas Twin Towers (Menara Berkembar Petronas), Jalan Ampang and Jalan P Ramlee (KLCC LRT Station), ☏ +60 3 2331 8080. Tu-Su 09:00–21:00. Perhaps the most iconic building of Malaysia and the tallest twin building in the world. Visitors first head up to the Skybridge at level 41-42, one of the highest suspended bridges in the world, before going up to level 86 to marvel at Kuala Lumpur from the observation deck. There are also displays and informational videos about the tower and its construction. Tickets can be purchased online or at the base of the tower. A ticket allows you access during a specific time block only and are limited, so either turn up early or purchase online in advance. Foreigners/Malaysians: Adults RM80/25, Children RM30/12.  

Menara KL with St. John's Cathedral in the foreground

• 2 Kuala Lumpur Tower (Menara KL), 2 Jalan Puncak (Raja Chulan Monorail station), ☏ +603 2020 5444. 09:30–21:30. KL Tower has a viewing deck at 276bm provides great city views, and you'll be a few metres higher than the Twin Towers since the tower is built on a hill (also, the twin towers observation deck is 100 m below at 170 m). For a free bonus, check out the wonderfully bombastic free film on the tower's construction, screened in a little cinema on the tower ground floor. There is free shuttle bus service from the main gate to the base of the tower, though number of seats in the bus is very limited. Around the tower are various attractions including pony rides, KL Animal Zone and a Malaysian cultural village exhibition. Tickets for these attractions can be purchased separately or as part of a combo with the KL Tower ticket. Foreigners/Malaysians: adults RM47/27, children RM27/19.  

Feeding time in the fish tank

• 3 Aquaria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Jl Pinang, ☏ +60 3 2333 1888. 10:30–20:00 (last admissions at 19:00). A gigantic aquarium housing over 5,000 aquatic and terrestrial species. The aquarium has many displays including an underwater tunnel, interactive touch pools, exhibits of flora and fauna and multimedia kiosks. They also have feeding sessions throughout the day at specific exhibits, see their website for specific times. Foreigners/Malaysians: Adults RM50/38, Children RM40/28, Seniors RM30/28.  
• 4 Badan Warisan Malaysia (Malaysian Heritage Trust), 2 Jl Stoner (Raja Chulan Monorail station), ☏ +60 3 2144 9273. 10:00-17:30. A non-profit organisation for the conservation and promotion of Malaysia's heritage and has various exhibits and seminars about Malaysia and its history. Rumah Penghulu is a major attraction, a traditional Malay house constructed in the 1920s that was originally located in Kampung Sungai Kechil in Kedah. Tours of Rumah Penghulu are M-Sa at 11:00 & 15:00. There is also a garden containing over 50 native Malaysian plants, includes rare species. Free, donations accepted.  
• 5 Petrosains, Lvl 4, Suria KLCC (KLCC LRT Station), ☏ +60 3 2331 8181. Tu-F 09:30–17:30, Sa Su 09:30–18:30. An exhibit of the science and technology behind the petroleum industry, mainly aimed for children and sponsored by the Petronas oil company. There are various science shows, interactive exhibits and simulation experiences throughout. Book tickets at least 30 minutes in advance, or even a few days earlier if you can. Can be very busy on weekends. Foreigners/Malaysians: adults RM25/15, children RM15/5, seniors RM18/8, family (2 adults & 2 children) RM50/30. 
• 6 Muzium Telekom (Telecommunications Museum), Jalan Raja Chulan (walk from Exit B Masjid Jamek metro station, via Jalan Melaka and Jalan Gereja), ☏ +60 32031 9966, csamt@menarakl.com.my. Daily 9:00-17:00, closed on Public Holidays. Built in 1928 as the Central Battery Telephone Exchange, converted into the Telecommunications Museum in 1994, showing the growth of communications technology in Malaysia. A rather limited amount of antique telecom equipment on display. RM11 for foreign adults and RM5 for children. (updated Mar 2021)

• 7 As Syakirin Mosque. (updated Nov 2018)

Do

Fancy a ride at Berjaya Times Square Theme Park?

After you have done all your shopping and partying in the Golden Triangle, you will probably be exhausted. Perhaps enjoy a spa treatment to relax or, if up for it, go for an adventure in one of the local parks. You'll also find Malaysia's largest indoor theme park here.

