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Istana Negara

Istana Negara: Our most recommended tours and activities

Private KL City Tour with Petronas Twin Towers & Batu Caves

1. Private KL City Tour with Petronas Twin Towers & Batu Caves

Start your sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur with hotel pickup in a private vehicle, then gain entry to the Observation Deck and Skybridge of the Petronas Twin Towers. Take in the magnificent city skyline from one of the most iconic buildings in Malaysia. Next, make a photo stop at Merdeka Square (Independence Square) for a look at its diverse architecture, followed by the Istana Negara (King’s Palace), which offers a view of gardens, pools, and courtyards. The National Museum is also a must-see site with its extensive collections of traditional costumes, ancient and modern art, archaeological exhibits, and huge dioramas. Visit the Lake Gardens and enjoy a moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city. At the Central Market, you'll find local foods and a variety of souvenirs, batik masterpieces, jewelry, and paintings. A visit to a Malaysian batik center provides a glimpse of how these wonderful fabrics are created. Drop by the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre to browse for pewter souvenirs, and pass by the Old Railway Station to marvel at its intricate Moorish styling with columns, arcs, and verandas. Then move on to the National Monument and the National Mosque, each a staggering symbol of Malaysian independence. Leaving Kuala Lumpur's modern buildings and monuments behind, your driver takes you to the limestone caverns of Batu Caves. Peer into one of Malaysia's largest Hindu sites and marvel at the impressive shrines while you soak up the tranquil atmosphere. See the remarkable statue of Lord Muruga at the entrance and visit two more caves with carvings to explore, before a hotel drop-off.

Kuala Lumpur: Half-Day City Tour

2. Kuala Lumpur: Half-Day City Tour

Discover the modern and colonial architecture of Kuala Lumpur on a half-day tour, and marvel at attractions from the upscale shopping mall of the Petronas Twin Towers to the one-of-a-kind street markets. Continue to the King's Palace (Istana Negara) and take pictures of the intricate royal residence. Contrast the glass and steel marvels of the city center with the manicured grounds of the National Mosque and its dome of blue and green tiles. Pay your respects to those who lost their lives in the struggle for independence at Tugu Negara. Visit the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Chocolate Shop, where you can purchase exquisite chocolates. 

Kuala Lumpur: Private Half Day City Highlights Tour

3. Kuala Lumpur: Private Half Day City Highlights Tour

Explore Kuala Lumpur and admire the variety of amazing sights in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Visit Petronas Twin Towers, one of the world's tallest structures, Thean Hou, Independence Square, National Mosque, National Monument, King's Palace, and Perdana Botanic Garden. Head to Merdeka Square and the King's Palace (Istana Negara) to find Malaysia's glorious side. Get an understanding of the city's unique variety, as you visit the Chinese Thean Hou Temple. Pay regards to the individuals who lost their lives in Malaysia's fight for freedom at the National Monument (Tugu Negara) and finish off, by visiting Perdana Botanical Garden.

Kuala Lumpur: Private Half-Day City Tour

4. Kuala Lumpur: Private Half-Day City Tour

Learn the story of the federal capital of Malaysia on a private half-day sightseeing tour of Kuala Lumpur by air-conditioned vehicle. Following a pick-up from your hotel, transfer to the city center to discover how it has developed from a modest tin mining town to the huge metropolis it is today. Now the 6th most visited city in the world, the development of KL in the late 20th and early 21st centuries has been phenomenal. See some of the city’s futuristic structures, such as the towering Petronas Twin Towers (the world’s tallest twin-tower structure). Explore the “Golden Triangle” of the commercial and business sector, with its upscale hotels and shopping malls. Go to Independence Square to admire colonial buildings and the English-style cricket ground. Drive past K.L Gallery, home to a spectacular model of the city and see the Moorish-style Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, notable for its mix of Eastern and Western architectural motifs. Stop to take photos of the National Mosque and King's Palace. Drive past Lake Garden and the National Monument. Marvel at the world’s 7th tallest telecom tower at KL Tower. Discover where Malaysia’s signature chocolates are sold at Beryl’s Chocolate Kingdom and enjoy an optional batik painting demonstration.

