Dataran Merdeka- Otherwise known as Independence Square, this sits in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. It was here that the Malayan flag replaced the Union flag for the first time back in August 31, 1957 when Malaysia declared its independence. It is also here that the annual National Day Parade (Hari Merdeka) takes place.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building- This is one of the most significant buildings from the time when the British were in Malaysia. It was named for Sultan Abdul Samad who was the sultan of Selangor when construction began. Its Moorish architecture was inspired by the Islamic mosques that AC Norman (the architect) saw when he was posted in India and it served as a base for a number of British administration departments.

• Istana Negara- This is the National Palace occupied by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King of Malaysia). Originally built by a Chinese millionaire in the late 1920s, the Japanese took control of it during their occupation from 1942 for three years and turned it into an officers’ mess. After the Japanese surrender, the Selangor State government purchased it, undertook its renovation and it then became the palace of the Sultan of Selangor until 1957. The palace is not open to visitors so the main gates are a very popular spot for tourist photographs.

The Kuala Lumpur tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur)- is the fifth largest tower in the world when measured to the tip of its antenna. It serves as a communications tower and there is a revolving restaurant near the top which offers a view of the whole city.
Tugu Negara- This means National Monument in Malay and stands as a reminder to those who died in Malaysia’s struggle for freedom, both against the Japanese during the second world war and also in the Malayan emergency which lasted from 1948 to 1960. The monument stands near the Malaysian Houses of Parliament. Every year on July 31, the King of Malaysia, the Prime Minister and the heads of the military pay their respects to the fallen heroes by laying wreaths at the monument.
The Aquaria KLCC is an underwater attraction located beneath the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. It is home to more than 250 species of land and aquatic animals from Malaysia and other parts of the world. There is also information on conservation programmes for a number of fish and turtles.

• Zoo Negara- This is the national zoo and it relies solely on the proceeds from the gate, which means that the park is supported to a great extent by sponsors and partners. The zoo has more than 5,000 animals made up of over 400 species.

• The Petronas Twin Towers- The headquarters of the Petronas oil and gas company were completed in 1998 and this became the tallest building in the world. They have now been surpassed by Taipei 101 but they remain the tallest twin buildings in the world. Visitors can view the city from the Skybridge or podium which is 170m from the ground.

• Petaling Street- This is Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown and is well known for its imitation clothing and other goods, but is a great place to practise your haggling skills.

• Batu Caves- This is located just outside of Kuala Lumpur and consists of a limestone hill which houses a number of caves and cave temples. Named for the Batu river which passed the hill, the caves attract 1.5 million visitors a year for the Thaipusam Hindu festival. The Caves are one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India.