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11 Walking Tours Of Kuala Lumpur-Epic and Fun! [2023] 

Do you want to go on a walking tour of Kuala Lumpur? 

You’re probably interested in exploring KL the old-fashion way, one step at a time. You love to keep fit by walking and you want to take in the city’s beauty leisurely. 

Look no further! I know the BEST KL walking tour the vibrant city has to offer. 

I live in KL and spent my childhood years growing up here, so I know KL’s best-kept secrets only locals know. 

My Choice: Best Walking Tour Of Kuala Lumpur: Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best Private Walking Tour Of Kuala Lumpur 

Plus, walking is one of my favorite ways to discover a new place when I travel too. 

I’m excited to share a round-up of the 11 best walking tours in Kuala Lumpur with you. 

Let’s get started! 

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You could go on a self guided walking tour in Kuala Lumpur but I assure you it’s not the same as having a local show you around. 

After all, there’s so much history and cross-cultural influences in KL for you to learn. And all the amazing sights for you to see! 

I would recommend this Instagram tour in Kuala Lumpur but the attractions are too far to walk in between. 

So, see parts of KL you wouldn’t normally discover by reserving one of the walking tours below: 

Runner Up For Best Walking Tour Of Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lumpur Heritage Walk

Best walking tours in kuala lumpur city center, 1. highlights & hidden gems with locals: best private walking tour of kuala lumpur .

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars – With more than 90 positive reviews! | ⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours 

Why choose this tour? 

This private walking tour tops the list as you get to explore the best of both worlds – at least 10 highlights and hidden gems of KL! 

Guided by a passionate local guide, you’ll explore iconic landmarks like the historical Railway station and modern skyscraper Petronas Twin Towers. 

Included in the comprehensive sightseeing itinerary are Masjid Jamek, Petaling Street, and KL Forest Eco Park. These underrated attractions will let you take a glimpse of the cultural diversity in the city. 

The best part about this private tour is that it can be customized to your preference. So rest assured you’ll get a personalized experience. 

Get ready for a fun time walking in Kuala Lumpur and book this private walking tour in KL today! 

The Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best Private Walking Tour Of Kuala Lumpur includes:

• Private tour
• Local guide
• 1 local drink/tasting

What past guests loved about the experience: 

“ My partner and I were staying in Kuala Lumpur for a couple of days and booked a tour with Brendon to explore the city, learn about Malaysian culture, get food tips and to meet a local. Brendon delivered all of that!  We met in the city center, told him what we had been up to the previous days, our dietary restrictions and based on that Brendon guided us through the city. We learned a lot, got recommendations and had a lot of fun throughout the tour.  We will recommend Brendon as a guide to anyone coming to KL. Ideally, you book him on the first day so you know what to do the following days too. Thanks, Brendon! ” – Marina (read more reviews ) 

2. Kuala Lumpur Heritage Walk

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars – With more than 10 positive reviews! | ⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours 

This Kuala Lumpur guided tour takes you through the historic heart of KL, where you’ll discover the city’s cultural heritage in under 4 hours. 

Your knowledgeable guide will share insights about KL’s heritage, a former tin mining settlement, and the diverse KL population. 

The walking tour starts off with a savory breakfast at a local restaurant where you can sample authentic Malaysian food. With the steps you’ll take, make sure to eat up for energy! 

Next, you’ll visit the oldest Taoist and Hindu temple in KL, Sin Sze Si Ya Temple and Sri Mahamariamman Temple, to learn more about the Tao and Hindu culture. 

Enjoy strolling through Central Market, a popular tourist attraction that brims with Malaysian art and craft. It’s a repurposed heritage building with plenty of artworks and souvenirs you can purchase. 

This heritage walk is guaranteed to let you in on Malaysian culture and tradition, so book your spot on the tour! 

The Kuala Lumpur Heritage Walk includes:

• Bottled water
• Food tastings
• English-speaking guide

“ What an amazing tour! Our guide, the food, the places tourist don’t go to: just an amazing tour. Highly recommend to anyone going to Kuala Lumpur to do this Heritage Walk ” – Lynette B (read more reviews ) 

3. Private Customized KL Walking Tour With A Local

⭐️ RATING: 4.6 out of 5 stars – With more than 20 positive reviews! | ⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 2 – 6 hours 

If you’re looking for a fully customized private walking tour in KL, this Kuala Lumpur city tour is for you! 

Upon booking, a representative from the tour operator will reach out to confirm all details and share a questionnaire to get to know your preferences. 

Based on your interests, they will assign the best local guide to host you during the tour. 

You’ll get to pick which KL attractions you want to visit and decide on how long the tour will be, usually between 2 to 6 hours. 

While the tour is unique to you, you’ll still get to explore Kuala Lumpur through the eyes of a passionate local. It’s also an opportunity for you to get insider tips on how to make the most out of your stay in KL. 

Enjoy walking through the streets of KL on this private walking tour! 

The Private Customized KL Walking Tour With A Local includes:

• Customized private walking tour

“ Stefan took us on a tour of the Batu Caves, the National Mosque, the Presidential Palace and Petaling Street/Central Market. He was very competent, entertaining, and flexible and could tell us a lot about his life in KL.  Finally, there were numerous good tips for going out and eating in the evening. All in all, just as we imagined for a tour ” – GetYourGuide traveler (read more reviews ) 

Best Kuala Lumpur Culinary Walking Tours  

A day tour in Kuala Lumpur is incomplete without exploring all the good food that Malaysia offers! 

Locals often greet each other with the question, “Dah makan?” which translates to, “Have you eaten yet?” instead of the typical greeting, “How are you?”. 

It’s a testament to how delicious food is more than just a meal in the KL culture, but rather an opportunity for people to connect and bond. 

Explore the flavors of KL on foot with any of the culinary walking tours below: 

4. Kuala Lumpur Food And Walking Tour Through Chow Kit

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars – With more than 70 positive reviews! | ⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours 

Named in the NY Times List of 52 Places to Visit in 2020 , Chow Kit is an underrated neighborhood in KL that’s off the typical tourist path. 

Go on this city tour of Kuala Lumpur and walk through the vibrant Chow Kit wet market to explore some of the best food in KL. 

You can expect to sample tasty dishes like Chicken Stay paired with flavorful sauce and a Malaysian classic, Nasi Lemak with spicy Sambal. 

Most food stalls in the Chow Kit food street have been in business for generations.

You’ll get to learn about Malaysian cuisine and culture, and maybe a secret or two behind legendary local dishes from the great cooks themselves. 

Led by a passionate foodie guide, this walking tour is limited to an exclusive small group, so you can expect a personalized experience. 

If you’re looking for a walking tour with good food, then it’s time to book this tour! 

The Kuala Lumpur Food And Walking Tour Through Chow Kit includes:

• Beverages and dinner
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Small-group walking tour

“ Just what we were looking for in a food tour! Pauline really knows KL and the wet market.  We enjoyed the walk through the wet market and tasting various prepared foods as well as fruits and vegetables. Not something we would have done on our own and wouldn’t have known what was what without a guide.  Chili-pan-mee was the best meal we had in 3 weeks in KL! I couldn’t finish it or barely touch anything at the final stop. Highly recommend this tour! ” – Lisa B (read more reviews ) 

5. Chef Designed Kuala Lumpur Food Walking Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars – With more than 10 positive reviews! | ⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours 

This is a walking tour specifically designed for food lovers – planned by a professional chef and led by a team of knowledgeable, passionate food guides. 

Make sure to come to the tour with a big appetite and an empty stomach because you will sample at least 15 delicious tastings! 

This includes banana-leaf grilled mackerel and coconut-steamed Nasi Lemak with Chicken Rendang, among many other tasty samples. 

By the end of the tour, you’ll be happy with a full belly and also a deeper appreciation for the variety of Malaysian cuisine. 

If you don’t have enough time for a day tour in Kuala Lumpur and only have 4 hours to spare, I highly recommend booking this walking tour perfect for foodies! 

The Chef Designed Kuala Lumpur Food Walking Tour includes:

• 15 + food tastings included, more than any other Kuala Lumpur food tour 
• 4 hours of feasting around the backstreets of old Kuala Lumpur 
• Designed by a Kuala Lumpur chef, led by professional foodie guides 
• Maximum of 8 exclusive guests on each tour 
• Bottled water and local soft drinks included

“ We enjoyed the food tour so much! Mr Siddoz was a great guide, full of knowledge about the food, city, culture, and more. He took us around two local foodie areas and we tried at least 15 types of food and drinks – we ate so much.  We also got to try and make roti (it’s really hard) and see pulled coffee being made. Siddoz was so friendly and he was a great bridge between the local people and us. ” – A Tripadvisor Reviewer (read more reviews ) 

6. The 10 Tastings Of Kuala Lumpur Walk With Locals

⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 stars – With more than 20 positive reviews! | ⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours 

This tour lets you explore the best 10 street food tastings in KL! 

With countless food spots with mouth-watering dishes in the city, it helps to have a local guide show you around. 

From sweet local delights to savory food paired with flavorful local drinks to enjoy, you’re in for a tasty time during this tour. 

Make sure you try the Paper Dosa, a thin pancake usually served with coconut chutney or curry if you can handle the spice. The authentic flavor is delicious and worth a try. 

In between food tasting, you’ll get a chance to walk and admire the beautiful sights of KL while learning about the diverse Malaysian culture at Petaling Street. 

Book this package tour of Kuala Lumpur to discover the best street food while sightseeing in under 3 hours! 

The 10 Street Food Tastings Of Kuala Lumpur With Locals include:

• Local guide who is knowledgeable and passionate about food 
• 10 food and drink tastings (vegetarian options available)

“ I highly recommend this tour for anyone interested in experiencing the Malay food scene!  Our guide Joel was amazing — he shared a lot of his knowledge of the country’s history and culture while introducing us to some delicious dishes on the way.  I always take food tours when I travel, and I can tell this one was the perfect combination of food (quality, variety, and amount), history, and laughs! ” – Rafaela Mazzone (read more reviews ) 

7. Half-Day Local Food Walking Tour Kuala Lumpur

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars | ⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours 

Explore the flavors, traditions, people, and places that make Malaysia an amazing melting pot of culture on this walking tour. 

Led by a passionate local food guide, you will walk to popular landmarks and discover secret food spots frequented by locals. 

The tour starts in the Central Market area, locally known as Pasar Seni. A landmark for Malaysian culture and heritage, it’s also home to delicious food stalls. 

On your next stop at Jalan Masjid India, you’ll step into a bustling street where you can sample a variety of food and snacks influenced by the Indian community. 

If you are short on time and can’t make it for a one day tour of Kuala Lumpur, then I recommend going on this half-day walking tour, perfect for food lovers! 

The Half-Day Local Food Walking Tour Kuala Lumpur includes:

• Food sampling
• Professional tour guide 

“ Excellent tour. The guide was very knowledgeable and the food was delicious! We learned so much about the culture and history of KL. ” – Brady (read more reviews ) 

8. Local Kuala Lumpur Street Food Night Walking Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.6 out of 5 stars – With more than 40 positive reviews! | ⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours 

If you’re a night owl, then this night walking tour is right up your alley! 

Instead of a day tour of Kuala Lumpur, you’ll spend the evening discovering the best KL street food. 

Follow in the footsteps of the locals and feast your way through KL at multiple food spots on a night’s outing. 

Together with a local guide, you’ll eat at 3 different locations and learn about the diverse Malaysian cuisine and its influences from the Malay, Indian, and Chinese communities. 

At the famous KL street food called Jalan Alor, you’ll sample tasty treats, including Satay, Chicken Karipap, Dim Sum, and Paper Dosa. 

Get ready for a fun night out when you book this tour! 

The Local Kuala Lumpur Street Food Night Walking Tour includes:

• 6 tastings per person

“ This was a superb tour. This tour is an introduction to Malaysian food. I enjoyed it so much that I am doing a longer food tour tomorrow!  My guide was very knowledgeable and gave me a cultural and historical background of Malaysian food. He was very warm and welcoming. It felt like I was doing a tour with a friend. This tour is a must for your first time in Malaysia! ” – GetYourGuide traveler (read more reviews ) 

Best Kuala Lumpur Walking Tours In Nature 

If you love walking then chances are you love being in nature too.  

Luckily for you, Malaysia is home to lush rainforests, vast parks, and amazing waterfalls that are waiting for you to explore them. 

I’ve compiled the best walking tours in nature you should try and they are worth the day tours from Kuala Lumpur: 

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9. Day Tour To Taman Negara Rainforest

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars – With more than 35 positive reviews! | ⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours 

When you visit Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur tours that bring you through lush rainforests are a must on your to-do list! 

