Bukit Bintang: Things to Do in this Iconic District
If you ask any local about iconic places in Kuala Lumpur, one of the most common answers will always be Bukit Bintang. This busy district sits at the heart of the capital and it offers a lively and joyous experience filled with delicious food, amazing souvenirs and fun activities.
Visiting this place is one of the most iconic things to do in KL whether you’re a first-timer or not, and we’re here to convince you why! Check out some of the things you can do in Bukit Bintang that will complete your visit to Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia as a whole!
Sample tasty street food at Jalan Alor Food Street
Address: Jln Alor, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating hours:
- Monday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday, Friday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Lined with countless hawker stalls that offer different local delicacies, Jalan Alor Food Street is the ultimate foodie destination. Whether you’re craving something sweet, savoury or anything in between, you’re bound to find something to your liking as you roam this lively street.
Once the sun sets, you’ll start seeing this street come alive when store owners set up chairs and tables on the road. This, in turn, transforms the otherwise mundane street into a maze that you can cruise through to try different kinds of street food such as satay, nasi lemak and more!
Aside from the two aforementioned popular Malaysian street food, we also recommend you try the following:
- Char kway teow
- Satay
- Lok-lok
- Rojak
- Otak-otak
- Hokkien Mee
- Ramly Burger
- Chee cheong fun
You can also check out our Bukit Bintang street food guide here to get a better understanding of what these dishes are!
Pro tip:
If you’re looking to try something exotic to test your adventurous taste buds, we recommend trying the frog porridge. Trust us, it’s not as bad as it sounds, and it’s perfect to eat during rainy days.
Have a blast at Berjaya Times Square Theme Park
Website: https://berjayatimessquarethemeparkkl.com
Address: Berjaya Times Square, 5th and 7th Floor, 1, Jln Imbi, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-2117 3118
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Price:
- Adults: RM60 (Non-Malaysians: RM75)
- Children: RM50 (Non-Malaysians: RM70)
- Senior Citizens: RM22 (Non-Malaysians: RM32)
- OKUs (PWDs): RM22 (Non-Malaysians: RM32)
- Infants (Below 3 yrs old): Free
- Family Package: RM188 (Non-Malaysians: RM250)
If you’re looking for a more thrilling activity to do around Bukit Bintang, we recommend stopping by Berjaya Times Square Theme Park. This place offers different kinds of rides, some of which will indeed make you scream your lungs out!
This place is the biggest indoor theme park in Malaysia, spreading across an impressive area of 133,000 square feet. Fortunately, it does a great job of handling the flow of guests so you won’t have to worry about missing out on the different rides they have to offer.
They’re able to do this by separating the park into different sections such as the Fantasy Garden, Virtual Reality and Galaxy Station. These sections all offer rides that are perfect for all kinds of guests who have different tolerances for theme park rides.
If you have kids with you, don’t worry because there are also laid-back rides and attractions that your little rascals will surely enjoy. For instance, they can ride these animal carts that look fun and cute at the same time.
On top of that, there are also relatively slow rides that are perfect for your kids such as the Fantasy Bumble Bee and Fantasy Trail. Alternatively, those who aren’t too fond of fast roller coaster rides can also try these attractions!
Pro tip:
If you want to take a break from all the thrills and spills of the rides, make your way to level 7 of the Berjaya Times Square. This is where you’ll find the different restaurants from the mall that will help you regenerate your energy for more fun rides!
Breath in the fresh air at the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve
Website: https://lansugarden.org
Address: No. 2, Jalan P.Ramlee, 50250, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-2026 4741
Operating hours: Opens daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (ticket counter closes at 4:30 PM)
Price:
- Adults: RM10 (Non MYKAD Holder: RM40)
- Senior (60+): RM10 (Non MYKAD Holder: RM40)
- Children (6 to 12) – RM1 (Non MYKAD Holder: RM5)
- Children (Under 6 yrs old) – Free
- OKUs (PWDs): Free
Our favourite thing about Kuala Lumpur is that it doesn’t fall short on nature-centric attractions even though it’s the epitome of city life. The perfect example of this is the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, which is now known as KL Forest Eco Park.
This forest reserve spans a whopping 10.5 hectares and it’s home to different species of fauna and flora that you’ll only find here in Malaysia. If you’re lucky, you can even find the two species of monkeys present in these luscious greeneries, just be sure to keep your eyes peeled!
Aside from simply observing the beautiful wildlife that this patch of greenery in Kuala Lumpur possesses, you can also break a sweat here. You can do this by exercising, stretching and strolling along the trail where you’ll also be treated to majestic views.
If you want a more rigorous workout, a simple jog along the trail will suffice. Trust us, no other gym will give you the same fresh air and beautiful view that this park will provide you during your light workouts.
Pro tip:
The best and cheapest way to get to this park is by riding the KL Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. This will take you directly to KL Tower, which is adjacent to the tower.
Enjoy the liveliest nightlife KL has to offer
If you want to experience the best nightlife in KL, you won’t have to look further than Changkat Bukit Bintang. The entire stretch of this place doesn’t have fixed operating hours, but we recommend visiting from 9:00 PM onwards.
This is because this district comes alive as soon as nightfall comes. You’ll find just about every establishment you need when you get here to make your night extra memorable such as clubs, bars, restaurants, pubs and so on.
