A Complete Guide to Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle
Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle is what you get if you take all of the capital’s best shopping centres and nightclubs and put them in a single district.
Join us here as we give you a taste of what you can expect from this bustling district to prepare you for your eventual visit. Score some awesome products, feast on cheap local delicacies and spend the best nightlife in KL.
Let’s get started!
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to the Golden Triangle depends on your idea of an ideal visit. For instance, if you want to experience the joy and festivities of KL’s popular festivals, you can schedule a trip around December to January and June to August.
Meanwhile, if you prefer your trip to be less crowded, we’d advise visiting around February to March and September to October. These months are considered the off-season so you may also see some deals when you book your accommodations and plane tickets!
However, keep in mind that some of these months are also considered the wet season so you may encounter some rainfall during your visit.
If you don’t want your trip to be ruined by the slightest rain, we recommend visiting during the dry season, which runs from March-April and September-November.
Things to Know
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit
(Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Malay, English
Calling Code: +60
Address: Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (located in Wisma Central)
How to Get Around
Trains: Riding the metro is one of the fastest ways to get around KL, including the Golden Triangle. Different railways are spread across the city and some of them are well-connected like the KTM Komuter, MRT and LRT lines.
Buses: If you’re looking to save money while getting around the Golden Triangle, we recommend taking the bus. It’s the cheapest mode of public transportation and it’s not that hard to get used to as the routes are well thought of.
There’s even a bus that offers free rides around Kuala Lumpur called the Go KL City Bus, which stops by the capital’s most famous attractions.
Taxis: Taxis are found everywhere in Kuala Lumpur and they’re a great way to get around the city quickly and comfortably. However, they are more expensive as opposed to trains and buses so do keep that in mind.
Car rental: If you want to be in charge of your own route and you want to provide yourself and your loved ones with the best privacy, try renting a car. Doing this lets you avoid traffic and make all the stopovers you want–plus, it’s the most comfortable way of getting around.
If you want to know which rental companies you can trust, check out our top picks here.
Where to Stay
The Chow Kit – An Ormond Hotel
Address: 1012, Jln Sultan Ismail, Chow Kit, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2778 6666
Pricing: $$
If elegance is what you’re looking for in lodging, you should check out The Chow Kit – An Ormond Hotel. This establishment features a classic and gorgeous design that makes it look like the iconic Continental Hotel from the John Wick franchise–pretty amazing!
Aside from its design, the hotel is also equipped with beautiful spacious rooms that contain everything you need for your stay. The main highlight of staying here, however, is the in-house restaurant and bar where you can feast on delicious dishes like crab, pasta, nasi lemak, etc.
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur
Address: Jln Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2782 8388
Pricing: $$$
Simply put, PARKROYAL COLLECTION is the cream of the crop when it comes to hotels in the Golden Triangle. Everything here, from the lobby down to the lobby screams elegance and the best part is its convenient location–what more do you need?
Although that question was rhetorical, we’ve got the answer: world-class facilities! This hotel spoils its guests with its wellness and dining offerings, from its beautiful outdoor swimming pool to its classy buffets and more!
Holiday Inn Express
Address: 84, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2028 8888
Pricing: $$
Holiday Inn Express is a great mid-tier option if you’re not looking for anything too fancy but still want to be treated like royalty. This 3-star hotel can easily stand toe to toe with classier establishments thanks to its world-class rooms, amenities and facilities.
One of the best things about staying here is the easy access to its delicious buffets, which offer dishes for any time of the day including afternoon tea! Aside from that, we also want to highlight its convenient location, as it lets you stay near Kuala Lumpur’s iconic attractions!
STEG Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Address: 51, Jalan Tiong Nam, Off, Jln Raja Laut, 50350 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2603 6599
Pricing: $-$$
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly hotel, STEG Hotel is one of the best options you can choose. It features charming budget rooms that can serve as your second home during your travels in KL’s Golden Triangle.
We have a feeling that you’ll be spending more time outside, however, as it’s located in the heart of the city. Plus, this boutique hotel features a rooftop bar and a studio where you can do some yoga–neat!
Hilton Garden Inn
Address: 449, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Chow Kit, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2778 8888
Pricing: $$
Hilton Garden Inn is a classy 4-star hotel that provides everything a guest may need for a comfortable night’s stay. From well-equipped and beautiful rooms to facilities that will keep you entertained, this hotel has it all to make sure that your money isn’t wasted.
