The PERFECT Itinerary for Kuala Lumpur (KL) 2023 Update – Best Things to Do in Malaysia’s Capital
Kuala Lumpur (KL) is a metropolis that’s all too acquainted to me after visiting numerous occasions. As a serious transport hub not solely inside Malaysia but additionally for locations round Southeast Asia, the Malaysian capital has lengthy been a well-liked vacation spot as a consequence of its relative ease of entry, plethora of eats in addition to the long-lasting Petronas Towers. There are loads of sights in Kuala Lumpur and in the event you spend two or three days right here, you’ll quickly uncover that there’s a lot extra to town than simply the dual towers. Over the years, a noticeably outstanding espresso tradition has additionally developed, giving option to loads of idea cafes catering to simply about each whim and fancy. Around the metropolis, additionally, you will uncover pockets of tradition, whether or not or not it’s on the Kampung Baru or Brickfields (town’s Little India). The abolition of GST (items and companies tax) has additionally made procuring in Kuala Lumpur a convincing proposition and the shops round Bukit Bintang or KLCC are more than pleased to oblige.
If you’re in search of concepts of issues to do, see and eat in Kuala Lumpur (KL); here’s a beneficial itinerary that you are able to do in as little as 3 days.
Day 1 – Downtown KL, Batu Caves, Bukit Bintang & Jalan Alor
Tip: You would possibly wish to get a Malaysia sim card that features information and calls which you could simply pick-up when you arrive in KLIA. This allows you to escape doubtlessly snaking queues on the airport’s SIM counter. You can get one right here
Civic Area
Start the day exploring the civic space of Kuala Lumpur. The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is an interesting late nineteenth century construction recognized for its Moorish structure. It was the principle authorities constructing used through the British colonial administration. Nowadays, it homes the Ministry of Tourism. If you’re within the space at 9AM, you too can take a look at the free 2.5 hour strolling tour round Merdeka Square which is simply subsequent to the constructing.
Jamek Mosque
From right here, it’s a brief stroll to the imposing Jamek Mosque, a sprawling advanced that shares some related options with the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. The mosque is open to the general public outdoors of prayer occasions and is nicely value a go to. To respect the structure of the advanced as a complete, I might counsel climbing as much as the monorail station adjoining to it. To get to a better level, you’d have to buy a ticket. MYR 1 is the minimal ticket worth however the view from up there may be undoubtedly value way more than that.
Central Market
For a little bit of procuring, head to the close by Central Market (each day 10AM to 6PM), an artwork deco constructing stuffed with shops promoting all types of wares together with home items, attire and souvenirs. The place is admittedly fairly touristy however for native handicrafts and souvenirs, the vary right here is difficult to beat.
Selfie Time at Kwai Chai Hong
From that market, it’s a brief stroll to Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown. Petaling Street is the place all of the motion is with its memento outlets and evening market. Towards the southern portion in a aspect road (Lorong Panggung) you will see Kwai Chai Hong, an enthralling little spot stuffed with road murals, brightly painted restored shophouses housing memento outlets in addition to loads of insta-worthy spots. Kwai Chai Hong jogs my memory a little bit of Penang and even Ipoh with all the road artwork.
A 6 minute stroll from Kwai Chai Hong is the atmospheric Fung Wong (each day, 9AM to 6PM). This age-old confectionery has spent most of its life as an old-school bakery doling out conventional cookies corresponding to pink bean pastry, spouse’s cookies and egg tarts. The 4th technology house owners moved the confectionery to a brand new area not removed from the unique web site and turned it into a restaurant with a definite mix of the previous and the brand new.
A Dose of Modern Culture at REXKL
A brief stroll from Fung Wong is the intriguing REXKL, a cultural/exhibition area that offers one a glimpse of Kuala Lumpur’s hipster scene. The basement homes various stylish bars and eateries whereas the higher ground has a really picturesque bookstore and exhibition area.
Admire the Majestic KL Railway Station
Before leaving the older a part of city, ensure to cease by the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station and stand in amazement on the lovely mishmash of British colonial and Mughal structure. If you wish to dwell it up like through the olden days, stroll throughout the station to The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur for some tea.
Batu Caves
While most individuals suggest heading to Batu Caves within the morning, my private choice and suggestion is to do it within the afternoon. This is very in the event you intend to take pictures of the enormous statue outdoors because it faces towards the solar within the morning. Situated within the state of Selangor, Batu Caves is among the hottest Hindu shrines outdoors of India. 272 steps will take you contained in the cave and into the Murugan temple. If you may have been to Batu Caves earlier than however haven’t been again within the final 4 years, it’s nicely value returning for the colourful stairs which seem significantly picturesque when taken with a zoom digicam from afar.
