Travel Insider Malaysia

Photo: Vertigo at Banyan Tree

Kuala Lumpur, home to architectural marvels like the Petronas Twin Towers and Merdeka 118, offers hidden pockets of luxury and bespoke experiences for a growing niche of affluent travellers. Knight Frank’s 2023 wealth report, predicts that Malaysia’s millionaire population – currently around 4% – is expected to double by 2027. That’s a small percentage of the population, but it signals KL’s evolution into a city with a growing appetite for world-class luxury, often with a Malaysian touch. Flying in for the weekend? Here’s your curated guide to Kuala Lumpur’s finest stays, dining and wellness spots.

Stays

For a healthy touch of wellness, The Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur is conveniently situated beside KLCC Park. It faces the Twin Towers, making it the top choice if you like unhindered city views from spacious rooms. For recreational activities, there’s yoga classes, an infinity pool tennis and pickleball court rentals. Or, dive into the infinity pool, popular for its lovely skyline view.

For a stay with a distinct Malaysian aesthetic, The Ruma Hotel and Residences is your pick. Look out for entrances that feature wood pillars repurposed from historic homes and spiral staircases. The property is managed by Urban Resort Concepts, the same luxury hotel operators that manage the PuLi Resort and Spa in Shanghai.

For a stay that evokes the charm of the colonial era, check in at the Majestic Hotel. Door greeters in jungle safari uniforms and the hotel’s cream-white exterior help maintain the nostalgic colonial ambiance. The old KL Railway Station is a stone’s throw away for those keen to explore.

For an ultra modern stay, try EQ Hotel, formerly known as Equatorial Hotel. The entire property was torn down for a 7-year renovation and reopened in 2019, featuring 440 brand new rooms and suites, and a rooftop restaurant and bar with a killer view. Or book a room at Else, a boutique urban resort with on-site sensory deprivation pods and the popular Yellow Fin Horse fine dining establishment.

Dine and drink

The debut of the Michelin Guide for KL and Penang, along with the annual World’s Best lists for bars and cafes, has put the modern dining scene in KL on the global foodies map.

Lunch or dinner

Dewakan, Malaysia’s first two-star Michelin restaurant, is celebrated for its Malaysian ingredients and storytelling approach to cuisine. Each course feels like a love letter to the land – whether’s it grilled mango, fermented rice or crayfish in tuak – presented like plates of modern art. Other fine dining restaurants to check out: Potager, DC Restaurant, Eat and Cook, Beta KL and Molina.

Bijan Bar & Restaurant serves modern Malaysian cuisine in an elegant colonial bungalow setting. Dishes like duck rendang, ikan siakap (fried sea bream) and grilled steak slices with banana flower and turmeric curry from Bijan’s kitchen are a warm reminder of the city’s culinary gifts. Other upscale Malay cuisine to try: De Wan 1958, Open House and Congkak.

Drink

Vertigo at Banyan Tree, a rooftop bar 59 stories high, offers cocktails, tapas and live beats with a view.

Bar Trigona at the the Four Seasons Hotel, which has held its spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list for four consecutive years, serves locally inspired cocktails and bites.

PS150 and Penrose are both located in Chinatown. Their innovative mixology and extensive spirit selections firmly place them on the must-visit list.

Spas

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental. Opt for the signature Tropical Rainforest treatment, which includes body polish and wrap, followed by a Malay urut massage that will melt away fatigue.

The Majestic Spa by Spa Village. Try the Malaya Golden Chersonese, a three-hour treatment that makes generous use of local herbs and fruits for a full-body pampering session. The treatment includes a nourishing banana honey hair mask, a papaya scrub, a soothing lime blossom bath and a deep massage using bunga rampai oils.

Billion Onsen and Aesthetics. Luxury onsen facilities in the heart of KL. The general pass includes 12 hours of access to four pools (magnesium salt, herbal, silk protein and cold plunge), sauna, shower and locker room and all you can eat refreshments. You can also add on services like massage, head spa and more.

See and shop

TRX and Pavillion. These are the two main malls to visit for all the global luxury names. Head to Starhill if you’re looking for luxury timepieces, jewellery, home decor and local designers.

If you have time for an excursion, consider hiring a private tour guide. Learn more about Kuala Lumpur’s historical buildings or pack a picnic for that waterfall trip! Depending on your interests, you may be able to find the right tour guide.

Come and experience luxury in Kuala Lumpur

Here in Kuala Lumpur, luxury isn’t necessarily loud. It’s found in the smooth service at a five-star hotel, the quiet of a spa above the skyline, the complexity of a perfectly spiced dish and the delight of discovering something truly special.