Kuala Lumpur Luxury Holidays

At 452 metres high, the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur's heart offer a neck-straining sight.

Kuala Lumpur's historic mosques are just as striking as the futuristic skyscrapers they rub shoulders with, and are a huge part of Malaysian culture within the city.

Usually held at the end of January, the frenetic Hindu festival of Thaipusam attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and devotees to Kuala Lumpur each year. Expect chanting, drumming and even spikes being driven into devotees’ flesh. A procession of glowing chariots sets off the night before at the city centre’s Sri Mariamman Temple. Arriving at Batu Caves in the early hours of the next day, followers say prayers to Lord Murugan at his shrine. An eight hour celebration then begins – although this is often still going on three days later.

The Muslim holiday of Eidil Fitr in late May or early June marks the end of a month of fasting for Ramadan. Unlike in other parts of the world, Eidil Fitr celebrations last up to a month in Malaysia. On the first day, followers don their finest traditional clothes for a visit to their mosque to perform Eid prayers, then settle down to huge lavish feasts prepared the previous day. Dishes include compressed rice cakes, meat cooked in spices and coconut milk and cookies. Many households in Kuala Lumpur hold ‘open houses’, inviting guests of all cultures, religions and backgrounds into their home to enjoy good food.

Diwali, the Hindu festival of light is held over five days in late October or early November. in Kuala Lumpur, you'll see lavish floral decorations and fireworks and have a chance to feast on spectacular Indian dishes. Head to Little India Brickfields during the week leading up to the festival to observe locals busily shopping for spices, traditional dress and religious items. Admire wonderful light displays at shopping malls as well as kolam, which are intricate floor designs made with coloured powder and rice. They typically feature flowers and animals like peacocks and elephants.

In December, expect wow-factor decorations in and around the shopping centres, where events and shows are put on during the festivities. This Christian festival is celebrated on 24th December in Malaysia. As the clock strikes 12 on that day, huge firework displays are carried out around the city, with many securing their viewing spot much earlier in the day. Lots of restaurants offer reduced prices on Christmas Eve as there’s so much competition for customers.

The huge festival of Chinese New Year starts in late January or February. Kuala Lumpur is adorned with beautiful paper lanterns and oranges, a symbol of prosperity and good luck. Head to Chinatown, Old Klang Road/Kuchai Lama to immerse yourself in the atmosphere during this 15 day period. Local traditions include the tossing of Yee Sang, a raw fish salad, and steam boat dinners where raw ingredients are cooked in a shared pot of hot soup. Expect to see firework displays at this time, as well as dancing dragons and extravagant light decorations.