20 Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur At Night

Kuala Lumpur, commonly referred to as KL, is Malaysia’s capital and one of the most diverse cities in Asia. A vibrant and fascinating city during the day, KL sparkles once the sun sets. The city is a thriving blend of historical buildings, popular street markets,  green parks, mega shopping malls and famous monuments. It’s also a city with some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. Whether you want to shop, visit a temple, go on a pub crawl, see a cultural show, eat delicious street food or cool your heels high above the city, there’s something to do for everyone in Kuala Lumpur at night. 

Kuala Lumpur is located centrally in Southeast Asia, where a short flight can take you to India, China, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and almost every other country in Asia. Owing to its central location, KL has a mix of cultural and culinary traditions of many of its neighbouring countries while holding on to its unique identity and traditions. Add to that Malaysia’s history of British colonial rule (Malaysia gained independence from the British in 1957), and KL grew into an ultra-modern city where history and tradition are side by side. 

Kuala Lumpur is a multicultural city home to immigrants from India, China and many nearby countries. With a diverse population of different ethnicities, the city is also home to temples, markets and monuments catering to different religions. The main commercial area in KL is the Golden Triangle comprising Bukit Bintang, KLCC and Chinatown. You can find the trendiest pubs, nightclubs and high-end malls in these areas. KL is also popular for its annual Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival, held in May-June and December, attracting millions of visitors worldwide.

Kuala Lumpur At Night

20 Things To Do In KL At Night

1- Night Stroll In Merdeka Square

Merdeka Square is remembered in Malaysian History as where the Malaysian flag was first hoisted in 1957 after being liberated from British rule.

Today, the square is home to many historical buildings built in European architectural styles, some more than a century old.

The 95 m (312 ft) tall flagpole that hoists the Malaysian flag is in front of the famous Sultan Abdul Samad Building, close to the National Textile Museum and City Gallery.

If you are interested in knowing about the history and culture of Kuala Lumpur, like to explore historical areas and want some photo opportunities amidst beautifully lit buildings and backgrounds, you should visit this square.

Merdeka Square is at Jln Raja, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur close to Masjid Jamek Tram station. Book this night cultural walk.

2- Enjoy Delicious Malaysian Street Food At Jalan Alor Food Street

If you love street food, head to Jalan Alor in the heart of the Bukit Bintang Area.

Jalan Alor is a half-kilometre-long street lined with many Malaysian street food vendors and shops.

This is one of the busiest food streets in Malaysia, where you can find the most popular food joints selling seafood and local Malaysian delicacies.

The street comes alive after sunset, with food vendors beckoning customers and brightly lit vintage-style buildings.

You will be spoilt for choice among nasi lemak, satay, char kway teow, rojak, roti canay, laksa and many more street foods here.

The best part of Malaysian street food is the variety of local variations of dishes that originated in China, India, Indonesia and other countries.

The street can get crowded on weekends, so get there early to avoid the rush.

Jalan Alor is at Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, close to Bukit Bintang station. Here are two food tours you might like:

• Best local food tour at night
• Kuala Lumpur night food tour

3- Go On A Shopping Tour Of Little India

Little India is a colourful area in central KL with streets having colourful decorative arches, red colour brick pavements, ornate street lighting, a grand entrance archway and a brightly painted fountain with an elephant design.

If you want to get an authentic feel of India and taste those yummy pav bhajis or samosas in Kuala Lumpur, Little India is the right place.

The area is full of sights, sounds and smells that remind you of India as it’s filled with Indian descendants who have settled in Malaysia.

You can find stores brimming with Indian clothing like sarees and lehengas, kitchenware, foodstuff, pooja items and flower garlands, Bollywood and Tollywood movie paraphernalia, and many other items sourced from India.

You can also find restaurants and stalls selling Indian street food and sweet dishes, vegetarian food, Punjabi lassi stalls and more.

Little India is at 229, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, close to KL Sentral, open till 11.30 pm every day. Try this private night tour of Kuala Lumpur’s heritage under the lights.

4- Visit Chinatown

Chinatown is a colourful and vibrant area of Kuala Lumpur and is the original commercial heart of Old Kuala Lumpur.

The area has many popular streets, such as the Petaling Street Night Market, Central Market, Madras Lane and Kasturi Walk, where you can find street food, clothing, trinket shops, Buddhist temples, art galleries, coffee houses, replicated branded items and much more.