This tour brings you to Taman Negara , a vast tropical rainforest that’s home to endangered animals like elephants and tapirs. 

You’ll spend the day walking through the wilderness with your guide and learning about the abundant flora and fauna. If you’re lucky, you might spot beautiful Rafflesia flowers. 

The hike can be vigorous depending on your fitness level, so be prepared with suitable shoes. I recommend bringing an extra set of clothes to change into at the end . 

The Kuala Lumpur local tour operators will also bring you to a nearby indigenous village where you’ll get to learn more about the local culture. 

If you’re a nature lover who’s looking for a memorable walking tour, then you’ll enjoy this day trip to Taman Negara! 

The Day Tour To Taman Negara Rainforest includes:

• Lunch and round-trip hotel transport provided
• Taman Negara nature guide 
• Park permits and forestry boat for visit to aborigine village

What past guests loved about the tour: 

“ Fantastic trip, worth the investment of the day during our holiday and great value.  The tour guide in the forest was also fantastic, very friendly, attentive and knowledgeable and you could chat and ask any questions and get a real understanding of the forest, the people and the wildlife.  The trip down the river to see the aboriginal village was enthralling and such a privilege to be able to do. Brilliant tour, one of the best we have ever done. ” – Craig S (read more reviews ) 

10. Magical River Trek To Waterfall   

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars – With more than 190 positive reviews! | ⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours 

Get away from the hustle and bustle of KL city and trek through a beautiful Malaysian rainforest instead. 

Not your typical guided tour of Kuala Lumpur, this tour allows you to immerse yourself in the tranquil and lush greenery located on the outskirts of the city. 

Crossing crystal-clear rivers and navigating bamboo thickets before swimming in the cool waters near a magical multi-tiered waterfall sounds amazing, right? 

If it’s your first time swimming by a waterfall, try to stand and let the cascading water massage your back. You’ll feel so relaxed and refreshed! Just remember to be safe when you do this. 

Your knowledgeable guide will also share stories about the flora teeming in the jungle and the animals, so take your time to learn while you enjoy the tropical paradise. 

Don’t miss out on this hidden gem and book your spot on the unique tour today! 

The Magical River Trek To Waterfall includes:

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner 
• Snacks and bottled water 
• Driver/guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Coffee and/or tea

“ This was an amazing experience and we loved every part of it. It was really cool to swim by the waterfall after hiking through the jungle. Chen was a great guide, really friendly, and planned the day out including the food stops really well.  The food stops themselves were fantastic, some of the best food we had whilst in Malaysia. During the trek, he would stop to explain some of the fauna and even Malaysian history, which was all very interesting.  Would highly recommend this tour to anyone who enjoys the outdoors. ” – A Tripadvisor Reviewer (read more reviews ) 

11. Templer Park Hike, Batu Caves And Fireflies Park

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars | ⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 11 hours 

This tour packs so much action in a day’s worth of a local tour in Kuala Lumpur!

Your day starts with a hike at Templer Park, where you’ll trek through the rainforest past six waterfalls. Nothing beats fresh air and a refreshing walk to kickstart your day. 

The next stop is a tour of the iconic Batu Caves, a beautiful limestone temple with magnificent views. You’ll also enjoy an Indian vegetarian lunch while you’re there. 

After lunch, the guide will take you to Bukit Melawati, where you can see silver leaf monkeys up close. You’ll notice that the placid monkeys are gentle creatures. 

On the final stop in Kuala Selangor , savor a delicious Chinese dinner before you board a boat and cruise through mangrove trees to see the enchanting glimmer of fireflies.

If you enjoy exploring the outdoors and love animals, then you’ll have fun and clock in a lot of steps on this tour!

The Templer Park Hike, Batu Caves And Fireflies Park include:

• Chinese dinner with Chinese tea 
• Lunch (Indian bread with non-spicy curry) 
• All activities – visiting monkeys, Templer park waterfall, hiking, fireflies 
• Driver and guide 
• Hotel pickup and drop-off 
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan 

“ We had a superb day on this tour. The guide was so helpful, informative, and friendly. He added to our day. ” – Bill S (read more reviews ) 

FAQs On The Best Walking Tour Of Kuala Lumpur  

Is kuala lumpur walkable .

So, is Kuala Lumpur walkable? Yes! The capital city of Malaysia paves new walkable areas continuously, starting with the River of Life. 

The beautiful waterfront is planned and designed with pathways that lead to popular tourist destinations. This includes attractions like Merdeka Square, Central Market, Masjid Jamek, and more. 

Where Can I Stroll In KL? 

Wondering where you can stroll in KL? Take a stroll with your family in Kuala Lumpur at these 5 popular parks: 

• Perdana Botanical Gardens 
• KLCC Park 
• Shah Alam National Botanical Garden 
• Taman Jaya Park 
• Bukit Jalil Recreational Park 

What To Wear On Walking Tours? 

Wear quick-dry and lightweight fabrics for your walking t-shirts , shorts , and pants . This will help wick moisture and sweat off your skin and help prevent you from becoming overheated or chilled. 

Comfort is essential and to make sure you’re comfortable on the hike, it’s important to wear appropriate walking clothing. 

What Are The Benefits Of Walking Tours? 

Wondering what are the benefits of walking tours? Here are 5 reasons why you should go on a walking tour:

• Learn about the city with a guided tour led by a local 
• It’s a fun way to burn calories
• Walking tours are eco friendly
• It’s socially distanced and safe 
• You don’t lose out on pedestrian-only areas

Tie Up Your Shoelaces For An Epic Walking Tour Of Kuala Lumpur  

That’s all, folks!

Here is a comprehensive guide on the best walking holiday tours of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, that will take you on an exciting journey through narrow alleys, hidden gems, and lush rainforests. 

You’ll get to see up close the beauty of Kuala Lumpur as an eclectic and vibrant hub of culture and class. 

Now that you know the best walking tours of Kuala Lumpur, it’s time to pack your shoes and book a tour of Kuala Lumpur to reserve your spot! 

If you enjoyed reading this guide, share it with a friend who you know would love to explore KL on foot too :). 

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Hi there. My name is Aisha. Founder and owner of Women Wandering Beyond.

Learning how to adventure and explore through the world transformed my life and helped me become a happier person.

I want to help you do the same. My female adventure travel site is dedicated to helping women travel more, step outside their comfort zone and experience wonders of the world beyond their wildest dreams!

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Travel & Expat Blog

The ultimate self-guided walking tour in kuala lumpur, follow my steps.

This self-guided tour will take you through Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown and Heritage Trail, brimming with history, food stops and photo ops!

W alking down the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, it’s often overlooked how young it actually is. At least, I’m speaking for myself.

It’s inconceivable that just a mere 140 years ago , what was a small town had only just qualified as ‘the capital of Selangor’. For some perspective, that makes KL 1’860 years younger than London and Paris, 260 years younger than New York City and roughly 100 years younger than Sydney and Bangkok. It’s also probably younger than the world’s oldest person , at 146. That’s insane!

Yet in such a short space of time, it has completely outgrown itself into one of Asia’s biggest powerhouses, sprawling with outer suburbs and a population of over 7 million.

When I put this tour together for you guys, I was amazed by what I discovered. Together with Merdeka Square, I learnt that Chinatown is one of the oldest and most fascinating areas of KL, filled with forgotten stories and shadows of yesteryear. Both of which I want to share with you.

Tour Highlights

Starting in Chinatown, I’ve curated a route that will take you to all my favourite parts in the area before meandering to the colonial district- including:

• a stop by the recently opened heritage lane Kwai Chai Hong
• sighting the heart of KL’s first settlement in Medan Pasar
• viewing the exact point that the city was conceived along the Klang River
• drooling over the impressive grand colonial buildings in Merdeka Square
• pukka local eateries (so leaving an empty stomach is highly recommended … don’t go crazy on that breakfast buffet!)

Aesthetically speaking, perhaps don’t go to Chinatown with sky-high expectations. It isn’t as manicured as say George Town in Penang or Singapore, and many of its decaying 1920’s shophouses are crying for a revamp. But there are some diamonds in the rough, and for the most part, it’s like walking through an unrestored museum.

I’ve walked this route a couple of times and without stopping, it’s achievable in 45 minutes. But counting in time for photo ops along the way, as well as some exploration and optional food stops, it may take you anywhere between 1-3 hours.

Tip: You’re going to sweat on this tour in KL’s unrelenting heat, so try to wear light cotton or linen clothes and avoid synthetics! Don’t forget your hat, sunnies and plenty of water.

I created this tour using ‘My Maps’, so all you need is Google Maps on your smartphone. If your iPhone is missing it, you can download it for free from the Apple iOS store.

Once opened, a blue circle will appear showing your location so you can see where you are at all times. As it uses the satellite, even if you lose internet connection you’ll still know where you’re standing. Phew. No one’s getting lost today! (Joking, you won’t get lost. Hopefully. 😳)

I’ve marked the points of interest on the map (30 in total) which are all the brown icons. If you click on one, then I’ve written info to explain what it is you’re looking at. A picture will appear too (phones only…not sure why it doesn’t show up on the computer!).

The blue line you’ll see on the map is the walking route I’ve proposed. There’s A and B which are connected to each other- A is for Chinatown and B leads into the colonial district . My Maps wouldn’t let me do a really long line for some reason without it messing up…it has its limitations!

If you don’t have the internet on your phone in KL, then you can buy a cheap MyMaxis SIM card from most malls. Then you just need to download the Hotlink app to top it up. You can purchase a 7-day 4G internet pass for RM10 (approx. £2 GBP).

Or if you can’t get the internet, then you can still access the tour by opening up the map up as explained ☝🏼 when you have a connection at a hotel or coffee shop, and then it should stay on Google Maps even if you lose connection.

The only limitation is, that you won’t be able to access the descriptions (or pics) this way. So just in case this happens, I’ll write them all for you below in this article, which you can also open up when you have Wi-Fi. You’re welcome! 🙌🏼

Optional First Stop: Petronas Towers

I’ve not included this on the tour, but if you’re a complete KL newbie and haven’t even seen these twins yet, then you’ve got to christen your stay and head there first.

Some people like to pay to travel up the towers and stand in the Skybridge and Observation Deck which you can prebook online. Although I haven’t been up them, personally I always prefer to save my RM80 and visit a sky-bar or sky-restaurant where I’ll have a view of them, rather than from it.

As Karl Pilkington once said about Petra, “You’re better off living in the hole looking at the palace than living in the palace looking at the hole”. 😆

Just kidding, the view from the towers is awesome too and far from a hole. But if you head somewhere like Marble 8  then you can see both the towers and the impressive KLCC park from above, whilst filling your stomach.

But each to their own.

The Petronas Towers were opened in 1998 and designed by an Argentinian architect, Cesar Pelli. For six years they were the tallest structure in the world until 2004, were the Taipei 101 took reign. Although they still remain as the tallest twin towers on Earth. Impressive huh.

It reaches 88 storeys high with arabesque patterns, and the five tiers represent the five pillars of Islam. They are truly a symbol of KL’s emergence into the 21st century, from a humble tin-mining town into a mega Southeast Asian metropolis.

KLCC park makes for a pleasant stroll when it’s not scorching at midday. Although there’s plenty of shade and a wading pool for the kids to cool off, as well as outdoor restaurants and bars for the adults at Suria KLCC (I’d suggest heading to Delirium Cafe for a generous selection of craft beers).

Before KLCC Park and the twin towers were erected, the site was used by the Royal Selangor Turf Club as a horse racing track. My taxi driver alerted me of this when I was on my way to research the tour, saying that he’d frequently go to bet on the horses. Hard to imagine that now.

Once you’re finished here, you can jump in a Grab taxi to Chinatown and be there in 15 minutes (I’d call it to Chocha Foodstore , a restaurant a few doors down from Chan She Shu Yuen Clan Ancestral Hall as it’s on a busy road). Or if you’re feeling energetic, you can walk there in about 50 minutes. Just use Google Maps to navigate an easy route.

Stop 1: Chan See Shu Yuen Clan Ancestral Hall

Clan houses in Malaysia were meeting halls for Chinese migrants who shared the same surname. Their purpose was to act as a place where new arrivals can get together and make friends with others who speak the same dialect, as well as to help them get set up and provide financial assistance.

The Chan See Shu Yuen Temple was erected between 1897 and 1906 by four tin miners and a few businessmen. It’s KL’s oldest clan house, once serving people with the surnames Chan , Chen or Tan . As you can imagine, this was a pretty epic group!

