The Islamic Art Museum of Malaysia has an extensive collection of ancient Islamic artefacts and books from the Middle East. Located at the brink of Lake Gardens, this museum is the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. Spanning 30,000 square meters, it is adorned with Islamic patterns and houses more than 7,000 artefacts. The gallery is divided into 12 themes and displays reflect that particular section’s theme. Visitors can also taste traditional Middle Eastern meals at the museum restaurant. The museum features models of Islamic architecture, prominently mosques, from Africa to the Far East and also houses the Quran and other ancient manuscripts that exhibit skills of fine workmanship. The museum is also known for its collection of ancient Islamic glassware. The museum also houses educational and research facilities and extensive conservation facilities. One of the most famous permanent exhibitions is a faithfully restored and complete early-nineteenth-century Ottoman Room dating back to the 19th century.

Located on the ground floor of the museum, the restaurant features delicacies from Middle Eastern cuisine. The auditorium has a seating capacity of 250 people. The Inverted Dome is one of the most breathtaking monuments at the Islamic Arts Museum. Its exceptional design and the precise details of the dome are a sight to behold. The opening verses of the Quran are inscribed on the rim with Gold. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm and has an entry fee of RM 14 for adults and RM 7 for students and senior citizens while citizens under 6 enter for free.

The old Istana Negara is the former residence and National Palace of Malaysia’s Agong or Supreme Leader, Yang di-Pertuan. Located on the green slopes of a Bukit Petaling hill overlooking the Klang River, it is now the Royal Museum or Muzium Diraja in Malay. The museum has two blocks – the National Palace Gallery and the Balairong Seri or the Throne Room. A tour of the National Palace Gallery includes the halls, bedrooms, dining rooms, offices of the King and the Queen, reading room and library, waiting rooms, and the clinic. Most rooms are cordoned off, but can be seen from the walkway. The Throne Room in the East Wing is where official ceremonies and customary functions such as coronations and welcoming dignitaries take place. The main gate is guarded by members of the royal cavalry in full Malay traditional attire. One should not miss the change of guard that takes place at noon. The palace complex also includes a six-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a beautiful lake. The palace is closed on the first two days of Raya Aidil Fitri and the first day of Raya Aidil Adha and is open daily, except the first Monday of each month from 9 am to 5 pm. Ticket prices are RM 5 for adult Malaysian Residents, RM 2 for Malaysian Residents who are children aged 6-12 years, RM 3 for Malaysian Senior Citizen Residents, RM 10 for Non-Malaysian Adult Residents, RM 5 for Non-Malaysian Residents who are children aged 6-12 years and children below 5 years of age enter free. Traditional costumes can be rented for RM 50 and include one set of traditional costumes of male and female and 1 A4 size photo

Located at the Petronas Towers, Petrosains is a science and technology museum. Visitors can go for a ride through Malaysia’s natural resources and technological advancements and then wander around multiple exhibits, including model F1 cars from Petronas-sponsored teams. In addition, the museum explains petroleum formations through interactive dioramas, and helicopter simulators and earthquake benches add to the interactive experience. The museum is open from 10 am to 9:30 pm daily.

The National Museum of Malaysia, popularly called Muzium Negara, is located near the Southern tip of Lake Garden, past the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. It presents a combination of ethnology and natural history, unveiling Malaysia’s culture and history. The display at Muzium Negara is an amalgamation of crafts, weapons, currency, tradition and culture. The three-story museum comprises four exhibition galleries, each of which has a different theme. The two murals are renowned for their aesthetic appeal. Free guided tours are available in all languages at 10 am. The museum comprises four galleries namely A, B, C and D.

Gallery A traces the gradual development of the Earth’s crust and the origination of the primary community in Malaysia. One can also find on display the different types of Neolithic pottery and jewellery items which were used as trade items. The remains of the human skeleton which are displayed are the oldest discovered in Southeast Asia. Gallery B pays attention to the ancient proof of Malay civilization which existed in the Malay peninsula and Borneo. The central focus of the gallery is on the Melaka Sultanate which has emerged as a grand and glorious kingdom. In Gallery C, the history of the colonial era of the Malay states is showcased. The major factors which brought foreign attention to the Malay land were its strategic location and the wealth of natural resources. The gallery also includes the alterations brought by the power in the social, political and economic aspects. Gallery D pictures the independence struggle and the formation of the new nation. The National Museum compound exhibits illustrations of transportation, both modern and traditional. A cable car and a fire engine are also present. Besides this, one can also find three locomotives; a steam locomotive, a steam tank engine and a class 22 Diesel locomotive.