Most of the streets in Chinatown are pedestrianised and covered to keep the sun and rain off.

Chinatown streets (especially Petaling Street and Madras Lane) are popular for street food and have many stalls selling curry laksa, steamed rice noodles and the other usual favourites.

Also, don’t forget to bargain when shopping here, as the vendors tend to quote high prices expecting you to haggle. If you’re not confident, join this half-day shopping and market tour.

Chinatown is at 37, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur and close to Pasar Seni station, open till midnight every day.

5- Go On A Firefly Tour

One of the memorable things to do in Kuala Lumpur at night is to go on a boat ride at Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park on a firefly tour.

The boat takes you on a smooth ride where you glide in complete darkness while glittering fireflies go about their business between the trees and give you a surreal view of nature.

Kids will especially love this ride and won’t stop talking about it for a long time.

As a part of your firefly tour, visit Bukit Melawati, which has a historic museum, palace, cannons, beautiful sunset views, and overlooks Malacca strait, the busiest shipping lane in the world.

Kampung Kuantan Fireflies Park is at Kampung Kuantan, 45000 Bestari Jaya, Selangor and can be reached by private transport from Kuala Lumpur.

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6- Have A Thrilling Experience At Menara Kuala Lumpur 

Menara Kuala Lumpur, also known as KL Tower, is within the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve.

Bukit Nanas, or “Pineapple Hill”, is a tropical rainforest in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and has jungle trails, museums and other notable buildings such as Menara KL and Upside-Down House.

Menara KL is the tallest telecommunications tower in South East Asia (the seventh-tallest in the world) and has a thrilling 360-degree viewing deck and a revolving restaurant. For a treat, book a table at Atmosphere 360 and enjoy a meal with your view.

The building’s Islamic architecture showcases intricate Islamic tiles and floral and abstract patterns.

The observation deck provides beautiful sunset and nighttime views of KL.

Menara KL is close to Jalan P. Ramlee, a popular street for nightlife and Petronas Towers.

Menara KL is at 2 Jalan Punchak, Off, Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur and open till 10 PM every day.

7- Visit Batu Caves

Located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is a series of 400 million-year-old caves and caverns set inside limestone hills.

The largest cave in the cave system is home to a centuries-old Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan.

At the entrance to the temple caves, you will find 42 m (140 feet) tall Murugan statue and 272 multi-coloured concrete steps to reach the cave.

You can also find smaller temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Hanuman and visit a museum and art gallery here.

There is a wide variety of flora and fauna to see here, including some rare species of plants that only grow in limestone.

Your journey to the caves will also take you to the Malaysian countryside, where you can enjoy its rural beauty. The easiest way to visit is to book this tour.

Batu Caves also offers adventure activities, such as rock climbing, abseiling and spelunking.

Batu Caves is at Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor and is open till 9 pm every day.

8- Check Out The Amazing Architecture Of Sri Maha Mariamman Temple

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is Kuala Lumpur’s oldest Hindu Temple and is dedicated to the Goddess Parvati.

Located on the edge of Chinatown, the beautiful temple was built using Dravidian architecture, based on which many famous large South Indian temples were built.

The temple’s outstanding feature is an ornately carved five-tiered gopuram, a 23m (75 feet) tall tower.

Mariamman Temple is a sanctum of calmness and divinity in the centre of Kuala Lumpur and is popular among locals and tourists alike.

The temple looks beautiful and adorned with thousands of flowers and deepams (lights) during festivals and becomes crowded with tourists who want to catch a glimpse of the festivities and processions.

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is at Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, and is open till 9 pm every day.

9- Enjoy Glowing Lanterns At Thean Hou Temple

Thean Hou Temple is a unique temple that is a fusion of three beliefs – Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

The six-tiered temple showcases a fine display of traditional Chinese architecture.

The temple has three ornately designed and colourful altars to worship the Goddess of Mercy – Guan Yin, the Chinese Sea Goddess – Mazu and the Goddess of Waterfront – Shui Wei Sheng Niang.

The colourful temple is on top of a Hill, offering excellent views of nearby areas.

Try to visit the temple after sunset, as the glowing lanterns and lights in the temple premises make Thean Hou Temple a stunning sight.

Thean Hou Temple is at 65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur and is open till 10 pm every day.