Nowadays, it’s utilised as a Buddhist temple and is open to visitors. You can take a peek from 9am – 5pm.

Stop 2: Chocha Foodstore

Take a look outside. What do you think? Is it a dreary, old-school hotel. Or something else?

Written on the front of this nondescript facade is the name of its former business ‘Mah Lian Hotel’, founded in 1969. But those days are long gone.. sort of.

Back in the day, one part of the building was utilised as a hotel, whilst other rooms were reserved for different businesses and a co-working space. Amongst them was a fortune-telling enterprise and a brothel.

This former abandoned building has recently been beautifully restored inside by its current owner, architect Shin Chang. He made it structurally sound whilst maintaining its character and traditional features, even down to the peeling 40-year-old paintwork.

It’s still utilised as a flexible working space, with the bottom reserved for Chocha Foodstore and a bicycle repair shop, whilst the top functions as a bar with a separate co-working office for a group of architects. The brothel of course, is long gone.

The restaurant itself is unpretentious and nocks up some awesome contemporary, local dishes, and is one of my absolute favourite KL restaurants. It uses a farm-to-fork concept, with produce supplied from a small plot behind the owner’s parents’ house. I’d highly recommend booking a seat for dinner… the food alone will give you multiple foodgasms.

Stop 3: Ho Kow Hainam Kopitiam

One of Chinatown’s longest standing kopitiams , this place is a bit of an institution here.

A kopitiam is a coffee shop that serves food, and they’re all over KL. The word kopi is Malay for ‘coffee’ and tiam is Hokkien for ‘shop’. These popular eateries were originally created by the Hainanese-Chinese community, many of whom became chefs when they first arrived to Malaysia, working for Straits-born Chinese and British colonial families.

When the Brits left Malaysia, many cooks then went on to open their own restaurants and bakeries, and some established kopitiams.

Due to their experiences with the colonials, they traditionally serve up a hybrid breakfast consisting of buttered toast with kaya (coconut jam), and a soft-boiled egg which people seasoned with soy sauce and black pepper. They also usually serve a range of Hainanese-Chinese inspired dishes, as well as some old-school Malaysian fare.

They’re definitely nostalgic places for many Chinese-Malaysians, which is why golden oldies such as this will usually see a long line out the door. So if you’re planning on eating here, you should come early! (Otherwise, if it’s heaving, check out kopitiam ‘Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock’ a few doors down).

Ho Kow Hainam Kopitiam used to be positioned over to your left along Lorong Pangung , until they moved to this site to make way Kwai Chai Hong (you’ll be heading there soon). Since then they’ve had a facelift and now don this fresh, insta-friendly look.

Stop 4: Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock Kopitiam

If you took my recommendation and came with an empty stomach (I told you to go easy on that breakfast buffet!), then this award wining kopitiam is a good place to stop. I ate at their Publika branch which recently opened in my burb of Mont Kiara, but this spot is their flagship.

Unlike most other kopitiams, Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock is unique in that it’s run by a Malay, a Chinese and an Indian guy, whom I call ‘The Three Musketeers’. Therefore you’re presented with the best of Malaysia’s eclectic cuisine.

I’d recommend trying their Nasi Goreng (or Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng), Hokkien Mee and Chicken Rendang (Ayam Rendang). Just grab a seat and there’s table service. You can ask your waiter for help if you’re not sure what anything is.

Try having a traditional teh tarik with your lunch too, which is a tasty Malaysian ‘pulled’ tea with condensed milk that hails from India.

Stop 5: The Attic Bar

This awesome secret bar is hiding above The Travel Hub Guesthouse, which you should pencil in later for as a sundowner… or now if you want, I’m not judging! 😆 No wait, they open at 6pm so you’ll have to come back (check out my post for more details on how to find it).

It serves pukka artisanal cocktails & has the added bonus of a rooftop offering a low-key KL view.

Stop 6: Old Post Office

This Tudor-style colonial building was built (I believe) in the early 20th century. It used to be a post office, and on the front you can see a poster of an old 80 cents stamp.

It was then turned into a traditional kopitiam called Malaya Hainan Restaurant for many years. An online source states that allegedly the owners were forced to close the business after sightings of a phantom lady on the upper floor.

Do you think this place could be haunted? Take a minute to see if you can spot her peering from between the black and white blinds. Or go one further and head inside for a coffee.

The premises have since been taken over and rebranded as Station Kopitiam . For now.

Stop 7: Goldsmith Mural

Sitting at the end of a beautiful row of restored clan houses, this large mural is of a goldsmith at work. It was created by a Russian artist, Julia Volchkova in 2016 who also has a range of other artwork in Penang’s hipster capital, George Town.

I’m guessing it’s created in homage to the many Goldsmiths that were attracted to the area prior to the 1900’s, and a few of their shops can still be found on the ‘old’ high street.

The goldsmith is seen working dextrously with a shaping hammer, whilst being severely dwarfed by an imposing building development sitting in the distance- and, oh yes, below it lays a glowing preview of brightly painted shophouses. Go and take a closer look to inspect them.

Stop 8: Yellow Chinese Shophouses

If you take a closer look, you’ll notice that these bright yellow and blue shophouses are mere Insta-bait for what sits beside it: the [not so secret] heritage lane, Kwai Chai Hong .

These freshly painted shophouses are just ‘4 out of 10’ buildings that sit around Kwai Chai Hong, and they were purchased by a space management company who saw them as a business opportunity to promote the arts. Instead, they ended up falling in love with the locals and the area and began focusing their efforts on developing the laneway behind it into a heritage feature.

When I visited earlier this year the shoplots were empty, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re now occupied. Go and check them out!

Stop 9: Kwai Chai Hong

Until a mere year ago, no-one really had a reason to walk down Lorong Panggung, except to get a quick bite to eat. The entrance to this laneway was nowhere to be seen and instead, a building sat in its place which housed an unfussy Kopitiam called He Jiu .

Wind forward to now and the area has been transformed. The kopitiam is long gone, the premises was nocked down and the once derelict lane was transformed into a much-talked-about heritage feature.

I accidentally stumbled along Kwai Chai Hong after it first opened in April this year (2019) and it was nice and quiet then. But it’s since gained a lot of traction, so try and arrive early to avoid the crowds.

If you walk inside then you’ll see that the lane is littered with endearing murals, illustrating the lives of local Chinese settlers from the 60’s as a way to relive its former glory days.

The creators were thoughtful enough to add QR codes to the artwork, although non-Mandarin speakers will need to ask a friendly local to translate it into English. I’ll give you some context too though guys.

Above the weathered balcony, you can see a landlady looking out of a widow with a fag draped from her mouth. Much like modern-day central London, it was common for single flats in Chinatown to be split into tiny rooms, and once for the landlord to go around collecting rent.

You can also spot the ‘Hai Nam Kopitiam’ that you just passed around the corner, as well as the Yan Keng Benevolent Dramatic Association building. Founded in 1920, it is one of KL’s oldest opera clubs that also functioned as a charity fundraiser, using donated money to help local schools, hospitals and old people’s homes.

Like many other long-standing structures in Chinatown, it recently survived demolition from the MRT expansion, but others weren’t so lucky.

Downstairs, amongst the artwork is an earnest calligrapher writing auspicious sayings, with a chair propped at his table to help local Chinese settlers write letters back home.

Next to him sits a smiling uncle playing the erhu (a two-stringed fiddle) and- wrapped in a red feather boa- an attractive prostitute waves her pink handkerchief seductively from inside a traditional wooden window.

KL is usually so censored from sexual references that painting ‘a lady of the evening’ would normally be taboo. Yet, much of Chinatown was once surprisingly peppered with crime, corruption and carnality.

The lane’s name is believed to stem from this colourful past. In Cantonese, the street Lorong Panggung  literally translates to  Kwai Chai Hong , meaning ‘Ghost Lane’ or ‘Prankster Lane’, for one of two suppositions.

The first, more PG version is that it was named after the local mischievous kids who would run around the street and play pranks. They were believed to be called ‘Kwai Chai’ by the locals due to their cheeky behaviour.

The other more 18+ theory that I prefer, is that the lane was where all the notorious vices took place, like prostitution, gambling and drug taking. This was said to attract a local gang called  Dragon Tiger , whose leader named his members ‘Little Ghost’, or  Kwai Chai .

Which do you believe?

Stop 10: ‘Birds’ Street Art

I’m not going to lie, I don’t really know anything about this artwork of two birds! But they brighten up the road nicely.

However, I do know they were perched here before Kwai Chai Hong was restored (thank you Google Maps). You can see a picture of it below, which also displays the kopitiam that traded at the entrance to this ‘now’ heritage lane.

Stop 11: Bubble Bee Cafe

Bubble Bee is one of a few revamped shoplots along Petaling Street, which first opened for businesses in 2017. If you’ve accumulated a sweet tooth after lunch, then this trendy cafe could be a good waffle stop.

It’s [so far] the only business with direct access to Kwai Chai Hong.

Stop 12: Petaling Street

I detoured past this tourist magnet when I visited, on the judgement that I wouldn’t be interested in the back-to-back stalls selling counterfeit goods. But I later regretted my decision when I found out about its legacy.

You should now choose whether to walk down Petaling Street or skip it and read the history below.

Petaling Street used to lead to tin mines in the area and was one of the first streets in KL to be named. The majority of its residents were Hakka and Cantonese, who came to prosper from the roaring tin industry.

In the 1900s, like now, it was an equally bustling place filled with stalls and food vendors, but with the addition of rickshas, carriages and trishaws that would tote up and down. But even more significantly, it bears witness to a turning point in KL’s history.

Let’s get deep a little.

The Chinese communities in the area used to be ruled by Kapitans (captains) who were pivotal in developing the ‘town’ during its early stages.

Dubbed as ‘the Bruce Lee of his time’, its third but most famous Kapitan was Yap Ah Loy . Historian and writer Lam Seng Fatt describes him in an Insider’s Kuala Lumpur :

Apparently during the gang wars between the Hakkas and Cantonese, Ah Loy would pay good money for an enemy’s head on a platter. He wasn’t a man to mess with.

But this Kapitan wasn’t just good at combat, he also helped ensure the survival of this burgeoning city.

After a civil war broke out in 1970 between the two clan groups, many buildings were destroyed and mines were abandoned, causing them to flood out.

But instead of giving up on KL and allowing the miners to flee the city in search of work elsewhere, Kapitan Yap Ah Loy convinced them to stay. He encouraged workers to focus on agriculture and set up a tapioca mill on Petaling Street. It was then dubbed ‘Tapioca Factory Road’, or Shu Chong Kai in Cantonese, which is still what the Chinese locals call it today.

Nowadays, the street is closed off to motor vehicles and has been given a slight facelift, with many long-standing businesses moving out when rents were hiked in the early 2000s. But there’s still a light sprinkling of golden oldies left, like Koon Kee’s famous Wanton Mee and Kim Lian Kee’s birthplace of Hokkien Mee .

There have been many righteous success stories of Chinese business owners along Petaling Street who have worked hard to change their fortunes, as well as some who haven’t. As Lam Seng Fatt mentions:

‘Most of the Chinese traders in Petaling Street do not impress with their simple dressing and lack of ostentation, but they have Mercedez Benz cars parked in the back lanes, live in bungalows, watch satellite television and spend their holidays in Australia’.

Good on them. That’s more than I own.

Stop 13: Sri Maha Mariamman Temple

Known to be Malaysia’s oldest and richest Hindu Shrine, Sri Maha Mariamman was founded in 1873, but what you see today was erected much later.

Although undeniably striking, I think it looks a bit misplaced on this busy street in Chinatown and almost gets lost in the noise. What do you think?

The temple was first built by a wealthy Indian for fellow Tamils to worship the deity Mariamman , who was meant to protect them in foreign lands. For 50 years it was a private shrine until 1920s when it opened to the public, although the current building was remodelled substantially in the 60’s.

Non-Hindus are welcome to enter, just leave your shoes at the entrance. It’s open from 6am to 8:30pm.

Stop 14: Guan Di Temple

This temple is where many locals pray to one of China’s great warriors General Kwan- aka. ‘Guan Di’. He was named ‘God of War’ and many worship him for his superb fighting skills, believing that they’ll receive better wellbeing with his protection.

The morning is probably the best time to visit as it’ll be less busy and the aroma of incense from worshipers will calm you from the busy KL streets.

Inside there’s a sword that’s meant to have special powers and will bless and protect a person if they touch it. Go on, give it a feel and see!

Stop 15: Kasturi Walk

This relatively new, pedestrianised street features various outdoor stalls aimed at tourists. It’s a good spot to buy a fresh coconut, but otherwise, it sells pretty much the same merchandise as Petaling Street.

