The city of Kuala Lumpur holds its secrets close to its heart. Its museums act as windows to its past and hold space for the future. Charming architecture are measures of coexistence; of the old and the new. Where eclectic shophouses and rustic buildings are reclaimed as transportive spaces for creativity to flourish. And then there is its growing dining landscape; a reflection of its people’s desires, as much as it is a cross-cultural reflection of the same people who walk its streets every day.
Whilst towering buildings may give way to a dazzling city skyline, the true charm of Kuala Lumpur lies in its ability to reinvigorate the old with the new—something the city’s buzzy Chinatown district excels in. Take for example RexKL, a bustling creative destination transformed from the historical Rex Cinema and host to a fleet of local exhibitions and performances. Then there is Chocha Foodstore; a contemporary Malaysian restaurant that has kept the bare, rustic interiors of the old hostel it once was. For those seeking out a shot at the city’s nightlife, a range of Asian cocktail bars are at your disposal, from the heady escape of PS150 to the crafty hideout that is Rākh. Meanwhile, a soul-warming stay awaits at Else, an address of modern design brimming with thoughtful touches of local art and literature.
Here, discover Kuala Lumpur like never before; through its most understated addresses to stay at; artisanal cocktail bars; and vibrant hubs for its burgeoning arts and culture scene.
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Stay: Else
Else’s blend of heritage and modernity is striking. Rustic brick interiors and grey concrete exist side-by-side with beautiful contemporary design, lending a unique touch of eclecticism to the space. In every aspect it can, the hotel tries to spotlight as much of Malaysian culture as possible, be it in the art that lines its walls or the literature in its library. But what makes a stay here truly exceptional is the amount of thought put into the hotel experience—seen in the little touches in the rooms, from bathrobes by luxury sleepwear label Lulla and a hairdryer from Dyson, to a specially curated Spotify playlist and lavender sleep mask that welcomes every guest.
Else, 45, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Stay: The RuMa
RuMa means ‘home’, and it is precisely this that The RuMa seeks to bring out a sense of, both in terms of design and hospitality. Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle, the hotel captures the essence of modern Malaysia, weaving traditional craft and elements with contemporary minimalist design. On the hospitality front, expect nothing but the best, with thoughtful service that prioritises genuine connection. And the cherry on top? Guaranteed early check-in and late check-out for all guests staying in suites.
The RuMa, 7, Jalan Kia Peng, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Do: The Zhongshan Building
Once a butchery and residential space, The Zhongshan Building has earned its cred as a vibrant hub for the art and culture enthusiast. Here, you’ll chance upon design archives, bespoke ateliers, independent records stores and charming secondhand book pitstops. Feeling peckish as you work your way through this treasure trove of creatives? Make a beeline for Tommy Le Baker, where you can have your fill of its hearty sandwiches and savoury tartines.
The Zhongshan Building, Jalan Kampung Attap, 80 – 84, Jalan Rotan, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Do: RexKL
What was once the historical Rex Cinema, one of the first theatres in the country, is now RexKL, a thriving arts and culture hub. Here, you’ll find a bookstore with a maze of towering shelves that reach several floors up—an Instagram-worthy spot that rivals South Korea’s iconic Starfield Library. The cavernous space hosts performances, exhibitions and arts events, and a buzzy food hall in the basement that offers everything from craft burgers and natural wines to gorgeous pastries and vegan fusion cuisine.
RexKL, 80, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Do: Pause Head Spa
The head spa experience lives up to its buzz. Tucked away in the luxurious quietude of Mont Kiara, Pause Head Spa offers indulgence in spades. Think multi-scalp treatments; pampering massages dedicated to worshipping one’s tresses; atmospheric scents that invigorate the senses; and salon-worthy blowouts that’ll have you transformed just in time for your evening itinerary.
Pause Head Spa, 4, Jalan Kiara 1, Society, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Eat: Flaaah
A steadfast favourite with the locals, Flaaah has earned a reputation for its delicious selection of picture-perfect viennoiseries. Where buttery-soft croissants with flaky exteriors, an array of artisanal breads, and moreish fruit tarts that taste like summer are all for the taking. Positioned strategically at the edge of the capital’s bustling Chinatown enclave, it’s certainly a necessary pit-stop for any pastry lover.
Flaaah, G01, Four Points, 2, Jalan Balai Polis, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Eat: Nadodi
A 10-minute drive from the city centre, Nadodi pays tribute to early South Indian and Sri Lankan immigrants in Malaysia. Authenticity is less a buzzword and more an inextricable way of working within the restaurant’s walls—with the chefs having deep knowledge and intimate experience with the ingredients, techniques and flavours of the cuisine they showcase. Changing seasonally, each of Nadodi’s degustation menus offer a melange of refined dishes which are transformative yet unmistakably familiar.
Nadodi, Level 7A, Four Seasons Hotel, Jln Ampang, City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Eat: PS150
You’d be forgiven for missing the entrance to this speakeasy, concealed entirely by what appears to be a vintage toy storefront. Step in, however, and you’ll find a winding labyrinth that takes you back in time, as interiors harken back to a darker, yet more exciting era in the city’s history. When it comes to the bar’s offerings, expect the unexpected, from obscure vermouths and Malaysian ginger wines, to cocktails that incorporate local ingredients like assam boi, gula melaka and calamansi.
PS150, 150, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Eat: Chocha Foodstore
Housed in what used to be an old hostel, contemporary Malaysian restaurant Chocha Foodstore exudes a rustic charm with its bare walls, sun-drenched space and pops of greenery. With a focus on local produce from independent farmers, the menu here is unpretentious but carefully considered, showcasing local flavours and ingredients with creative flair. The Salted Sinsilog Noodle and Umai are must-tries, as is the unassuming Grilled Beans.
Chocha Foodstore, 156, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Eat: Apartment 103
Come for the solid brews, stay for the cosy vibes. Housed in contemporary lifestyle campus APW Bangsar, Apartment 103 is a concept store dreamed up by the minds behind 103 Coffee and athleisure label Motherchuckers. With an ethos of creating a safe space for like-minded people to gather and kick it back, one could spend an entire afternoon daydreaming away in its chic, light-filled interiors, with a freshly-brewed cuppa always on hand.
Apartment 103, Unit B-06A, 29, Jalan Riong, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Eat: Rakh KL
Potions class is in session. Asian craft cocktails have been cementing its station in the region, but Rākh takes it a step further by putting a focus on Indian-inspired ingredients and concoctions. Consider a vodka-based interpretation of rasam, a sour Indian soup with a spice kick or a gin base refined with moringa and coconut milk. Bonus points for the eco-conscious ethos guiding its hand.
Rākh KL, E-1-01, Level 1 The Block E, The Five, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
