Even if you’ve been to KL enough times to almost call it your second home, we think it’s still one of the best options to squeeze in a quick holiday during a long weekend in 2024. And you don’t have to rely solely on your usual haunts because new attractions and cafes have opened and are ready to be explored. Without further ado, here are some of the new things to do in KL in 2024.
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Those who have never been to KL before can easily spend 5 days to a week exploring the city and its surrounding smaller towns such as Janda Baik. There’s a good deal of things to do from shopping and sightseeing to cafe-hopping and gorging on local street food. It’s also a great opportunity to check out kid-friendly activities in Genting Highlands.
But if you’re heading to KL for a short getaway and just want to see what’s new, then a 3-day-long weekend should suffice. While it is pretty easy to get around KL via Grab, factor in time for traffic jams and long distances.
Take your pick between travelling via land, air or sea. The fastest way is definitely to take a 1-hour flight directly from Singapore to KL. There are multiple flights daily departing from Changi Airport and a smaller number of Firefly flights from Seletar Airport.
If you prefer to go by road, either drive down in a car on a KL road trip, or take a bus service to KL. Without any traffic, this should take roughly 5 hours, but given the jams during peak timings, you can expect to take up to 8 hours inclusive of customs clearance.
Another alternative is to take a one-way Genting Dream Cruise to KL which includes 1 night aboard the ship. This option might take the longest to get to your destination but is probably the comfiest one.
For a more detailed comparison, check out our guide to different modes of transportation on the best way to get to KL.
Image adapted from: @trxresidences, @theexchangetrx via Instagram
The Exchange TRX is a new mall that’s note-worthy on its own, given that it houses 500-odd stores. But the highlight has got to be the serene rooftop garden – TRX City Park where you can picnic on the grass or sit on one of the benches to admire the greenery. Best of all, it’s free for the public to enter from 7am-10pm daily.
There’s a “hidden” slide in the cave for kids to discover.
Image credit: The Exchange TRX
Hard to miss is a cave-like structure with a water feature and lights that switch on at night, making it a pretty decent photo spot. It’s also one of the many sheltered areas where you can take a break from shopping.
Image credit: The Exchange TRX
There’s plenty for kids too – a water play area, rock climbing path, and pond to spot fish. Not forgetting every kid’s favourite activity – the outdoor playground. This one has a design inspired by a kampung house and contains multiple slides. Older kids will enjoy the slightly more challenging obstacle courses on one side of the playground.
Each chairlift can seat up to 4 people.
Image credit: Skyline Luge Kuala Lumpur
Yes, we’ve got Skyline Luge Sentosa in Singapore, so you might be wondering why you should check out Skyline Luge Kuala Lumpur. 3 words: same but cheaper. Basically you get to experience the thrill of riding down Luge carts for almost half the price.
Much like the SG attraction, each ticket also includes a trip on the Skylift up the hill. From here, enjoy views of the surrounding rainforest and valley in the outskirts of KL.
Image adapted from: @vickmaniam via Instagram
You’ve got 2 downhill tracks to choose from – the fast lane or the scenic route. The latter might be more suitable for first-timers or those with younger kids. Plus, the attraction is open till 10pm on most days of the week and till midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, so night rides are an option too.
| Tickets | Malaysia | Singapore |
| 2 Ride Combo | RM47.50 (~S$13.51) | From S$25 |
| 3 Ride Combo | RM57 (~S$16.21) | From S$27 |
| 4 Ride Combo | RM66.50 (~S$18.91) | From S$29 |
| 5 Ride Combo + Photo | RM76 (~S$21.61) | From S$40 |
If you take the 5 Ride Combo, you’re basically paying about S$4.32 per ride.
Anyone with a toddler must turn their attention to Jungle Gym Playland. In the past year alone, they’ve opened a couple of new outlets in KL – at LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC), Berjaya Times Square, and The Starling Mall.
These outlets have everything a kid could desire from an indoor playground. We’re talking giant ball pits, trampolines, super long slides with LED lights, and obstacle courses of varying difficulty levels. The Starling Mall outlet even has an indoor go-kart track for the kiddos.
Image adapted from: @junglegymplayland via Instagram
Parents, you don’t have to feel left out as you can also join your little ones at some of the play areas. One such activity is sitting together on a giant tyre and sliding down a slope. On weekends, the mascot also turns up, giving you the chance to capture a cute family pic.
Buy a Jungle Gym Playland ticket.
Full list of Jungle Gym Playland locations
Singaporeans who love the retro vibes of The Projector will find that GSC LaLaport BBCC has a very similar aesthetic appeal. Inspired by the swinging 60s, the cinema is decorated with pink arches in the lounge area, glam-gold accents in the foyer, and neon blue lights in the halls.
