Things to know when visiting the capital of Malaysia.

Emerging as a reliable and thriving new city since the 1990s, Kuala Lumpur is now one of Southeast Asia's most modern capitals, offering a perfect blend of old and new to create a fantastic destination for visitors to explore. Its people are also known for their friendliness, and most speak English.

When is the best time to go?

The best time to visit Kuala Lumpur is between November and May each year when the weather is extremely pleasant. Summer usually attracts many Middle Eastern tourists, while the end of the year becomes even more appealing thanks to major sales events – specifically the Malaysian Mega Sale where all kinds of Malaysian products are on display.

Which festival is the highlight?

One of the most outstanding festivals on Earth is undoubtedly Thaipusam, held annually in January at the Batu Caves. Each year, it attracts over a million visitors. The festival is a place where vows and incredible feats are offered by devotees as they hike up the cave shrine. Thaipusam is a must-see festival for any visitor to Kuala Lumpur wanting to experience the city's unique culture and identity.

What should we eat?

Although travel guides often suggest the two famous streets of Petaling and Jalan Alor, for a truly authentic local culinary experience, you should visit Pudu Food Street (Pudu Wai Sek Kai), just a 20-minute walk from Kuala Lumpur's Bukit Bintang area. Here, authentic Malaysian street food is still being prepared in the traditional way by the locals themselves. The street is open daily from 4 pm until around midnight.

What souvenirs should I buy?

Any product made with durian is a wonderful and interesting souvenir to buy and give to friends and family back home. Everyone knows that durian originates from Malaysia and is one of the most unique fruits in the world. Taking advantage of this, local industries have come up with many creative ideas to incorporate durian into the production of souvenirs that reflect the local spirit. Chocolate, cookies, cakes, snacks, coffee, or even cosmetics... all featuring durian are things you should look out for when visiting souvenir shops in Malaysia.

Sustainable travel tips

The new generation of travel is all about being environmentally conscious at every step. When traveling around Kuala Lumpur, it's best to walk or use the modern subway system. A special "KL Travel Card" is always sold at KL Sentral – Kuala Lumpur's main transport hub – and this card allows you to easily explore the city using various public transport options.

Iconic destinations

Besides the famous Petronas Twin Towers, which tourists photograph day and night as a "symbol" of their visit to Malaysia, the Batu Caves – with its giant 140-foot-tall statue of Lord Murugan at the entrance leading to the caves – is also an iconic Kuala Lumpur destination that tourists pay attention to and take photos of.

Quynh Anh