• 1 Berjaya Times Square Theme Park (Formerly Cosmo's World), Levels 5 & 7, 1 Jl Imbi (Imbi Monorail Station), ☏ +60 3 2117 3118. M-F 12:00–22:00, Sa Su 11:00–22:00. Malaysia's largest indoor theme park, located on the upper floors of the giant Berjaya Times Square mall and particularly notable for its hair-raising seven-story indoor roller coaster. The park is divided into two sections, one geared for small children, the other for those who want a little more excitement; one ticket gets you into both. Foreigners/Malaysians: adults RM48/38, children RM38/28, family (2 adults & 2 children) RM138/106.  
• 2 KL Forest Eco Park (formerly Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve) (Near Menara KL), ☏ +60 3 2026 4741. Daily 07:00–19:00. Being the last virgin tropical rainforest left in Kuala Lumpur, this is certainly not your typical urban park. If lucky you may even be able to spot some wildlife, including birds, monkeys, lizards and even the occasional snake. The trails are not that challenging but be sure to bring comfortable shoes, water and even some repellent can come in handy. A camping ground is also available for those wanting to camp under the stars. Free. (updated Feb 2019)
• 3 Craft Village @ Kompleks Kraf KL (Perkampungan Kraf), Seksyen 63, Jl Conlay (Near Raja Chulan Monorail Station), ☏ +60 3 2164 9907. Daily 10:00-18:00. Part of a government-owned organisation which was set up to showcase Malaysian art and craft. You can create your own Malay art by having a dabble at batik drawing, wood carving and pottery making, all at a 'minimal fee'. While there you can also explore the museum, gift shop and café. 
• 4 Petronas Philharmonic Hall (Dewan Filharmonik Petronas) (Ground Floor, Tower 2, Petronas Twin Towers). The home of the well-regarded Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra is nestled at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers, offering performances of classical music most Saturdays at 20:30 and Sundays at 15:00, with tickets starting at just RM25. Advance bookings are possible online. Note that a strict dress code applies: long sleeve batik or lounge suit for gala and evening performances, "smart casual" (no jeans, shorts, T-shirts, sneakers and slippers) for other performances.  

Lake Symphony Fountains, KLCC Park

• 5 Diving @ Aquaria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Complex, Jl Pinang, ☏ +60 3 2333 1976. Advance bookings required. Take a plunge (literally) and explore Aquaria KLCC with the resident aquatic animals. The Cage Rage package takes you underwater in the safety of a cage. Be sure to say hello to the sharks when down there. The Dive with Sharks package is definitely for who are more adventurous, where you can explore the underwater area without a cage and get up close to the aquatic life. You also get a certificate and t-shirt to remember your close encounter. Cage Rage: RM199, Dive With Sharks: RM400 (Requires diving card and log book). 
• 6 KLCC Park (behind Petronas Towers (cross the Suria KLCC mall to get there)). A kid-friendly urban park surrounded by a concrete jungle. It boasts a children's pool and playground, walking/jogging tracks, a bird sanctuary, sculptures and 66 species of palm trees. Check out the lake symphony fountains which spray water up into the air. During the evening the fountains are the centrepiece of a light and music show at 20:00, 21:00 and 21:45. Visitors are rigorously sent out at 10p.m. Free. (updated Aug 2019)
• 7 Pamper Zone, 181 Jl Bukit Bintang (Starhill Gallery Shopping Mall), ☏ +60 3 2782 3800. An impressive cluster of spas within Starhill Gallery, with services ranging from world class all day treatments (RM600), to affordable facials and one hour long full body massages (RM100). 

Buy

Bukit Bintang is the main shopping area of the Golden Triangle with many of KL's most well-known malls. The main shopping streets are Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Imbi. KLCC has the popular Suria KLCC mall while the adjacent Jalan Ampang also has several shopping complexes.

Bukit Bintang

Entrance of Pavilion shopping mall

• 1 Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 168 Jl Bukit Bintang (Bukit Bintang Monorail Station). 10:00-22:00 daily. This KL's latest luxury megamall is an anchor piece of the world-class urban development comprising two luxury residential towers, a corporate office. The mall has six distinctive precincts, Couture Pavilion, Bintang Circle, Gourmet_Emporium, Connection, Seventh Heaven and Home that contain approximately 450 stores. Most of the restaurants on the ground floor are western-themed and aimed at tourists, but there is a good range of Malaysian restaurants on the basement level and a large number of restaurants spread throughout the mall. There is pedestrian bridge that links the mall to KLCC.  

