Kuala Lumpur at Night – 36 Things To Do 2024

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Kuala Lumpur calling? Lucky you! Malaysia’s capital by day is wonderful but Kuala Lumpur at night is even better!

Kuala Lumpur at night comes alive with many things to do – from the bright lights of Saloma Bridge to street-food bites, Kuala Lumpur is a big bustling city and one of south east Asia’s best places to explore in the evening.

If your traveller tastes are gastronomic or curious, we have some sundown suggestions for you on how best to get a kick of Kuala Lumpur at night.

From Kuala Lumpur’s best malls to evening tours, make the most with our guide to night-time Kuala Lumpur activities (2024):

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Table of Contents

Kuala Lumpur at night things to do in 2024:

1. Saloma Bridge

Saloma Bridge is ‘lit’ – especially at night! Kuala Lumpur’s newest free night-time attraction, Saloma Bridge is located in KLCC, an iconic structure that connects the historic Kampung Baru district with the newer skyscrapers and city scape of ‘modern’ KL.

lluminated each night in bright colours (and often themed in special shades to coincide with public holidays or events), Saloma Bridge is a social media sensation and epic evening activity in Kuala Lumpur (just a 5 minute walk from the Petronas Towers).

Also known as Pintasan Saloma and Kuala Lumpur’s most ‘dazzling attraction’, here is our guide to visiting Saloma Bridge in Kuala Lumpur >

2. Jalan Alor Night Market

One of Kuala Lumpur’s best things to do at night (and tasty too!), Jalan Alor is KL’s most famous daily night market (Pasar Malam Taman Connaught night market is bigger but only opens on Wednesday nights).

There is no shortage of good food in Kuala Lumpur but if you fancy a respite from all the shopping mall restaurants or basement food courts, take a trip to Jalan Alor, in the heart of Bukit Bintang.

The making of an epic epicurean evening, Jalan Alor (or Jlan Alor) is a fine foodie place to nibble on street food or sit down in an outdoor restaurant and watch the crowds, whilst chowing down on cheap eats (possibly accompanied with buckets of Tiger beer).

Read our guide to visiting Jalan Alor, KL’s famous night market >

3. Changkat Bukit Bintang

Kuala Lumpur’s nightlife capital and most lively bars and restaurants can all be found in Changkat Bukit Bintang.

A huge tree lined street packed with bars, pubs and restaurants, Changkat Bukit Bintang is the epicentre for epic nightlife in KL, plus has masses of massage parlours.

A short walk from Jalan Alor night market, Changkat Bukit Bintang is open until very late, with happy hours galore and a popular place for expats and tourists to watch live sports or drink until the early hours.

One of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur at night, from mojitos to massages, sports bars to beer prices, read our guide to visiting Changkat Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur >

Try this – Top Kuala Lumpur Night Tours with Viator >

4. Petronas Towers lit up at night

Kuala Lumpur’s iconic twin towers must be the most photographed building in KL at night.

Opened in 1996, these are the tallest twin towers in the world with 88 storeys.

The Petronas Towers can be viewed for free from the KLCC Park / fountains below, or get up close with a visit to the viewing platform on the 86th floor (open until 9pm most nights). This is definitely the best way to see KL at night and it’s cityscape from up high.

The Petronas Towers look great by day but even better by night – just be prepared to fight the crowds to get a good spot. There are also lots of photographer ‘touts’ out at night who offer to take your picture with the towers for a small fee.

Book your Petronas Tower Tickets here with Get Your Guide or Klook.

Alternatively, skip the Line and get your Petronas Twin Towers Ticket With Free Hotel Delivery here >

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5. Symphony Lake @ KLCC Suria

If you are visiting KLCC Park by night, be sure to head on over to the KLCC Symphony Lake afterwards for the free nightly fountain performance, set against the beautiful backdrop of the lit up Petronas Towers.

One of the best free things to do in Kuala Lumpur at night, two musical fountains spring into life every half hour from 7:30pm onwards until 10pm daily.