Shopping Galore in Bukit Bintang
Spend the remainder of the afternoon again in Kuala Lumpur and in its busiest space, Bukit Bintang. Even you probably have been to different procuring districts in Southeast Asia corresponding to Bangkok’s Sukhumvit or Singapore’s Orchard Road; Bukit Bintang remains to be value a search for its myriad excessive road manufacturers and components of Middle Eastern tradition. Malls to take a look at embody Lot 10, Sungei Wang and Pavilion. Kuala Lumpur can be a well-liked vacation spot for individuals from Arab nations and also you’ll discover a distinct Islamic taste in most of the institutions right here.
Street Eats in Jalan Alor
For an atmospheric dinner expertise, eat at one of many meals stalls in Jalan Alor and pattern KL’s hawker tradition. Things to strive right here embody char kway teow, bak kut teh and fried oysters. The space is closely frequented by vacationers however you may nonetheless get your self some fairly scrumptious native fare. If you’re in search of an excellent and first rate therapeutic massage place close by, you may take a look at Chaang Thai Massage (each day 12PM to 10pm) to assuage these drained muscular tissues. The therapists come from Thailand.
Day 2 – Kampung Baru, Petronas Towers & Mall-hopping
Witness Traditional Malay Life in Kampung Baru
Morning is one of the best time to discover the standard Malay village, Kampung Baru situated not removed from city. Cultural sights right here embody Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru, Rumah Limas and Master Mat’s House. Essentially, Kampung Baru is an enclave of quaint and charming Malay-style homes proper in the course of town. While right here, you may additionally wish to have some nasi lemak (a Malaysian staple) for breakfast. A preferred spot inside Kampung Baru for this dish embody Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa (4, Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Open each day: 8AM to Midnight).
Try the Best Nasi Lemak in Town
If you’re prepared to go out to Petaling Jaya (round half-hour drive from downtown), the undisputed hottest place for nasi lemak is Village Park Nasi Lemak (5, Jalan SS 21/37, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Open each day: 8AM to five:30PM).
See Some of Malaysia’s Rich Marine Life in Aquaria KLCC
In the afternoon, head to KLCC to take a look at Aquaria KLCC, the tutorial and family-friendly oceanarium situated mere minutes from the Petronas Towers. This 5,600 sqm advanced options a number of zones showcasing the wealthy marine life in Malaysian waters. The spotlight right here is the 90 meter underwater tunnel the place you may see sharks, manta rays and different underwater creatures as they collect above and beside you (you may get discounted tickets right here).
See the Petronas Towers
From Aquaria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic attraction is a mere 5 minute stroll via both a well-manicured park or underground tunnel. The greatest time to admire the Petronas Towers is throughout sundown (for KL this often occurs between 7PM to 7:15PM). It’s additionally potential to go as much as the constructing’s remark deck (you may ebook right here for discounted tickets plus free pick-up inside any KL metropolis location). My private choose for one of the best view of Petronas Towers is from the Skybar of Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
Walk Through the Saloma Bridge
The Klang River separates Kampung Baru and KLCC and earlier than the Saloma Bridge was in-built 2020, one needed to take fairly a little bit of a detour to get between these two spots. The 69-meter lengthy hyperlink approach which is formed like a betel leaf is famous for its futuristic design. While seeing this bridge has its personal deserves both through the day or evening, I might particularly suggest coming right here at evening to see the the way it seems when it’s lighted up with the colours of the Malaysian flag. Otherwise, you may simply do that a part of the itinerary on the morning of day 2 as you cross from Kampung Baru into KLCC. But belief me, coming again right here at evening is value it!
Day 3 – Bangsar, Thean Hou Temple, KL Tower
A Walk within the Park
Kuala Lumpur’s Perdana Botanical Gardens is a sprawling 226 acre oasis of greenery proper within the coronary heart of city. Its well-manicured environment are a favourite amongst joggers in addition to households having fun with the extensive open areas throughout off days. Some vacationer sights such because the Bird Park and Butterfly Park are additionally situated right here. My favourite spot is the extremely instagrammable D’Sun Zone, a comparatively unknown gem constructed to deal with the park’s assortment of bottle timber.
