One of the most diverse cities in the world, Kuala Lumpur has something for everyone. Blending a mix of modern city architecture - most notably the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers - with traditional and religious architectures unique to the region, Kuala Lumpur showcases the vibrant blend of culture and history Malaysia has to offer.
Flights to Kuala Lumpur leave from Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and the Gold Coast every day, with travel times starting from under six hours non-stop from Perth. From the East Coast capitals, the average flight time is less than nine hours, making Kuala Lumpur one of the most accessible culturally diverse destinations for Australians to visit.
Airlines flying to Kuala Lumpur
Whether you want to fly direct or spend time sightseeing along the way, the following airlines will take you to your destination.
Flying nonstop between Australia and Kuala Lumpur
From Melbourne and Sydney. Air Asia X Malaysia Airlines each fly direct at least twice a day
From Perth. Malindo Air, Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia X each fly direct multiple times a day
Make the most of your trip with a spot of sightseeing. These airlines fly from Australia to Kuala Lumpur and offer connections via the following cities.
Royal Brunei (via Brunei) Air China (via Beijing) China Airlines (via Taoyuan) Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong) China Eastern (via Shanghai) China Southern (via Guangzhou or Xiamen) Emirates (via Dubai) Etihad (via Abu Dhabi) Garuda (via Jakarta) Xiamen (via Guangzhou or Xiamen) Malindo Airways (via Bali) Philippine (via Manila) Thai Airways (via Bangkok) Scoot (via Singapore) Srilankan Airlines (via Sri Lanka) Singapore Airlines (via Singapore) Vietnam Airways (via Ho Chi Minh City)
Getting to and from the airport
Travelling to the city, 55 kilometres north of the airport can be done by taxi, metro train or bus. A taxi journey will take approximately 50 minutes, depending on traffic, though if you prefer the metro, your travel time can be as short as 38 minutes - though there may be a 15-minute wait. The bus is the longest travel time, clocking in at 70 minutes on average with up to an hour and a half wait - though it is the most cost-effective option.
Car rental is another option, with multiple companies including Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Orix servicing the Kuala Lumpur airport.
Getting to Kuala Lumpur
Whilst public transport is available, via bus, monorail and light rail, ride-sharing services such as GrabCar are available in the city area. For Uber fans, this company is no longer servicing the Kuala Lumpur area, however, Grabcar works in conjunction with the city's metered taxis and other transport.
During peak hours, you may want to get out and explore the city on foot, allowing you to find the hidden gems of the city, as Kuala Lumpur is notorious for gridlocked traffic at peak times.
What to do in Kuala Lumpur
Some of the top attractions in Kuala Lumpur are.
The Petronas Twin Towers. Towering over the city at a staggering 88 floors of height, these buildings combine the best of modern Islamic design with an impressive view of the city via the visitor sky bridge.
The Batu Caves. One of Kuala Lumpur's natural wonders, the Batu limestone caves are at the top of steep steps, featuring opulent Hindu temples and shrines. Visit for the breathtaking wonder of the deity statue, making this one of the most photogenic locations in the world.
Central Market. If you fancy a bit of retail therapy, you can't pass up a chance to experience the dizzying array of souvenirs, cultural foods and goods unique to the region.
Aquaria KLCC. This oceanarium located beneath the Kuala Lumpur convention centre is said to be one of the largest aquariums in the South East Asian region, making it a definite must-see for any intrepid explorer or nature lover.
What to eat in Kuala Lumpur
After checking out the Central Market for lunch, where a wide variety of cultural foods are available, and sightseeing through the afternoon, you might like to check out one of the top-rated restaurants in Kuala Lumpur.
For Indian food, the best-rated restaurant is Bakti Woodlands near Masjid Jamek. Catering to Halal and vegetarian palettes, this restaurant is known for leaving you satisfied in every way.
For Chinese/Noodle Soup, check out Soong Kee's secret recipe for Beef Ball noodles. You can find this restaurant along Petaling St and is worth a visit by any Chinese food connoisseur.
For Hakka food, visit the Chan Sow Lin Metro Station. A small, red-painted shophouse near there, Yap Hup Keep has a selection of Hakka food at affordable prices. Investigate the traditional options and experience the taste of new experiences within the busy metropolitan area.
For something completely different, try Dining in the Dark (in Changkat Bukit Bintang), a reservation-only dining experience that allows diners to experience their food with one less sense. A set four-course meal is chosen by prospective diners before locking away mobile phones and dining in darkness - an experience not to be missed!