Muzium Negara showcases Malay architecture. The building holds up 26 concrete columns, 13 columns in the East and 13 columns in the West. They are a nod to the 13 states that form Malaysia. Two enormous murals ornament the building which was modelled by Cheong Lai Tong. The history and craft of Malaysia are depicted by them. The tiles gifted by the government of Pakistan have been used to adorn the central section floor. The design of the museum provides space for different foreign exhibitions. The ground floor displays the ancient Malay. The exhibition continues to portray different Malaysian states. The second floor brings to light the independence age. Istana Satu is one of the former royal residences and happens to be another attraction at Muzium Negara. It is a timber palace which was built by the Sultan Terengganu. Istana Satu sets forth a layout of Malay craftsmanship. Next to the Istana Satu are two keliriengs or burial poles. A kelirieng is made of a huge hardwood tree trunk, carved from the top to bottom. Niched up to its sides is a space for the bodies of slaves and followers and hollowed at the top to place the jar containing the chief’s bones. Istana Budaya or also known as the Palace of Culture, is Malaysia’s main venue for all types of theatre. It is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur city, next to the National Art Gallery.

The museum is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm. Entry fees for adult Malaysians is RM 2, for the disabled, it is RM 1 and children under 12 enter free. For foreigners, adults pay RM 5, children aged 6 to 12 pay RM 2 and children under 6 get in free.

The Telekom Museum was originally constructed in 1928 and used as the office for the manual telephone exchange and upgraded to mechanical telephone exchange in 1938. In the early 1980s, Telekom Malaysia was searching for a space to house their offices and to store their telecommunication equipment in Kuala Lumpur. In 1984, they identified the building to be the appropriate site. The plan however was cancelled in 1985 when Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad proposed the building to be conserved as a national heritage. Telekom Malaysia then decided to turn the building into a museum with a cost of MYR10 million. The construction of the museum was done in 1989–1992 and the museum material and collections were collected in 1993–1994. On 3 June 1994, the museum was officially opened to the public. The museum building utilizes the forms and aspects of Neoclassical Greek architecture.

Located in Jalan Perdana, the Royal Malaysian Police Museum houses invaluable artefacts ranging from handmade guns to automatic weapons about the Royal Malaysian Police since its inception. Originally established in 1958 in Jalan Semarak under the supervision of the Police Training Centre, this museum has now been shifted to the new building at Jalan Pardena in 1998. The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesdays to Sundays and is closed between 12:30 to 2:30 pm on Fridays. Entry on weekdays is free while RM 1 is charged on weekends and public holidays.

The Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, located at Merdeka Square, is a tourist information centre. It exhibits the history of Kuala Lumpur through its collection of photographs, paintings, and miniature models. Housed in a 115-year-old Government Printing Office, the main highlight is the Spectacular City Model Show and the iconic I Love KL structure. Built by the Founder of Arch in January 2012, this is the most photographed monument in the City Gallery. Standing at 12 ft and weighing more than a ton, this monument is a sight to behold. The centre also provides tours for visitors. The main highlight of the gallery is the 40ft x 50ft City Model Show, the World’s largest 3D Mapping Miniature. It is an ongoing city model show that utilises satellite imagery to ensure the accuracy of the model. The model boasts more than 5000 buildings which were all hand-assembled. It also makes effective use of light and sound as they showcase the past, present, and future of Kuala Lumpur. The KL Reflection is located on the second floor of the City Gallery and is a great way to have fun while discovering the city. Visitors can create their masterpieces by using various miniature models and pieces to create their souvenirs. However, DIY is subject to availability and visitors must contact them to ensure availability. The gallery is open from 9 am to 6:30 pm every day.

The National Textile Museum is situated in Merdeka Square and has some magnificent textile collections, accessories, and classic apparel. The museum also exhibits the methodology and technology of textile manufacturing. The two-storey building with four different galleries showcases elegant Mughal-Islamic heritage in architecture and textile artefacts.

The Pohon Budi Gallery is all about historical textile materials and products Colourful batik can be seen in the Pelangi Gallery. The Teluk Berntai Gallery is where one should go to view Indian textile patterns and the Ratna Sari Gallery is where one can find antique jewellery and accessories. The museum is open between 9 am to 6 pm daily except Mondays. Entrance fees are RM 2 for Malaysians and RM 5 for foreigners.

The Maybank Numismatic Museum is located in the Maybank Tower on Jalan Tun Perak and has a spectacular collection of ancient coins and notes used at the time of the Malacca Sultanate. The ceiling is decorated with a magnificent coin tree from Kelantan whose actual size coins are kept for display in various cases. The museum was established in 1988 and has currency specimens of various Malay states used at the time of British rule. The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm, Mondays to Fridays and is closed over the weekends. Entry is free.