Two of their facilities that we absolutely love are the rooftop bar and swimming pool. These spots are the best when it comes to winding down and admiring beautiful views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline.
Where to Eat
Fuego at Troika Sky Dining
Address: Level 23A Tower B, The Troika, 19, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2162 0886
Pricing: $$$
If you’re one to back in beautiful views while feasting on delicious dishes, Fuego At Troika Sky Dining should be right up your alley. As you may have gleaned from its name, this restaurant specializes in grilled dishes, more particularly those that hail from South and Central America.
From seafood to meat and vegetables, you’ll find something worth trying here. It’s also worth noting that this is only one of the many restaurants you can try at Troika Sky Dining so be sure to check out other options too!
Old Shanghai
Address: 50, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 12-526 1335
Pricing: $$$
Old Shanghai features a menu that fuses the East and the West, creating a twist that will leave you impressed with every bite. Plus, the place itself is pretty fancy–perfect for special occasions like birthdays, dates and anniversaries.
Starting with the Eastern delicacies, our favourite ones include the grilled prawns, siew mai and rendang. As for the Western side of the menu, we can’t recommend their flatbread enough, as it’s bursting with flavours thanks to its unique ingredients like duck, satay and tom yam chicken.
El Cerdo
Address: 43 & 45, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 13-309 4197
Pricing: $$
Looking for the best pork dishes in town? The best place you can go to is El Cerdo, a restaurant that has been dominating KL for over 15 years with its European, Mexican and Caribbean dishes–talk about longevity!
One of its best offerings is the Cochinillo Al Estilo Segoviano, which is essentially a slowly roasted suckling pig. The best part of this dish is the super crispy skin which is usually broken through using a plate.
Nasi Ayam Hainan Chee Meng
Address: 50, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2110 5663
Pricing: $-$$
If you’re looking to be immersed in the country’s rich cuisine, we recommend checking out Nasi Ayam Hainan Chee Meng. This restaurant has won numerous awards over its long course and we think it has something to do with their authentic Hainanese chicken.
Their version of this spectacular dish is second to none, from the texture down to the flavour itself. Everything is nailed to a tee as well as their other dishes like tom yum soup, nasi ayam, wanton soup and more.
The Steakhouse KL
Address: 48, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 12-735 6709
Pricing: $$
Simply put, The Steakhouse KL is the ultimate meat lover’s paradise. Its menu features some of the best-tasting cuts of meat from ribeye to sirloin and everything in between–are you salivating yet?
In true steakhouse fashion, this restaurant has a rustic motif partnered with dimly lit spaces, providing a cosy atmosphere while you’re dining. If you want to make things more interesting, you can also help yourself with one of the restaurant’s fine bottles of whiskey.
What to Do in Golden Triangle, KL
Climb the Petronas Twin Towers
Address: Petronas Twin Tower, Lower Ground (Concourse) Level, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2331 8080
You can’t leave Kuala Lumpur without stopping by its most recognisable attraction, The Petronas Twin Towers. Taking a photo by these towers is one of the most iconic things to do in KL, whether you’re a first-time visitor or not.
However, this magnificent piece of architecture acts as more than just a background for your photos. Once you’re satisfied with all the photos you’ve taken, you can climb to its observation deck and catch a glimpse of beautiful panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline.
Spend a relaxing day at the KLCC Park
Address: KLCC, Lot No. 241, Level 2, Suria, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2382 2828
KLCC Park is a great place to explore if you’re looking for a more laid-back experience. Nothing beats strolling along this massive recreational park while being surrounded by lush greenery, fountains and ponds.
You can think of it as KL’s version of New York’s Central Park, as it does a great job of breaking the endless rows of buildings found in the capital. Plus, you can also enjoy a variety of activities with your family here like jogging, bird feeding, cycling, birdwatching and more!
Be in awe of sea creatures at Aquaria KLCC
Address: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2333 1888
If you’re visiting KL’s Golden Triangle with kids, we recommend stopping by Aquaria KLCC, a massive aquarium located under the convention centre. Here, you’ll be in awe of various sea creatures like sharks, stingrays, turtles and more!