Berjaya Times Square atrium

• 2 Berjaya Times Square, 1 Jl Imbi (Imbi Monorail Station). 10:00-22:00 daily. It has 12 levels of retail with a total of 320,000 m² (3.5 million ft²). It is a middle-class shopping mall offering youth fashion targeted at the younger crowds. For entertainment, it has the largest indoor theme park in Malaysia on the 7th floor of the building. It also offers a 3D-Imax theatre on the top floor of the retail podium. there is a Cold Storage Supermarket at the lower ground floor. (updated Feb 2029)
• 3 Fahrenheit 88, 179 Jl Bukit Bintang (Bukit Bintang Monorail Station). 10:00-22:00 daily. 300,000 ft² (28,000 m²) of lettable space spread over 5 levels of zoned shopping space. There are designated zones for Japanese and Korean fashion consisting of an entire floor each.  
• 4 Lot 10, Cnr Jl Bukit Bintang & Jl Sultan Ismail (Bukit Bintang Monorail Station). 10:00-22:00 daily. When opened in 1991, it was considered the Harrods-equivalent of Malaysia housing designer outlets like Aigner and Versace. Time has however taken a toll on this mall which boasts a green facade. Nowadays it is widely-reckoned as a middle-class retail destination as most outlets have shifted as a result of competition and degradation. Anchor tenants now include H&M and Japanese department store Isetan. If food is your thing, a cornucopia of Malaysia's best offerings can be found in the lower-ground floor food court, called Hutong.  
• 5 Plaza Low Yat, 7 Jl Bintang (Imbi Monorail Station). A good place for computer hardware, game consoles and handphones. A "must visit" for the tech inclined. All IT Hypermart (4th floor) is a good one-stop shop, but there are dozens of specialist computing boutiques for the enthusiast. Do not always be fooled by the pricing as some unscrupulous sellers may have switched original components of devices with fakes. Verify before purchasing.  
• 6 Starhill Gallery, 181 Jl Bukit Bintang (Bukit Bintang Monorail Station). 10:00-22:00 daily. Adjoining the JW Marriott Hotel. The nearest station to this mall is Monorail Bukit Bintang. Starhill is a literally an English translation of “Bukit Bintang”. An upscale, luxury retail mall that rivals Suria KLCC for designer goods, is worth a visit just to look at the different interior designs especially 'Feast' floor (Ground Floor). A must-visit for watch aficionados as the ‘Adorn’ floor (1st floor) houses the biggest selection of designer wrist-watch boutiques like, amongst others, Jaeger-Le Coultre, Roger Dubuis, Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Tag Heuer, Omega, Vacheron Constantin, IWC, Patek Philippe and Rolex, of course. Great if you have lots of cash to splurge. There is a Food Galore on the Lower Ground floor which renders an excellent culinary experience in a cosy setting that exudes grandeur.  
• 7 Sungei Wang Plaza, Jl Bukit Bintang (Bukit Bintang Monorail Station). A popular place among local teenagers where fashion clothes, shoes, accessories and other trinkets and local designer clothes can be found with affordable price. A great place to buy cameras and watches (discounts are given for cash payments, although credit cards are accepted). Sungei Wang also hosts a concentration of tailors of men's and women's clothing. there is a Giant Supermarket at the Lower Ground floor.  

Jalan Ampang

Suria KLCC atrium

• 8 Suria KLCC, Cnr Jl P Ramlee & Jl Ampang (KLCC LRT Station). 10:00-22:00 daily. Suria KLCC is one of Malaysia's premier shopping destinations due to its location beneath the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur City Centre. It is on 6 floors, with anchor tenants Isetan, Parkson, Kinokuniya, Tanjong Golden Village, Signatures Food Court, Marks & Spencer, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. Suria is the native Malaysian word for Sunshine. It houses mostly luxury and fashionable shops, as well as cafes, restaurants, a 12 screen cinema, a concert hall, an art gallery, and a Science Discovery Centre, over 6 floors.  
• 9 Avenue K, 156 Jl Ampang (KLCC LRT Station). 10:00-22:00 daily. Opposite Kuala Lumpur City Centre. With its bold tagline, "style has a new address", the complex is a hip shopping haven complimented by a classy, city-living address, "K Residence". Avenue K aims to create a "shopping culture, where lifestyle, aesthetic and social elements converge." It boasts internationally acclaimed fashion brands.  

Eat

A plate of juicy chicken wings from a stall on Jalan Alor

Finding a place to eat in the Golden Triangle is hard, simply because you are spoilt for choice. Options range from the cheapest local street food, all the way up to some of the most expensive restaurants within the entire city. Another alternative is to visit one of the many shopping mall food courts, which typically contain both local and international fare.

Malaysian

Budget

Budget restaurants, and "street stalls" are located almost everywhere in town, and these are good places to try the "real" Malaysian food, though hygiene can be sometimes an issue.

• 1 Lot 10 Hutong, Cnr Jl Bukit Bintang & Jl Sultan Ismail (basement level). This shopping mall in the Golden Triangle has a collection of 20 street vendors who were invited to relocate in the food court. Provides an excellent spread of Malaysian food in hygienic and air-conditioned food court comfort at prices that are only slightly above those outdoors. Many famous Chinese style and KL-based foods are served in this food court. 
• Signatures Food Court, 2nd Floor, Suria KLCC - Very good selection of Malaysian specialities from throughout the country. During lunchtime very popular with the employees of the Petronas Tower.
• 2 Nasi Kandar Pelita, 149 Jl Ampang, ☏ +60 3 2162 5532. 24 hours. A huge outlet of Malaysia's largest nasi kandar chain, with long queues snaking out at lunchtime. Ordering is easy, just choose and point, but be sure to ask for their speciality kuah campur (mixed gravy), meaning that you get half a dozen curry sauces splashed on top. Air-con upstairs. By Malaysian Mamak restaurant standards, having a meal here is more expensive than having a similar meal elsewhere. Worth it for the wide choices of food, the cleanliness and the quality. (updated Nov 2022)

Mid-range

• Asian Flavours Food Court, 4th Floor, Suria KLCC - A collection of restaurants offering both Malaysian and international fare. Among them are:
  • Madam Kwan's, Lot 420/421, Fourth Floor, Suria KLCC - Very popular restaurant with excellent local fare in a pleasant ambience. Try the nasi lemak (RM12.80) or the meltingly smooth beef rendang (RM6.80), and wash it down with a bowl of sweet green chendol (RM5.50). Get there early to beat the queues.

