Malaysia Airlines Expands European Footprint with Inaugural Flight to Paris

Heads up, Kuala Lumpur! 

IHG Hotels & Resorts will be debuting its luxury lifestyle brand Kimpton in Malaysia with the opening of Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur by the end of 2025. 

Located within Kuala Lumpur’s Central Business District, the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), the 26-storey Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur will be an artful take on modern luxury in the city, becoming its next thriving social hub, blending hospitality, inspiration, wellness, and experiences seamlessly. 

The hotel’s name is derived from two Malay words: Naluri (instinct), and Ria (joy), capturing Kimpton’s philosophy of joyful living guided by instinct. As Kuala Lumpur acts as a union of tradition and modernity, the Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur will be a sanctuary for guests to embrace both adventure and peace.

“We are thrilled to debut IHG’s luxury lifestyle brand, Kimpton, in Malaysia, continuing the brand’s global expansion,” said Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur General Manager Paul Cunningham. “Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur is beyond just an inspirational space to stay — it will be the city’s next vibrant social hub… Location-wise, we’re surrounded by the perfect blend of commerce and creativity, with retail, dining, and green spaces that invite discovery.”

Guests can look forward to enjoying Kimpton’s unique signature amenities, including “Forgot It, We’ve Got It!” – offering essential travel items, “Kimpton Kickstart” – with complimentary morning coffees and teas in the lobby, and “Kimpton Social” – a daily hosted social hour with curated drinks, conversation, and more. 

The Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur’s dining options will include four distinct experiences: Four Siblings, a destination rooftop bar and lounge, and Tuai + Till, an all-day dining concept that transforms into two unique evening venues: Tuai, a cozy Malaysian café, and Till, an elegant Western brasserie. A retro Italian-American restaurant is still in development. 

The hotel will also offer five versatile event spaces that are designed to create meaningful human connections, suitable for social soirees or business meetings. 

The Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur’s interiors were designed in collaboration with award-winning Hassell Studio and will combine urban energy with natural calm. The design will feature organic textures, natural stones, lush greenery, and floor-to-ceiling windows that show the city’s wonderful views and inspire a sense of serenity within the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur. 

From ultra-personalized luxury-meets-lifestyle experiences with playful sophistication mixed with Malaysian allure, the Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur will surely be your newest favorite hideaway in the city. 

For more information, visit Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur’s website, Facebook, and Instagram pages. 

Happy (advanced) International Museum Day to everyone who celebrates! 

To celebrate this momentous occasion around the world, the Department of Museums Malaysia (Jabatan Muzium Malaysia) is waiving admission fees for visitors on May 18, 2025, in all their museums around Malaysia! 

With this year’s theme, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” museums around the world invite museumgoers and the public to reimagine the role of museums as essential connectors, innovators, and stewards of cultural identity. The theme is also aligned with three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 8, 9, 11), with museums acting as an empowering and driving force for communities, technological advancements, and inclusivity. 

Celebrating International Museum Day in Kuala Lumpur? Here is the list of museums under the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) located in Kuala Lumpur that you can come and visit on May 18!

Museums in Kuala Lumpur under Jabatan Muzium Malaysia

Muzium Negara (National Museum)

This museum is dedicated to Malaysian art, culture, history, and ethnology. The displays in the museum range from free-standing tableaux, traditional weapons, musical instruments, arts and crafts, ceramics, and flora and fauna. 

Location: Jalan Damansara, 50566 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (final entry: 4:30 PM), Daily (Except first and second days of Eid al-Fitr and the first Eid al-Adha)

Muzium Entologi Dunia Melayu (Malay World Ethnology Museum)

This museum focuses on the diverse socio-cultural aspects of the Malay community in Malaysia. The museum houses a collection of highly aesthetic artifacts such as traditional arts, clothing, games, and more.

Location: Jalan Damansara, 50566 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, Daily (Except first and second days of Eid al-Fitr and the first Eid al-Adha)

Muzium Seni Kraf Orang Asli (Orang Asli Craft Museum)

The museum showcases the rich heritage of Orang Asli crafts in Peninsular Malaysia, specifically focusing on the artistic traditions of the Mah Meri tribe. The museum is divided into eight galleries that depict the life and crafts of the Orang Asli.

Location: Jalan Damansara 50566 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, Daily (Except first and second days of Eid al-Fitr and the first Eid al-Adha)

Muzium Tekstil Negara (National Textile Museum)

The heritage building was originally used by various departments and institutions before it became a museum. The museum has four galleries: the Tree of Wisdom Gallery, Rainbow Gallery, Gallery of Chain Bay, and the Ratna Sari Gallery. 