From KLIA or Port Klang: Kuala Lumpur Transit Tour

5. From KLIA or Port Klang: Kuala Lumpur Transit Tour

Discover the highlights of Kuala Lumpur on a tour ideal for those on transit from the airport or seaport and with less than a day to explore the city. Benefit from a pick-up at Kuala Lumpur International Airport or the cruise terminal at Port Klang and delve into the culture, cuisine, arts, people and architecture of Kuala Lumpur and its surroundings. Start with an excursion to the Batu Caves, a 400-million-year-old cave that is sacred to the Hindu religion. Climb the 272 steps to the entrance, and marvel at the golden statue of Lord Murugan.  Proceed to the city center of Kuala Lumpur and experience its cosmopolitan life up-close. Admire awe-inspiring structures, such as the Petronas Twin Towers, go to the entertainment hub of the Golden Triangle and see Merdeka ("Independence") Square. Discover remnants of the colonial era at the Mock Tudor buildings of the Royal Selangor Cricket Club. Admire the blend of influences from the east and west at the impressive Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. Look at the National Mosque of Malaysia and the Istana Negara (King's Palace) before the drive back to the airport or seaport in time to make you onward travel connections.

Kuala Lumpur: Private Sightseeing Tour with Pickup

6. Kuala Lumpur: Private Sightseeing Tour with Pickup

Itinerary: Greet & Meet at the hotel, you will meet your driver guide and driver who transfer to the city where you have many opportunities and beautiful spots to capture photos. National Palace (Istana Negara): The Istana Negara is the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the monarch of Malaysia.Present king is the 16th king of Malaysia. (Stop: 10 Minutes) National Monument: National Monument, the world’s tallest bronze freestanding sculpture that honors the fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives against the Japanese occupation during World War II and the Malayan Emergency, which lasted from 1948 until 1960. (Stop : 20 Minutes) Perdana Botanical Garden: Is Kuala Lumpur's first large-scale recreational park. Measuring 91.6 hectares. (Drive Pass) Tun Abdul Razak Memorial: Memorial house museum in the home of former 2nd Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak & pass by Planetarium Negara. (Pass by) Royal Malaysian Police Museum: The Royal Malaysia Police Museum is a museum that showcases the history of the Royal Malaysia Police. (Pass by) Islamic Arts Museum: The museum is the largest museum of Islamic arts in South East Asia with more than seven thousands artifacts from the Islamic world. (Pass by) National Mosque: Drive pass or stop at the National Mosque, The National Mosque of Malaysia is a mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It has a capacity for 15,000 people and is situated among 13 acres of gardens. Its key features are a 73-metre-high minaret and a 16-pointed star concrete main roof. Completed in 1965 (Pass by or stopover for 15-30 minutes) Kuala Lumpur Old Train Station: The station is notable for its architecture, adopting a mixture of Eastern and Western designs. (Pas by) Independence Square: You’ll then call in at the Independence Square, also known as Merdeka Square, which is a vast green area surrounded by plenty of landmark buildings. (Stop : 15 Minutes) Sultan Abdul Samad Building:l Royal Selangor Club River of Life: First Chinese landed area in Kuala lumper 1857. The River of Life is one of the most iconic parts of Kuala Lumpur. Located near Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, the oldest mosque in the city, it is a convergence point of two rivers: the Klang River and the Gombak River. (Pass by or Photo Stop) Masjid Jamek Kuala Lumpur Jamek Mosque, officially Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur, The mosque was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, and built in 1909 (Stop Over from River of Life) Petronas Twin Towers: Your tour would not be complete without a visit to the city’s most iconic sight. Start to build in 1993 and completed 1997. 88-storey supertall skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. At 451.9 metres (1,483 feet), they are the world's tallest twin skyscrapers. Between 1998 and 2004. (Photo Stop 15 Minute) No Admission Tickets