A little bit of ‘Las Vegas’ in KL, the KLCC Symphony Lake could be classed as a little kitsch / dated but is fine to combine with a night time trip to see Petronas Towers or some KLCC Suria mall shopping.

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Try this – Symphony Lake and ‘River of Life’ night tour >

6. Petaling Street

One of the busiest shopping districts in Kuala Lumpur at night, Chinatown’s Petaling Street is a bustling hive of food stalls, market stalls and restaurants.

Petaling Street is fantastic for shopping, including lots of ‘counterfeit’ goods at low prices. Stall holders are generally assertive (but not aggressive) and will invite you to browse their stalls.

It is marked by two huge Chinese entrance gates at either end of the street and we’d estimate there are over 250 stalls, shops and restaurants along this one stretch.

7. Traders SkyBar

For the best Kuala Lumpur at night views, head on up to the 33rd floor of Traders hotel to check out the SkyBar.

This is an epic Kuala Lumpur rooftop bar with a huge swimming pool in the middle, so don’t have too many cocktails unless you are planning a bar (front) crawl.

Traders SkyBar has sensational sunset views and views of the Petronas Towers lit up at night.

There are a few booths that have unspoilt views of the Petronas Towers but they get taken very quickly (especially in the run-up to sunset) so go to Traders SkyBar early or reserve a table in advance if you want to get a good view all night long.

Kuala Lumpur’s SkyBar also has a daily happy hour at dusk – ‘Soul Set Happy Hour’ (from 5pm to 7pm).

8. Tapak Urban Street Dining (KLCC Food Trucks)

One of our favourite night-time street food spots in Kuala Lumpur, we’d recommend taking a five minute walk down the road from KLCC Park to Tapak Urban Street Dining, an outdoor plaza of tasty food trucks that has incredible views of the Petronas Towers all lit up.

Kuala Lumpur’s night-time food truck depot, Tapak Urban Street Dining has around 30 or so food trucks and is open 7 nights a week from 5pm to midnight.

Food here varies from traditional Malaysian and Indian / Chinese cuisine to international fare like pasta and sushi. Live entertainment often occurs at night and there is a double-decker vape bus too!

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9. Marinis on 57 Rooftop Bar

For an up-close vantage point of the Petronas Towers accompanied by a cocktail, head on up to Marinis on 57 Rooftop Bar and Italian restaurant.

From champagne to cognac, single malts to mojitos, Marinis on 57 is a KL rooftop bar with real ‘altitude’ – come for the drinks served with antipasto, stay for the views.

And unlike SkyBar at Traders, you don’t have to worry about falling into a swimming pool!

Try this – Discover The Best of Kuala Lumpur by Night tour >

Go Shopping in Kuala Lumpur at night

There are many great shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur with the vast majority open until 10pm, so you can shop ‘til you drop by day or night. The best malls at night include:

10. The Exchange TRX – the newest Kuala Lumpur Mall

Kuala Lumpur’s newest shopping centre as of January 2024, The Exchange TRX shopping mall is one of KL’s best malls and open until 10pm every night.

As well as luxury brands like Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton, The Exchange TRX also has more affordable stores like Uniqlo, Ecco and Footlocker.

Combine your Kuala Lumpur at night shopping with a sunset visit to the Exchange TRX rooftop gardens – they offer spectacular views of Bukit Bintang and the Golden Triangle, plus lots of play areas for kids and garden spaces for adults.

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11. Pavilion & Pavilion Elite

Bukit Bintang’s premier shopping mall at night, for a little more glitz and glamour, head to Pavilion Mall in the evening.

As soon as you arrive, you are greeted by a cool lit-up teacup style fountain, and inside hundreds of shops and restaurants await (most of which are open until 10pm at night).

As well as big brands like Prada and Burberry, there are several specialist sections in Pavilion mall including Tokyo Street on level 6 (complete with Japanese torii gates and cherry blossom trees) plus Gourmet Emporium and the Dining Loft.

