Brickfields and Bangsar Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, food to try, and where to stay in Brickfields and Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Brickfields and Bangsar

Brickfields and Bangsar are two of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Brickfields, also known as Little India, is a multicultural neighborhood with a rich history, while Bangsar is a trendy area popular among young professionals and expats. Together, they offer a unique blend of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights, making them must-visit destinations for anyone traveling to Kuala Lumpur.

In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best things to do, places to visit, food to try, and where to stay in Brickfields and Bangsar.

List of Places to Visit in Brickfields and Bangsar

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Museum of Malaysia: Explore the history and heritage of Malaysia in one of the country’s oldest museums.
  • Thean Hou Temple: Visit one of the largest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia and marvel at its intricate architecture.
  • Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Temple: Discover the colorful and ornate interior of this Hindu temple, which dates back to the early 20th century.

Natural Attractions of Brickfields and Bangsar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • KL Forest Eco Park: Take a break from the city and immerse yourself in nature at this lush rainforest.
  • KL Sentral Park: Enjoy a relaxing picnic or take a leisurely stroll around this beautifully landscaped park.
  • Bukit Gasing Forest Reserve: Go hiking or mountain biking along the trails of this natural gem located in the heart of the city.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Brickfields and Bangsar

  • Bangsar to Brickfields Trail: This scenic route takes you through the heart of these two neighborhoods and offers stunning views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline.
  • Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve Trail: Take a challenging hike up to the summit of Bukit Nanas and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
  • KL City Cycle Tours: Discover the best of Kuala Lumpur on two wheels with guided tours of the city’s most famous landmarks and hidden gems.

Best Things to Do in Brickfields and Bangsar: Activities and Tours

  • Cooking Classes: Learn how to make traditional Malaysian dishes like nasi lemak, laksa, and satay at one of the many cooking schools in Brickfields and Bangsar.
  • Street Art Tour: Explore the vibrant street art scene of Brickfields with a guided walk around the neighborhood.
  • Pub Crawl: Experience the buzzing nightlife of Bangsar with a guided pub crawl, where you can sample the best cocktails and craft beers in the city.

Week-Long Itinerary for Brickfields and Bangsar

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the National Museum of Malaysia and Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Temple.
Day 2 Go hiking in Bukit Gasing Forest Reserve and have lunch at Thean Hou Temple.
Day 3 Take a day trip to Batu Caves and explore the famous Hindu temple and limestone caves.
Day 4 Join a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Malaysian dishes.
Day 5 Explore the street art scene of Brickfields and enjoy a night out in Bangsar.
Day 6 Take a cycling tour of Kuala Lumpur and visit the city’s most famous landmarks.
Day 7 Relax in KL Sentral Park and enjoy a picnic with a view of the Petronas Twin Towers.

Food and Drink Scene of Brickfields and Bangsar

When it comes to food, Brickfields and Bangsar offer a diverse range of options that cater to all tastes and budgets. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Nasi Lemak: A fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk, served with sambal, crispy anchovies, and boiled eggs.
  • Roti Canai: A flaky and crispy flatbread served with curry dipping sauce.
  • Satay: Skewered and grilled meat served with peanut sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Teh Tarik: A hot tea made with condensed milk and “pulled” to create a frothy texture.
  • Milo Dinosaur: A cold Milo drink topped with a generous amount of Milo powder.
  • Coconut Shake: A refreshing drink made with fresh coconut water and blended with ice and palm sugar.

Where to Stay in Brickfields and Bangsar: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Establishment Hotel: A stylish boutique hotel located in Bangsar, with sleek rooms and modern amenities.
  • PODs The Backpackers Home & Cafe: A budget-friendly hostel in Brickfields, offering clean and comfortable dorms and private rooms.
  • CitizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang: A tech-savvy and trendy hotel located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, with a rooftop bar and infinity pool.

What to Buy in Brickfields and Bangsar: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Batik Fabric: Beautifully patterned fabrics made using traditional techniques.
  • Malaysian Snacks: Stock up on popular snacks like kuih, murukku, and dodol.
  • Handmade Crafts: Browse through a selection of handmade crafts like pottery, textiles, and wooden carvings.

Local Culture and Customs of Brickfields and Bangsar

Malaysia is a multicultural country with diverse customs and traditions. Visitors are expected to dress modestly when entering places of worship and to remove their shoes before entering someone’s home. It’s also important to respect the local customs and beliefs, and always ask for permission before taking photos of people or places.

Best Time to Visit Brickfields and Bangsar

The best time to visit Brickfields and Bangsar is between March and September, when the weather is dry and sunny. October to February is the monsoon season, with heavy rainfall and occasional floods. The peak tourist season is from June to August, so expect higher prices and crowds during this period.

Do’s and Don’ts of Brickfields and Bangsar

Do:

  • Try the local food and drinks.
  • Respect the local customs and beliefs.
  • Bargain when shopping at local markets.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothes when visiting places of worship.
  • Take photos without asking for permission.
  • Litter or damage the environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Brickfields and Bangsar

Overall, Brickfields and Bangsar are safe neighborhoods to visit, but travelers should still be cautious and aware of their surroundings, especially at night. It’s also important to be mindful of pickpockets and scams targeting tourists.

Health in Brickfields and Bangsar

Travelers should seek medical advice before traveling to Malaysia and make sure they have all the necessary vaccinations. It’s also important to drink only bottled water and avoid street food that may be contaminated.

Getting to Brickfields and Bangsar: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Brickfields and Bangsar

The nearest airport to Brickfields and Bangsar is Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), which is located approximately 45 minutes away by car or train.

Bus Stations Near Brickfields and Bangsar

KL Sentral Station is the main transportation hub in Kuala Lumpur, with bus connections to various destinations in Malaysia and neighboring countries like Singapore and Thailand.

Other Options

Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are widely available in Kuala Lumpur, and there are also plenty of car rental companies for those who prefer to drive themselves.

How to Get Around in Brickfields and Bangsar

The best way to explore Brickfields and Bangsar is on foot or by using public transportation like buses and trains. KL Sentral Station is located in the heart of these neighborhoods, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Where to Go Next from Brickfields and Bangsar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Petaling Jaya: A vibrant city located just 20 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur, known for its shopping malls and entertainment options.
  • Melaka: A historic and quaint town located 2 hours away from Kuala Lumpur, famous for its Dutch colonial architecture and delicious food.
  • Cameron Highlands: A scenic hill station located 4 hours away from Kuala Lumpur, known for its tea plantations and cool climate.

Conclusion

Brickfields and Bangsar offer a unique blend of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights that make them must-visit destinations for anyone traveling to Kuala Lumpur. With our comprehensive tour guide, you’ll be able to plan your trip and make the most out of your time in these vibrant neighborhoods.

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