Sharmila Rajah

With the start of Ramadan, the vibrant, nightly bazaars are back in town, signalling the return of Ramadan favourites like ayam percik, bubur lambuk, and the ubiquitous roti John. Ramadan bazaars, which pop up in almost every corner of the city, open in the early afternoons so there’s ample time for people to buy their food for the breaking of fast at sunset. These outdoor markets buzz like busy restaurant kitchens as vendors stir pots and fry snacks. Your only itinerary is finding your next meal. Here are some of the city's most popular bazaars to visit this Ramadan. RECOMMENDED: The best Ramadan buffets and dinners to break fast at in Kuala Lumpur and The best restaurants in Kuala Lumpur

The holy month of Ramadan is a time of prayer and reflection for Muslims. Fasting from sunrise to sunset is a sacred obligation during Ramadan – which begins on March 2 this year, and culminates with the celebration of Hari Raya Puasa on March 31. Come dusk, the daily Ramadan fast is broken with a gathering of family and friends over a good meal. From traditional Malaysian delicacies to Middle Eastern flavours, here are some hotels and restaurants to visit during Ramadan for impressive buffet spreads and delectable dinners. As always, be sure to book early to avoid disappointment. READ MORE: The best restaurants in Kuala Lumpur and Best classes and gyms in KL under RM100

We’ll get the obvious out of the way first; if you like street food, you will fall deeply in love with Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian capital is a veritable foodie haven, with finger-licking magic waiting around every corner. Hungry visitors are in for a real treat.  The best things to do in KL cover much more than marvellous morsels. There is history, culture, architecture, and excitement here, with one of the best nightlife scenes in the region and lots of activities to boot. One of the coolest cities on the planet? There's absolutely no doubt about it. RECOMMENDED: 🍽 The best restaurants and cafés in KL🛏 The best boutique hotels in KL🌳 The best parks in KL🎸 The best live music venues in KL

Get swept up by the energy and colour of Kuala Lumpur’s many neighbourhoods – each with its own unique feel and spirit. These pockets wonderfully balance fun, culture and food, giving visitors a taste of Kuala Lumpur’s diversity. Yet, it’s the friendly communities and people that lend an authentic character well beyond the relics and shops. There is no end to the fun discoveries, amazing shopping and eating, and unforgettable adventures to be had in some of KL’s neighbourhoods – all of which are easily accessible through the city’s extensive rail system. READ MORE: An essential guide to Kuala Lumpur for first-time visitors and The best hotels in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is hands-down one of the best cityscapes in the world. Breathtaking skylines, ancient temples, bustling shops and markets, and a vibrant and diverse culinary scene combine to make it a pretty dreamy destination. With so much to do and see, what more could you want?  Well, somewhere incredible to stay, of course. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. To help you make the most of your visit to one of Malaysia’s most raved-about and best-loved cities, we’ve compiled a list of its best hotels. All you need to do now is sit back, relax, and scroll on through. RECOMMENDED: 27 best things to do in Kuala Lumpur and The essential guide to Kuala Lumpur for first-time visitors  

If there’s one thing about Kuala Lumpur (or KL, as locals call it), it’s a city of astonishing contrasts – therein lies its charm. KL can be simultaneously cosmopolitan and traditional. Alluring yet often overlooked, the Malaysian capital has everything you’d want in a city and more – a dazzling mix of street food, sexy cocktail bars, glitzy malls, galleries, and friendly locals. Whether you’re here for a weekend or much longer, here are a few useful things to know before your first visit to KL. Selamat datang and welcome! RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Kuala Lumpur and The best parks in KL to escape to

It pays to find a hotel that’s different in design and ethos yet close to all the action. Lloyd’s Inn ticks all the boxes: a chic, urban retreat with rooms designed to reflect Balinese serenity. Think modern, industrial-leaning interiors, outdoor showers, plenty of natural light, and greenery. Part of the Lloyd’s Inn series, this 110-room, 15-storey hotel is arguably a standout, sporting much of the brand’s monochromatic DNA. Get some work done at the co-working spaces, dip in the rooftop jacuzzi, or lounge on a hanging cubby chair. Then, slip into Opeum Bistro for a delicious meal. Bordering the vibrant Bukit Bintang district with the Exchange TRX mall just steps away, you’re well-placed to shop, eat, drink, and party.

Don’t you get tired of staying in ordinary, sometimes boring hotels? We hear a stay at this 180-room hotel is fantastic. Its interior drips with local art, design, and eco features like a vertical garden and an impressive installation of recycled bottles, steel bars and railway sleepers for stairs, which is no surprise given its location overlooking the KL Forest Eco Park. Expect all the modern perks in the rooms – flat-screen TVs, workstations, and walk-in showers – and some extras like hand-painted Peranakan tiles, congkak boards, and rattan furniture motifs. It would almost be too easy to stay in to enjoy the two restaurants, library, gym, and rooftop pool, but the downtown location puts you in the city’s retail and dining hub.