10- Shop For Souvenirs And Handicrafts At Central Market

Central Market is at a five-minute walking distance from Chinatown and Petaling Street. Locally known as Pasar Seni, this century-old commercial building houses a handicrafts market along with diverse shops selling local arts and souvenirs.

The art-deco style building is the focus of the city’s artistic community, where you can buy traditional batik clothing, customised art and souvenir pieces, home décor and handicrafts, etc.

You can also try scrumptious local Malaysian cuisine in one of the many eateries, go to a fish spa, visit an art museum, or even get your name engraved on a grain of rice.

The market is especially crowded for festive shopping during Hari Raya, Deepavali and Chinese New Year.

There’s a weekly cultural program every Saturday at 8 pm where you can learn about Malaysia’s cultural history.

Central Market is at Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur and is open till 10 pm every day.

11- Visit Petronas Towers And Suria KLCC Mall

If there is one thing Kuala Lumpur is world famous for, it has to be the iconic Petronas Towers. Located in KLCC, The Petronas Towers are 88-floor twin skyscrapers, with each tower standing 451.9 meters (1483 ft) tall, effectively making them the tallest twin towers in the world today.

A sky bridge connects the two towers on the 42nd floor, while floors 83 to 86 have observation decks.

The 360-degree view of Kuala Lumpur from the observation decks is breathtaking, especially after sunset.

The base of the towers houses the Suria KLCC mall and attractions like the Petrosains Discovery Centre and Dewan Filharmonik Petronas music hall.

The mall also has an elaborate, colourful nightly water fountain show that uses music and lights.

Petronas Towers is at Petronas Twin Tower, Lower Ground (Concourse) Level, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, and is open till 6 pm and runs Guided Tour Evening Experience sessions at 6.30 pm, 6.45 pm and 7.00 pm.

Suria KLCC mall is open till 10 pm, and Symphony Lake Water Show operates daily from 8 pm to 10 pm. You may also like the KLCC Lake of Symphony and River of Life tour.

12- Spend An Evening At SuperPark Malaysia Indoor Activity Park

Located close to the Petronas Towers, SuperPark is an indoor activity park that has activities for all age groups.

The park has three areas called Adventure Area, Game Arena and Freestyle Hall, each of which has unique indoor activities.

Kids and adults can enjoy jumping on trampolines, climbing obstacle walls, pedal racing and playing sports like basketball.

The park is a good place to spend a couple of hours and be prepared for the hunger pangs which will hit after some intense fun.

You can also visit Breakout Avenue K on the same premises if you are interested in challenging your mind in an Escape Room.

SuperPark Malaysia is at Unit 4-1, Level 4 Avenue K Shopping Mall, 156, Jln Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur and is open till 7.30pm Sun-Thu (9.30 pm Fri-Sat).

13- Experience Miniatures At MinNature Malaysia

MinNature Kuala Lumpur is a one-of-a-kind miniature museum with an amazing collection of miniatures showcasing Malaysian cultural heritage.

The museum has permanent indoor miniature exhibits and intricate models of iconic Malaysian landmarks.

The exhibits are popular for their attention to detail about everything from buildings to trains, cars, people to even trees.

This miniature exhibition is the largest of its kind in Asia and the third in the world.

MinNature is at Jalan Sultan Ismail Sungei Wang Plaza, Level 1, 50250 Kuala Lumpur and open till 10 pm daily. Skip the line and reserve your admission ticket here.

14- Go On A Night Food Tour With A Local Guide

If you want to taste authentic Malaysian street food but don’t know where to start or want to try the offbeat and best places to taste Malaysian street food, you should try a food tour with a local foodie guide.

Malaysian cuisine is a delicious blend of traditional Malay, Indian and Chinese flavours, and the best street food joints are often hidden among not-so-touristy spots.

A knowledgeable tour guide sympathetic to your food preferences would take you on a culinary tour where you can taste the best street food while the guide would give interesting titbit on the dish you are tasting.

Whether you love spicy food, have a sweet tooth, or want to try famous chicken dishes or taste fish cuisine, an experienced food guide would take you to the right food joint where you can fulfil your cravings.

15- Go Pub Hopping Around Bukit Bintang

Bukit Bintang area in central Kuala Lumpur is known for its amazing shopping, dining and nightlife options.

The area has streets lined with food stalls, restaurants, malls, markets, pubs, karaoke bars and hip nightclubs. Jalan Bukit Bintang, Changkat Bukit Bintang in the Bukit Bintang area, and Jalan P. Ramlee are some of the popular streets housing several pubs and nightclubs.

