Monkey-ing around in hip, hot Kuala Lumpur

Arooftop bar on a helicopter pad and caves surrounded by thieving monkeys are just two of the reasons to visit Kuala Lumpur, the hip, humid Malaysian capital.

While spending four days there with my family recently, I sampled the national dish of nasi lemak, a surprisingly healthy breakfast of fluffy rice cooked in coconut milk and served with sambal hot sauce, fried anchovies, peanuts and a hard-boiled egg. And we marveled at the birds-eye view from Petronas Towers, dual postmodern skyscrapers that claim the title of world’s tallest twin towers.

But wait — there’s more. Here are five other must-visit destinations in and around the so-called “Garden City of Lights.”

It’s no Petronas Towers, but this 36th-floor functional helicopter pad moonlights as a swanky rooftop bar, boasting 360 degrees of Instagrammable skyline. Some steep stairs are involved, so wear flat shoes.

JALAN ALOR

You could spend hours ogling the technicolor meats, fruits, treats and traditional fare hawked by streetfood stalls lining this bustling stretch — and since it’s open late, you can. Try chicken satay or some black pepper crab, whose bold tang makes up for its unwieldiness.

Devour some wonton noodles or try a pillowy kaya bao (steamed bun filled with coconut jam) at Kedai Makan Toong Kwoon Chye, a familyrun kopitiam, or coffee shop.

BATU CAVES

The cool, cavernous Batu Caves in the nearby Gombak District are home to a Hindu temple enshrining Lord Murugan — and the 272 steps leading up to it are riddled with brassy, impish monkeys, so hang on to your food. Go even deeper with a guided tour of the Dark Cave, a caliginous conservation site ecosystem powered by guano, or bat excrement.

KUALA LUMPUR BIRD PARK

If, like me, you have an inexplicable aversion to birds, this sprawling walk-in aviary will inspire at least a fledgling interest. Gawk at flamingos, hornbills, emus and parrots, and don’t be surprised if a brilliantly plumed peacock scuttles by. (klbirdpark.com) www. visitkl.gov.my Multiple airlines service the journey — which includes a stopover or two — from JFK, Newark and LaGuardia Airports to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Round-trip flights start at around $725.

Airbnb is full of spacious, inexpensive rentals. Uber is a godsend.

This monkey at Batu Caves is ecstatic at what he’s scavenged. Below, Malaysia’s national dish of nasi lemak includes fluffy rice and more. Inset is the tasty black pepper crab.