There’s a half-hour dance or martial arts performance nightly here at 9 pm, and the market opens from 10:30 am – 10:30 pm.

Stop 16: Central Market

I’m sure you’re getting pretty sweaty now in KL’s unrelenting heat, so step inside to enjoy the AC before reading this!

To say this grand art-deco building has had a colourful past is putting it lightly. It is, in fact, one of Yap Ah Loy’s greatest legacies, which recently survived demolition.

Central Market was first located in Medan Pasar , or ‘Market Square’, which you’ll be walking to soon. Nowadays when you walk inside, it’s brimming with Malaysian arts and handicrafts, with floods of eager beavers keen to get their hands on some of the better souvenirs in the area. Although its current condition and use is far from the old days.

Central Market always used to function as KL’s primary wet market, feeding the city with a range of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat – as well as its gambling addiction.

It was described in the late 19th century by a prominent British colonial administrator- Sir Frank Swettenham- as “ a huge gambling booth…in which literally all day and all night long, gambling is pursued by a crowd of often excited Chinese and Malays ”, saying the “ filth of the market is indescribable ”.

Could you imagine it now as a dingy market selling food, or being packed with gambling tables? It’s definitely come a long way.

When Central Market burned down in Medan Pasar in 1881 (along with Yap Ah Loy’s house and much of KL at the time) Ah Loy worked hard to rebuilt it nearby on land he leased from the authorities. At the time, it was a fundamental food source and he didn’t want KL-ites to go hungry.

After his death in 1885, it was relocated again to this site, which sits behind his former house (you’ll visit it soon).

Wind forward another 40 years, and the market’s humble wooden walls were knocked down and rebuilt into this art-deco fantasy you see before you.

When wet markets were set up in the city’s suburbs during the 1980s, the city council wanted to demolish Central Market and turn it into an office block. Thankfully it lived to tell the tale and was saved, refurbished and rebranded into a thriving heritage centre.

It’s been nicely organised into different sections- Malay, Straits Chinese and Little India. The products on offer seem a little better here if you’re after a gift or souvenir. Don’t forget to head out into the annexe right at the back where you’ll find portrait and caricature artists. Open 10 am to 9 pm.

Stop 17: OCBC Building

This iconic art deco building was sold for RM 21 million in 2016. It’s a 5-storey block (although I can only see 3 floors, plus the basement 🤔) that was initially designed in 1938 for the Overseas Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) which was fully functioning until 2015. They utilised the basement as ‘a parking hall for bicycles’ (I couldn’t imagine that now in KL) and as a strong room , which is similar to a vault.

There were talks of the new owners wanting to make a hotel out of it, but licences for new hotels were frozen from City Hall. So, what’s even better than yet another lodging?

A creative space 🖖🏼. Currently, it’s used by Urbanescapes who promote the arts through exhibitions, events and festivals. Check out their schedule for a list of shindigs.

Stop 18: Medan Pasar

You are now, my friends, looking at the square that housed KL’s first settlement. So take a breath and try to imagine it 140 years ago. Can you feel the ghosts of KL’s past behind the walls of the shophouses that lined either side?

I did. This place feels really old to me, and like it has some serious stories to tell.

The most prominent feature now is the art deco Clock Tower that stands before you, which was built in 1937 to commemorate the coronation of King George VI. But like I mentioned before, it once housed the buzzing Central Market and for many years, the square was the heart of the city. Hard to imagine that now. All I could see were groups of tourists and Indian lads killing time.

Standing behind your left shoulder is the memory of Yap Ah Loy’s house, which stood where the ‘Pacific Express Hotel’ is now. It was strategically positioned to give him the bes t view of happenings in the square. He’d be looking at you now if he was still around.

Kafe Old Market Square just opposite is likely to be the original site of the gambling den he set up. Along with brothels, it was created as a ‘lifestyle’ centre to keep the hard-working miners entertained, allowing them to work hard and play hard. They’d arrive nearby along the Klang and would bet their miserable earnings hoping to make a fortune.

Now, it’s a popular kopitiam, that even gets the likes of Boris Johnson stopping by for a visit (seriously, this dude gets everywhere!).

But it has to be said in respect for Yap Loy’s hard work, that as well as engineering the city’s vices and owning 225 prostitutes, he also set up public services such as [primitive] hospitals, prisons and the police. Even Sir Frank Swettenham complimented his strengths, saying:

“His perseverance alone, I believe, has kept the Chinese in the country…his energy and enterprise are extraordinary”.

His dogged determination to develop Kuala Lumpur is why, many regard Yap Ah Loy as the founder of KL.

Stop 19: The Birth of KL (and view of Masjid Jamek)

At this stop, you are witnessing KL’s conception along the Gombak and Klang river.

Try to imagine the group of 87 Chinese tin miners that arrived upriver in small boats in 1857. They stopped at the confluence (where the two rivers meet) because the water was too shallow to continue, alighting [on the right] at the Klang.

In their boats were necessities like weapons for protection, including gunpowder, knives and spears, as well as tools and sustenance like sacks of rice, jars of coconut oil, spirits, tobacco and chests of opium – standard . Sadly, only 18 survived after contracting malaria.

These Chinese miners were commissioned by Raja Abdullah , who was the first Malay tin-mining pioneer. Along with Yap Ah Loy, people also regard him as the founding father of Kuala Lumpur- but whether KL’s conceiver was a Malay or a Chinaman still remains a touchy subject.

Back then, this location must of been a muddy place, as Kuala Lumpur’s exact translation is ‘muddle confluence’. Now along the riverbank, the site has recently been transformed into a pleasant estuary walkway through ‘The River of Life’ project.. an interesting name considering the water’s grim appearance and a couple of dead fish I saw floating downstream.

If only Yap Ah Loy and Raja Abdullah could fast forward in time. From what was nothing but a muddy river lined with tin, jungle and potential, has- 162 years later- grown into one of Southeast Asia’s most modern cities.

Do you think they would have been impressed with it?

Now, the triangular site cradles the stunning Masjid Jamek mosque, whose beauty still manages to outshine the huge skyscrapers erected behind it.

You can stay on this newly built ‘River of Life’ route and cross the bridge around the mosque to the next stop (recommended), or continue along the blue route on My Maps.

Stop 20: Masjid Jamek

Completed in 1907, this striking place of worship was the largest mosque to be built in KL. Prior to that, the land was used as a Malay cemetery, and if you go back even further, then sources state it already housed a small settlement of tin miners from the 1820s.

The mosque was designed by British architect Arthur Benison Hubback , who is credited for at least 25 colonial buildings across Malaysia. He came to KL in 1895 just after the Brits decided to move their administration here from the Klang, for a slice of that good ‘ole tin mining pie.

Masjid Jamek was KL’s main place of worship for Muslims until the National Mosque -Masjid Negara- opened to the public in 1965. The style is a combination of Islam and ancient Moorish (originating from North Africa, as well as parts of Spain and Portugal)…and I’m going to pretend I know exactly what those styles look like! 😄

When I arrived in KL in 2017 it was undergoing upgrades, but works have since finished (along with the River of Life project) and it’s a pretty sight from the river bank. So reserve a few moments to take it all in.

If you want to go a step further and walk around the grounds, ladies can borrow headscarves and robes and reception, but I wouldn’t go in unless you’ve got your shoulders and legs to your knees covered. Open for visitors: Saturday – Thursday 08:30-12:30 & 14:30-16:30.

Stop 21: Former Survey Office

Like Masjid Jamek, this handsome structure was designed by Arthur Benison. It’s the first court in a row of former government buildings that line Merdeka Square, and it functioned as a Survey Office for many years after it’s 1910 completion.

In the 1980’s it was then used by the old sessions & magistrates courts before they moved to Putrajaya.

If you take a closer inspection, like many of the shophouses in Chinatown, you’ll notice that the building has seen brighter days. I spotted a few broken windows, apparent mould issues and sprouting weeds. One of the dome’s spires even collapsed in 2017 after a heavy spout of rain.

Jeez. If that’s not a cry for help, I don’t know what is.

The building now belongs to the Tourism and Culture Ministry, although judging from the state of it, they’re not in a rush to move in.

I guess, properties that are easily maintained in England’s temperate climate are tricky to keep fresh in Malaysia’s tropical weather. But surely a better job can be done in maintaining the city’s heritage-listed buildings, right KL?

Stop 22: Old City Hall (Now: Panggung Bandaraya or ‘City Theatre’)

Built in 1904, this heritage listed theatre hall is yet another foxy Arthur Benison creation.

It acted as a ‘buy one, get one free’ building, used to house municipal offices and act as a town hall for KL’s high society. Back in the glory days, it once held lavish dances and plays on stage.

The exterior you see today is still the original facade, although the interior has been completely remodelled since a major fire destroyed it in ’92. Thankfully, this one didn’t get left to rot and City Hall restored it soon after, giving it a thorough revamp.

Later the building was rebranded as Panggung Bandaraya DBKL  in 2003.

It’s still a venue for performances and was taken over by the musical ‘ Mud – the story of Kuala Lumpur ‘ from 2014-2017, as well as staging Malaysian Idol and So You Think You Can Dance .

Although, waiting for a performance here is like waiting for paint to dry. As far as I know, over the past two years I was in KL, there wasn’t a single public performance. Let’s just say it’s not as busy as London’s West End!

Stop 23: Former High Court Building

Built in 1915, the former High Court building was designed by another major colonial architect – A.C. Norman (who was, surprisingly, also called Arthur!)

As KL’s population was growing rapidly at the time and the number of civil trials increased, the initial High Court building was no longer suited for purpose and so this one was erected on the Gombak riverbank.

I’m not sure when it stopped functioning as a high court, but in 2014 there were talks of it becoming a gallery . Now, this 104 year-old-building is occupied by the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture, which also occupies the Sultan Abdul Samed building next door. Nice offices eh?

Stop 24: Sultan Abdul Samad Building

What a beauty.

Although the Petronas Towers gets all the Insta-hype these days, this little stunner was the most photographed until it showed up. It’s undoubtedly the most striking structure in Old KL , would you agree?

Built in 1897, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building (let’s call it SASB) was again designed by A.C. Norman. It was his masterpiece.

SASB features Islamic and Moorish-inspired architecture, with red bricks that were made in kilns in Brickfields – hence its name.

The grand, 122-year-old clock was designed to resemble London’s Big Ben, and was built in Croydon, England (hey, my old stomping ground!). But it takes a lot to maintain the antique timepiece these days, requiring four Malaysians to volunteer daily to work on its upkeep.

Like the Former Survey Building, prior to 2017, SASB was in need of urgent upgrades, with ‘algae and plants growing in the crevices’ according to the Malay Mail .

Thankfully, the government has since pledged $350 million to renovate this building (and 3 others nearby) to get it back to its former glory days.

SASBs used to be called Government Offices and over the years there were many governmental departments that moved in (including a registry office). Then from ’78 it functioned on-and-off as a High Court and Supreme Court, until they shifted elsewhere in the early 2000s.

In ’74 it was renamed to SASB after the Sultan of Selangor, as he reigned during its completion.

Now, it’s occupied by the Ministry of Information, Communications & Culture , who must be in somebody’s good books to have cherry-picked this babe.

Stop 25: Old General Post Office

Completed in 1907, this is [yet] another AC Norman creation, designed in a similar style to the Sultan Abdul Samad building .

The Kuala Lumpur General Post Office was housed here until it moved in ’84, and now it’s occupied by the Court of Appeal .

Stop 26: National Textile Museum

This grand Arthur Benison design was built in 1896 and used to house the headquarters of the Federated Malay States Railways. It was later occupied by various government departments before being refurbished as a textile museum , which opened to the public in 2010.

Textile museums may not sound like the world’s most exciting place, but it’s meant to be one of the better museums in KL -plus- it provides a bit of respite from the heat if you fancy taking a look!

There are four galleries that can be found within the two-storey block which give you an insight into how batik is made. You can also learn about woodblock printing techniques and see samples of fabric made from pineapple fibre. It opens daily from 9am to 6pm.

Stop 27: Old Chartered Bank Building

This was the first bank to operate in Kuala Lumpur, but in reality, it’s going through one huge identity crisis.

Built in 1919, it operated as the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China before being used by the Japanese as a telecommunication base during the Second World War.

After 1945 it functioned as a commercial bank until ’65, when it was used by various governmental departments.

Then in ’91, it was handed over to the Department of Museums and Antiquities to be used as the National History Museum , followed by a short stint as a restaurant . Finally, it reopened as a Music Museum in 2015 before abruptly closing two years later due to a ‘lack of funds’.