Location: JKR 26, Jalan Sultan Hishamudin, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, Daily (Except first and second days of Eid al-Fitr and the first Eid al-Adha)

Muzium Muzik Malaysia (Music Museum of Malaysia)

First opened in 2015, the museum is a dedicated space to exhibit ethnic musical instruments and to document the development of traditional music in the country.

Location: 29, Jalan Raja, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, Daily (Except first and second days of Eid al-Fitr and the first Eid al-Adha)

The Muzium Diraja Kuala Lumpur (Royal Museum) is closed until further notice for maintenance works. 

Museums under JMM in other Malaysian states will also offer free admission.

For more information, follow the Department of Museums Malaysia on Facebook. You may check out their website here.

Immersive art spaces have been popping in and out of Kuala Lumpur, but Immersify KL aims to be a mainstay in the city. This never-before-seen large-scale immersive art space is set to open on Feb. 28, 2025, at The Labs in Bukit Bintang City Centre, featuring 11 specially designed zones that free the mind, inspire learning, and spark imagination in everyone. 

This new art exhibition is Malaysia’s first permanent purpose-built multi-dimensional media gallery, spanning 30,000 square feet, and uses South Korean storytelling and innovative media art that is infused with Malaysia’s vibrant cultural identity. 

The space also boasts spatial 360° sounds and 12-meter-high walls, with breathtaking larger-than-life installations that allow visitors to “journey beyond imagination” with them. 

Immersify KL has 11 differently themed zones, each incorporating installations, 3D sounds, and quality visuals that are sure to awe visitors and gallery-goers from all walks of life.

Zone 1: Glowing Garden: Cloud-like flowers, and a celestial horizon.

Zone 2: Mystic Falls: Cascading waters, and a mystic waterfall. 

Zone 3: Moonlight Memories: See how celestial and terrestrial forms merge.

Zone 4: Starlight Garden: Like straight out of a fairy tale, with twinkling stars and glimmering hues.

Zone 5: Turning Moment: A 3D sanctum that brings matter to life through the power of light.

Zone 6: Illusion Road: Vivid levitating objects and rippling waves.

Zone 7: Neon Jungle: Malaysian wildlife gleaming and glowing in a fluorescent rainforest.

Zone 8: Canvas Oceania: Breathe life into your artwork on an interactive pecan canvas.

Zone 9: Prism Shine: Indulge in a Malaysian-inspired tapestry of colors and patterns.

Zone 10: Surreal World: A surreal escape from the conventional and where fantasy knows no bounds. 

Zone 11: Art Gallery: Immerse in the works of Klimt, Monet, and Gogh with lights, sounds, and emotion. 

Apart from the 11 zones, a café called mm Café will also open for visitors to replenish their energies and feast on some bites. 

Tickets for Immersify KL

Tickets to the immersive art space are currently on an Early Bird Promotion until Feb. 27, 2025. 

Early Bird Prices are the following: RM60 (Adults, 13 years & above), RM40 (Children, 5 to 12 years), RM50 (Adults, MyKad holders), RM30 (Children, MyKid/MyKad holders). There are also Family Packages available for MyKad Holders: RM123 (2 Adults + 1 Child), and RM151 (2 Adults + 2 Children). 

From Feb. 28, 2025, all prices will revert to regular pricing: RM78 (Adults), RM45 (Children), RM68 (Adults, MyKad), RM35 (Children, MyKid/MyKad), RM164 (2 Adults + 1 Child), and RM197 (2 Adults + 2 Children).

Grab your tickets here!

Enjoy a new attraction that’ll bring you to different worlds, even while just being in the city. For more updates and information, visit the Immersify KL website and their Instagram page. 

Location: The Labs, Bukit Bintang City Centre

Heads up, travelers! A new ibis hotel branch just opened in Malaysia and it's right smack at the capital's center.

French multinational hospitality company, Accor, proudly announces the opening of ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang, designed to provide comfort and convenience for leisure and business travelers alike. The hotel features 168 stylish rooms designed with creative interiors, cozy beddings, and a wide range of essential amenities tailored to modern travel needs that will surely delight guests of all ages.

"We are delighted to welcome ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang into Accor’s growing portfolio in Malaysia,” said Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Asia at Accor. “This opening underscores our commitment to offering vibrant and accessible hospitality in key destinations, showcasing Kuala Lumpur’s unique energy and cultural richness.”

A property that celebrates individuality through a dynamic blend of affordability, style, and comfort, ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang boasts a central location in Bukit Bintang district, the thrumming capital of Kuala Lumpur’s entertainment and retail scene. The hotel is only a stone’s throw away from several iconic landmarks such as Pavilion KL, Sungei Wang Plaza, and Berjaya Times Square. It’s also quite accessible with the MRT Bukit Bintang station only a few minutes away.