Splurge

• Bijan. 3 Jln Ceylon - Modern-styled décor in a home-like setting with outdoor verandah-garden compliments the well prepared (though perhaps slightly overpriced) Malaysian food. Classy patrons and impeccable service however make it worth a try. Around 60-90RM per adult. 

Chinese

Budget

Food stalls along Jalan Alor

• 3 Jalan Alor Food Stalls, Jalan Alor (Bukit Bintang Monorail Station). In the heart of KL and within walking distance from the shopping district of Bukit Bintang, Jalan Alor has become one of the most popular food streets in KL. Running the length of the street is row after row of restaurants and stalls, focusing on Malay, Chinese and Thai food. You will notice that touts frequent the front of many restaurants to entice you in, but don't let that factor where you dine. Restaurants towards the western end of the street tend to be cheaper and also lack touts. Be careful walking along this street as it is also open to traffic. Despite being somewhat touristy, it is still an excellent place to eat if you hunt out a good restaurant.  
• 4 Glutton Street Market (Pudu Wai Sek Gai), Jalan Sayur (LRT to Pudu). Daily 16:30-22:00. Another street full of food stalls similar to Jalan Alor, but a lot less touristy and more authentic. (updated Mar 2018)

Dharma Realm Monastery Canteen

• 5 Dharma Realm Monastery Canteen (Behind Kun Yam Thong Temple, just a stone's throw away from KLCC along Jalan Ampang). M-F 11:00-14:30. Great vegetarian food prepared by volunteers. Earnings are used to maintain the temple. A favourite among local office workers. Not that popular with tourists as of 2019. RM6-12 for buffet. (updated Jan 2019)
• Super Noodle House, LG-001, Lower Ground, Sungai Wang Shopping Centre, Jalan Sultan Ismail, ☏ +60 3-21424729. Location: 3°8'41.39"N; 101°42'41.21"E - One of the best Hong Kong-style restaurants in KL. Menu includes porridge, wantan mee or chicken rice. Good food with reasonable pricing. 

Mid range

• Hakka Restaurant, 6 Jalan Kia Peng. Tel: +60 3-21431907 or +60 3-21431908 - In business for more than 40 years. Most dishes, even though listed as small, are quite large with two small main courses being more than enough for two people. Dishes cost RM20 up to RM150.
• Overseas restaurant, 84-88 Jl Imbi, ☏ +60 3-21449911. A popular Chinese restaurant attracting a clientele ranging from local billionaires to middle class families. Food is outstanding and if you care to take a little time and book a day or two earlier you can order any number of special dishes that are typically but not necessarily more expensive. Service is haphazard and as prices are cheap, a discrete tip to one of the Captains and the waitress however, will change everything. Favorite dishes here include the 'Har Lok" which are large river prawns cooked in a thick soya based sauce, the suckling pig sandwich and the asam fish. 

Indian

• 6 Passage Thru' India, 4 Jl Delima (several other locations through Malaysia), ☏ +60 3 2145 0366. An excellent Indian restaurant that offers both northern and southern Indian cuisine. Favorites here include the Chicken Beriyani, Chicken Tandoori, Chukka Mutton, Fried Fish, Malabar Avial and the slightly expensive but very tasty PTI Prawn masala. 
• Restoran Ganesh (Sri Ganesa) (next to the Court Hill Ganesh temple). A fantastic place, Indian food that you don't get at most places, served on banana leaves. (updated Feb 2018)

Others

Budget

• Uncle Jack Fried Chicken, Sungei Wang Plaza Jl Bukit Bintang (Lower ground floor next to Giant supermarket). 08:00-21:00. set 1. one piece of chicken with chicken rice and a drink . Ice cream cone is just 0.50c a meal with drink for RM4.29. (updated Mar 2017)