The poor thing just doesn’t know what it wants to be.

The most famous story about this bank was when its vault was submerged in water during a ridiculous flood in 1926. Despite workers trying to cement it dry, the basement was completely flooded out. Let’s just say the money got a little bit saturated.

So what do you do when millions of dollars of banknotes get wet? Just take a look behind you at that huge field, laying in the heat of the Malaysian sun.

Yes my friends, all the banknotes were left to dry on it! Could you imagine seeing it now? What a spectacle.

Stop 28: Old Government Printing Office (City Gallery)

This is another major KL Instagram attraction due to the ‘I ❤️ KL’ sign in front. Like the Old Chartered Bank next door, it too has had a topsy-turvy life.

It started out as a Government Printing Office , designed to meet the administrative needs of KL. For years, it produced official government reports, government books and train tickets.

In ’61, the Ministry of Labour took over the building and later in ’77, it was converted into the Metropolitan Postal Security Office .

Then in ’86 the Kuala Lumpur City Hall bought it for over RM3 million. After a thorough renovation and kitting it out with library equipment, it became the first public library in Kuala Lumpur .

The Kuala Lumpur Memorial Library , as it was named, also acted as a research centre on all things related to Kuala Lumpur – its history, administration and development, as well as exhibitions on objects and artefacts connected to the heritage of the city.

Since opening its doors in ’89, the library grew quickly and after three years, it made history by being the first public library in Peninsular Malaysia to go online. The library was then renamed the Kuala Lumpur Library in 2000, and a new annex was added in 2004.

And finally, in 2016, it was rebranded and opened to the public as the KL City Gallery . If you’re still feeling hot, head inside to have a gander at their 360° city model exhibition . It’s open daily from 9am – 6:30pm.

Stop 29: Independence Flag – Merdeka Square

This is where Malaysia was ceremoniously freed from British control, marking the start of its independence in 1957.

At midnight on 30th August, when the Sultan Abdul Samad clock chimed, the Union Jack was lowered to God Save The Queen , and the Malayan flag was raised, with people shouting ‘ Merdeka ! Merdeka!’ (independence). So in 1969, the square was renamed from Padang (field) to Merdeka Square .

Now, every Monday between 9:45am and 10am there is a flag-raising ceremony.

It’s nice to have a stroll around the Padang if it’s not roasting hot. Prior to 1892, it used to grow fruit and vegetables for the tin miners. But when the Brits came to town, they had other ideas. In fact, one of the first things they done was to clear and flatten the land so it could be turned into a cricket ground.

Since then, it became the heart of colonial KL.

It would regularly house cricket events, parades and celebrations, and even had two tennis courts near the Selangor Club. When an important match was playing, supporters were said to come out in their droves to cheer on the teams.

There were also twice-weekly musical performances by a Filipino band who would rig up their bandstand, playing whilst Club members would sip on their stengahs (a drink of half whiskey and soda over ice, popular with British colonials).

Except in 1988, the Padang was bulldozed when an underground parking project started, halting cricket on the field after a century. Artificial turf was laid in 1991, and shortly after, cricket reconvened, although players groaned that the field wasn’t the same.

Stop 30: Royal Selangor Club

Walking by the Royal Selangor Club, it looks a bit ‘out of the way’ and humdrum.

But wind back nearly 140 years ago, and it was “the” place to be .. if you weren’t of colour , that is.

Almost all members of the RSC were European, although a few Malaysians who were considered ‘a cut above’ were allowed in too. It acted as a meeting point for members of the British Colonial Society , as well as a place where their wives would idly gossip on the terrace.

But it was predominantly a Snow White-only club… even though the RSC states that membership was determined by ‘high educational and social standards’, and not by race or citizenship. Hmm, I think that’s code for ‘white supremacist’.

The Spotted Dog , as it was fondly nicknamed (probably because two Dalmatians belonging to a club member were frequently found there) was created in 1884 as a ‘social and cricket club’ – complete with a bar, billiard hall and reading room. You know, all the stuff that the Brits back then would lap up.

It used to host particularly lively parties and special gala events, where generous amounts of alcohol were knocked back by the ‘high society’. Merriment generally lasted until the early hours of the morning.

White planters would also come by frequently. Many owned thriving coffee plantations in and around KL, and would visit the city once a month or so to see their bank managers. They’d also have to stop by at The Spotted Dog (or ‘planters’ club, as it was also known) to catch up on the news and goings on, which they’d often miss living in their remote estates.

In the 1890s, the planters switched their crops from coffee to rubber when Brazil started supplying the world with their coffee beans.

Nowadays the club has a more Malaysian vibe and a lot of its members are Indian lawyers. Checking their events schedule online, there doesn’t seem to be any cricket matches anytime soon, but they do have a Deepavali Ball and Tamil night.

The Tudor building you see before you now was built in 1889 and was extended somewhat after that. But originally, it started out as a tiny wooden building where St Mary’s Church is now (around the corner).

Wow, that was epic! 🤟🏼

I hope you enjoyed my KL tour as much as I did putting it together.

If you’re hungry after all that walking, here’s a list of my top KL restaurants . Or if you want to get your mouth around some traditional Malaysian fare, here’s my top 10 dishes to try and where to find them.

No Shezz, I need liquids, not solids. No worries, you’re not far from some awesome speakeasies ! Go check them out.

Trying this tour later? Pin it!

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10 comments.

Thank you SO much for this incredible guide! I’m a female solo traveler and I felt quite lost when I arrived KL – I quickly got the “big things” off my bucket list (Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, KLCC park, etc.), but I was looking for something more unique and pedestrian friendly. This was absolutely perfect! Your bite-sized paragraphs about the various sites was great to read while on the go and the route was so fun and informative. Thanks again so much, you made my trip so special!

That’s awesome to hear Maria! 🥳 So stoked you enjoyed the guide and had a good day out, it’s lovely to read your feedback. I hope you enjoy the rest of your time in KL! x

I used to live in KL and I’m taking my wife there for her first time. This is a great map to follow! Thank you!

That’s awesome Matt, I hope you both have a great time! 😊

Thank you so much this is very helpful and interesting walking route

You’re very welcome lovely! I’m glad you enjoyed the walking trail as much as we did, there’s lots of interesting histories around KL. Shezza.x

Thanks for sharing. I have been checking KL on foot and visited most of the places that you have highlighted before I came across your travel blog. You article was well researched and thanks for highlighting the historical buildings which provided me with much better insights. If you head this way again perhaps we can do the walkabout together and share our interests.

Hi William, I’m glad to hear the article was useful! It was a great one to research and experience also. I’d love to walk it again if we’re back in KL, I’m sure a bit would have changed since my last visit

Thanks for sharing your itinerary. My friend and I had a good time following your footsteps to better acquainted with our beloved city. Cheers & keep up the good work and writing skills 😉 💪

Amazing, that’s so lovely to hear Joanne! There are so many interesting histories in central KL, it was fun putting this piece together. I’m pleased you both had a good time. 😉

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The best free walking tours in Kuala Lumpur for foodies and history buffs

Words by Sarah Khan

5 minute read

Explore the capital’s fascinating heritage core in Merdeka Square, enjoy a sensory jaunt through Brickfields or take a rejuvenating tour of sprawling Lake Gardens

One of Southeast Asia’s most exciting cities, Kuala Lumpur boasts plenty of noteworthy attractions for travellers to check out. While it can be an expensive city for tourists, there is plenty to do in the buzzing capital that won’t set you back a single ringgit. In fact, we’d wager that one of the best ways to experience its essential sights is completely free – and on foot. So slip on your comfiest pair of shoes and soak up the city via its wonderfully diverse walking tours. These include a self-guided exploration of the capital’s fascinating heritage core in Merdeka Square, a sensory jaunt through Brickfields, as well as a rejuvenating tour of Lake Gardens, its sprawling urban lung.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best walking tour trails to discover in Kuala Lumpur. They’re free and fairly easy to tackle alone (or with a guide, if you prefer.)

1. A glimpse into Malaysia’s history: Merdeka Square

Perfect for : History buffs

What to see: Sultan Abdul Samad Building, St. Mary’s Anglican Cathedral, Royal Selangor Club, KL City Gallery

This huge open-air square is historically significant for many reasons, most notably as the location where Malaysia’s independence was first declared in 1957. During the British Rule, it served as a cricket pitch; today it’s a choice spot to admire heritage Malaysian architecture in the city, thanks to the eclectic cluster of colonial buildings that each tell a story of the country’s past. Dominating the square is the striking Sultan Abdul Samad Building: its brick-walled exterior, domed turrets and arched balconies is a stunning example of classic British Raj-era architecture. You can also spy one of the world’s tallest flagpoles here, marking the spot where the Malay flag was first raised in 1885 to signify the nation’s independence from British rule. Not far from the square, you’ll find the original (and still operational) Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.

Tip: Prefer exploring with a guide? KL City Hall organises a free guided tour every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 9am to 12.30pm, taking you around the 12 heritage buildings around Merdeka Square.

2. Take a breather in KL’s urban lung: Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park

Perfect for: Those seeking a dose of nature, with a surprising dash of history

What to see: KL Bird Park, ASEAN Sculpture Garden, Perdana Botanical Gardens, Carcosa Seri Negara

The next time someone tells you KL is all concrete jungle, direct them to the Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park. Best known as Lake Gardens, this sprawling 227-acre park in the heart of the city is where you’ll find many of Malaysia’s most popular attractions, such as the KL Bird Park (the world’s largest walk-in aviary), the neighbouring Deer Park (where you can see the adorable mouse deer up close), a sculpture garden and butterfly park, as well as the Perdana Botanical Garden. The latter, home to an idyllic man-made lake, is a popular picnic spot and houses both an orchid and hibiscus garden. Follow the main road through the Lake Gardens leading to the Tun Abdul Razak Memorial, the former residence of the country’s late second Prime Minister. Now an unofficial museum, visitors will find preserved documents, speeches, books as well as his collection of walking sticks and wooden pipes. Among the other significant landmarks within the park grounds are the National Monument, Parliament House and the Neo-Gothic Carcosa Seri Negara.

Tip: Free guided walks of the gardens take place between 8am and 10am on weekdays.

3. Discover KL’s Little India: Brickfields

Perfect for: Culture vultures

What to see: Vivekananda Ashram (an elegant early 1900s building), Our Lady of Fatima Church, Maha Vihara Buddhist Temple

This vibrant neighbourhood, also referred to as KL’s Little India, might lack the sleekness of KL’s skyline or the grandeur of its heritage center, but one might argue that’s precisely where it’s charm lies. A predominantly Indian enclave, Brickfields teems with vibrant shops blasting upbeat Bollywood tunes and peddling everything, from saris to spices. Brickfields has recently undergone a facelift. Interspersed in between in its pre-war shophouses, you’ll also stumble upon churches, temples and shrines, and its proximity to KL Sentral Station also makes it a tourist hotspot. Food stops are a must and spots like Mr. Naan and Mrs. Idly (for affordable South Indian buffets) and MTR 1945 (for delicious masala dosai) won’t disappoint.

Tip: Fancy a guided tour? KL City Hall runs a Little India @ Brickfields Guided Walking Tour every 1st Saturday of the month at 9.30am (tour kicks off in front of the YMCA building).

4. For a time capsule into KL’s past: Chinatown

Perfect for: Foodies, bargain shoppers, street art lovers

What to see: Petaling Street marketplace, Kwai Chai Hong, Kuan Ti Temple

Home to preserved Buddhist temples, vintage shophouses, traditional coffee houses and art galleries, Chinatown is one of KL’s oldest areas and a must-visit, whether it’s your first, second or umpteenth time in the city. Hit the Central Market for retail therapy, Chinatown-style. This market dates back to the 1880s and is a haven for handicrafts and souvenirs. For the best bargain finds, however, make your way to Petaling Street’s marketplace. Prices are dirt-cheap, but bring your haggling A-game anyway. After all the shopping, make a pitstop at Ho Kow Hainan Kopitiam, one of Chinatown’s long-standing kopitiams, to refuel with a quintessential local breakfast of soft-boiled eggs and kaya toast. Continue to the newly-restored Kwai Chai Hong, a mural-filled alleyway that dates back to the 1920s. There’s plenty of historic temple sites to visit in Chinatown too: the century-old Kuan Ti Temple is recognisable for its bright orange facade, but you’ll also find KL’s prime Hindu temple – the elaborately decorated Sri Mahamariamman – here too. A delightful mix of old and new, Chinatown is also home to arguably some of KL’s trendiest watering holes. Pull up a stool at the likes of PS150 and The Attic Bar for a well-deserved drink after a day of exploring on foot.