Guests can enjoy diverse dining options at the hotel’s restaurant, featuring dishes inspired by local and international flavors. There’s a fully-equipped fitness center, and a self-service laundromat, which is convenient for those who plan to stay a little longer.

Room rates start at RM230 per night. For reservations and more information, click here or contact +60 3 2143 1818. This new hotel also participates in ALL, Accor’s award-winning lifestyle loyalty program which offers members exclusive rewards, services, and experiences.

“ibis Styles is all about inspiring exploration and embracing individuality. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience the creative charm, heartfelt service, and thoughtful design that define our hotel,” added Fadzil Fizanee, Hotel Manager of ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang.

Present across more than 50 countries, the ibis Styles portfolio comprises over 680 hotels, with 160+ currently under development. The brand aims to provide a space where guests can express their unique style freely in a world of comfort, celebrating the power of creativity while encouraging exploration and discovery. This branch follows ibis Styles Sepang KLIA, a resort-inspired property near KL’s international airport, which opened in July 2024.

Follow ibis Styles on Facebook and Instagram to be the first to know about their latest properties and hotel deals.

This is the spot you should be heading to if you’re on the lookout for the hottest places in town.

The TUAH 1895, a new lifestyle and dining hub just opened at the former site of the former Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC) sales gallery last Jan. 24, 2025. Nestled along Jalan Hang Tuah and at 45,000 square feet, the TUAH 1895 houses two levels of culinary and lifestyle delights, including a fountain plaza, mezzanine floor, and basement parking.

“The opening of TUAH 1895 aligns with BBCC’s vision of becoming a dynamic urban hub. TUAH 1895 is more than just a place to dine, it is a space where people come together to enjoy exceptional food, connect with one another, and experience the vibrant energy of Kuala Lumpur. This opening is a significant milestone as BBCC continues to redefine urban living and lifestyle,” said BBCC Development Sdn Bhd CEO Sri Ram Sivasambu.

Here are the places you should check out when you’re at TUAH 1895:

Ministry of Crab (Halal)

The Ministry of Crab Kuala Lumpur serves Sri Lankan seafood royalty and is part of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List. Experience an unforgettable dining experience with a taste of the finest mud crabs and freshwater prawns paired with Japanese culinary philosophies and iconic recipes.

AS I AM (Halal)

Created by Michelin-starred Chef Ton, AS I AM is where modern Thai cuisine meets vibrant entertainment. Expect to be taken on a culinary journey with innovative dishes inspired by traditional Thai recipes paired with a vibrant dining ambiance.

The restaurant is set to open in April 2025.

Ting Shan (Non-halal)

Savor Chuan Yue cuisine in Ting Shan, with delicacies like dim sum, handcrafted noodles, and their signature 42-day farm-raised Peking Duck on the menu. Celebrate exquisite Chinese gastronomy with your loved ones in a lively dining atmosphere.

Chef Kecik (Halal)

This boulangerie offers delectable pastries and an all-dining experience with pasta, sandwiches, and Shakshuka worth trying out. It’s signature charm? The café’s entrance keeps the historic Pudu Jail main entrance.

Hock Kee Kopitiam (Halal)

Top local eatery Hock Kee Kopitiam is what you’re in for if you’re looking for a taste of home. Their signature dish? The Nasi Lemak Banjir.

Pak Tok Signature (Pork-Free)

A fresh spin on Malaysian comfort food and Nyonya cuisine, Pak Tok offers a rich dining experience with a variety of local dishes. They focus on high-quality ingredients that enhance the authentic flavors of the dish.

Crafty’s Bar & Lounge

The newest must-visit rooftop bar at TUAH 1895, Crafty’s Bar & Lounge has a chic and relaxed ambiance catering to intimate evenings, lively gatherings, and private events. You’re in for a treat if you’re looking for the perfect blend of craft, culture, and breathtaking views.

MORPH by Kamileon

A boutique fitness studio and the go-to place for HYROX race training and functional fitness in Kuala Lumpur. It’s equipped with everything you’ll need for your next race or to just level up your fitness game.

TUAH 1895 @ Bukit Bintang City Centre is more than just a destination; it’s a whole lifestyle! Don’t miss out on the vibes and follow the TUAH 1895 @ Bukit Bintang City Centre on their Facebook and Instagram pages. For more updates, check out their website.

Location: PLAZA TUAH 1895, No. 2, Jalan Hang Tuah, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM (Monday to Friday), 10 AM to 12 AM (Saturday to Sunday)

Public Transport: Hang Tuah Station (Monorail and LRT), Merdeka Station (MRT)