Guided walking tour in the cultural heart of Kuala Lumpur

Join us on an exciting exploration of Kuala Lumpur.

You will need to make your own way to the starting point of the tour, which is in the lobby of ParkRoyal Collection Hotel, where your guide will be waiting for you. From there, you’ll head to Medan Pasar, also known as Market Square, a historical area in the heart of Kuala Lumpur that exudes the city’s early 20th-century trading spirit. Medan Pasar is renowned for its iconic green clock tower, erected in 1937 to commemorate the coronation of King George VI. The area is surrounded by colourful buildings with beautiful Art Deco facades reflecting the city’s colonial past, and you will also see the last remaining three-storey shophouse from the colonial era.

From here, you will move on to the Central Market, established in 1888 as a wet market under British colonial rule. The building boasts stunning Art Deco architecture and plays a vital role today in arts, culture, and shopping. Inside Central Market, you’ll find a diverse range of stalls selling everything from crafts, textiles, jewellery, and art to delightful local dishes that reflect Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity. There are also regular cultural performances and workshops held here.

Not far away is the Sze Ya Temple, tucked away in a narrow alley. Sze Ya is the oldest Taoist temple in Kuala Lumpur, built in 1864 by Yap Ah Loy, one of the city’s founders. The temple features traditional Chinese architecture and is known for its colourful decorations, beautifully carved wooden panels, and red lanterns. It is dedicated to the Taoist gods Sin Sze Ya and Si Sze Ya, who are believed to protect the city’s Chinese community.

The tour then leads to Kuala Lumpur’s oldest Hindu temple, the Sri Maha Mariamman, founded in 1873. Located in the heart of Chinatown, it is celebrated for its impressive architecture and rich adornment. The temple’s gopuram (gateway tower) is the most striking feature, rising majestically with intricate sculptures of Hindu deities and goddesses.

From there, you’ll hop on a Skytrain and head towards Little India, also known as Brickfields, enjoying magnificent views of Kuala Lumpur along the way. Explore the lively main street, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, known for its vibrant shops, authentic restaurants, and the aroma of spices. You’ll visit the Buddhist temple, Maha Vihara, where Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing are joyfully celebrated.

End your day with a unique experience at a ‘pay-what-you-wish’ restaurant near the temple, where you can indulge in delicious vegetarian dishes.

The tour concludes at the restaurant, after which you will need to make your own way back to your hotel.

Duration: approximately 3.5 hours

This excursion may be conducted with guests who are not exclusively TourCompass’.

We recommend booking the tour when you book your holiday.