Based in Gombak, the Orang Asli Crafts Museum is a very informative repository that has cast light on the history and tradition of the Orang Asli people by preserving the arts and handicrafts made by this tribe. The Orang Asli were the original inhabitants of Peninsular Malaysia whose population accounted for a total of 200,000. The Orang Asli are well-recognized for their handicrafts, specifically the wood carvings which depict their ancient belief systems. The museum has a library and theatre hall and has information about the 18 different Orang Asli tribes and how they are segregated into 3 main groups – Negrito, Senai, and Proto-Malay. This compact museum houses some attention-grabbing statues and masks carved by the Mah-Meri and Jah Hut tribes. It also displays small Sepili figures, blowpipes and ornate bamboo containers for holding blowpipe darts, hunting and fishing equipment, and coffins made from bamboo. Other collections include native clothing, rattan baskets and trays, palm leaf ornaments and spiritual decorations. Closed on the first day of Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji, the museum is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily. Entry fees are RM 2 for Malaysian adult citizens, RM 1 for Malaysians who are elderly and disabled and children below 12 enter free. For non-Malaysians, adults pay RM 5, children between 6 and 12 pay RM 2 and children below 6 enter for free.

The National Mosque of Malaysia, commonly known as Masjid Negara, is one of the largest Sunni-affiliated mosques in Malaysia. It is reminiscent of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, adorned with abstract shapes and intricate geometric lattices. Rising above the National Mosque is a 74m-high minaret that issues the call to prayer, which can be heard across Chinatown. Non-Muslims are welcome to visit outside prayer times. Able to accommodate 15,000 worshippers, the key feature of Masjid Negara is an umbrella-like blue-tile roof with 18 points symbolising the 13 states of Malaysia and the five pillars of Islam. The elegant design of this gigantic 1960s mosque is inspired by Mecca’s Masjid al-Haram. Officially opened up for the public in 1965, Masjid Negara was the brainchild of the UK-based architect Howard Ashley and Malaysian architects- Hisam Albakri and Baharuddin Kassim. ; robes are available for those who have not dressed appropriately.

The stunning mosque has a magnificent main prayer hall which is surrounded by 48 smaller intricate domes. Spread across an area of 13 acres, this masjid can accommodate up to 15,000 devotees. The mosque is adorned with abstract shapes and geometric lattices meant to embody the contemporary expressions of the traditional Islamic art of calligraphy and ornamentation. The previously pink concrete roof has now been turned into a roof clad with blue and green tiles giving it a sleek and stylish appearance. Masjid Negara is open from 9 to 11 am Saturday to Thursday and from 2:45 am to 6 pm on Friday.

Also known as Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque, Masjid Jamek is the oldest place of Islamic worship in Kuala Lumpur. Also known as Friday Mosque, it is a melange of Mughal, Islam and Moorish styles of architecture. The word Jamek in Arabic refers to a place where people gather to worship, and Masjid Jamek encapsulates this. It was the main place of worship before Masjid Negara or the National Mosque was opened to the public in 1965.

The main prayer hall of the mosque is surrounded by three domes, the tallest of which measures 20 meters. On either side of the dome, lie the 25-meter tall brick minarets constructed in patterns of pink and white. The pink and white patterns are made up of brick and plaster and are known as blood and bandage. Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque was built by British Architect Arthur Benison Hubback in 1907. The mosque was officially opened in 1909 by the Sultan of Selangor. An interesting fact about the mosque is that it was built on the first burial ground in Malaysia. It was renamed Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad in 2017, in honour of Sultan Abdul Samad, the fourth Sultan of Selangor. Masjid Jamek is open daily from 10 am to 12:30 pm and then again between 2:30 and 4 pm.

Also known as India Mosque or Masjid India, Jalan Masjid was established in 1883 as a small wooden mosque and later renovated with red bricks in 1963. Built in 1997, Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Masjid rests inside the famous International Islamic University of Malaysia. With a capacity to accommodate 9000 devotees in the main prayer hall, Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Masjid also acts as a centre of Ibadah. The mosque in the Garden of Knowledge and Virtue in IIUM has an exceptional design of the grand dome structure, floral art, and Moroccan visual art.

