Malaysia’s sprawling metropolis of a capital city is one of Southeast Asia’s biggest melting points of old and new, oriental and western, traditional and contemporary.
A visit to Kuala Lumpur – or KL as most will refer to it as – has much to offer from chaotic Chinatown to the super slick shopping malls of Bukit Bintang and the colour of Little India – a must visit, especially during Diwali.
It is often not assumed that Kuala Lumpur has the ability to woo and impress for romance. But this is not the case. Over the last few years we’ve enjoyed a lot of Malaysia and we’ve stayed in Kuala Lumpur no fewer than three times.
Here are some great ideas for couples to do while visiting Kuala Lumpur.
1. No Black Tie
A jazz club in Kuala Lumpur? But, of course.
No Black Tie is a bit of an institution for ex-pats and creative locals tucked away down a side street in the bustling Bukit Ceylon – a haven of late night bars. It ticks all the necessary jazz club boxes; a small and intimate, low-lit venue, regular local following and an impressive wine list.
Whether you like jazz or not this is the place to impress a partner and the chances are you will enjoy the live music being created by the numerous international artists who keep returning to NBT.
2. Tamarind Springs
Only in Malaysia could going out for a meal feel like you’re going to a five star resort, but that is the case as you walk along a wooden deck stretching out across a pond that is home to a chorus of frogs (and mosquitos so spray up!) and lead to a vast bamboo hut full of grand tables and chairs surrounded by rainforest.
The menu is Asian fusion and the service is exactly the kind you would expect from a luxury resort. It may only last an evening but Tamarind Springs’ so-called “Jungle-Luxe Dining” is a romantic experience that could only be found in KL.
3. Go for a Drink in Traders
Kuala Lumpur is full of rooftop bars serving lovingly made cocktails, but the bar at the top of Traders hotel will guarantee you the best view of the Petronas Towers. With surprisingly intimate tables dotted around a swimming pool (not to be swum in sadly!) you and your loved one can toast a spectacular view and experience.
4. Eat Off a Banana Leaf
Banana leaf “restaurants” (most of them are roadside cafes or shacks) can be found throughout the city and if you see a happy and bustling group of locals enjoying the experience at one you and your partner should find a space for yourselves.
Various types of curry, rice and spicy side dishes will be dolloped on to your banana leaf and you will more than likely be expected to eat with your hands. Perhaps not a romantic experience on the face of it, but there’s something special about doing something a bit different and messy with your partner, I think.
Once your belly is full and your banana leaf empty it is an unwritten rule that you should fold your banana leaf towards you to show you have enjoyed the meal…
5. Hammam Spa
So this may seem a bit of a clash of cultures as hammam spas are more commonly found in North Africa and Turkey but my first Hammam Spa experience was in KL and it was a wonderfully luxurious experience.
Of course, the idea of having somebody scrub the dead skin off your body may not seem the most romantic but this is one of the most intimate experiences you can share with another person so it makes sense that the other person is the one you love, right?
Kuala Lumpur really is one of the best cities to visit in Asia, and it will honestly really surprise you. For more inspiration, check out my Kuala Lumpur travel tips.