Pavilion Elite next door also has many dining options over several levels.

You might like – the 20 best shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur >

12. KLCC Suria

Combine a Kuala Lumpur at night trip to see the Petronas Towers lit up with a KLCC Suria mall shopping session.

Easily one of the best shopping spots in the city, KLCC Suria has six storeys of shopping from luxury goods to food courts plus top attractions like KLCC Aquarium.

KLCC Suria is a sublime way to shop (and a great KL rainy day activity) with over 350 stores including flagship brands such as Coach, Chanel, Gucci and Prada.

If you are missing home comforts or want some night-time snacks for your hotel room, KLCC Suria is also home to several International supermarkets like Isetan from Japan or a Marks and Spencer (M&S) food store from the UK.

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13. Don Don Donki, Lot 10 – open until 2am

Japan’s favourite discount store that specialises in cheap Japanese imported goods and foods!

The Don Don Donki store in Bukit Bintang is open until 2am if you can’t get your foodie fix in 7-Eleven or KK Mart.

Originally known as Don Quijote in its homeland of Japan where it has dozens of stores all over the country, Don Don Donki in Lot 10 mall has loads of Japanese food choices and ingredients over 3 floors.

You might like – Everything you wanted to know about Don Quijote stores in Japan >

P.S. If you are a fan of all things Don Don Donki then come and join our Don Don Donki Facebook group >

14. Grab a late night massage

Changkat Bukit Bintang has a large number of massage parlours and health spas – generally concentrated in the area between Jalan Alor Night Market and the start of all the bars on Changkat Bukit Bintang.

*Massage prices along Changkat Bukit Bintang*

When you first approach the main bar area walking away from Jalan Alor, you’ll likely be bombarded with dozens of masseuses throwing their massage menu and spa list in your face – some even follow you down the street a little!

Massage treatments generally start from around 30 MYR for a basic 30 minute foot massage.

Most Kuala Lumpur night spas and massage parlours seem to operate until very late (some are open until 3am).

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15. Listen to Street Performers

The best place to watch street performers or live entertainment at night in Kuala Lumpur? Head to the Bukit Bintang crossing where street performers rock up every evening on all four corners of the crossing.

We saw so many different street performers at all four corners of the Bukit Bintang Crossing, from a full on rock band with speakers and amps (very popular and so good) to beat boxers and even a man playing a bucket like drums.

The entertainment quality can vary but the street performers all add to the electric atmosphere of Bukit Bintang.

Just be aware a lot of ‘begpackers’ operate here (backpackers trying to fund their travels selling necklaces and also singing badly).

Try this – Kuala Lumpur Night Bicycle Tour >

16. The Commons KL

Just one block away from the craziness of Jalan Alor, the Commons KL is a food hub and restaurant space that has several upmarkets bars and food outlets (plus a cigar lounge) with local and international food.

The Commons KL is a great place to eat at night if it is raining (given the huge roof covering). We’ve eaten at the Friendly Fires restaurant here and it was good – lots of happy hours and drink specials too.

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17. KL Tower at night

For awesome night-time views of KL, head up to KL Tower. It opened in 1997 and at a height of 420m, is the seventh tallest freestanding tower in the world (with the Skytree in Tokyo currently taking the crown as of 2024).

The KL Tower lift is quite the speedy spectacle travelling around 300 meters upwards to the observation deck in less than 1 minute.

There are many things to do at the tower, including an aquarium, an upside down house and a 360 degree revolving restaurant.

KL Tower is open until 10pm every evening, 7 days a week – book your discounted KL Tower ticket with Klook >

Alternatively, book a Kuala Lumpur evening tour with Kuala Lumpur Tower tickets >

18. Kampung Baru

Located at the northern end of Saloma bridge, Kampung Baru is one of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest neighbourhoods that is now well known as one of the best foodie destinations in Kuala Lumpur.

Many night time food tours go via tasting sessions in Kampung Baru.

