PLACES TO VISIT

• Petronas Twin Tower

Towering at 451.9m above street level, this world-renowned icon is currently the world's tallest twin structure and fifth tallest skyscraper. The skybridge that links the two towers is also the world's highest two-storey bridge, doubling up as a superb viewing platform. The 88-storey building features glass and steel on the outside, and a traditionally-inspired interior, reflecting Malaysia's aspirations in moving forward while maintaining its national identity.

The world's seventh tallest telecommunications tower also comes with an observation deck at 276m above ground level and a revolving restaurant where you can enjoy a 360° view of the city's skyline while enjoying a meal. The tower is located within the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, one of the oldest forest reserves in the country, making it the only tower in the world located within a forest.

• Central Market, Chinatown, Little India

Kuala Lumpur’s cultural enclaves are some of the city’s most popular tourist hotspots. Central Market, a prominent heritage landmark with its 1930s Art Deco style, is a great place to find local arts and crafts. Just down the road, Chinatown is a bustling cultural and shopping spot, with a number of heritage buildings, clan houses and temples. Meanwhile, the lively Little India in Brickfields offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Indian community, from its colourful clothing to fiery curries.

• Islamic Art Museum

This outstanding museum is home to one of the best collections of Islamic decorative arts in the world. Aside from the quality of the exhibits, which include fabulous textiles, carpets, jewelry and calligraphy-inscribed pottery, the building itself is a stunner, with beautifully decorated domes and glazed tile work. There's a good Middle Eastern restaurant and one of KL's best museum gift shops, stocking beautiful products from around the Islamic world.

• Istana Budaya

Large-scale drama and dance shows are staged here, as well as music performances by the National Symphony Orchestra and National Choir. The building's soaring roof is based on a traditional Malay floral decoration of betel leaves, while the columned interior invokes a provincial colonialism. There’s a dress code of no shorts and no short-sleeved shirts.

• Masjid Jamek

Gracefully designed in Mogul style by British architect AB Hubback, this onion-domed mosque is situated at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang rivers. At the time of research, the surroundings were being landscaped as part of the River of Life project and the original steps down to the river reinstated.  The mosque is open for visitors, outside of prayer times; robes are available to borrow.

• Thean Hou Temple

Sitting atop leafy Robson Heights, this imposing multistorey Chinese temple, dedicated to Thean Hou, the heavenly queen, affords wonderful views over Kuala Lumpur. Opened in 1989 by the Selangor and Federal Territory Hainan Association, it serves as both a house of worship and a functional space for events such as weddings. In recent years, it's also become a tourist attraction in its own right, especially during Chinese festival times and the birthdays of the various temple gods.

• Batu Caves, Selangor

For some fun in the sun, head over to Sunway Lagoon, a multi award-winning theme park located just 15 minutes from Kuala Lumpur. Here you'll find five different theme parks in one amazing destination, with more than 80 rides and attractions to choose from.