Half-Day Kuala Lumpur Exploration Tour

7. Half-Day Kuala Lumpur Exploration Tour

This 4-hour tour is your opportunity to visit and take photos of the most iconic sites in Kuala Lumpur, such as the King’s Palace, Independence Square, the Petronas Twin Towers, the National Mosque, the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, and more. See magnificent Merdeka Square, a symbol of Malaysian independence and one of the most picturesque squares in the world. Admire architectural masterpieces of modern and ancient times. You’ll see the King’s Palace, the famous Istana Negara, a residence of the King of Malaysia. While visitors can’t enter the building, you can take photos of the fascinating architecture along with the changing of the guards, which occurs hourly. The Petronas Twin Towers are an ideal place for a spectacular selfie. The Towers are justifiably considered a highlight of a trip to Kuala Lumpur, as they present an opportunity to marvel at the city’s skyline and capture unforgettable moments on camera. You’ll also visit the National Mosque. Built in 1965, Masjid Negara is located in the very heart of the city amid lush green gardens. Admire one of the most elegant buildings in Kuala Lumpur, featuring a spectacular main dome covered in green and blue tiles, and the 48 smaller green domes spread across the Mecca-inspired courtyard. The Chinese Thean Hou Temple is beautiful synergy of styles as Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism join to form an unforgettable architectural ensemble. See numerous statues of animals from astrology and impressive statues of the Goddess of Mercy and the Goddess of the Waterfront. See Lake Gardens, a beautiful and calming getaway from the bustle of the city. Visit the National Museum, home to collections of ancient and modern art pieces, weapons, and traditional costumes. Marvel at the exquisite façade of the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, an ideal setting for a photo op, with its fairytale-like towers and mix of Eastern and Western architectural styles. Also known as Tugu Negara, the National Monument commemorates the lives that were lost in the fight for Malaysian independence. Designed by Felix de Weldon, an American architect, this monument is the highest sculpture grouping made of bronze ever created. At the end of the tour you’ll be taken back to your hotel in a comfortable air-conditioned van.

Best of Kuala Lumpur Tour with KL Tower & Batu Caves

8. Best of Kuala Lumpur Tour with KL Tower & Batu Caves

Join this full-day private tour to experience the best of Kuala Lumpur. Head up to the KL Towers' Skydeck & Skybox on the 103th floor for amazing views of the city. Visit the King's Palace, a symbol of Malaysian sovereignty, Independence Square and the National Museum. Take a short break at the Central Market, classified as a Heritage Site by the Malaysian Heritage Society. Drive past the Botanical Gardens and Bird Park. See the National Monument, National Mosque and the Old Railway Station. Visit the Batu Caves, home to a Hindu shrine lined with statues of deities. Climb the 272 steps to reach the shrine, which is located deep inside the high caverns.

Kuala Lumpur: Private Half–Day City Tour

9. Kuala Lumpur: Private Half–Day City Tour

Kuala Lumpur is a busy city with ordered skyscrapers, six-lane highways, colonial architecture, and lots of greenery. Home to the Petronas Twin Towers, it is a shopping paradise with some of Southeast Asia's largest shopping malls, housing the world's top brands, and street markets selling one-of-a-kind items. Head to the world-famous Petronas Towers, for a glimpse at the structures, once claimed as the world's tallest buildings, and stop to take a photo in front of the towers. Continue on to the King's Palace, also known as the Istana Negara, and take pictures of the Malaysian monarch's intricate royal residence. Contrast your visit to the glass and steel architectural marvels by exploring the manicured grounds of Malaysia's National Mosque. Its spectacular main dome is covered in brilliant blue and green tile work. Cap off your trip by paying your respects to those who lost their lives in the Malaysian struggle for independence at the Tugu Negara, designed by American architect Felix de Weldon. Visit the Sultan the Abdul Samad Building and Cocoa Boutique, where you can purchase exquisite chocolates or other Malaysian specialties. 

Other Sightseeing Options in Istana Negara

Want to discover all there is to do in Istana Negara? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Istana Negara

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 351 reviews

This was such a great experience- i had little time in town - having a dedicated driver/ tour guide was perfect. Very nice, assisted me in getting all my pictures. I would definitely try this again! Thanks to my drivers today Sanjev and Money

Very nice Tour with Our guide Aru. He gave us a lot of information and all the Time we needed for exploring the sights. We really enjoyed and can highly recommend the Tour.

Mc was a great tour guide and very nice and informative. During our tour we had a thunderstorm however he was very careful and took care of us accordingly.

Tolle Sehenswürdigkeit

Andrew is an excellent guide! We had a great tour with very useful information and good food. Highly recommendable!

Kevin the driver was amazing. Showed me around with great knowledge and very friendly. Would recommend