Translated as ‘New Village’, Kampung Baru consists of many traditional wooden houses on stilts plus it has an awesome array of restaurants, buffets and street food stalls at night.

Try local dishes like Nasi Kerabu, Satay Pedang and grilled seafood – just follow your noise or look for long lines of eager and hungry locals.

We visited Kampung Baru as part of a Chef’s Tour – read about our food tour to KL’s Kampung Baru here >

19. LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre Gourmet Street

Billed as a ‘Japanese lifestyle mall’, we actually rate LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre as one of the best malls in Kuala Lumpur at night as it has an outdoor Gourmet Street with late night bars and international cuisines restaurants.

LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre Gourmet Street Kuala Lumpur night — *Gourmet Street*

The LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre Gourmet Street has lots of night-time options from drinking beer-stein at German beer bar Zum Stammtisch to late night Japanese bites or Indian delights.

The Japanese ramen chain Ippudo has a branch on the upper levels of the mall which was super elegant and rather delicious; oodles of noodle dishes and sides!

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20. Kuala Selangor Fireflies – night tour from Kuala Lumpur

A night tour and round-trip from Kuala Lumpur, there are several different tours to Kuala Selangor to watch thousands of fireflies that flash across the night sky and along the Selangor River.

Kuala Selangor Is a small coastal village northwest of Kuala Lumpur famous for its nocturnal, natural light show.

Along the way, see the Sri Shakti Temple, Altingsburg Lighthouse (amazing views of the Melaka Straits) and the Bukit Melawati Hillfort.

21. The River of Life at night

One of Kuala Lumpur’s newest attractions, the ‘River of Life’ is free to visit and located very close to Merdeka Square and Kuala Lumpur Chinatown.

An attempt to regenerate the area with colourful street art and light shows, it is very easy to spot the River of Life in KL at night as it is brightly lit up– look for the mist emanating from the water or incredible illustrations on the surrounding building walls.

The River of Life project KL centres around the convergence point of the Gombak and Klang rivers, against the backdrop of Masjid Sultan Abdul Samad mosque, the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur.

Read our River of Life guide >

22. Cooler Lumpur by night Vespa food tour by ‘Vespalicious’

Vroom vroom around Kuala Lumpur at night on a Vespa scooter small group tour run by local operators Vespalicious.

For all your night-time foodie favourites, this Vespa tour takes in tasty spots like KL Pudu Wai Sek Kai hawker centre to try delicious Chinese food, plus Kampung Baru Night Market and Brickfields Little India.

The tour finishes at Kwai Chai Hong, a cool night spot in Chinatown packed full of street-art and bars.

23. KL City of Lights Tour

Ride in a double-decker bus at night around Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic landmarks including KL Tower, Chinatown and the Petronas Towers.

Included on the KL night time hop-on hop-off bus tour is audio commentary plus stops at the National Palace and the historic site of Dataran Merdeka.

The KL City of Light night-time bus tour lasts 2 hours and departs nightly at 8pm.

24. Pasar Malam Taman Connaught

Kuala Lumpur’s biggest night-market, Pasar Malam Taman Connaught is open every Wednesday night from 5pm to 1am.

A thriving hawker street market (one of Malaysia’s biggest), Pasar Malam Taman Connaught has over 500 stalls selling street-food, souvenirs, plants and more. There is even a small section where you can play carnival style fairground games and win prizes!

From durian to dragonfruit, satay skewers to stinky tofu, there is something to satisfy all tastes and budgets at the once a week Pasar Malam Taman Connaught night market.

You might like – Guide to Jonker Street Night Market in Melaka >

25. Kuala Lumpur at night cinema trip

If you are tired of sightseeing or it is raining in Kuala Lumpur at night, head to one of Kuala Lumpur’s cinemas (most of the KL shopping malls have a cinema / movie theater).

Watch huge Hollywood blockbusters or local Malaysian movies with big boxes of popcorn (possibly on an IMAX screen) – what is not to like?!

Cinemas in KL’s downtown area include DADI Cinema Pavilion KL, GSC Berjaya Times Square and GSC LaLaport BBCC.