Even the drinks and popcorn corner features old-fashioned black and white tiles. This is one cinema you’d want to head to early before your movie starts cause there’s plenty to snap away.
If your movie is in the 4DX hall, it means you’re getting motion seats which enhance the experience of certain genres, especially action sequences. Don’t forget to stop by the toilets as the retro decor extends to pink bathrooms that are just screaming for a mirror selfie.
There’s also an in-house cafe, Happy Food Co., with a tropical theme that serves IG-worthy crazy milkshakes and American-diner style mains.
If you haven’t heard of KKV, it’s basically Daiso and Don Don Donki combined but for goods from China. And Malaysia has its very first outlet in Bukit Bintang, KL – also the nearest one to us in Singapore.
You can expect pretty much every kind of lifestyle product from homeware and stationery to plushies and beauty products. There’s also fashion apparel and accessories like bags, caps, and sunglasses.
Check out the many rainbow-coloured walls – one for makeup sponges, another for pens, and yet another for rolls of cloth.
The store is divided into 4 floors with items going as low as RM2.90 (~S$0.82). Amongst household items, one can find kitchenware, home decor, fragrances, and toiletries exclusively from China.
Of course there’s a section for snacks including a floor-to-ceiling ramen wall with instant noodles from all over Asia.
Image credit: TreeTop Adventure 1 Utama via Facebook
The weather in KL isn’t too far off from Singapore’s hot temperatures. So, it’s a blessing that TreeTop Adventure 1 Utama is an indoor rainforest park. You know, like Forest Adventure at Bedok Reservoir minus the direct sun. There are plenty of trees to make you feel close to nature, all while you enjoy climbing in the air-conditioned mall.
Suitable for both kids and adults, the rope courses include aerial trails, wobbly bridges, and zip lines to get you from one tree canopy to another. The adult zone is a 2-layered course with challenges of varying difficulties and the platforms go much higher than at the kids zone.
Safety is a top priority here; you’ll be securely clipped up to the rolling continuous belay system at all times. All gear will also be provided such as gloves and helmets. Just make sure you dress appropriately with full-length pants and covered shoes.
Tsutaya at Intermark Mall is the Japanese bookstore’s second outlet in KL, with the first being at Pavilion Bukit Jalil. Apart from stocking the usual English fiction and non-fiction, the store also offers various other genres such as Japanese manga and comic books. There are also children’s books and Asian literature by local authors as well as authors from around the region.
In some of the sections, you may also come across pieces of art framed up amongst the books. Those looking for stationery will be able to find cute washi tape and greeting cards, too.
The in-house cafe, Ivy Tokyo, is worth checking out, especially if you are a matcha fan. The drinks here are brewed freshly on the spot and you can pair them with baked goodies such as cookies and croissants. It’s the ideal spot to open up your newly purchased book and start reading while sipping on your tea or coffee.
Nestled within Menara KL Tower, ARAS Restaurant is the latest F&B establishment to claim the title of Malaysia’s highest revolving restaurant. It is located 282m above ground level, so expect 360-degree views of the KL skyline. And yes, you can spot the iconic Petronas Twin Towers from here too.
Image adapted from: @araskltower via Instagram
The restaurant is only open in the later half of the day with Hi-Tea from 3pm-5pm, dinner service starting at 6.30pm, and supper from 10pm-11pm. Every meal is a buffet spread, BTW.
Look forward to seeing traditional Malay favourites such as ikan bakar (grilled fish), Japanese sushi and sashimi, as well as Chinese dim sum and noodles. There’ll also be barbecued meats, seafood, salads, and an array of desserts including kueh.
Shah Alam has a number of attractions including Wet World Water Park and City Karting. And now there’s one more reason to check out the area – Eat Mee Mee. Jay-Z may have 99 problems but you’ll have 99 choices of instant noodle flavours to choose from at this store.
The moment you enter, you’ll be greeted by a wall of colourful noodle packets stacked on shelves. Take your time to explore because they’ve got varieties from all over Asia including Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore; plus local favourites in Malaysia.
Some familiar brands you may spot: Maggi, Mie Sedaap, Samyang, Nongshim, Nissin, Myojo, MAMA Noodles, Irvin’s, and Koka. These have been categorised from non-spicy to extra pedas. Once you’ve chosen your base, head to the station for adding toppings at RM1 (~S$0.28) each.
Zhuzh up your bowl of instant noodles with ingredients such as prawns, fishcakes, fish balls, and seafood tofu.