Named after Abu Bakr, Mohammad’s successor, Saidina Abu Bakar As Siddiq Mosque was built in 1982. With exceptional architectural excellence, this mosque is situated close to Bangsar with devotees crowding up the mosque every day. The Malay mosque architecture is divided into three levels – the ground floor with multipurpose halls, library, and classrooms, the first floor with the main praying hall accommodating up to 4,000 devotees and the second floor with an additional praying hall.

Established in the 1920s, Kampung Baru Jamek Mosque was built upon the land contributed by Bachik Abdullah in the 1880s. The mosque is famous for the Bubur Lambuk cooking event which takes place on the mosque premises.

The 6-tiered Thean Hou Temple is one of Southeast Asia’s largest temples. The temple is a fusion of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Very colourful, the temple offers a spectacular view atop Robson Hill. Visitors should try and visit the temple during night hours as the glowing lanterns and lights make the temple a stunning sight.

The stunning edifice, also known as the Temple of the Goddess of Heaven, was built by the Hainanese and is now run by the Selangor and Federal Territory Hainan Association. Considered a shrine by many, the Thean Hou Temple is visited to worship the Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin, the Chinese Sea Goddess, Mazu, and the Goddess of Waterfront, Shui Wei Sheng Niang. There are several paintings and sculptures in the temple premises that complement Chinese Legends and the 12 Zodiac Signs. The temple also holds more than 100 events every year and educates people about Malaysian Chinese culture.

The fountain of Kuan Yin, Goddess of Mercy greets visitors as they enter the temple grounds. The entrance gate showcases the Chinese style of architecture. The main entrance also features a multi-arched gateway supported by vibrant red pillars that stand for good fortune and prosperity. The main exterior of the temple showcases a fine display of traditional Chinese art forms. It also has the statutes of the zodiac sign, the most prominent being the huge dragon at the entrance. The prayer hall is huge and houses three altars of the three goddesses of the shrine. The altars have a sculpture of their respective goddess and visitors can pay their respect to them. There are two pairs of Kim Oracles in the middle of the prayer hall that can be used by visitors. There is also a smaller statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy amidst the rock and falling water where visitors can kneel and receive blessings from the statue. There is a marriage registration office on the premises where young couples can tie the knot. This is also a very popular destination for young couples to click wedding photographs. January – February would be the ideal time to visit Thean Hou Temple as the Chinese New Year celebrations are in full swing during this time of the year. The temple is open from 8 am to 9 pm daily.

One of the oldest places of worship, the Kuan Ti or Guan Di temple is dedicated to Guandi- the Taoist God of war and literature. Incepted in 1888, this 124-year-old shrine is located along Jalan Tun H S Lee. Along with a statue of Kuan Ti on the main altar, this temple houses manifestations of Guan Yin or the Goddess of Mercy, Wei Chong or the God of Learning and Education, and Choy Sun the God of Prosperity.

Painted in gold, the altar of Guan Di includes the Guan Dao, the sword and Guan Jie or the spear of Guan Di. The devotees believe that these weapons have special powers that will bless them if they touch or try to raise them. Besides the altar, you will find two wooden statues each of Guan Ping and Zhou Cang who were Guandi’s attendants. This sacred shrine is guarded by two lions since the Chinese believe that lions keep off the negative energy and protect from viciousness. On the left side, you will find a male lion and on the right, a female lion is holding a baby lion. Dragons are attractively carved on the temple roof and they are beautifully coiled around the two main pillars constructed in the interior of the temple.

This temple is best visited early in the morning as it is very quiet and less crowded. The temple gets crowded during the Chinese New Year. The temple is open from 7 am to 7 pm Monday to Friday and from 9 am to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday. Entry is free and parking is charged at RM 1 per hour.

Situated at Jalan Petaling’s southern end, the Chan See Shu Yuen Temple is regarded as one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples. While the temple initially served the Chinese immigrants of the Chan clan, it is now open to all. The temple is popularly referred to as the Clan House of the Chan, Chen and Tan families since it houses the statues of the founding members of the clan. The Chan See Shu Yuen Temple is adorned with intricate carvings, vivid paintings and symmetrical pavilions. Further, it also depicts scenes and stories of Chinese legends through its carvings and paintings which further accentuate its beauty. You must plan a visit to the temple if you wish to get an insight into the Chinese culture and traditions. The temple is open from 8 am to 6 pm daily, and the best time to visit is between 2 to 4 pm.