Mid-range

• Prego @ The Westin Kuala Lumpur, Ground Floor, 199, Jalan Bukit Bintang, ☏ +60 3 2773 8338, westindining@westin.com. Prego serves tasty regional pastas, deliciously oven-baked pizzas and the latest in creative Italian cuisine. 
• Kim Gary Beyond, B1F, Avenue K (KLCC LRT) - Popular Hong Kong chain serving up very modern Chinese fare. The locals' favorite is the rather non-Chinese baked rice with cheese (from RM11.90), but how about some borsht, a plate of spicy noodles "Typhoon Shelter" style and a cup of boiled Coke with ginger. Set meals for RM10-20.
• Sahara Tent, 87 Jalan Berangan, off Jalan Bukit Bintang (located on the ground floor of Hotel Fortuna), ☏ +60 3-21448310. Large, authentic and popular Middle Eastern eatery in Ain Arabia, KL's Little Arabia. The giant mezze platter (RM29) will leave two stuffed and a shisha water pipe at RM10 tops off the meal nicely. 
• Tarbush, 138 Jln Bukit Bintang, Tel: +60 3-21428558; LG 16, Starhill Gallery, Tel: +60 3-21446393; and Lot 19, 2nd Floor Food Court, Suria KLCC - One of the most popular Lebanese/Middle Eastern restaurant. Good food and beautiful decor.
• Twenty One Bar and Kitchen. Stylish bar and restaurant. Great contemporary food. The bar is very popular at night. Affordable lunch deals at RM30. Mains RM30-60. 

Splurge

• EEST @ The Westin Kuala Lumpur, Level 1, 199, Jalan Bukit Bintang, ☏ +60 3 2773 8338, westindining@westin.com. EEST is a prominent Asian restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. Savour the blend of authentic flavours specially selected from Asian cultures right here in Kuala Lumpur. Indulge in Asian flavours at EEST with a selection of Asian cuisine to delight your palate. (updated Nov 2022)
• Bistro de Paris, 18-1 Jalan P. Ramlee., ☏ +60 3-21418005. The French dining experience from aperitif to digestif, ranging from steak frites to crême brulée. Open daily from 11:00 until late. Lunch prix fixe at RM15.95, dinner prix fixe at RM69.95. 
• El Cerdo, 43-45 Changkat Bukit Bintang, ☏ +60 3-21450511. German-run eatery with kitschy pig-themed decor specializing in all things pork, particularly Spanish treats like jamón serrano and whole suckling pig, complete with ceremonial plate-breaking. Organic lamb ribs are excellent. Portions are generous and quality is excellent. The place is usually packed and noisy, so book ahead (esp. on weekends). 
• Neroteca, 8 Lorong Ceylon (at the ground floor of Somerset Apartments), ☏ +60 3-20700530, info@neroteca.com. Italian restaurant and deli, specialized in pork meat. They serve great Italian hearty food with one of the best selection of Italian cured meats and cheeses in South-East Asia, also for take away. Open from 09:30 (Tuesdays from 15:00) until 00:00. 

View from Horizon Grill

• 7 Horizon Grill, 2, Jalan Conlay (In Banyan Tree hotel building on level 58). 12:00-14:30,18:00-22:00. Great fusion food with stunning views towards the Petronas Towers. Above RM150/head. (updated Mar 2023)

Drink

The Golden Triangle is the party heart of KL. Here, you'll find many of the city's entertainment spots, whether they're dance clubs, karaoke joints or just watering holes. The main party drag is Changkat Bukit Bintang, whereas the area between Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Imbi are better known for its Chinese-style hostess nightclubs. Most five-star hotels also have clubs and bars.

The area also has its fair share of coffee places, mostly belonging to the usual international or local chains. However, Malaysians usually like to head to "Mamak stalls" to wind down after a night of partying. These can be found almost everywhere, especially where there are many clubs, and you can get teh tarik and other warm beverage and food like rot canai at these stalls.

Jalan P. Ramlee and environs

• 1 Beach Club, 924 Jalan P Ramlee, ☏ +60 32161 6666. 10:30–03:00. Open-air club done up to look like a cheap beachside bar, this is the city's most infamous meat market and pickup joint. The club advertises itself as "Voted Best Bar in Asia" and is busy most nights. Popular with tourists and the well-dressed middle-aged crowd. Weekends often have great live bands but there may be DJs. Frequented by many girls of the night that are after money; not a good place for female tourists. RM50 for men, RM40 for women include 2 drinks. (updated Jun 2017)

Luna Bar at night.

• 2 Luna Bar, ☏ +60 32332 7777, fnbadmin@pacific-regency.com. M-Th Su 11:00-01:00; F Sa 11:00-03:00. Menara PanGlobal 34F, Jalan Punchak (off Jl P. Ramlee). - Super-chic breezy rooftop bar with a pool in the middle and the best night views in town. Show up early to grab a romantic windowside niche. Drinks RM20 and up, cover charge of RM50 (incl. one drink) may apply on weekends after 21:30. (updated Jun 2017)
• Rum Jungle, 1 Jalan Pinang (corner of Jalan P Ramlee & Jalan Pinang) - One of the newest clubs in KL, features a spectacular outdoor-bar style area, with great music and hot bar maids.
• Poppy Garden, Jalan P Ramlee (Opposite Rum Jungle) - Poppy Garden plays RnB & Hip Hip on Friday nights. A club reserved for younger Asian tourists and locals.

