Attractions Nearby Kuala Lumpur, Day Trips and Excursions

(Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory, Malaysia)



Putrajaya viewClose to Kuala Lumpur are a number of very special Malaysian attractions, spread around the Federal Territory, the Klang Valley and beyond. Situated some 50 km / 31 miles to the north of Kuala Lumpur, on the Pahang border and reached along the East Coast Highway, Genting Highlands is home to a number of appealing, family friendly attractions and theme parks.

For something quite different, pay a visit to the historic attractions within Putrajaya, the famous Fireflies of Kuala Selangor, or the water rides at the Sunway Lagoon. Many tourists from Kuala Lumpur also choose a day trip to Templer Park, to explore its various jungle trails, to swim in its lagoons, and to see its various natural waterfalls.


Picture of central Putrajaya

Putrajaya

Putrajaya is approximately 30 km / 19 miles to the south of Kuala Lumpur and covers just over 12,100 acres / 4,900 hectares. Once actually a rubber plantation, the Putrajaya of today has grown to become the Malaysian administrative capital. The most prominent attractions within Putrajaya are its grand buildings, which are especially clustered within its Core District. The Putra Mosque (Masjid Putra) is a favourite site, as is the Seri Perdana, which serves as the official residence of the Prime Minister.

Photograph of Fraser's Hill (Bukit Fraser)

Fraser's Hill (Bukit Fraser)

Fraser's Hill is a notable 'hill station' located to the north of Kuala Lumpur and enjoys an altitude of just over 1,500 metres / 4,920 feet. Known for its Colonial character and forested hills, the main attraction at Fraser's Hill is the small village, while lies on the western side of the golf course (where Dusky Leaf Monkeys can often be observed in the trees). Many tourists come to this area each year for the exceptional bird watching opportunities alone, together with the various walks, which include both the Hemmant Train and the Pine Tree Trail. Close by, the Jeriau Waterfall is another sight worth seeing.

Genting Highlands picture

Genting Highlands

The Genting Highlands has become a busy resort with a number of different theme parks, offering exciting rides, water slides and more. Particularly popular is the Genting Skyway, a ten-minute cable-car ride transporting passengers high above the canopy of the lush rainforest.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Kuala Selangor

Kuala Selangor is a relatively small city and sited on the coastline, where the Selangor River flows into the sea. Just a short bus ride away, Kuala Selangor is famous for a number of different attractions. The city's fireflies are almost legendary and are best observed during the early evening, at Kampung Kuantan's Firefly Park. Also very noteworthy are the plentiful seafood restaurants, as well as the hilltop Bukit Melawati fortress, which dates back to the 19th century.

Image of Singapore

Singapore

It is actually possible to reach Singapore in under an hour by plane, although if your budget doesn't quite stretch to that luxury, a far more inexpensive bus journey will take around five hours. Singapore really warrants at least a few days, since there really is so much to fill your days with here, particularly within downtown Singapore City. Always popular are the beaches within the Sentosa area, the Cantonese restaurants within the Chinatown, the Indian-style eateries in the Little India neighbourhood, and the various museums spread around the Bras Basah area. Families will enjoy a day out at Singapore Zoo, while if shopping is more your thing, then the malls clustered on Orchard Road are not to be overlooked.

Sunway Lagoon photograph

Sunway Lagoon

The Sunway Lagoon can be found to the south-west of Kuala Lumpur, within the Pataling Jaya area, and is reached by using the Klang Highway. The perfect day trip on a sunny day, tourists flock to the Sunway Lagoon, to cool down within the swimming pools or to enjoy the plentiful water slides. Other attractions include the Egyptian-themed Sunway Pyramid shopping centre, the Sunway Petting Zoo, and the Kota Darul Ehsan ceremonial archway.
Open hours: Monday, Wednesday to Friday - 11:00 to 18:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discount available for seniors and children, children under 90 cm are free

Templer Park

Templer Park stands alongside Highway 1 and just a little more than 20 km / 12 miles to the north of the city. This enormous park encompasses a huge chunk of jungle and is almost 3,000 acres / 1,215 hectares in size. On the very outskirts of Templer Park, the Bukit Takun limestone formation is also worth checking out.

Zoo Negara

Founded in the mid-1960s and located just 13 km / 8 miles to the north-east of Kuala Lumpur, the Zoo Negara offers the chance to experience some native Malaysian creatures close up, including tigers. The Zoo Negara is operated by the Malaysian Zoological Society covering just over 150 acres / 60 hectares, being based around a large lake. There are also many further animal attractions at the zoological gardens, which number more than 5,000 creatures and originate from both Africa and Asia. Particular highlights include the Tunku Abdul Rahman Aquarium, the Bird Aviary, the Reptile Park and the elephant shows.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discount available for children, disabled visitors are free