Speaking of clubs, you’ll be surprised at how many of them you’ll find here. These establishments play loud music, serve refreshing alcoholic drinks and most importantly, hold amazing dance parties.
Alternatively, if you want a more laid-back experience with your friends, you can visit one of the many pubs found in this stretch. Some of these spots play live music as well so you and your friends can enjoy a chill drinking session with local talent playing in the background.
If you’re a foodie, this should be on your list of places to visit as well, as some stalls open late in these parts of the town. For instance, you can chow down on your favourite local dishes as you sit on one of the chairs stalls have put on the road if you want an authentic dining experience.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to go on a pub crawl, make sure to visit these establishments:
Shop for high-quality souvenirs at Central Market
Website: https://www.centralmarket.com.my
Address: Lot 3.04-3.06, 06, Jalan Hang Kasturi, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-2031 0399
Operating hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
When you’re ready to cap off your visit to the country, we recommend you stop by the Central Market in KL to shop for souvenirs! As soon as you arrive at this market, you’ll be greeted with colourful local products that serve as perfect memorabilia for your trip to the country.
The souvenirs you’ll find here are unlike any other, and you’ll be surprised at how much work is put into making them the gifts you see in the stores.
One of the best things you can bring home from the Central Market is any form of Malaysian arts and crafts. These pieces are much more personalized and they can be used to decorate homes to immortalize their lifespan.
Some Malaysian arts and crafts such as songket and batik can even be worn. Meanwhile, others serve a day-to-day purpose such as pewter products, which are extremely popular here in Malaysia.
Shopping here is an experience in itself. Aside from the beautiful handmade products, you’ll be treated to live music and delicious snacks to keep you entertained as you browse the different stalls.
Pro tip:
Make sure to practice your bargaining skills beforehand to get your desired items at the best possible price! Don’t worry though, as Malays are friendly which means that you won’t have to get heated during the bargaining part of the process.
Challenge yourself at the Beast Park
Website: https://beastpark.my
Address: Level 3, JUMPA at Sungei Wang, Jln Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-2713 7128
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Price: RM42 to RM150 (depending on the course)
Want to test your strength, will and determination? The best place to prove yourself is the famous Beast Park at Bukit Bintang.
Beast Park is an indoor park that’s filled with different attractions that makes the place feel more like a playground for adults. Some of the things you’ll find here include obstacle courses, climbable walls, ramps and more.
One of the biggest highlights in this park, however, is this attraction called “Beast Net” where people can conquer their fear of heights. You can play around the net and scramble through different courses while being suspended above four storeys.
Another huge draw is the ninja course, which from the name itself, lets you live your fantasy of simulating the famous assassins from feudal Japan. This course will take you through different twists and turns so be sure to warm up beforehand to avoid any cramps!
Only those with the strongest willpower can go through the different courses in this iron paradise. Not to worry though, as you’ll be guided by capable instructors along the way to ensure that you make it out in one piece!
Pro tip:
Bring your children here and let them enjoy the kid-friendly courses such as the Lil’ Beast and Fun Cave to enjoy a fun family bonding activity.
Take a stroll in the iconic Lot 10 Shopping Centre
Address: 50, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-2141 0500
Operating hours: Opens daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
One of the most iconic malls in Kuala Lumpur is hands-down Lot 10 Shopping Centre over at Bukit Bintang. It originally opened its doors back in 1990, and to this day, it’s still a must-visit for anyone stopping by Bukit Bintang or Kuala Lumpur for that matter.
Lot 10 Shopping Centre has so much to offer from amazing restaurants, fun activities, photo opportunities, a wide variety of stores and more. This selection of offerings makes it easy to spend hours just roaming around the building and finding things to do.
Speaking of stores, there are two specific ones we recommend you visit: The Japanese Isetan Store and the first-ever H&M established here in Malaysia. Both these stores are a blast to browse and who knows, maybe you’ll leave their doors with bags full of their products!
Aside from stores, you can also immerse yourselves in amazing dining experiences in their restaurants. Whether you’re craving local dishes or Western staples, you’ll find a restaurant here that will suit your taste.
Be in awe of ancient coins at Maybank Numismatic Museum
Address: 50, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating hours: Opens daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Price: Free
It’s nice to chill from time to time during your visit to Bukit Bintang to rest and prepare for the next fun activity. If you’re looking to slow down time, but you still want to be somewhere interesting, we recommend checking out Maybank Numismatic Museum.
Don’t be fooled by the small demeanour of this museum, as it’s filled with wondrous attractions that you’ll only find here. One of the perfect examples of this is the amazing collection of ancient coins and notes that are recorded back as early as the Malacca Sultanate.
Shop for the latest gadgets at Plaza Low Yat
Website: https://www.plazalowyat.com
Address: 7, Jalan Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-2148 3651
Operating hours: Opens daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
You know how in some malls there are specific sections solely dedicated to gadgets and electronics? Well, Bukit Bintang one-ups this by having an entire mall specialize in these techy products.
The mall we’re talking about is the famous Plaza Low Yat, which has been around since the year 1999. Ever since it opened its doors, it’s been the go-to place for the latest gadgets and electronics out on the market.
Whether you’re looking for laptops, smartphones, gaming consoles and more, you’ll find everything you need here. Plus, they also hold several sales throughout the year so that you can grab your next gadget at a discounted price!