Bukit Bintang

• Twenty One Kitchen and Bar, 20-1 Changkat Bukit Bintang. Stylish bar and restaurant. Always packed on weekends but also very popular on other nights. Two floors. 
• Pinchos Tapas Bar, Changkat Bukit Bintang, ☏ +60 3-2145 8482. 17:00 - 02:30. Pinchos is a great place to meet and mingle over a pitcher of their sangria and plates of their delicious tapas. In the evenings, Pinchos is one of the hottest places to be. After midnight, it really kicks off as patrons try to squeeze in to the restaurant-bar that’s already bursting at the seams. Expect to guzzle down one of their Spanish drinks like the Estrella Damm, the beer of Barcelona or El Gaitero, a Spanish cider while listening to the Latin music and lively atmosphere. Every night feels like a real fiesta at Pinchos. 
• Palate Palette Restaurant & Bar, 21 Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari, Bukit Ceylon, ☏ +60 3 2142 2148. Su Tu-Th 12:00-00:00, F Sa 12:00-02:00. This is a gem of a place, hidden in a backstreet in the heart of KL. A favourite amongst artists, musicians, the creative and eclectic, it's the soulful vibe, 10 toilet door locks and free curry popcorn that gets to you. Try the Oh Boi house cocktail, and check out their film and party nights which happen whenever they feel like it. 
• Bar Italia, 29 Jalan Berangan (it is the street parallel to Changkat Bukit Bintang), ☏ +60 3 21444499. 7am till late. This wonderfully designed bar is the brainchild of Paulo Guiati who started Nerovivo and Neroteca. Great concept with excellent choice of wines. Food is authentic Italian but can be erratic along with the service. Busy and noisy on weekends when reservationa are essential. Good following among local expats. $$$. 

Others

Skybar in Traders Hotel

• 3 Sky Bar, Traders Hotel. Incredible bar with great views over the city and the Twin Towers.Located on the top floor of the Traders Hotel, it is built around the Hotel swimming pool. Loud techno music late at night. Best place to be around sunset. be prepared to pay 5 star hotel prices. One of the best places in town before dinner. $. (updated Jun 2017)
• Hakka Republic Wine Bar & Bistro, 2nd Flr, Menara Hap Seng, 1-3 Jalan P.Ramlee (across the road from the side of the ShangriLa), ☏ +60 3 2078 9908. 12:00-14:00; 17:00-01:30. Closed Sat lunch and all day Sunday. Chinese themed bar, an interesting mix of Asian and western music and long wine list. Increasingly popular bar because of safe location on 2nd floor with convenient parking in 2 brightly lit basements.Attracts a wide range of customers including local celebrities, tycoons and office workers. $. 
• 4 Heli Lounge, Menara KH, Level 37, ☏ +60 32110 5034. Amazing location on a helipad high above the city with amazing views. (updated Jun 2017)

Sleep

Take a stroll around the Golden Triangle and you will quickly realise the district is littered with mid-range and high-end hotels. Prices are usually fairly competitive, so be sure to shop around for the best deal. Those on a shoestring budget will find a few budget options available, but are limited to guesthouses and hostels.

Budget

• 1 Rainforest Bed & Breakfast, 27 Jl Mesui, ☏ +60 3 2145 3525. Boutique budget hotel with dorm bed and private rooms. Beautiful building with tasteful, rainforest-themed decorations. Clean and air-conditioned dorms and rooms with key card entry and Wi-Fi available. Several common rooms are available with televisions and small, covered porches with couches on the upper floors. Dorms RM39, rooms from RM115. 
• 2 Sunshine Bedz, 65B Jl Sultan Ismail (2nd floor), ☏ +60 3 2143 5050, enquiry@sunshinebedz.com.my. A small and friendly family run hostel with modern but basic facilities. Breakfast is included in the price and free Wi-Fi/computers also available. Dorms RM30, rooms from RM50. 
• 3 Ancasa Express @ Pudu, 4th floor Pudusentral Terminal, ☏ +60 3 2072 2688, axpudu@gmail.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. All rooms equipped with air-conditioning, telephone, private toilet and bath. Some of its facilities and services are cafe, transit lounge, wake-up call, parking, airport and city transfers. Friendly staff, but hot water is not always working well. Rates start at RM118. (updated Jul 2017)
• 4 Paper Plane Hostel, 15, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang (Five minute walk from Jalan Alor, 20 minutes to downtown), ☏ +60 3 2110 1676, hello@paperplanehostel.com. A clean hostel with plenty of shower stalls, laundry service, and friendly workers at the front desk available 24/7. RM70 for a dorm; RM160 for a room. (updated Feb 2018)
• Dorms KL 2, 20-102, Jalan Pudu Lama. A huge place with lots of dorms and rooms, lots of travelers all the time, and good prices. (updated Feb 2018)