The Sin Sze Si Ya Temple is the oldest Taoist temple located in Chinatown. Built in 1864, the temple is dedicated to the worship of two supreme deities Sin Sze Ya and Si Sze Ya, from the time of Kapitan Yap Ah Loy. He claimed that the deities helped him earn Kapitan status during the 1870 war. The temple has a large main hall with two side halls along with intricate roof ridges, glorious interiors, and the majestic memorial plaque of Chan Sow Lin, Yap Ah Shak, Yap Ah Loy, and Yap Kwan Seng. Showcasing Chinese traditional culture through its Feng Shui architecture, offering prayers to the White Tiger deity, praying under the chairs, and also the well-known fortune-telling sticks – all are still prevalent in Sin Sze Si Ya Temple. Also known as Sze Yah Temple, it is widely known in Malaysia for its charity work since 1907.

The Sin Sze Si Ya Temple is one of the 13 temples in the peninsular region of Malaysia, for the worship of Xian Shi Ye, depicting Chinese traditions and cultures. Built by the craftsman of southern China, the temple compound has ornamented roof ridges, one elaborate main hall, and two adjacent side halls for devotees. The temple entrance displays two 100-year-old sedan chairs that speak about the tempele’s past. Covered with decorated panels and open-air pavilions, the Sin Sze Si Ya Temple structure is one of the very few remaining old monuments today. The temple is open daily between 7 am and 5 pm.

The Buddhist Maha Vihara is a beautiful Sri Lankan Buddhist temple located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Founded in 1894, this temple is inspired by the Sinhalese community and is very famous among Sri Lankan, Indian, and Chinese tourists. Located in Brickfield, the red and white temple is crafted with massive Buddha statues and embellished fixtures. The main attraction of Buddhist Maha Vihara is its annual Vesak festival in which a massive gathering and parade are celebrated around the suburb celebrating Lord Buddha’s birthday. Devotees gather on the 1st and 15th of every Lunar month to present offerings to Lord Buddha and recite various verses.

The temple was established in 1894 when the Sinhalese community found a need to build a place to worship as per Sri Lankan Theravada tradition. The Dhamma School for Religious Learning and Lessons was inaugurated in 1929 with just 12 students under a small Bodhi Tree. The temple got its first shrine with the Lord Buddha statue in the early 20th century. The temple is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm.

The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, located in Chinatown, is the oldest temple of Goddess Mariamman, the manifestation of Goddess Parvati and the oldest Hindu temple in the city. Built in the Dravidian architectural style, the temple has a Raja Gopuram Tower at the entrance. The temple experiences a huge crowd, especially during the festivals of Deepavali and Thaipusam, in which there is a long procession to the Batu Caves carrying containers of milk to offer to Lord Murugan. The temple structure is similar to the body of a man, his head pointing towards the west and feet towards the east. The feet are showcased by a 75-foot tall tower at the entrance having sculptures of 228 Gods and Goddesses beautifully and finely crafted. It is a 5-tiered tower with a gateway for each and the chief deity resides in the inner part of the only entrance which faces towards the east. After the entrance is the main hall where the chief and other deities of the temple reside. The premise has a dome, ornamented and decorated precisely with garbagraham, the innermost sanctum where the idol of God resides, having its roof and walls with the priest standing in front of it during the puja. There are three shrines in the main temple along with four others of Lord Muruga and on his left; there is the shrine of Lord Ganesha. The Chariot found inside the temple is made of 350 kg of silver, and decorated with 240 bells. The temple is open from 6 am to 9 pm daily.

Located in Brickfields, the Sri Kandaswamy Koil is a popular temple that is over a century old. It is considered to be one of the most orthodox temples in the country. A Maha Kumbhabhishekham, an annual consecration ceremony is held every year in the temple premises.

The Shree Lakshminarayan Mandir is the abode of Lakshminarayan, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu and his wife Goddess Lakshmi. Attached to the temple are a community centre, a multi-purpose hall, and a classroom for spiritual and educational lessons. Located near the Jalan Ipoh Road, the temple is open for four hours each in the morning and evening.

Located in Jalan Tun Sambanthan, the Holy Rosary Church is one of the most well-preserved sacred places in Kuala Lumpur. Built during the pre-war years, its roots date 100 years back during which it was blessed by Father Francis Emile Terrien. This church is famous for its Neo-Gothic style of architecture. This style of architecture encompasses elements such as glass windows, a marvellous vault, a flying buttress, a white exterior, and a pointed arch. Major changes took place in the mid-1980s when the Government acquired a small piece of land in front of the church. The Government built a hostel and community hall on the church land that was used for meetings and other such purposes. The church was renovated in 2003 as it marked the 100th anniversary of the Parish. The church is open every day from 7 am to 6 pm.

And that’s it for Kuala Lumpur. Next week, let’s check out Malaysia’s administrative and judicial capital, Putrajaya.