#1 EXPLORE BATU CAVES

Batu Caves is one of the city’s most distinctive geographical landmarks with its maze of awe-inspiring caves. Not to forget the gigantic golden statue of Hindu deity Murugan, that guards the 272 steps up to the main complex of caverns. Bring your best hiking shoes though as it’s certainly quite a climb. A plentiful bat population and a resident troop of monkeys mean there are plenty of natural wonders alongside the religious ones. But for a truly intense experience come for the annual Thaipusam, religious festival which sees around 1.5 million pilgrims descend on the caves, with many of them engaging in acts of devotion ranging from self flagellation to body piercing,

#2 ISLAMIC ART MUSEUM

This vast museum, surrounded by the beautiful Lake Gardens, houses over 7,000 artifacts. Aimed at presenting the very best work of the Islamic world, this museum covers everything from jewelry and armor to textiles and ceramics. Highlights include the large collection of Islamic manuscripts and one of the world’s largest scale models of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. Islamic Arts Museum, Jalan Lembah Perdana, 50480. Tel: 03-2274 2020 www.iamm.org.my

#3 CHECK OUT MAP@PUBLIKA

The most creative minds in Kuala Lumpur now have every reason to hang out in Solaris Dutamas. Reckoned to be the city’s hottest art district, the area is made up of exhibition venues, arty boutiques and also has a number of theatres where you can get your fix of comedy, drama and dance. Part of Publika mall it’s all organised and managed by MAP, the city’s newest arts and cultural platform for contemporary creative ideas. Whether its workshops or live performances or exhibitions there always seem to be something going on.
MAP@Publika, 1 Jalan Dutamas 1, Off Jalan Duta, 50480, Tel: 03 6207 9732
www.facebook.com/mapKL

#4 HIT THE JAZZ SCENE

For a bit of a bebop, beatnik vibe then the number one destination in the city has to be No Black Tie! Already an institution in Kuala Lumpur, this chic bar is the city’s top spot for jazz, soul, poetry and whatever you want in terms of music and arts. The place to be seen for all that cultural jazz, do stop by for its menu of Japanese fusion food before you sit back, relax and enjoy the hip cat sounds.
No Black Tie, 17 Jalan Mesui, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2142 3737 www.noblacktie.com.my

#5 GET LOST IN BRICKFIELDS

Trust us, you will enjoy getting lost in Brickfields, or as the locals call it Little India. Rows upon rows of restaurants will greet you and alluring wafts of Indian spices permeate the air; so make sure to enjoy some banana leaf rice or your typical palak paneer. Once you’re fuelled up you can take a walkabout and check out the traditional stores selling all things Indian – clothing, colourful textiles and jewellery – all to a backdrop of Bollywood music blaring out from every corner. The best part? The wonderfully affordable prices.