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Thaipusam 2023

Thaipusam is a key Hindu’s Thanksgiving Festival which is celebrated in a grand fashion in countries where there are large numbers of Tamil populations like Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji and Mauritius.

This festival takes place once a year usually at end of January or early February based on Hindu calendar. This year the celebration falls on 5 th February 2023.

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• Kuala Lumpur Heritage Trail

My Kuala Lumpur Heritage Trail is a self-guided tour of the historic heart of KL, covering many famous colonial-era landmark buildings clustered in a compact area surrounding Merdeka Square.

You can easily see all the sites mentioned here within 2 to 3 hours.

Kuala Lumpur Heritage Trail Map

The suggested starting point for this Kuala Lumpur Heritage Trail is Central Market (which was the final stop on my previous tour -  see  Chinatown Walking Tour ).  

Make your way from Central Market to  Lebuh Pasar Besar  (Old Market Square). This square was once the commercial heart of Kuala Lumpur with the main branch of Hongkong and Shanghai Bank at one end of the square and Mercantile Bank at the other end surrounded by the offices of many of their major customers.

HSBC is still there but their rather grand building was replaced by a bland modern tower in the 1970s.

Today the square is an untidy mix of somewhat dilapidated heritage shophouse blocks and non-descript modern buildings.

The main highlight for Kuala Lumpur Heritage Trail enthusiasts is the  OCBC Building . This was designed in 1938 in Art Deco style for the Overseas Chinese Banking Corporation by AO Coltman. It included underground parking for bicycles.

At the centre of the square on what was once a busy market stands the  Clock Tower , built to commemorate the coronation of King George VI in 1937. It may have looked imposing at the time with its Art Deco motifs but today it seems rather lost and forlorn amid the bus stands and coin-operated public toilets.

Time to move on.

Continue our Kuala Lumpur Heritage Trail along Lebuh Ampang and you will see the white coloured  Gian Singh Building  on the corner with Jalan Tun Perak. This was constructed in 1909 on behalf of various owners each according to their individual designs but with a common facade and roofline. The whole block was occupied by Gian Singh, a textile trading company (which still exists), from the 1920s onwards.

On a nearby corner is the  Oriental Building  (also known as the Bank Bumiputra Building), designed in 1930, again by architect AO Coltman, to house Radio Malaya. Some say the design looks like a 1930s-era radio. I could not make out if the building is occupied at present.

Across the street is the entrance to the  Masjid Jamek  (Jamek Mosque). This was the first brick built mosque in KL, designed in 1907 in Mogul style by A.B Hubback, who also designed many of KL's other famous landmarks from that era. The mosque is sited where KL's history began, at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers, the muddy estuaries which gave Kuala Lumpur its name. The mosque's compound contains a number of coconut palms which help to retain a rural atmosphere in the heart of busy KL. Non Muslims are welcome to visit outside of prayer times (between 9am and 11am is a good time to visit except on Fridays).

Next door is the  Sessions and Magistrates Court , the first of a row of former court and government buildings which line Merdeka Square. This grand building, formerly known as the Federated Malay States Survey Office, dates from 1910 and boasts onion shaped domes and  cinque-foil  arches. Some of the domes appear to have weeds sprouting out of them which illustrates the difficulty of maintaining these heritage buildings given Malaysia's corrosive weather conditions.

Next on our Kuala Lumpur Heritage Trail comes the former  City Hall, now named Panggung Bandaraya (City Theatre) , a slightly older building designed by AB Hubback in 1896. The interior was destroyed by fire in 1992 but since restored and updated. It is the venue for the Kuala Lumpur International Short Film Festival in 2012.

The neighbouring building is the former  High Court  built in 1909 and designed by A.C. Norman. It now appears to be used by the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture.

Continuing along the edge of Merdeka Square on Jalan Raja Laut you will pass the  Sultan Abdul Samad Building , the best known symbol of Malaysia until the Petronas Towers were built and still today one of the most photographed buildings in Malaysia. Built between 1894 and 1897 it was designed by A.C. Norman and R.A.J. Bidwell in Mogul architectural style and features copper domes and a 40m high clock tower. The building was named after the then Sultan of Selangor and over its lifetime it has served as government offices and as a High Court and Supreme Court. Today, like its neighbouring buildings, it is occupied by the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture. While the architectural style is not particularly Malaysian and would look more at home in India, it has come to symbolize Malaysia and has played an important role in the country's history.

Next door is the  Old General Post Office , another Hubback creation, dating from 1896 and built in similar style to the Sultan Abdul Samad building. The post office was relocated to a modern building in 1984.

Completing this row of colonial relics is the  National Textile Museum  housed in an elegant and historic Mogul style building. Originally built in 1896 (architect A.B. Hubback) to house the headquarters of the Federated Malay States Railways it was later used by various government departments before being refurbished as a museum in 2007. Now I have to confess that a textile museum did not sound that exciting to me but I gave it a try and it was quite interesting to see how batik is made, to learn about woodblock printing techniques and to see samples of fabric made from pineapple fibre. It was also an opportunity to cool off in the air-conditioned galleries and to use the toilet. Admission is free. Open daily from 9am to 6pm.

Across the street is the old  Chartered Bank building , built in 1919. In recent years the building has served as a National History Museum, then a restaurant and is now the Music Museum . The most famous story about this bank concerns the floods of 1926 during which the basement of the building was submerged. When the floods subsided the bank had to dry out their vault contents and millions of dollars worth of banknotes were spread out on the cricket pitch in front of the bank to dry in the sun.

Next stop on our Kuala Lumpur Heritage Trail, next door to the bank, is the former  Government Printing Office,  a lovely Mogul style building built by A.C. Norman in 1899. It was used as a Memorial Library for some years but is now converted into the  Kuala Lumpur City Gallery .  Also in this corner of Merdeka Square is the  Queen Victoria Fountain  which you can read about on my  blog.  

Facing the Sultan Abdul Samad building is the prestigious  Royal Selangor Club , founded in 1884. The clubhouse was known as the Spotted Dog during colonial times when Dataran Merdeka was called the 'padang' and used for cricket and other sports. The current building was built after the earlier one burnt down in 1970.

Nearby is the  Cathedral of Saint Mary The Virgin , built in 1894 in English Gothic style.

Ducking under the flyover behind the church brings us to Jalan Tangsi where the offices of the  Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM)  are located, housed in one of the finest old buildings in Kuala Lumpur. It was built in 1907 as a town house for Loke Chow Kit and named Loke Hall. It was thought to be designed by an Anglo-Indian architect, A.K. Musdeen. In 1909, the building became the Empire Hotel and in 1919 it changed to the Peninsula Hotel which it remained until PAM acquired the premises in 1973. There is a small restaurant in the courtyard area where you can take refreshment after your long walk and appreciate this highlight of the Kuala Lumpur Heritage Trail.

Next door to the PAM building is the  Wisma Ekran . This building formerly housed the head office of Anglo Oriental, a mining company. Also designed by A.O. Coltman, this is another fine example of the Eclectic Art Deco style.

Extension to Kuala Lumpur Heritage Trail

That completes the Kuala Lumpur Heritage Trail but if you would like to add on an extension you could walk to the famous old  KL Railway Station , another Hubback masterpiece dating from 1904 and surely one of most striking railway stations anywhere. See the map for directions but be warned, access to the station requires crossing some very busy roads which are not pedestrian-friendly so take care. The best way to visit the station is by train or take a taxi.

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THE 10 BEST Kuala Lumpur Walking Tours

Walking tours in kuala lumpur.

• Sightseeing Tours
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Kuala Lumpur Local Street Food Private Walking Tour by Night

2. Kuala Lumpur InfoFun Walking Tour Experience

3. Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Kuala Lumpur Private Tour

4. Batu Caves Private Tour with Pick-up from Kuala Lumpur

5. Laksa Lanes Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 14+ Tastings

6. City, Batu Caves, Hot Spring, Silver Leaf Monkey & Fireflies Tour

7. Batu Caves,Hot Spring, Monkey & Fireflies Tour with Dinner

8. Histrotical Day Tour In Melacca

9. Private Professional Photoshoot in Kuala Lumpur

10. 4-Day Jungle Experience in Taman Negara from Kuala Lumpur

11. Kuala Lumpur Food Tour

12. Private City Kickstart Tour: Kuala Lumpur

13. Kuala Lumpur Food Tour Through Chow Kit

14. Private Night Tour: Petronas Twin Tower Cultural Dance And Shopping

15. Kuala Lumpur's Nightlife Secrets and Street Food

16. Genting Highlands Cable Car Trip

17. Kuala Lumpur Walk, Eat & See Tour

18. Evening Sunset with Local Food Experience Tour

19. Kuala Lumpur Self-Guided Audio Tour

20. Private Tour: Half-Day Shopping and Market Exploration in Kuala Lumpur

21. Culinary Journey Through Chinatown with All Type of Delicacies

22. Kuala Lumpur Heritage Walk

23. Kuala Lumpur Historical Walking Tour with Lunch

24. Kuala Lumpur Foodie Heaven 3 Hour Experience

25. Waterfall Abseiling Adventure at Gopeng (from KL)

26. 3D 2N Tour Kuala Lumpur - Cameron Highlands - Taman Negara - Kuala Lumpur.

27. Back to Nature Tour - Templer's Park, Hot Spring & Batu Caves

28. Petronas Twin Tower Entry Ticket

29. Walk Through Kuala Lumpur City Center with Local Host-MultiOption

30. From Kuala Lumpur:Kuala Selangor Countryside Signature

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8 Walking Tours To Let You Explore Downtown Kuala Lumpur Like A Pro

These walking tours will have you exploring Downtown Kuala Lumpur like never before. Choose among these eight guided and self-guided tours that will take you through city trails like a true local. (Left: Image by @adikintaro . Right: Image by @jiun_sheng .)

What if we told you that there’s probably a lot more you didn’t know about Downtown Kuala Lumpur (KL)? Nothing beats exploring your own backyard , especially with domestic travel being more enticing right now. Whether you’d like someone experienced to guide you through the city or you’re more of an intrepid explorer, we’ve got you covered.

But before we get into it, here are some tips for prepping. While Malaysia may be hot and sunny all year round, it’s best to prepare for rainfall as weather can change drastically in KL. Pack a light bag with an umbrella, sunscreen, a poncho, and a water bottle. Most importantly, wear breathable clothes, comfortable shoes for walking, and DON’T FORGET your camera!

There’s always strength in numbers for self-guided tours, particularly if you’re anxious about walking around alone. Exploring with your friends will make the trip more memorable too! For more tips, check out our guide on safely exploring Downtown KL here .

Guided Tours

1. free walk kuala lumpur unscripted (fwklu).

Be mesmerised by all the stories you’ve never heard of, even if you’re a long-time KL-ite. Free Walk Kuala Lumpur Unscripted (FWKLU) doesn’t just show you landmarks and historic buildings — their walks are unscripted because it is neither a presentation nor a lecture.

These walks are hosted by a group of passionate guides who have more than 10 years of experience in conducting walks. FWKLU is led by Jane Rai, an award-winning tourist guide, and has been conducting tours since 1993!

Conversation and questions are welcome during the tour, so come with a curious and open mind. You are encouraged to support the local artisans, shops, and communities that you meet along the way. FWKLU is a walking tour so you will be leaving no carbon footprint!

FWKLU currently offers two tours:

Old Kuala Lumpur: East-West Connection Tales of Sultans | Chinese Kapitans | Colonial Times Every Sunday Starts: 9:30am at Cosmo Hotel Kuala Lumpur Ends: 11:30am at Kuala Lumpur City Gallery @ Independence Square

Old Kuala Lumpur: Chinatown Cultural Walk Tales of Chinese Migrants | Diverse society | Traditional Trade Every Saturday Starts: 10am at Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur Ends: 12pm at Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur

How to book: WhatsApp or send them a Facebook message Price: Free, but tipping is highly encouraged Contact: +6019 699 2668

2. Bike with Elena

Not too sure if walking will be your thing? Well, you can take a bike tour! Get that daily exercise in while discovering the hidden gems of Downtown KL . Elena loves the outdoors and will be caught doing anything and everything adventurous. She is committed to a lifelong mission advocating for nature, conservation, and cultures.

Join her and other local guides, cycling at a slow, relaxing pace, to uncover the secrets of KL, and listen to the stories of the local community. You will be provided with a bicycle, helmet, a bottle of water, and meals, depending on the time of your bike tour.

