Like a delicious, spicy laksa at the very best Malaysian fusion restaurants, Kuala Lumpur blends its ancient ingredients with sophisticated and modern techniques in a way other countries can’t quite match.

Whether you’re heading to the globe’s sixth most visited city for a stopover, or to savor in depth, here’s a taste of our favourite places to see, activities to experience and hotels to relax in.

Petronas Towers – the world’s tallest twins

KL’s iconic 452 metre high, 88-storey architectural wonder is something that has to be seen firsthand to truly appreciate – whether it’s craning your neck towards the stars, peering down from the level 41 skybridge or taking the express lift all the way to level 86.

More than just home to amazing views, the complex contains a giant aquarium where you can watch fish feeding from a huge windowed theatre, or even dive with the sharks.

Bird Park – nature’s own architectural wonder

When it’s time for a break from the bustling city streets, stroll through the lush gardens of the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. Living amongst the tropical rainforest aviary are more than 3000 birds from 200 species found around the world, including flamingos, finches and more.

You can feed pelicans and have your photo taken with colourful macaws and majestic eagles. Just beware the Crowned Pigeons – the world’s largest statue loiterers grow to the size of turkeys.

Thrills and spills at Sunway Lagoon

The one thing missing at Sunway Lagoon is enough hours in one day to experience all five of its themed wonderlands. There are more than 80 rides and experiences for all ages at the Water Park, Amusement Park, Extreme Park, Wildlife Interactive Zoo and Scream Park.

A few of the highlights include surfing man-made waves, a 360-degree Rotating Pirate Ship, Congo and Zimbabwe water rides, cuddling and meeting animals from around the world, driving All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), bungee jumping, the Theatre of Fear and saving the human race in a battle with Terminators.

Cultural gem Batu Caves

Tucked away in the beautiful limestone hills north of the city is this Hindu temple built within caves, containing intricate and magnificent idols and statues.

As you make the 272 footsteps up to the entrance, monkeys skip alongside, keen for some peanuts or anything else you might have.

At the top you’re rewarded for your efforts with stunning views, statues, paintings and wondrous 400 million year old limestone formations rising to the 100 metre high cavern ceilings.

Four highly recommended Kuala Lumpur hotels

The exclusive business club at the GTower hotel offers free Internet and access to the floating Bridge Bar with glass flooring 28 levels up.

Foodies love the Flamingo by the Lake Hotel Kuala Lumpur with its chalets and a range of dining options from delicious Indian cuisine to French pastries at the cafe bakery.

The 5-star, 5 minutes from everything Istana Hotel Kuala Lumpur serves up amazing cocktails and live music in the Songket Lounge.

And we’re seriously infatuated with the pool at the Furama Bukit Bintang Hotel Kuala Lumpur, where you lounge all day enjoying everything from buffet breakfast to sunset cocktails.

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