Cafe Hopping in Bangsar
The quieter neighborhood of Bangsar is among the metropolis’s trendiest with its mixture of bars, eating places and hipsters cafes. Start your day with a cup of espresso at some of probably the most atmospheric cafes within the space. If espresso is just not your factor, Bangsar additionally has a number of fascinating eating places that it’s completely potential to spend the entire day restaurant / cafe hopping as most locations provide not only a feast for the stomach however for the eyes as nicely. To spherical up your morning, you too can take a look at different locations corresponding to Pulp (each day 7:30AM to 10PM) and Podgy Kurau (each day besides Tues, 10AM to 5PM).
For matcha lovers, there may be Niko Neko Matcha (each day besides Wednesday, 11AM to five:30PM) which has change into one thing of a neighborhood establishment the place matcha is anxious as they provide inexperienced tea to a couple different cafes within the metropolis. Even those that are used to matcha cafes in different nations will discover the assortment right here fairly distinctive. Aside from the standard matcha and matcha lattes, one can even have a sip at matcha mocktails (suppose matcha infused with varied fruit juices) and matcha desserts. The white minimalist inside of this unassuming upstairs joint makes it one of many highlights of a go to to Bangsar.
Elevate Your Merit on the Thean Hou Temple
Close to Bangsar is the Thean Hou Temple, a spot of worship devoted to the ocean goddess Mazu. The structure right here is comparatively intricate, with ornate carvings in every corridor and pavilion. While temples of this type are widespread all through Southeast Asia, I’ve but to see one which exceeds this when it comes to element. It is very photogenic through the interval round Chinese new yr and the Mid-autumn competition when tons of of lanterns could be strung throughout the advanced.
Head to Publika for a pleasant distinction when you cool away and escape the warmth of the afternoon solar. This sprawling shopping center differs from those you discover in Bukit Bintang within the sense that it focuses on unbiased manufacturers and meals retailers. You’ll discover loads of hipster cafes right here as nicely. Places to take a look at embody Coffeestain by Joseph and Namoo for Korean desserts.
KL Tower
Before leaving Kuala Lumpur, ensure to take a look at the KL Tower or Menara Kuala Lumpur (each day 9AM to 10PM). While it’s undoubtedly potential to catch views of town’s skyline from many accommodations, a go to to this tower is certainly nonetheless beneficial and that’s primarily due to its sky field. A visible feast for these searching for instagram-worthy photographs, the sky field is basically a glass cage that extends out of the remark deck of the tower. The glass development (ground, wall, ceiling) offers the sensation of being suspended in mid-air and is certainly not for acrophobes. I visited on a weekend and located the queue of individuals going as much as the remark deck / sky deck to clear up fairly quick. However, as soon as up there, you’ll get a separate queue quantity for the sky field and that may take up a few 1 to 1.5 hour wait. You should buy discounted tickets right here.
Get Your Fix of Klang Bak Kut Teh
There are two variations of bak kut teh or pork bone soup. The one in Singapore is peppery with a extra translucent broth whereas the Malaysian model is natural with soy sauce for a darker broth. The Malaysian model is claimed to have originated in Klang which is round an hour away from downtown Kuala Lumpur. If you’re pressed for time and don’t wish to journey that far, Subang Jaya is your second greatest wager. It is situated roughly midway between KL and Klang. In Subang Jaya’s Jalan SS14/2, you could find an extended row of shophouses with a number of eateries serving bak kut teh. You can take your choose right here however the extra well-liked ones are Restoran Ah Ping Bak Kut Teh (each day, 4PM to 10PM) and Restoran Yu Kee (each day, 8AM to 10PM). Go for the thicker dry model which incorporates wolfberries, dried squid and chili within the broth. Servings are large and you too can ask the server for a leaner reduce of meat.
If you’re heading to Penang, take a look at this advised itinerary for Penang.
Day Trips From Kuala Lumpur
If you may have extra days to spare in and round Kuala Lumpur, you may additionally wish to take a look at these locations:
- Putrajaya – The administrative capital of Malaysia, Putrajaya is a contemporary (albeit, comparatively empty) metropolis stuffed with palatial constructions together with some spectacular authorities and non secular buildings. The metropolis is round 35 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur and is on the way in which if you’re heading to the airport.
- Ipoh– The sleepy metropolis in Perak is thought for its charming shophouses, colonial structure, nationally famend delicacies and quite a few limestone hills. The place is nicely value a day journey or perhaps a evening or two. It is accessible by a simple 2.5 hour prepare experience from KL Sentral.
- Genting Highlands – A preferred place for locals and vacationers to chill off from the punishing warmth of the lowlands, Genting Highlands is house to casinos, theme parks and accommodations.
- Melaka – A UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the vein of Penang, Melaka is round 1.5 hours away from Kuala Lumpur and options loads of historic buildings, well-liked eats, museums and evening markets. If you do plan to go to, keep no less than one evening to totally respect the city.