We went to GSC LaLaport BBCC and the bright interiors and furnishings were incredible. Some have even called GSC Lalaport Malaysia’s most Instagrammable cinema!

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26. Kuala Lumpur at night Karaoke

Time to let off a little steam after traipsing around the streets of KL all day – there are lots of places to sing but Bukit Bintang is the go-to place in Kuala Lumpur for karaoke.

Apart from the karaoke events held in the pubs and bars along Changkat Bukit Bintang, one of the most popular karaoke bars here include Karaoke Manekineko which is one of Japan’s largest karaoke chains (it is open until 3am every day of the week).

Another popular bar is Royal Superstar Bukit Bintang – look out for the huge dancing mannequins outside (it is open until 6am every morning).

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Best Kuala Lumpur at night late bites

27. Grab a late night kebab

Got the midnight munchies or fancy a late cheap eat?

With all the international cuisine available in and around Kuala Lumpur at night (especially Bukit Bintang), it comes as no surprise that perhaps the biggest food queues you’ll see at night in the area are for the Middle Eastern kebab stalls.

Grab a late night kebab Kuala Lumpur at night

There are literally dozens of kebab shops in and around Bukit Bintang which are generally open from 10am in the morning until the wee small hours.

Falafel / vegan options are also available and most kebabs cost between 15 to 20 MYR depending on size and whether you have mixed meats.

Head to Bukit Bintang crossing for the best selection of Middle Eastern shawarma and kebabs – you can literally see about eight restaurants with their kebab skewers outside, so much choice!

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28. Friend Fries

Yes, you read that right – Friend Fries; like French fries but you share them with your friends.

Whilst this isn’t typical Malaysian food, Friend Fries is a fast food shack where they triple fry potato fries and often has queues around the block (apparently it is popular on social media – but many say the fries are overrated).

Open 20 hours a day (8am to 4am – now that is a lot of potatoes!), a small portion of Friend Fries is 7 MYR with the largest portion 11 MYR – you also get to choose from a heckuva lot of sauces.

29. Restoran Mon Chinese Beef Roti

A rather good roti recommendation, Restoran Mon Chinese Beef Roti is a newly opened open-air roti restaurant and kiosk by Jalan Alor night market.

Restoran Mon Chinese Beef Roti Kuala Lumpur at night

This Chinese style beef roti was one of the best and most flavourful rotis we’ve tried in KL. Beef rotis at Restoran Mon Chinese beef roti are just 6 MYR, whilst chicken rotis are 5 MYR.

January 2024 update – Restoran Mon Chinese roti stall has apparently gone viral on social media (in a good way) so expect long queues to get your roti (but it is so worth it!).

Try this – the Top 10 KL tours and excursions with Viator >

30. Lot 10 Hutong Food Court

Located in the basement of the eponymous shopping mall, Lot 10 Hutong Food Court is a themed street food market that is all about Malaysian Chinese heritage dishes.

Many famous food stalls and hawker stalls from all over Malaysia from Penang to Ipoh have been recreated here.

Many rate it as one of the best food courts in Kuala Lumpur but it is a little more on the expensive side (and quite dark inside) and aimed at tourists.

Dishes include hakka noodles, hon kee porridge and roast duck. Lot 10 Hutong Food Court is open Monday to Sunday: 10am to 10pm.

31. REXKL

Chinatown’s cool art complex is a must visit and a nice mix of the old and new. REXKL is a quirky shopping center, food court and arts workshop housed in a former 1940’s cinema.

It is open until 10pm Monday to Thursday and until midnight on Friday through Sunday.

Winning several design and conservation awards, the historic REX cinema is now a thriving cultural hub full of bars, vintage stores and pop up art exhibitions.

A perfect example of how a historic building can be retained yet reinvented, popular food joints in the ground floor basement include Phil’s Pizza and Ticklish Ribs.