Downtown KL tours offered by Bike with Elena:

Hidden Secrets of Kuala Lumpur Hidden alleyways | Historical gems | Locals only secret spots Cycling distance: approximately 10km Starts: 7:30am at MATIC, Jalan Ampang, KL Ends: 11:30am Tour page .

Hidden Secrets of Kampung Baru KL’s first Malay village | Sample local delicacies | Raja bot market Cycling distance: approximately 7km Starts: 7:30am at MATIC, Jalan Ampang, KL Ends: 11:30am Tour page .

Hidden Secrets of Pudu – The Real Little Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur Famous eats | Best for food enthusiasts Cycling distance: approximately 8km Starts: 12:30pm Ends: 4:00pm Tour page .

How to book: Book here Price: Starting from USD60 per pax (approximately RM260) Contact: +6013 8500 500

3. Chow Kit food tour by A Chef’s Tour

No Downtown KL tour is complete without a sampling of local street food . Join this Chow Kit Food Tour for an evening of food heaven. It will be a four-hour walking tour with plenty of rest (read: eating) stops along the way!

Discover the local flavours of KL with passionate guides who have extensive knowledge of the local cuisine . Some of the food you may get to taste is rendang, satay (flame-barbequed meat skewers with peanut sauce), ikan bakar (grilled mackerel wrapped in banana leaf), cendol durian (creamy shaved iced dessert topped with durian—the king of fruits), and nasi kerabu (a blue rice dish coloured with butterfly pea flowers).

How to book: Book here Price: Starting from USD55 per pax (approximately RM240) Contact: Contact form .

4. Simply Enak food tour

At Simply Enak, they believe food stories extend beyond the palate. Every food tour that Simply Enak hosts will include the heritage, culture, and story of the people who serve the dish. This is how they marry history and food while supporting local businesses and sharing authentic Malaysian flavours with you.

Here are three of their food tours in the Downtown KL area:

Secrets of KL – Nightlife, Street Art, Cocktails & Craft Beers! *For adults aged 21 and above only. Street murals | Night market | Speakeasies | Chocolates, cocktails & craft beers Starts: 4:30pm Ends: 8:30pm Book this tour here .

Flavours of Malaysia (Off the Beaten Track) Wet market | Heritage | Culture | Little Indonesia Starts: 3:30pm Ends: 7:30pm Book this tour here .

Kuala Lumpur Street Food Handmade pau | Chinese Medicine | Culture and heritage | Charity Cafe Starts: 9:15am Ends: 12:45pm Book this tour here .

Price: Starting from USD63 per pax (approximately RM275) Contact: +6017 287 8929

Self-guided tours

5. kuala lumpur’s must-visit attractions trail card.

This is a special self-guided tour because you will be collecting novelty stamps at each stop as you visit 12 iconic destinations in KL! You can collect this trail card at the Central Market Information Counter, which is also the trail’s starting point. Here are the 12 destinations you’ll be visiting:

• Central Market Kuala Lumpur (starting point)
• Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
• Petaling Street
• Sin Sze Si Ya Temple
• Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque
• St Mary’s Cathedral
• Sultan Abdul Samad Building
• Merdeka Square
• National Textile Museum
• National Mosque
• Chan She Shu Yuen
• MATiC, Malaysia Tourism Centre (finishing point)

We’re sure that this completed trail card will beat any average postcard souvenir you’ve ever had of KL.

Pro tip: If you’re in KL for a few days, take your time spreading out the locations over the days — the operating hours of each site may vary. You’ll be able to enjoy the different areas of Downtown KL and soak in its ambience at your leisure.

Address: Lot 3.04-3.06, 06, Jalan Hang Kasturi, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur Contact: +603 2031 0399

6. Cafe Hopping Tour

Did you know we have a humungous list of cafes in downtown KL ? There are so many charming and trendy cafes in the area that you can make a day trip out of visiting them! Most of the cafes are within walking distance of each other and easily accessible by public transport.

If you need help planning your own Cafe Hopping tour, use the GPSmyCity application to help you map out your route. Or, you can always use Google Maps and put pen to paper to have your little handmade map of downtown KL cafes!

7. An Arts and History Tour

Are you the kind of tourist who frequents museums and art galleries when visiting a new city or country? Check out our list of museums and galleries in the Downtown KL area and beyond! Learn about the history of KL and how it came to be, the story of money in Malaysia, marvel at Islamic and ethnic arts, and so much more.

8. ‘Heritage Tour’ and ‘Old KL & Nature Walk’

Not a fan of digital or handmade maps? Well, grab yourself one of those maps designed for tourists! You can get yourself a copy of the Kuala Lumpur Walks & Tours Map at the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery . It includes a map of the city, a transit map, highlights in the Chinatown area, and heritage sites.

This map also features two trails: Kuala Lumpur Heritage Tour and Old KL & Nature Walk. Take note that different attractions will have varying operating hours. Not to worry if they’re closed, though — the buildings are picture-perfect from the outside!

Kuala Lumpur City Gallery Address: No. 27, Jalan Raja, Dataran Merdeka, 50050 Kuala Lumpur Contact: +603 2698 3333

(they/them) River is a pawrent to 2 cats and an introvert. Part of the UBI (Useless Bits of Information) brain club, inspiration usually strikes when they're in the shower, on the toilet bowl or during commutes.

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Malacca Walking Tour

Home » Asia » Malaysia » Malacca Walking Tour

By Vicky · Published Jun. 24th, 2022 · Updated Nov. 28th, 2022

When you buy through links highlighted with an asterisk (*) on this site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you.

Stroll through beautiful, historical Malacca on this self-guided walking tour with map to visit all the famous sights. You can explore at a leisurely pace over two days or fit everything into a packed single day.

If you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur, check out this great Guided Tour of Malacca * where you’ll be picked up directly from your hotel.

Page Contents:

How to get to Malacca from Singapore

Malacca is on the western coast of Malaysia, a four- to five-hour bus ride from Singapore. We always book our tickets with 12GoAsia *, a handy website that shows you all the available buses. You can either book directly from Singapore * (most buses leave from SunCity), or you can get a cheaper ticket by booking from Johor Bahru *. The buses go to Melaka Sentral Bus Terminal , though some continue to a stop by Mahkota Medical Centre , much closer to the centre of Malacca.

With a bus directly from Singapore to Malacca, the bus drops you at the border to complete border formalities and picks you up again on the other side. If you take a bus from Johor Bahru to Malacca, you have to travel yourself to Johor Bahru Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal . The 170 bus from Singapore goes directly from the Malaysian side of the border to Larkin Sentral, so this is a convenient option.

How to get to Malacca from Kuala Lumpur

There are many buses from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca. 12GoAsia * is a convenient way to see all the options and book tickets. Most buses leave from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan on the south side of the city. With the light rail, it takes 15-30 minutes to get here from the centre of Kuala Lumpur. The trains take 15 minutes and leave every 15 minutes, arriving directly at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan. Getting a taxi here from the centre of Kuala Lumpur can take anywhere between 20 minutes and 1 hour, depending on traffic. The bus journey from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca itself takes about 2.5 hours.

If you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur, you can also go on a Guided Tour of Malacca *, picked up directly from your hotel in KL.

If you are visiting more places in Malaysia, it may be more convenient to hire a car for your holiday from Kuala Lumpur, check options on Rentalcars *.

Malacca Walking Tour Map

Get the route by downloading the .gpx or .kml file below. For navigation with Maps.me on your mobile phone, simply download the .kml file and open to add it to the Maps.me bookmarks.

Tips for Malacca Walking Tour

• We did this walk over two days , exploring first the eastern side of the river and then the western side of the river. You can fit everything into one day if needed, but it’s best to stay overnight *.
• Use the cooler mornings and afternoons to walk, and spend the hottest time of the day in a museum.
• At night time explore Jonker Street Night Market and check out the river – either on a stroll or on a Melaka River Cruise .
• There’s lots of cheap and tasty food in Malacca, and plenty of snacks to take away with you.
• For other walks and hikes in Malaysia see our Malaysia page .

Attractions on the Malacca Walking Tour

On this walking trail you’ll see the main sites and attractions of Malacca. We took two days to complete this walking tour, the first exploring the east of the river (6km) and the second day exploring the west (4km). Two days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Malacca , but if pressed you can fit everything into one day.

• Red Square (Dutch Square)
• Christ Church
• A’Famosa (Porta de Santiago)
• Sultanate Palace
• St Paul’s Church
• Bukit China
• Kampung Morten and Villa Sentosa
• Heeren Street
• Baba and Nyonya Museum
• Jonker Street
• Temple Street
• Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple
• Kampung Hulu Mosque
• Malacca River Cruise
• Flor de la Mar Maritime Museum
• Taming Sari Revolving Tower *

This is a self-guided walking tour. If you prefer to go on a guided tour, check out this fun Guided Tour of Malacca *.

Malacca Walking Tour Route

This walking trail starts from Red Square , also known as Dutch Square. It’s in the centre of town, just by the bridge across the Malacca River. We explored the east side of the river on our first day (6 km) , and the west side on our second day (4 km) . This walking tour returns to Red Square to cross the river in roughly the middle of the walk, so it’s an obvious place to split the walk in two.

1. Red Square (Dutch Square)

This square is the central focus point of Malacca, surrounded by famous buildings – mostly red and mostly built by the Dutch, from where the square gets its name. In the centre stands Tang Bang Swee Clocktower, with Christ Church, the Stadthuys and the main tourist information surrounding the square. There’s a cafe by the river where you can sample the famous local cendol . This is a cold, sweet dessert made of green rice flour jelly, palm sugar, coconut milk and red beans – a great pick-me-up.

2. Christ Church

On the east side of Dutch Square is a red church, Christ Church. This is a protestant church built by the Dutch on top of a Portuguese Catholic church around 1750. It’s now one of the most famous buildings in Malacca.

The red bricks used to build the church came all the way from the Netherlands – on their outward journeys Dutch trading ships needed extra weight, or ballast, to stabilize the ships in rough seas. Once in the East, they would get rid of the heavy bricks and load up on expensive trading goods such as spices, textiles, tea and coffee.

3. Stadthuys

Key Information: Open daily from 9-5 (closed Mondays). RM10 per foreign adult, discounts for locals and children. Allow 1-2 hours.

The elegant Stadthuys (City Hall) now contains the History & Ethnography Museum (see reviews *). It’s one of the best museums in Malacca and has exhibits about the Malay Sultanate, the colonial periods (Portuguese, Dutch, English) and how Malacca has changed over the years, as well as detailing the traditional Malay customs and the importance of trade to the city. There are free guided tours at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm in English.

Before you leave Red Square (Dutch Square), pop over the roundabout to check out Bastion Middleburg . The Dutch built this bastion, or fortress tower, when expanding the former Portuguese fortress. Originally there were nine bastions dotted around the fortress, but today only Middleburg Bastion remains. It’s been restored and there are now several cannons, with a nice view of the river below.

Directions: From Bastion Middleburg, cross the road and continue on Jalan Kota, a road to the left of a lovely white building.

4. Jalan Kota

This street is lined by many historic buildings, now mainly museums . There’s also a children’s playground on the right, together with a shiny real-life plane and train. Towards the end of the street you’ll also find the remains of Santiago Bastion on the right. There is a walkway over the top of these ruins, large laterite blocks of a former tower in the Portuguese Fortress. In its heyday the Fortress was on the edge of the ocean, but recent land reclamation projects mean it’s now far back from the shore. Opposite Santiago Bastion you can see the Proclamation of Independence Memorial , a fancy building with many flags outside that contains a small museum.

Directions: Follow Jalan Kota as it bends around the hill and you will see Porta de Santiago on your left.

History of Malacca (Melaka)

Malacca has been variously owned by the Portuguese, Dutch, British and now rightly by Malaysia. The different cultures bring a fantastic blend of architecture, food and cultural sights.

When the Portuguese conquered the city in 1511, they build a large fortress to guard the town from attacks by Malays and also other colonial powers prowling the region. The Dutch arrived and after a long siege, defeated the Portuguese in 1641 before enlarging the fortress. When the British took over Malacca in 1807 they destroyed the fortress to prevent it from ever falling into enemy hands. Only one gate, Porta de Santiago, was saved from destruction.

In 1957 Malaysia gained independence from the British. Malacca still retains many traces of its past as a great shipping port, melting pot of cultures and strategic location overlooking the Malacca Straits. You can explore the history of Malacca on this walking tour.

5. A’Famosa (Porta de Santiago)

This is the most impressive remaining part of the famous Portuguese Fortress (known by the Portuguese as A’Famosa) and one of the top sights in Malacca. At Porto de Santiago you can see many cannons and the old stone entranceway to the fortress. What you see is actually mainly a Dutch reconstruction, but it is still very old.