Mid-range

• 5 Bintang Garden Hotel, 24 Jl Bukit Bintang, ☏ +60 321431048. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 12:00. 51 air-con small rooms with free Wi-Fi Internet, hot water, cable TV (very bad signal--don't even bother taking the remote from the lobby). Well situated, but small rooms with bad lighting, a few tiny bed bugs. Don't trust the online reservation system to tell you how many rooms are available. From RM161.39. 
• 6 Bintang Warisan Hotel, ☏ +60 3-21488111, fax: +60 3-21482333. 68 Jl Bukit Bintang. Hotel that offers traditional look, feel and service. Rooms from RM139. 
• Citin Pudu Hotel Kuala Lumpur, 38 Jl Pudu (opposite the main bus terminal, Pudu Raya), ☏ +60 3 2031 7777, fax: +60 3 2031 7911, enquiry@citinpudu.com. Check-in: 24:00, check-out: 12:00. Opposite the main bus terminal, walking distance to Chinatown and a short walk to Bukit Bintang. Rooms are cozy with all the expected modcons - 32" LCD flat screen TV, air-condition, an in-room safe, key card locking system and an ensuite bathroom. The Cafe has an internet station, dishes up a good buffet breakfast and has a small but good selection of local dishes. Rates are very reasonable from RM110 onwards (rates may vary). Be on the lookout for bedbugs. 
• 7 Concorde, 2 Jl Sultan Ismail (Bukit Nanas Monorail Station), ☏ +60 3 2144 2200. A decent mid-range hotel that is fairly good value with all the typical amenities you would expect, including a pool. The rooms in the Premier wing are a bit more expensive than the regular rooms but they offer services and amenities comparable to hotels of a higher category for a remarkably lower price. Wi-Fi and Breakfast included in the stay. The Hard Rock Cafe is downstairs. From RM298. 
• Seasons' View. Jl Alor - In the middle of the hustle and bustle of hawker street Jalan Alor, offering basic rooms starting at RM75. 
• Sungei Wang Hotel, 74-76, Jl Bukit Bintang, ☏ +60 3-2148 5255. Offers comfortable rooms, laundry service and free parking; also has a restaurant that serves authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. From RM 103. 
• 8 Swiss Garden Residences, 117 Jl Pudu, 55100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ☏ +60 3 2141 3333. Embracing 478 serviced apartments and offering a variety of one bedroom, two bedroom apartment suites and four bedroom penthouse suites. From RM 245. 
• The Malaysia Hotel, 67-69 Jl Bukit Bintang, ☏ +60 3-2144 7733. 53 air-conditioned rooms with Internet connection, mini-bar, and shower with bathtub. Some of its amenities include 24-hour reception & customer service desk, IDD telephone, and a foot reflexology centre. Rates start at RM86.21. 

Splurge

There are not many places in the world, where 5-star-hotels are so competitively priced. So why not pamper yourself and go for the top while being in this city?

• 9 Ascott Kuala Lumpur, No 9 Jalan Pinang, ☏ +60 3 2718 6868, enquiry.kualalumpur@the-ascott.com. 221 apartments that come fully-furnished with a home entertainment system, kitchen and broadband Internet access. 
• 10 Berjaya Times Square Hotel, 1, Jl Imbi (Monorail: Imbi), ☏ +60 3 2117 8000. In the mammoth Berjaya Times Square shopping mall complex. Has a large conference centre. 
• 11 Dorsett Regency Hotel Kuala Lumpur, 172 Jl Imbi, ☏ +60 3 2715 1000. Fully A/C rooms with 32" LCD TV, satellite channels, in-house movies, free internet connection, and mini-bar. Spa, lounge by the pool. From RM228. 
• The Federal, 35 Jl Bukit Bintang, 55100, ☏ +60 3 2148 9166. Fully air-conditioned rooms, all equipped with cable and satellite television and daily supply of newspaper. Facilities and services are Bintang Revolving Restaurant, The Taj Restaurant and The Verandah. From RM250. 
• 12 Hotel Maya, 138 Jl. Ampang (in Menara Chan), ☏ +60 3 2711 8866. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. All rooms have satellite TV, wifi. From RM343. (updated Nov 2022)
• 13 Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur, Jl Sultan Ismail (Monorail Bukit Bintang, beside Lot 10), ☏ +60 3 2147 0088. Offers daily scheduled shuttle service to Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and Aquaria KLCC. 
• 14 Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur, 160 Jl Bukit Bintang, ☏ +60 3 2117 4888. 468 guestrooms including 30 suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide sweeping views of the city skyline. Hotel facilities include four restaurants and bars, spa and fitness centre, the Executive Club. Guests on the Executive Club floor are accorded signature amenities and exclusive privileges that include the service of a personal butler. Location is excellent with good access to Sungei Wang Shopping complex, the Pavilion and Starhill. The Grand Millennium has an excellent pork-free Chinese restaurant and an excellent coffee house both of which boast one of the best balanced wine lists in town. 

JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur

• 15 JW Marriott, 183 Jl Bukit Bintang (Monorail: Bukit Bintang), ☏ +60 3 2715 9000. Marriott's flagship hotel in Kuala Lumpur, decorated in a Malaysian style and conveniently located on Jalan Bukit Bintang near the shopping district. Connected to the posh Starhill Gallery and just directly opposite Pavilion shopping mall. The Marriott has an outstanding Shanghainese restaurant. 
• Pavilion Residences Apartments, 183 Jl Bukit Bintang (Monorail: Bukit Bintang), ☏ +60 18-5813624, info@pavilionapartments.com.my. Pavilion Residences Kuala Lumpur is a 5-star property that offers luxury apartment style accommodation. Prices start from RM 1,740 per night with a minimum 4 night stay for a luxury three bedroom apartment. Pavilion Residences is located in Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur and is situated on top of the Pavilion Shopping Mall. 
• Meliá, 16 Jl Imbi (Monorail: Imbi), ☏ +60 3 2142 8333. Solid if unremarkable four-star hotel opposite Berjaya Time Square and with a Monorail station next door. "Deluxe" rooms are equipped with not just broadband access, but an entire PC! Regular rates from RM200 for two with breakfast. Book online through their webpage to get the best discounts. 
• 16 Westin, 199 Jl Bukit Bintang (opposite Pavilion Mall), ☏ +60 3 2731 8333. Extremely modern and well-equipped but quite lacking in identity, with nothing but the view to remind you that you're in Malaysia. Great spacious rooms with large bathrooms. Free Internet (Wi-Fi) available in the lobby and adjoining areas. Excellent gym and staffed Kids Club. 
• Shangri-La, 11 Jalan Sultan Ismail (Monorail: Bukit Nanas), ☏ +60 3 2032 2388. Started in the early 1980s, it has been kept up to date with the owners continually reinvesting in the property. Internet is free in the room and the hotel. The restaurants are generally good with the Chinese restaurant actually improving over the years and Zipangu setting some new trends for Japanese dining. The Lobby lounge which sadly has lost its classic look is still the lounge in Kuala Lumpur to enjoy an afternoon tea. The Lafite restaurant is now home to Damon Campbell who has a 'technological' take on many classic dishes. 
• 17 Ritz Carlton, 168, Jalan Imbi. This hotel and residence is connected to Starhill Gallery and hosts the Spa Village, one of the best in Malaysia. All rooms have 24-hr butler service and most of them have access to an executive lounge with free Internet access and drinks/hors d'oeuvres. For a Ritz the rooms are downright frumpy, but service is good and it IS cheap for a Ritz Carlton. Internet rates from RM380. 
• Zon All Suites, 161-D, Jalan Ampang, 50450, Wilayah Persekutuan, ☏ +60 3 2164 8000. 184 suites, all equipped with Air-conditioning, Cable TV and Internet connectivity. Some of its facilities and services are outdoor swimming pool, gym, Jacuzzi, and sauna. From RM330.60. 

KLCC and Jalan Ampang

• 18 Mandarin Oriental, Jl Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, ☏ +60 3 2380 8888. In KLCC, this hotel is primarily for business travellers, but tourists will be well accommodated for. The restaurants within the hotel are among the best (and most expensive) in Kuala Lumpur. There is also an infinity pool looking over KLCC park. From RM629. 
• Renaissance, ☏ +60 3 2162 2233. Corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang. - Five-star hotel at the edge of the Golden Triangle, accessible by monorail (Monorail: Bukit Nanas) and LRT (Putra Line: Dang Wangi). The East Wing ("Superior" rooms) is newer and more modern, while the West Wing ("Deluxe" rooms) are older. Rates from RM250. 
• 19 Royal Chulan, 5 Jalan Conlay (in Menara Chulan Tower), ☏ +60 3 2688 9688. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. 5-star hotel with all the trimmings. (updated Nov 2022)
• 20 Traders Hotel, Jl Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, ☏ +60 3 2332 9888. Sister hotel to the Shangri-La, overlooking KLCC and the Petronas Towers. View from the open air bar and pool/spa complex at the top is stunning and food is exceptional. Rooms are very well appointed, and rates among the best of the top hotels in KL. Trader's club upgrade entitles you to free drinks, snacks and Internet broadband. A buggy service to Suria KLCC is also available. From RM360. 

Connect

• 1 Yoshi Connection, Shop C21F, Suria KLCC, Cnr Jl P Ramlee & Jl Ampang (Concourse level), ☏ +60 3 2161 5000. 10:00-22:00. A business centre that offers good internet speeds along with print, scan and fax facilities. Prices are a little more expensive than the typical internet cafe. RM 8/hour. 

Cope

Religious services

• 2 St. John's Cathedral. A historic cathedral and the seat of the archbishop. (updated Nov 2018)

Go next

Now you have visited modern Kuala Lumpur, head towards Chinatown in the City Centre to have a glimpse of the city's colonial past. The area is easily reached either by a leisurely walk from Bukit Bintang or even the free GO-KL bus. After you could then cross the Klang River and visit the colonial administrative area. Alternatively, consider heading to Chow Kit and Kampung Baru. Here you can experience a slice of local life, visit markets and sample some traditional Malay food in the last Malay village within Kuala Lumpur.