32. Aquaria KLCC – Kuala Lumpur at night kids activity

An awesome aquarium located underneath KLCC Suria that is open until 8pm at night, the Aquaria KLCC is a sea life centre with thousands of species of fish and underwater sea creatures (but alas no mermaids).

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As well as the epic 100-metre glass walkway, there are several themed zones to explore like Jewels of the Jungle, the Touch Zone and the Evolution Zone.

Get your discounted Aquaria KLCC ticket with Klook >

33. Go to a concert in KLCC

Head to the Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (concert hall) at night to listen to orchestras, big bands and touring musicians.

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Malaysia’s biggest classical music concert hall, Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS is located within the KLCC Suria complex and opened in 1998 with almost 1,000 seats.

International artists that have played here include Harry Connick Jr and Diane Krall – check out the current events and listings for the concert hall here >

34. Kwai Chai Hong

Chinatown’s most colourful area at night with vivid street art and brightly painted walls, Kwai Chai Hong’s alcove of street art is open until midnight.

One of Kwai Chai Hong’s side alleys has an array of murals and historic objects like one of KL’s oldest lamp-posts or a table made of plastic plates.

Tucked away inside is a couple of hipster bars too (complete with lanterns at night) so you could combine murals with mojitos. Cheers!

35. Book Xcess Chinatown

Housed in the REXKL building, the Chinatown branch of Book Xcess must be the most beautiful bookshop in Malaysia (and is open until 10pm at night).

Located on the top-floor, the colourful bookshelves sit amongst the old cinema walls and screen (alas the cinema no longer functions so no late screenings here!)

Browse the shelves or buy a book, this is a nice, relaxed thing to do whilst visiting Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur at night.

Try this – The 10 Tastings of Kuala Lumpur With Locals: Private Street Food Tour >

Our final Kuala Lumpur at night activity / thing to do

36. 24 Hour Shopping in Kuala Lumpur – Convenience Stores

One of Malaysia’s biggest convenience store chains, there are now around 2,500 7-Eleven stores in Malaysia including several in Bukit Bintang (most of which are open 24 hours).

So if you are in need of late night snacks or toiletries after the malls are closed (generally at 10pm), head to the orange and green shops! In the more popular areas of KL at night, the 7-Eleven and KK-Mart stores are open 24/7.

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Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur / Recommended KL Hotels for all budgets

KL’s Bukit Bintang, KLCC or the Golden Triangle area is a great place to base yourself whilst staying in Kuala Lumpur, particularly if you want to do some shopping, bar-hop or get a massage after a ‘hard’ day of sightseeing.

These hotels in Kuala Lumpur are all within a few minutes walking distance of good night-life options and plenty of restaurants and evening activities:

Mingle Hostel KL ($)
Chinatown hostel located in a renovated 1920s clubhouse with up-cycled furniture, free breakfast, rooftop bar and on-site café. Check rates and availability for Chinatown Hostel by Mingle >

Sleeping Lion Suites ($$)
Our new favourite hotel in Kuala Lumpur! We’ve stayed at the Sleeping Lion Suites on several occasions as not only is it a brand new hotel (opened 2023), it also has the most epic rooftop pool in KL! Check rates and availability for Sleeping Lion Suites >

Sleeping Lion Suites Kuala Lumpur at night

citizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang ($$)
citizenM Kuala Lumpur is a technologically advanced hotel with room functions controlled by a tablet. A 4* KL hotel in the heart of the action, rooms are cosy and compact with beautiful communal areas. Check rates and availability for citizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang >

Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur ($$$)
Treat yo self – this epic 5* KL hotel is just a 15 minute walk from the centre of Bukit Bintang. Close to KL’s best shopping mall, the Pavilion, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur is a luxury hotel with an incredible pool. Chec k rates and availability for Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur >

Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur ($$$)
Luxury hotel with amazing views of the Petronas Towers. Facilities include a rooftop pool with a poolside bar, spa, fitness center, two restaurants and a free shuttle buggy to Suria KLCC mall. Check rates and availability for Traders Hotel >