Directions: Look to the right and you’ll see the entrance to the Sultanate Palace Museum.

6. Sultanate Palace Museum

Key Information: Open daily from 9-5 (closed Mondays). RM5 per foreign adult, discounts for locals and children. Allow 30 mins to 1 hr.

Explore the history of Malacca and the sultanate, and learn about Hang Tuah (a prominent figure in Malay culture) in this wonderfully built museum, a reconstruction of the original Sultanate’s Palace, where the sultan lived in 1450 ( see reviews *). No nails were used to build this building! Don’t forget to explore the gardens which are rather lovely.

Directions: Head back and through Porta de Santiago, then up the steps behind to the church at the top of the hill.

7. St Paul’s Church

This partially ruined church at the top of the hill has great views over the city. St Paul’s Church was built in 1521 and is one of the oldest buildings in the country. You can go inside the stone walls and marvel at the old gravestones pilled up along the walls. It’s also a nice place to watch sunset.

Directions: Return a little way down the steps and take the first right along a small path. You’ll see the Dutch Graveyard on your right. At the road, turn right past the graveyard entrance and take the next left. Continue slightly left and straight on at the next junction all the way to Jalan Temenggong, where you turn right. Walk along this slightly busy road and you’ll soon reach a roundabout in front of Bukit China.

8. Bukit China

Slightly left from the roundabout is a memorial for Chinese killed in the Second World War by the Japanese, and next door on the left is a famous well . This well is called Perigi Hang Li Poh. You can go inside the whitewashed walls to see this old well from 1459. The Portuguese used it as their main drinking water for the city.

Next to the well on the left is Poh San Teng Temple . This is a small, historic Chinese temple set among some nice vegetation. Just to the left of the temple some red steps lead up into the main section of Bukit China. Bukit China is the largest Chinese cemetery outside of mainland China. From the top there are panoramic views over the city, and the earliest graves are from the 17th century.

After walking up the steps, head left at the path junction. Continue straight on and around to the viewpoint at the top of the hill where there’s one special grave and the trees have been cleared so you have views over the surroundings. After admiring the views, head down and back into the city.

Directions: Once back near Poh San Teng Temple, cross over the main road and onto the quiet street Jalan Bukit China. Bend left around the corner and then right on Jalan Temenggong. Take the next right on Jalan Bendahara.

Jalan Bendahara is also known as Little India. You’ll see that a lot of the shops sell Indian goods and there are some Indian decorations.

Directions: Continue walking up Jalan Bendahara.

After a while you’ll see St Peter’s Church on your right. This is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Malaysia, from 1710.

Directions: At St Peter’s Church turn left towards the river, and cross the bridge you see a short distance to the right.

9. Kampung Morten and Villa Sentosa

On the inside bend of the meander in the river is Kampung Morten, a more traditional Malay-style village and a living museum. From the bridge you’ll see Villa Sentosa on the left, next to the river. This house, which is sometimes open to the public, is from the 1920s and you can go on guided tours to see the inside, see reviews *. As you walk left along the riverbank, you’ll see many other traditional buildings in Kampung Morten, including a nice mosque.

Directions: Continue walking along the riverbank, out of the Kampung.

On your left, on the opposite side of the river, you’ll see the Shore Sky Tower, the tallest building in Malacca. If you want to visit the rooftop * for panoramic views over the rest of the city, cross over the bridge, else continue walking on the same side.

Directions: At the Old Bus Station Bridge, an elegant covered bridge over the river, take the bridge across the river. Then continue walking down the by the river.

As you approach the centre of town, you’ll see a church near the banks of the river. This is the Church of St Francis Xavier , from 1849, and based on Montpellier cathedral in southern France.

Directions: Continue walking past the church and you’ll soon be back at Red Square (Dutch Square) in the centre of Malacca.

We ended our first day here , saving the next points of interest in Chinatown, on the west bank of the river, for the following day.

Directions: To reach point 10 from Red Square, cross over the bridge, turn left then take the first right.

10. Heeren Street Malacca

Heeren Street (Gentleman Street in Dutch) used to be known as Millionaire’s Row. Wealthy Chinese Peranakan traders built their large mansions here in the last century. Many in the community traded in rubber, tin or shipping industries. Many of the houses on this street are quite ornate. The Chee Ancestral Mansion further up Heeren street is the most striking example of an old Peranakan house from a very wealthy clan. Almost opposite this mansion is the Eng Choon Association Clan House , with a very ornate doorway.

Directions: Walk up Heeren Street.

11. Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum

Key Information: Open Fri, Sat, Sun 10-12:30 and 2-5. RM16 per adult. Allow 30 mins to 1 hr.

The Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum (see Tripadvisor reviews *) is a traditional Peranakan townhouse complete with the original furnishings and has an exhibit about Peranakan Culture in Malacca. There are some lovely antiques inside and you get given a brochure explaining the different items and rooms.

A short distance further up Jonker Street is Malaqa House (open 10am-6pm, see reviews *). This is similar to the Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum, but cheaper to enter and lots of the items inside are for sale.

Directions: 500 metres after the start of Heeren Street, turn right on Jalan Kubu at a triangular intersection. Take the first right after 100 metres, opposite the nice green and white Malay-style building.

12. Jonker Street Malacca

You’ll see a large sign across the road saying Jonker Street. This is perhaps the most famous street in Malacca, the perfect place to buy souvenirs and food. Speciality food you can find in Malacca includes gulu melaka (a type of palm sugar), pineapple tarts, and dodols ( a palm-sugar toffee-like treat). Many of the buildings lining the street are original shophouses, many of which are grand and brightly painted.

Jonker Walk Night Market

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings there’s a night market on Jonker Street , starting around 6pm and going on until late. The road is closed to traffic and there are many street stalls, many selling food, some selling souvenirs and handicrafts. It’s very popular and makes for a great evening activity.

Directions: Walk all the way down Jonker Street until just before the bridge. Turn left and first left again onto Temple Street.

13. Temple Street

As its name suggests, there are many temples on Temple Street. Malacca, being a trading port, naturally attracted people from different parts of the globe, and they brought with them their different religions.

As you walk up Temple Street you’ll pass San Duo Temple on your left, followed by Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple (one of the oldest Hindu Temples in Malaysia, people worshipped here since the 1780s), then Kampung Kling Mosque . This mosque is a blend of architecture – Chinese, Malay, Hindu and European. You can see that the mosque’s minaret is fairly similar to a Chinese Pagoda.

From Temple Street you can make a short detour to Hang Jebat Mausoleum , a collection of Malay graves and the potential resting point of Hang Jebat, the legendary Malay hero. To see these graves, turn right off Temple street just after San Duo Temple. You’ll also see quite a bit of street art around here.

14. Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple

Towards the end of Temple Street on the left, is Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple. This temple is the oldest Chinese Temple in Malaysia, dating from the 17th century. It’s one of the most famous sights of Malacca and is often busy with worshippers. You can visit generally within daylight hours.

Opposite Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple you’ll see another interesting temple, Xiang Lin Si Temple , and Munshi Abdullah House , a traditional wooden Malay kampung (village) house.

Directions: Head back down Temple Street a short way and turn left just before the mosque. Continue slightly left at the junction and you’ll see Kampung Hulu Mosque on your left.

15. Kampung Hulu Mosque

This mosque is the oldest in Malacca. It was built around 1728, when the Dutch ruled Malacca, and was located in Hulu fishing village, on the edge of the river. It was designed and financed by a Chinese Muslim man, with elements of architecture from all over the region.

Directions: Once past the mosque take the first right to the riverside and head right along the banks of the river. Continue all the way to the bridge in the centre of town. Cross the bridge and return to the riverbank, now on the opposite side.

16. Malacca River Cruise

While walking along the river, you’ll soon come to the Melaka River Cruise Boarding Point. Here you can book a 45-minute cruise along the river, see reviews on Tripadvisor *. There are also cruises at nighttime when you can check out the city lights.

Directions: Continue along the river and you’ll see the large wooden boat, the Flor de la Mar, on your right. The ticket office is on the lefthand side by the road.

17. Flor de la Mar Maritime Museum

Key Information: Open daily from 9-5 (closed Mondays). RM12 per foreign adult, discounts for locals and children. Allow 1 – 2 hours if you visit all the museums (the Flor de la Mar ship, the Royal Malaysian Navy Museum and the Samudera Museum). See reviews *.

The Flor de la Mar (flower of the sea) was a 16th-century Portuguese carrack (a large trading ship), wrecked by a large storm in 1511. The ship sank off Sumatra full of incredible amounts of treasure, and the search for her continues to this day.

The replica ship in Malacca now contains a small museum, with many much smaller replica ships and some history of trading in the region. The other museums you can enter with the same ticket are not as interesting: the Samudera Museum is extremely dated, and the Malaysian Navy Museum mainly just has detailed information about the Navy.

Directions: If you head around the corner past the Malaysian Navy Museum, you’ll see the tall narrow tower of Taming Sari Revolving Tower and the ticket office just next to the road.

18. Taming Sari Revolving Tower *

The Taming Sari Revolving Tower * has great views from the top, at 110 metres high. You stand in a revolving capsule, which rises to the top and then rotates before descending and the whole experience lasts 7 minutes.

This is the last stop on the Malacca walking tour. There are some other worthwhile sights in Malacca, detailed below, though these are further away and you need to take a Grab taxi to see them.

Other attractions in Malacca

Prison museum.

This slightly niche but interesting museum details the history of the prison system in Malaysia, see reviews *. It’s about 2.5 km east of the centre of town, a 5-10 minute taxi ride.

Malacca Zoo & A’Famosa Waterpark

Visiting Malacca Zoo * or a trip to A’Famosa Waterpark * are both very popular activities to do while in Malacca. They’re both slightly out of town, with the zoo 30 minutes and the waterpark 1 hour’s drive from the centre of town.

Floating Mosque of Malacca

The Floating Mosque of Malacca, or Melaka Straits Mosque, is 3.5 km south of the centre of town and a 10-minute taxi ride. It’s a lovely location for the mosque, which seems to be floating on the water, and it’s especially photogenic at sunrise or nighttime when it’s lit up.

St Johns Fort

Near the Prison Museum, St Johns Fort is a small Portuguese Fort on top of low hill, built in the 18th century. There’s a good view from here, several cannons, and the fort walls are still fairly intact.

Bear Hill (Bukit Beruang)

For a short hike and amazing views over the town, hike up Bear Hill. The walk starts 7 km north of the town centre, so take a Grab. It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the peak, and there are several other longer jungle trekking trails available here too. It’s a great place from which to watch the sunset over the ocean.

Where to Stay in Malacca?

There are many budget to luxury accommodation options in Malacca. We stayed in a budget hotel roughly 750 metres from Red Square. We stayed in OYO Good2Stay hotel *. It was fairly cheap, plus close to the centre of town and also close to the bus station to Singapore. If you want to push the boat out, stay in a Luxury Beachfront Villa * just west of town.

What to eat in Malacca?

Chicken rice balls are a speciality of Malacca and there are many restaurants selling them. There’s also a lot of Peranakan, or Nyonya food , which has both Malay and Chinese influences. Fish-head curry is a famous, though perhaps not overly appealing, example.

Cendol is a tasty and interesting dish to try – a cold dessert that contains rice jelly, coconut milk, red beans and palm sugar. I’m a big fan. Popiah , or spring rolls, are great to try here, as is sugar cane juice , or a goat soup called sup kambing. Roti kok is a local hard bread (or roti), and rice wine flavoured cocktails are another interesting flavour to try.

I hope you enjoyed this free walking tour of Malacca. If you want to explore other great Malaysian cities, check out the Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru Walking Trail – more than just cheap shopping!

FAQS – Malacca Walking Trail

Malacca is known for its rich culture and historic colonial buildings. It’s one of the top tourist destinations in Malaysia.

Melaka is now the official name of this city. Malacca is the older, anglicized spelling, and is still very commonly used. Melaka, or Malacca, is a type of tree, and the city was named after this tree, which used to grow at this location.

Two days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Malacca, but if pressed you can fit everything into one day.

To get to Malacca from Singapore, either drive or take a bus. You can find buses either directly from Singapore or from Johor Bahru on the bus comparison website, 12GoAsia *.

The best things to do are explore Dutch Square (also known as Red Square), which includes historic Christ Church and the Stadthuys Museum. Nearby on the hill is St Peter’s Church, with Porto Santiago (the remaining part of A’Famosa Fortress) on the other side. Chinatown on the west of the river, especially Jonker Street, is also a must-see in Malacca.

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