If you are in the mood for some South American, try Havana Bar and Grill. This place is a must-try for its relaxed outdoor terrace, Latin American vibes and delicious food.

Iron Fairies is a fantasy-themed bar across three levels, each with its unique décor, live performances and DJs.

Pisco is a South American-themed bar that attracts a lot of international visitors. The bar hosts many local and international DJs regularly.

If you want to lounge on a rooftop and sip a cocktail while looking over the city, Mantra Bar is the right place for you. You can taste innovative South Asian food paired with classics while lounging in a private cabana. Mantra Bar is located in Bangsar Village II.

Heli Lounge is a quirky rooftop bar that is a helicopter pad by day and a rooftop bar by night.

The views from the rooftop and the international vibe make up for the open-air décor.

There are many more interesting and quirky bars that you can check out in KL.

16- Go On An Adventure At Laser Battle KL 

If you are in the mood for adventure and want a thrilling experience in KL at night, participate in a laser battle or challenge your brain to solve puzzles.

Battle with your friends, family or colleagues in a Laser Tag battle or become a detective and solve clues to escape from a locked room.

Laser Battle KL and Escape Room KL are both housed in Berjaya Times Square mall and have a variety of interactive game modes and room options, respectively.

The adrenaline rush in these games is sure to make your evening memorable.

17- Celebrate Malay Cuisine And Culture 

If you want to feel the cultural vibe of Malaysia and taste good Malaysian food, head to TheLove@Matic.

This interactive dinner theatre show has performers from various ethnic groups in Malaysia, including Malay, Chinese, Indian and Borneo, participating.

The dance show showcases various aspects of Malaysian culture and also invites viewers to get on the stage and try a few steps.

Taste various dishes from the buffet and have a relaxed dinner in a beautifully lit hall while enjoying the show.

TheLove@Matic is at Pusat Pelancongan Malaysia, Lot 139 Malaysia (MaTiC, Jln Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur close to Bukit Banas Monorail station, open till 10 pm every day. This tour will get you there after a good dose of authentic culture along the way.

18- Have Fun At Berjaya Times Square Theme Park

Berjaya Times Square is one of Malaysia’s largest shopping and leisure malls in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

The mall houses many attractions and fun activities, including a multi-level theme park.

If you want to spend a fun evening with your friends or family going on thrill rides, playing arcade games, or simply seeing your little ones enjoy themselves, this is the place for you.

The various rides, games and activities will keep you engaged for hours.

19- Watch A Concert At Dewan Filharmonik Petronas

If you are a fan of fine arts and love music, you will appreciate an evening at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP).

The Petronas Philharmonic Hall is in KLCC and is Malaysia’s first concert hall built for classical music.

The hall’s interior is modelled after popular 19th-century European shoe-box style designs and has an adjustable ceiling for optimum acoustics.

It is the home of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, and the hall also sees regular performances from artists and orchestras from around the world.

Check out the DFP website for booking a ticket of your choice and schedule of events. This KL evening tour takes in the fountain show and will allow you to access KL Tower observation deck at night.

20- Watch A Show At Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC)

KLPAC is Malaysia’s fully-integrated arts centre housed in a century-old award-winning heritage building.

The arts centre regularly hosts concerts, ballets and many other performances in one of its three theatres.

The centre has varied programming with performers from around the world and hosts events and launches, festivals, shoots, recordings, and more.

The schedule of programmes is available on their website, where you can choose the show you like to see.

If you are looking for an evening to indulge in the world of performance and theatre, KLPAC will surely provide you with many options during your stay in KL.

KLPAC is at Jln Sultan Azlan Shah, Sentul, 51100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur and is open till 8 pm on days with evening shows. Check show timings for exact details.

21- See KL’s City Lights From The Top Of Merdeka 118

Merdeka 118, also known as KL 118 is a 118-floor 678.9 metre (2227 ft) tall skyscraper that will be opened soon in Kuala Lumpur.

This will be the second tallest building in the world after Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

The building also surpasses the Petronas Towers as the tallest building in Kuala Lumpur.

The tower will house observation decks at the top and offer incredible views of Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding areas.

The tower will also house hotels, restaurants, offices and more and will be a must-visit location in Kuala Lumpur once opened.

Merdeka 118 is at Jalan Hang Jebat, City Centre, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.

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