How to experience Kuala Lumpur in high style

By Surekha Ragavan

八月 2, 2024

Kuala Lumpur is a city of contrasts. One minute, you could be devouring handmade pasta topped with shaved truffle overlooking the sparkly Petronas Twin Towers, and the next you might be eating dim sum in a decades-old nondescript shop in Sentul, washing it down with inky black coffee. The same extremes apply to the city’s architecture, shopping and wellness options – where heritage and modernity co-exist in seamless fashion. It’s this sheer variety of offerings that makes Kuala Lumpur one of the most exciting capitals in Southeast Asia. And there’s nowhere better to take it all in than at sleek, centrally located Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur.

The living room of the Royal Suite at Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur.

The suite life

It’s all about the base. Requirements include a smack-bang location, peerless views, exceptional service and copious amounts of space for entertaining. Look no further than the Royal Suite at Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, the city’s largest – at 440sqm. Handsomely furnished in muted shades of charcoal, silver and cobalt blue, its white marble bathrooms feature a tub-with-a-view that’s big enough for two, and there’s a private gym, a private spa salon and a walk-in dressing room with enough storage space for the most maximal packer. Rounding off the experience is a dining room that seats 12 with views of the Petronas Towers. This two-bedroom, four-bathroom suite is perfect if you’re travelling with family or another couple.

Two models wearing clothes from Alia Bastamam’s spring/summer 2024 collection.

Savvy shopping

Malaysia’s couture scene may still be in its nascent stages, but there’s no end to artisanal local fashion houses that draw from the country’s unique design heritage. Take Alia Bastamam, a national darling who burst on to the scene with bridalwear but has since added to her clout with stunning silk tunics, gowns and sarongs that often make up her hotly anticipated annual Eid collection. And don’t forget Khoon Hooi, a Perak-born designer who makes ready-to-wear practical clothing with a modern edge. If you’re after some batik, pop into Kapten Batik for classic silhouettes in eclectic designs. And if your leanings are more artistic, Wei-Ling Gallery features a contemporary, excellently curated collection of Malaysian pieces.

Octopus and breadfruit dish from the Dewakan restaurant in Kuala Lumpur.

City flavours

Ask any local and they’ll tell you how proud they are of the city’s food. Make the most of it at Mosaic, where signature dishes across the country’s many ethnicities and cultures are celebrated. Sample local favourites such as chicken satay, biryani, popiah and cendol. If a good hunk of meat is what you’re after, Mandarin Grill has been cooking prime cuts to perfection for years in its in-house Josper grill. And for a special date night out, Dewakan is a must-visit. This fine dining restaurant is helmed by auteur Darren Teoh, who highlights local produce and indigenous ingredients to create intricate plates.

The bar at Marini’s on 57 in Kuala Lumpur with a view of the KL Tower.

A drink or two

Kuala Lumpur is home to some of the region’s most talented mixologists, who use local ingredients such as lemongrass, pandan and nutmeg to concoct exciting tipples. Try Rakh, a sustainability-focused bar that takes a culinary approach to its drinks, or Penrose, a chic cocoon in the refurbished Chinatown quarter. Of course, there’s nothing like the classics, so if you’re after an old-fashioned after a long day of shopping, head to the MO Bar. Or perhaps, if you wish to drink in the view of the city’s glittery skyline, visit the rooftop of Marini’s, which is simply steps away from Mandarin Oriental, for some of the finest views of the city.

A massage treatment in the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur.

Winding down

Kuala Lumpur’s medley of Middle Eastern influences extends to its decadent spa scene. Head to Hammam Bangsar, a shimmering oasis within a strategically located mall. Here, you will be lathered with black soap, scrubbed with cold henna powder and sent to sleep during a heady frankincense and myrrh massage. Finish with mint tea and honeyed pastries. Alternatively, stay in your bathrobe and swan upstairs to the amber-hued Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur for an afternoon of pure relaxation. If you’re always hooked to your digital devices, there’s even a restorative treatment targeted to ease the strains from excessive usage. Leave your phone in your room for maximum effectiveness.

Your essential guide to Kuala Lumpur

Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur has an enviable location, tucked between the lush green KLCC Park and the striking, 452m-Petronas Twin Towers. Step out of the hotel and discover the buzzing metropolis

Explore Kuala Lumpur

All offers and experiences available at time of publication. Please contact the hotel team for more information.

About the Author

Surekha Ragavan

Surekha Ragavan is a Malaysian journalist with a keen interest in news and culture. She is the co-founder of Periuk, a digital archive of Malaysian heritage recipes.