Kampung Baru

Overview

Kampung Baru is a remarkable anomaly—a traditional Malay village (kampung) of wooden stilt houses and narrow lanes sitting in the shadow of the Petronas Towers. Established in 1899, it remains a Malay Reserve area offering a glimpse of pre-modern KL.

Highlights

• Skyline contrast: Timber houses with the Petronas Towers towering directly behind—a photographer's dream.
• Street food: Some of KL's best Malay dishes—nasi lemak, satay, roti canai—at night-market prices.
• Raja Muda Musa Mosque: A beautiful yellow-domed mosque at the heart of the village.

History

Gazetted in 1899 as a Malay Agricultural Settlement by the British, the land can only be owned by Malays. Despite intense development pressure, the community has preserved its village character.

Visitor Tips

• Weekend market: The Saturday night market (pasar malam) is the best time to visit.
• Respectful dress: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting the mosque.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.