Day 1

Morning: Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC Park. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Standing at 452 meters, these towers were once the tallest buildings in the world. Take a tour to the Skybridge and observation deck for breathtaking views of the city (buy tickets here). Afterwards, stroll through the adjacent KLCC Park, a beautifully landscaped area perfect for a leisurely walk.

Afternoon: Bukit Bintang and Jalan Alor. Head over to Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur’s shopping and entertainment district. Explore the numerous malls, such as Pavilion KL and Berjaya Times Square, which offer everything from luxury brands to local boutiques. For lunch, make your way to Jalan Alor, a famous food street known for its variety of delicious and affordable street food. Sample local favorites like satay, char kway teow, and durian on your own, or take food tour in the area (better at night, when you actually start to have some appetite after the heat is gone).

Evening: Menara KL Tower and Chinatown. In the evening, visit Menara KL Tower, another major landmark offering panoramic city views from its observation deck. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Sky Box for a thrilling glass floor experience. End your day in Chinatown, specifically at Petaling Street, known for its vibrant night market, where you can shop for souvenirs and enjoy local delicacies.

Day 2

Morning: Batu Caves. Start your second day with a trip to Batu Caves, a limestone hill with a series of caves and cave temples. The main attraction is the giant golden statue of Lord Murugan and the 272 steps leading up to the main temple cave. It’s a site of religious significance for Hindus and offers a unique cultural experience. To get there, either take the KTM Komuter train (30min, but watch out for the return schedule!). The Batu Caves station is the final stop on the KTM Komuter’s Seremban Line. Or take a Grab in 20min for MYR 20-40 ($5-$10).

Afternoon: Merdeka Square and Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Head back to the city center to explore Merdeka Square, a historic site where Malaysia declared its independence. The square is surrounded by impressive colonial buildings, including the Sultan Abdul Samad Building with its Moorish architecture. Nearby, visit the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery to learn more about the city’s history.

Evening: Little India (Brickfields). Conclude your day in Brickfields, also known as Little India. This area is vibrant with Indian culture, colorful shops, and aromatic cuisine. Enjoy a traditional Indian meal at one of the many restaurants and take in the lively atmosphere of this cultural enclave.

How to get there

By Car | Kuala Lumpur is easily accessible by car from various parts of Malaysia. The North-South Expressway (NSE) is the main highway connecting the city to other major destinations. It’s a convenient drive from cities like Penang (approximately 4 hours) and Johor Bahru (around 3-4 hours). Kuala Lumpur’s road network is well-developed, making it straightforward to navigate the city once you arrive.

By Plane | Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is the main airport serving the city, with numerous flights from major cities worldwide. KLIA is about 45 minutes from the city center by car or train. The KLIA Ekspres train provides a fast, 30-minute journey to KL Sentral, the main transportation hub in the city. Alternatively, there are frequent flights to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Airport), which is closer to the city center.

By Bus | Traveling to KL by bus is a convenient and affordable option. Buses from major cities like Penang, Johor Bahru, and Singapore arrive at various bus terminals in Kuala Lumpur, including Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) and Pudu Sentral. The bus ride from Singapore takes approximately 5-6 hours, while from Penang, it takes around 4-5 hours. There are numerous daily services, ensuring flexibility in travel times.

By Train | Kuala Lumpur is well-connected by train. The main railway hub is KL Sentral, which links the city to other parts of Malaysia and neighboring countries. You can take an ETS (Electric Train Service) from places like Penang and Ipoh, which offers a comfortable and scenic ride to Kuala Lumpur. The journey from Penang to Kuala Lumpur takes about 4 hours.

How to get around

Many of Kuala Lumpur’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in the city center. To get to this area you can use the extensive public transportation network in KL, including the LRT, MRT, monorail, and buses. These services are affordable and convenient for getting around the city. If public transport is too hot for you, taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab are widely available and are affordable.

Where to stay

I usually book all my accommodation on Agoda in Southeast Asia, being from the region they have the biggest selection and the best deals (much better than Booking in my opinion!). Here are my top choices in Kuala Lumpur:

The Bed KLCC (budget) | A popular budget choice, The Bed offers clean and comfortable dormitory and private rooms. It’s centrally located (there are two locations if the KLCC one is full), close to attractions like Petaling Street and Merdeka Square. I recommend paying for the premium bed in the dorm, it almost feels like a separate room!

Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur (mid-range) | For a mid-range option, Hotel Stripes offers stylish rooms and excellent amenities. It’s located in the vibrant Jalan Kamunting area, with easy access to many of the city’s attractions.

The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur (luxury) | For a luxurious stay, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur provides a blend of colonial charm and modern comfort. This heritage hotel is located near the historic heart of the city, offering top-notch services and facilities.

Cost of travel

Transportation Costs | Flights to Kuala Lumpur from major Asian hubs range from $50 to $150. Public transportation within the city is very affordable, with LRT and MRT rides costing between MYR 2 to 5 ($0.50 to $1.25). Taxis and Grab rides start at around MYR 5 ($1.25).

Accommodation | Budget accommodations like hostels range from MYR 40 to 80 ($10 to $20) per night. Mid-range hotels typically cost between MYR 150 to 300 ($35 to $70) per night, while luxury hotels can cost upwards of MYR 500 ($120) per night.

Food and Drink | Eating at local hawker stalls costs around MYR 5 to 10 ($1.25 to $2.50) per meal. Mid-range restaurants offer meals for MYR 30 to 60 ($7.50 to $15) per person, while upscale dining can cost MYR 100 to 200 ($25 to $50) per person.

Activities | Many of Kuala Lumpur’s attractions are free or have minimal entry fees. Visiting the Petronas Towers costs around MYR 80 ($20), while the KL Tower costs about MYR 50 ($12.50). Exploring Batu Caves is free, although there may be a small fee for certain temple areas.

With careful planning, it’s possible to keep daily expenses in Kuala Lumpur under MYR 100 ($25) on a tight budget. A mid-range travel experience might cost around MYR 200 to 400 ($50 to $100) per day, while a luxurious visit could cost upwards of MYR 600 ($150) daily.