Food and

CULTURE

Do’s and Don’ts

Do dress appropriately when visiting religious sites

Do smile when meeting people

Do take your shoes off before entering homes or temples

Life in Kuala Lumpur

Don’t discuss the divisive topic of ethnic relations

Don’t show anger or shouting in front of someone older than you

(Muslims) Do not give alcohol, pork, gifts with dogs’ picture or obscene images

(Chinese) Do not give clocks, tools with sharp edges

(Indian) Do not wrap gifts in white or black or give leather products

Malaysia Holidays/Festivals

Jan

Feb

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year (February)

Malaysia has one of the largest Chinese populations outside of China and celebrates the Lunar New Year with lion dance performances, fireworks and go to house visitations.

Mar

Apr

May

Hari Raya Aidilfitri & Wesak Day

Hari Raya Aidilfitri & Wesak Day

Hari Raya Aidilfitri (May)

The name "Hari Raya" could be translated as "celebration day" and marks the end of Ramadan holy month of fasting.

Wesak Day (May)

Celebrated by Buddhists to honor Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death.

Jun

Jul

Hari Raya Haji

Hari Raya Haji

Hari Raya Haji (July)

The festival of Abraham’s sacrifice.

Aug

Merdeka Day

Merdeka Day

Merdeka Day (31 August)

Malaysia Independence Day, also known as National Day or ‘Hari Merdeka’ in Malay is observed on August 31 and commemorates the Malayan Declaration of Independence of 31 August 1957.

Sep

Malaysia Day

Malaysia Day

Malaysia Day (16 September)

Known as 'Hari Malaysia', commemorates the anniversary of the formation of the Malaysian Federation. The celebrations of Malaysia Day primarily include national ceremonies that celebrate the strength of Malaysians.

Oct

Deepavali

Deepavali

Deepavali (October)

Indian festival of Diwali. The holiday is known as the Festival of Lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.

Nov

Dec

Malay Words

What better way to get around KL than getting to know the locals? Pick up some simple Malay to speak with the locals and explore the culture!
Life in Kuala Lumpur

Must-Try Dishes in KL

Made up of diverse ethnic cuisines, including Malay, Indian to Chinese – there are many dishes to try from savory to sweet dishes with complex flavors.
Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak

A must-try in Malaysia! It is usually eaten for breakfast or any time of the day – this dish is served with rice boiled in coconut milk, hard-boiled eggs, fried anchovies (Ikan Bilis), fried peanuts, and sweet spicy chili sauce known as ‘Sambal’.

Roti Canai

An Indian staple – it is a flatbread made from flour, ghee, and water. It is traditionally served with Dhal (vegetable beans) or curry sauce.

Satay

Marinated meat that is skewered and barbecued over charcoal. Served with ‘shaped’ rice, cucumber, and raw onions topped with peanut gravy.

Cendol

Another Malaysia must-have! Cendol is a popular dessert made from green-rice-flour jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup topped with shaved ice. Great to have on hot days!

Char Kway Teow

Meaning “stir-fried rice cake strips” this is a stir-fried rice noodles dish together with prawns, egg, cockles, and bean sprouts.

Keropok Lekor

Keropok Lekor (fish crackers or fish sausage) is a local favorite, and for good reason. Salty, oily, and flavorful, it can be thin and crunchy or thick and chewy; and when dipped in a signature sweet chili sauce, it’s basically a party in your mouth.

Nyonya Kuih

They come in all shapes and colors; commonly containing coconut flakes, pandan-infused flavors, kaya, and glutinous rice. The most common and our favorite ones are Kuih Koo, Pulut Tekan Kaya, Ondeh-Ondeh, Getuk-Getuk, and Kuih Lapis.

Banana Leaf Rice

An Indian staple – serving rice with a selection of fried fish, chicken, vegetables, Indian curries, Dahls, and Papadom which is served on a signature banana leaf, this is a native Indian dish that Malaysians know and love.

Chicken Rice

Commonly found in Malaysian hawker centers and influenced by the Hainanese culture – fragrant, yellow-tinged, oily rice is prepared with chicken broth and sometimes pandan as well, making it a perfect base for fragrant roasted or steamed chicken.

1 day itinerary in

Kuala Lumpur

9:00am

You can’t fully experience Kuala Lumpur without visiting the Petronas Twin Towers, one of the most iconic sights in Kuala Lumpur. You should take a trip up to the Skybridge on the 41st and 42nd floors and the Observation Deck on the 86th floor. Don’t forget to buy the Petronas Towers tickets beforehand.

Suggested duration: 1-2 hours

How to go to your next destination?

Take the LRT from KLCC station and stop at Dang Wangi Station

10:30am

Continue your journey with other iconic sights of Kuala Lumpur, which is Menara Kuala Lumpur. Head over to the Kuala Lumpur Tower Observation Deck which has a circular room made with big glass windows and binoculars to take in the awesome views. There is a fine dining restaurant atmosphere 360 serves buffets for lunch, high tea, and dinner

Suggested duration: 1 hour

How to go to your next destination?

About 3 minutes walking distance to your next destination

12:00pm

Head over to Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park to experience the greenery and picture-perfect beauty of nature. It is a natural rainforest situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. There is a canopy walkway and an herbal garden. This park is ideal for a picnic.

Suggested duration: 1.5 hour

How to go to your next destination?

Take the LRT and stop at Masjid Jamek Station > walk about 5-7 minutes to Merdeka Square; the historical heart of Kuala Lumpur

2:00pm

The Merdeka Square is a must-see for anyone who wants exciting exposure to the rich culture and history of Malaysia. It is a 19th-century Moorish architecture, located in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Several attractions in the nearby location, Queen Victoria Fountain, Federated Railway Station, The Cathedral of St Mary, etc.

Suggested duration: 1-2 hours

How to go to your next destination?

The Merdeka Square Heritage Walk is connected to the Chinatown Walk, about 7 minutes walking distance

3:30pm

Head into Chinatown to visit some of the Buddhist temples, one of the oldest Hindu temples (Sri Maha Mariamman), and bustling Petaling Street with a great selection of food and drink, and architecture.

Suggested duration: 1-2 hours

How to go to your next destination?

Take the LRT from Pasar Seni Station and stop at Kampung Baru Station

5:00pm

Last visit to Salomon Link Bridge where you can take pictures with colorful LED link bridge

Suggested duration: 15 – 30 minutes

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