If you time your visit right, you can see some of the aquarium’s divers interacting with these animals. Sometimes, you can also bond with some of these majestic creatures by feeding them their favourite snacks.
Want our advice? Book your tickets online so that you can skip the long line once you get there!
Admire majestic birds at KL Bird Park
Address: 920, Jalan Cenderawasih, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2272 1010
If the birds in KLCC Park left you wanting to see more, why not visit the nearby KL Bird Park? It’s the largest bird sanctuary in the city where you can freely admire them and hopefully, take tons of photos!
What’s great about this place is that it can also educate you on the different species’ traits and behaviours thanks to the visual guides. Some of the must-see birds here include the Rhinoceros Hornbill, White Headed Munia, Grey Crowned Crane and Violet Turaco.
Enjoy a unique view atop the Menara Tower
Address: 2 Jalan Punchak, Off, Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2020 5421
Another magnificent tower found in KL’s Golden Triangle is the Menara, which stands 421 metres tall–how awesome is that? This crazy feat cemented this structure in the record books by being the seventh-tallest tower in the country–that’s not even the best part!
You can also climb this tower and head to its observation deck to enjoy breathtaking views of the capital! If you’re looking for something more exciting, they also feature an attraction called Tower Walk where you can harness yourself and walk while being hundreds of feet in the air.
Discover Malaysia’s street food scene at Jalan Alor
Address: Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The best place to go to for street foods in the Golden Triangle is hands-down Jalan Alor. It’s here where you’ll find hundreds of hawker stalls and humble restaurants that serve the most authentic local delicacies at cheap prices!
You can satisfy both your tummies and tastebuds for just under RM50 or even less! Just be sure to grab all the staples like satay, roasted duck, ais kacang, lok lok and of course, nasi lemak!
Check out our guide to Malaysia’s street food scene here if you want to learn more.
Dance the night away at one of Bukit Bintang’s nightclubs
Aside from local handicraft stores and humble restaurants, Bukit Bintang is also home to several nightclubs! You can choose any of them and you can expect to have a good time with your friends over a couple of drinks and of course, upbeat music!
Nightclubs are also great to meet new people, whether they be locals or other tourists. Regardless of which, it will be interesting to learn their story and hopefully add them to your friends list once the night is over!
Where to Shop
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Address: 168, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2118 8833
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is one of the most massive shopping centres in the capital, boasting 7 floors and 532 stores and services. You can easily get lost in this mall (literally and figuratively) because of its labyrinth-like interior but we think that’s part of the fun!
Whether you’re looking for bags, clothes, shoes, electronics and anything in between, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for. Aside from stores, the mall also features a boatload of restaurants that serve local and international dishes, which are great for taking breaks.
Suria KLCC
Address: 241, Petronas Twin Tower, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2382 2828
Just a stone’s throw away from The Petronas Towers is Suria KLCC, a six-storey shopping mall that’s frequented by shopaholics from around the world. We can’t blame them either, as this shopping centre features over 300 flagship stores.
Aside from being a plain shopping mall, Suria KLCC can also be considered a tourist attraction in itself because of its sheer beauty. One spot that perfectly encapsulates this is the outdoor fountain, which lights up with pretty colours at night.
Bukit Bintang Street
Address: Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
If you’re looking for steals and deals, the best place to visit is Bukit Bintang Street. This place is lined with various stores that sell local products such as clothes, wallets, keychains and other items that can serve as souvenirs.
Aside from that, you can also find some high-end stores that sell designer bags such as Gucci, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana and more!
Central Market
Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 1-300-22-8688
Central Market is the place to shop for local handicrafts in Kuala Lumpur. Whether you’re looking for clothes, artwork or other forms of souvenirs, you’ll find something worth buying in this massive market.
Aside from being a shopping centre, Central Market can also be considered an attraction itself given its longevity, being built back in 1888. So if you want to hit two birds with one stone, make sure to stop by!
Apps to Download for a Trip to the Golden Triangle
Travel Malaysia: A pocket travel guide to Malaysia
Maps.me: Offline map of the world
XE Currency App: Real-time currency exchange rate app
Grab: Ride-hailing app of Southeast Asia
Google Translate: word translation with offline capabilities
CatchThatBus: Bus ticket booking app