Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

Overview

The Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is an extraordinary Moorish-Mughal Revival building completed in 1910, designed by A.B. Hubback. Its gleaming white façade of horseshoe arches, chatri pavilions, and pierced screens makes it one of the most beautiful railway stations in Asia.

Highlights

• Architecture: A blend of Mughal, Moorish, and British colonial styles with onion domes, keyhole arches, and filigreed balustrades.
• Heritage hotel: The adjacent Majestic Hotel (1932) connects via a covered walkway and has been restored to Art Deco glory.
• Active station: KTM Komuter trains still stop here, so visitors can walk the platforms.

History

Designed by Arthur Benison Hubback and opened in 1910, it was KL's main station until KL Sentral opened in 2001. The station's design reportedly had to withstand a metre of snow load—a British building standard applied regardless of the tropical climate.

Visitor Tips

• Visit the platforms: Buy a cheap Komuter ticket just to walk the platforms and photograph the interior.
• Combine: 5-minute walk to Masjid Negara and the National Museum.
• Duration: 15–20 minutes.