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Hello, neighbour: The best new things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Race down Malaysia’s longest go-karting track, enjoy pastries in a futuristic-looking cafe, or spend the day browsing a lifestyle bookstore – all these and more destination ideas from Travel Cover on Grab Superapp.

Hello, neighbour: The best new things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Explore some of Kuala Lumpur’s newest things to do, from adventure parks and neon sports halls to chic cafes and cool bookstores. Photo: 123RF

Travel has returned in the last few months, but some may not be ready for far-flung destinations just yet. And maybe, there’s no need to be.

Kuala Lumpur is a familiar destination for many in Singapore, and in the last few years, new activities and attractions have mushroomed, from mega adventure parks housed within upscale malls to hip bookstores and pretty cafes made for the ‘gram. Here are five new ways to get yourself reacquainted with the city if you’re thinking of making a trip there.

ADVENTURE CALLS

When one thinks of adventure, malls don’t exactly come to mind. But in Paradigm Mall, Escape Petaling Jaya is racking up the thrills by catapulting guests straight into challenges – literally. Get the body moving and the adrenaline surging with high-element activities, including ziplining and wall-climbing. With varying levels of challenges, both the young and young-at-heart can get in on the fun.

Find aerial adventures and other thrilling activities at Escape Petaling Jaya in Paradigm Mall. Photo: Escape Petaling Jaya

At the Avenue K Shopping Mall in Jalan Ampang, another adventure park awaits. Spread out over 40,000 sq ft, SuperPark lets you participate in over 20 indoor activities that range from skating and trampolining to wild rides down massive tube slides. The little ones will love the touch-sensitive augmented climbing wall as well as the Kids’ Adventure City with its towers and tunnels.

If you’re raring for more, hit the Morac Go Kart Track at 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya. The longest go-karting track in Malaysia, Morac offers high-speed rides suitable for adults and older children. Arrive after sundown and you can mimic the excitement of a spectacular F1 night race.

Speed racers take the wheel at the Morac Go Kart Track at 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya. Photo: Morac Go Kart Track

Further afield at TREX Bike Park in Puncak Alam are adventure bicycle tracks and obstacles for cyclists of all levels, including those who prefer tandem bikes for three.

GLOW ON AND PLAY

Shuttle in the Dark at the Petronas Twin Towers is where you can play on Malaysia’s first glow-in-the-dark badminton court. Think Tron the movie, but with neon-tinged rackets and shuttlecocks instead. Extra points for the hall’s galactic theme and your chance at some (inter)stellar shots. 

Play your winning smash on Shuttle in the Dark’s neon badminton court. Photo: Shuttle in the Dark

Then there is Rollerwa at 1 Utama – the first overseas branch of South Korea’s popular chain of roller-skating rinks. A place to celebrate all things neon, it promises K-pop tunes and psychedelic lights for some disco-inspired entertainment.

PICTURE-PERFECT CAFES

Kuala Lumpur’s burgeoning cafe scene is seeing a spate of striking entries that are causing quite the stir among social media enthusiasts.

Set within the former Sentul Depot (a century-old heritage building), Tiffin at the Yard found fame with its wide-ranging food options and an Insta-worthy space. The sprawling indoor food court sports lofty ceilings, chic concrete walls and a copious amount of greenery. The kiosks here include Taco King for generous tacos, Pulp for a caffeine fix and Minus 4 Degrees for inventive ice-cream flavours from a mother-daughter team.

Set within the former Sentul Depot, Tiffin at the Yard is all the rage, thanks to its massive Instagrammable space, fun food kiosks and lush greenery. Photo: Tiffin at the Yard

If you’re looking for Malaysian fare, how about nasi kerabu at Ruma Puteh in Taman Tasik Titiwangsa? Have your blue pea rice in a breezy turquoise space, framed by eye-catching white and candy-coloured arches. 

Like your colour schemes monochromatic? Try the newly opened SWOL – its fully white interior is sure to make any subject pop. Sit on its sleek pebble-shaped seats and pretend you’re having coffee and macarons in 2049.

Nibble on French pastries and macarons with a white coffee at the popular cafe, SWOL. Photo: SWOL

START A NEW CHAPTER

For reading buffs, escape into the world of literature at Kuala Lumpur’s newest bookstores. BookXcess’ latest branch at MyTown, Cheras, holds a mind-boggling selection of books. As you wander among the shelves, don’t be surprised to find yourself in a cafe, Japanese restaurant or co-working space – this local bookstore chain is famous for integrating lifestyle elements to keep bookworms happy. Its outlet at RexKL in Petaling Street, set in a repurposed cinema hall, is another labyrinth of fun.

Lose yourself in the floor-to-ceiling shelves of BookXcess at MyTown in Cheras. Photo: BookXcess

Two international players are also making their presence felt in Bukit Bintang: Tsutaya, which brings choice reads and lovely stationery to the iconic Pavilion mall, and Taiwanese chain Eslite, known for its curated products full of charm, which is due to open later this year at luxury mall The Starhill.

LEAVE IT TO THE CHEFS 

Feeling hungry? Kuala Lumpur now has a slate of new options for the Japanese style of omakase, where chefs curate a series of dishes using seasonal ingredients for the diner’s enjoyment.

Talk-of-the-town Hoshun Sushi Kaiseki in Damansara should be on the list. Not only does it have a beautiful setting – with flights of white paper cranes and a stunning mural inspired by the chef’s hometown of Sendai – it is also one of Malaysia’s first Japanese restaurants to offer the more formal multi-course kaiseki meal. 

Indulge in a lavish meal at Hoshun Sushi Kaiseki in Damansara. Photo: Hoshun Sushi Kaiseki

At TenRyu in the Golden Triangle, one can expect an intimate experience with Kappo-style dining from Chef Otomo. Served with lively banter, his lovingly prepared food will leave you feeling full in more ways than one. A must-try is his speciality – traditional dry-aged tuna that’s full of umami flavour.

EXPLORE KL WITHOUT WORRIES 

For peace of mind as you explore the city, get instant travel insurance with Travel Cover via the Grab Superapp. Underwritten by Chubb, Travel Cover is one of the most affordable single-trip insurance plans around (with COVID-19 benefits) from just S$3.90 a day. Its comprehensive coverage of up to S$200,000 for overseas medical expenses, trip changes and more provides essential travel protection while you explore all that your next holiday destination has to offer.

From now until Oct 31, enjoy an additional 10 per cent off Travel Cover when you sign up. The discount will be applied automatically at the payment page. 

Get Travel Cover instantly via the Grab Superapp now.

*Terms and conditions apply. The 10 per cent off Travel Cover promotion is sponsored by Chubb. The discount is capped at S$5 and limited to a one-time redemption only. Travel Cover is underwritten by Chubb Insurance Singapore (Reg No 199702449H) and distributed by GrabInsure Insurance Agency, a member of the Grab Group of Companies.

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