Culture, design & architecture

More than 7,000 objects across twelve galleries, from Qur’an manuscripts and architecture to a complete 19th-century Ottoman room. Open daily 9:30–18:00; RM20 adults, under-6s free.

A Hindu temple cave 272 rainbow-painted steps above a 42.7-metre golden statue of Murugan, about 13 km north of the city. Watch bags around the macaques.

Where independence was declared in 1957, framed by the copper-domed colonial courts. Best in the cooler morning.

An Art Deco market hall turned crafts centre, at the edge of Chinatown.

A tiered Chinese temple on a hill south of the centre, with wide views. Dress modestly.

César Pelli’s 452-metre towers, planned on an eight-pointed Islamic star. The Sky Xperience covers the skybridge (floors 41–42, 170 m up) and the level 86 deck; about RM98 for non-Malaysian adults.

At 679 metres the world’s second-tallest building, by Fender Katsalidis. Its deck, The View at 118, had not opened when we checked; its entrance is through 118 Mall.

Rainforest trails and a 200-metre canopy walk up to 21 m high on Bukit Nanas. Open 8:00–16:30, closed Fridays; RM40 adults, RM5 children for foreign visitors, cash only.

A free 10-acre rooftop park on The Exchange TRX, planted mostly with native species.

Baharuddin Abu Kassim’s 1965 folded concrete star, a landmark of Malaysian modernism.

Turquoise tiled domes and a pale, geometric façade; look up inside at the painted domes too.