Image credit: @d_chum via Instagram
If you can’t get enough of the city skyline, Fly Me To KL is another rooftop cafe to head to for uninterrupted views. Located on the 37th floor of Regalia KL, the cafe has a Moroccan-inspired theme that sees an indoor dining area decorated with straw umbrellas and sofas with throw blankets.
Image adapted from: @d_chum via Instagram
They’ve tried to recreate the look of a desert in the open-air area where you’ll find bean bag chairs, hammocks, sand, and even cacti. The domes closest to the glass windows have the best view but require a minimum spending of RM300 (~S$85.10).
The menu features Western food such as Pan Seared Salmon Fillet, Tiger Prawn Risotto, and Soft Shell Crab Linguine. On weekdays, you can also go for the set lunch (from RM49, ~S$13.90) with the option of 2 or 3 courses.
Our love for this Japanese brand knows no bounds. And if you have to shop in KL, head to the Uniqlo Fahrenheit88 outlet. Not only can you pick up your favourite basic tees, but you can also get a cuppa to have while browsing the collections.
The menu is pretty limited but you’ll get your classic coffees – Americano (RM7.90, ~S$2.24), Latte (RM9.90, ~S$2.81), Matcha Latte (RM14.90, ~S$4.22), and Chocolate (RM14.90, ~S$4.22). Get them hot or iced – both at the same price.
To pair with your drink, pick up a cookie for RM6.90 (~S$1.96). Flavours include Valrhona Double Chocolate, Lotus Biscoff, and Oreo Marshmallow. BFs and husbands waiting for their partners to try on the clothes can head up to the 2nd floor where there’s a cosy lounge area overlooking the busy street below.
This outlet also has a studio for customers to customise their t-shirts or tote bags with stitching patterns and embroidery.
This one’s for K-pop fans. Get your favourite bands and singers’ albums at Notes By YGM. This 2-in-1 cafe and lounge has an envy-worthy display of K-pop records, both old and new. Plus, there are photocards, concert merch, and official light sticks from your idols.
Given their vast collection, it should be easy to find music from popular K-pop groups like BTS, NCT, Seventeen, Stray Kids, IVE, and RIIZE. Solo artists such as Blackpink’s Jisoo and Got7’s Jackson Wang aren’t left out either. Follow them on IG at @notesbyygm where they periodically post deals and giveaways including free albums and exclusive photocards.
Even if you’re not into K-pop, you might want to check out the cafe for its aesthetic interiors, especially if you’re already at Pavilion Bukit Bintang. The pink lounge features colourful bean bag chairs, comfy couches, and neon-lit shelves. To get here, go up to Level 6 via DADI Cinema.
Image adapted from: Merdeka 118
No matter where you are within KL, you’re bound to spot Merdeka 118 at some point. It is currently the tallest tower in Southeast Asia, after all. When it’s officially open in Q4, visitors can expect a mall with a dome ceiling that has an uncanny resemblance to Jewel Changi and over 200 stores across 7 floors.
One will also be able to head up the tower to The View at 118, an observation deck on levels 115 and 116. And if you want to stay in the skyscraper, the first Park Hyatt in KL will be opening its doors within the building sometime this year too.
Speaking of new hotels in KL, there are 2 to consider.
Image credit: Bestow Boutique Hotel via Facebook
Those travelling on a budget can look to Bestow Boutique Hotel for super affordable rooms. Located right behind Berjaya Times Square and within walking distance of LaLaport BBCC, the hotel is in a pretty central area. It’s been refurbished from a colonial-era shophouse, so don’t expect too much from this rustic-looking building.
Having said that, the hotel does have its own restaurant, rooftop pool, and jacuzzi. Accommodation options here include loft-style rooms, rooms with private balconies, and capsules for those on a backpacker’s budget.
Image adapted from: Marriott
On the other hand, Moxy Putrajaya is as modern as they come. The high walls are plastered with funky graphic designs and there’s a bright pink Mini Cooper parked in the middle of the lobby for photo ops. You’ll find plenty of such chic spots throughout the hotel such as at the all-day dining restaurant and Sky Bar.
In fact, there’s not 1 but 2 bars in the hotel with the other serving double duty as the check-in desk. That means you can start ordering cocktails as soon as you walk through the doors. Of course, it has a pool and gym too. This new establishment comes under the Marriott Bonvoy group and is located next to IOI City Mall.
If you are travelling with kids and need more accommodation ideas, here are some KL hotels for families.
New Insta-worthy cafes, new activities to keep the kiddos entertained, new places to shop at … you get the drift. It’s time to plan another trip to KL.
For more ideas on what to do in KL:
Cover image adapted from: @treetopadventure_1utama, @d_chum, @fariq via Instagram
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