- Seremban – A comparatively off-the-radar vacation spot from Kuala Lumpur, Seremban is house to Malaysia’s Minangkabau neighborhood. The curved roofs of town museum and the intriguing architectural model of the royal state capital, Sri Menanti, attest to this.
Getting to Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is accessible from most Asian capitals, usually without having to do a transit. When visiting Kuala Lumpur or Malaysia on the whole, I usually strive reserving AirAsia flights because the airline often has probably the most variety of flights to town. Alternatively, you too can search right here for the least expensive flights.
Getting From KLIA to City
KLIA Ekspres (Airport Train)
The quick KLIA Ekspres trains take you from the airport to town (KL Sentral) in as little as 28 minutes. Tickets value MYR 55 however you should buy right here for a reduction. There are departures each 15 to twenty minutes. If you arrive throughout rush hours like between 8AM to 9AM within the morning or 5PM to 7:30PM within the night, it’s advisable to take the prepare to keep away from the visitors jams. Alternatively, you should buy a KL TravelMove which features a roundtrip journey with the KLIA Ekspres plus limitless LRT, MRT and monorail rides in Kuala Lumpur for two days. You should buy the KL TravelMove right here.
Taxis / Airport Transfers
In distinction, a experience by way of GRAB prices between MYR 80 to 100 relying on the time of day, excluding toll charges. Alternatively, you may ebook for personal airport transfers right here at an ordinary fee of MYR 75 whatever the time of day and likewise inclusive of toll charges.
Bus
A comparatively low-cost option to get from the airport to metropolis is by way of the airport bus. It prices MYR 12 for a one-way ticket from the airport and also you get dropped off at KL Sentral however be ready for a 1+ hour experience! You can ebook bus tickets right here.
Getting Around
While Kuala Lumpur’s public transport system underwent a large improve not too long ago with the opening of their MRT, I usually get round by way of a ride-sharing app like Grab. Thanks to petrol subsidies, fares in Kuala Lumpur are among the many least expensive in Southeast Asia. Hops inside Kuala Lumpur itself, as an example, will set you again by solely MYR 5 – 15 usually.
Car leases have additionally change into extra well-liked as of late as some people choose to attenuate interacting with crowds particularly within the present pandemic period. Kuala Lumpur’s roads are extremely developed and foreigners can drive right here supplied they’ve a sound worldwide driver’s license. You can take a look at automobile rental offers right here.
Travel Insurance (New Requirement for Short-Term Visitors)
In this period of uncertainties, I’ll usually buy journey insurance coverage even for brief journeys. If you reside in Singapore, take a look at Starr Travelead, one of many least expensive journey insurance coverage. They have a promotion that comes with S$10 money rebate that helps to offset the insurance coverage value. If you’re primarily based elsewhere, take a look at Worldnomads as they’ve fairly an intensive protection, even together with private accidents into their listing of advantages.
Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is among the most reasonably priced main metropolis to remain in luxurious accommodations so why not dwell it up a bit and keep someplace nicer? Here, it’s very nicely potential to remain in a 5-star property with a US$100 per evening finances. You can get an excellent 3-star lodge with US$40 and 4-star lodging for about US$75.
KLoé Hotel – This is the place to remain if you’re in search of an instaworthy lodge that’s near town middle. KLoé Hotel is situated proper in Bukit Bintang. Rooms are fashionable and have a contemporary industrial look. Don’t miss a picture-perfect alternative within the concrete hallways with vines – get your buddy/member of the family to take a photograph of you from throughout the open hallway.
Else Kuala Lumpur – This spanking new boutique lodge opened in 2022 is fashionable and splendid at a wallet-friendly worth. You can anticipate carefully-designed rooms and suites with delicate palettes and pure tropical textures. The lodge additionally has an inhouse “meditation pod” on your leisure and pleasure.
Alila Bangsar – Situated a couple of minutes’ stroll from Bangsar Station and round quarter-hour to the cafes the Bangsar neighborhood is thought for, the Alila Bangsar boasts of trendy and stress-free public areas excessive up within the metropolis. I like how there’s a semi-partition within the sitting areas right here, even in probably the most fundamental guestrooms.
Hilton Kuala Lumpur – Personally one in all my favourite locations to remain within the metropolis, this lodge stands near KL Sentral which makes airport connections a breeze. Rooms are not too long ago furnished and there are many meals choices right here. The Japanese (Iketeru), Chinese (Chynna) and Western (Graze) choices are all distinctive.
You can even evaluate for one of the best costs at different KL accommodations right here