A Detailed Kuala Lumpur Itinerary (For two Or 3 Days)

Malaysia has turn out to be an extremely sizzling vacationer vacation spot, surpassing even Thailand as probably the most visited Asian nation in 2024. And that’s why I lately took an curiosity within the vacationer expertise offered by its capital, Kuala Lumpur.

Over the previous few weeks, I buried myself in analysis and on-line interviews with expats dwelling in “KL” (the frequent native identify used to seek advice from Kuala Lumpur) about must-do actions within the metropolis.

The suggestions ranged from museums giving an outline of Malaysian tradition to scrumptious road meals locations.

On this information, I’ll current a 2-day itinerary for Kuala Lumpur with an elective day 3 for the extra adventurous. The entire gadgets are based mostly on my intensive prior analysis and curated based mostly by myself expertise following the itinerary. This implies a number of the deliberate inclusions that turned out to be lackluster had been left off the itinerary altogether.

Kuala Lumpur Itinerary Overview

Earlier than going into additional element on my itinerary, let me first give you this fast reference desk. It contains every main cease together with the anticipated price (entrance payment + anticipated spending) and the net reserving hyperlink if there’s one.

If there isn’t a on-line reserving portal for an exercise nevertheless it ought to nonetheless be booked prematurely, I as an alternative included the group’s Fb account and you may message them there. (English is often spoken in Kuala Lumpur, so you shouldn’t have any points making a reservation.)

For locations like markets the place you could possibly spend something from $0 to $100, I didn’t even hazard a spending estimate and wrote “N/A” as an alternative. For meals locations, I wrote a tough estimate of how a lot most guests will spend to refill there and included a drink.

NOTE: To keep away from any closures or unavailabilities for the itinerary actions, the most effective day to begin the itinerary is Thursday. Be aware that many Malaysian institutions are closed on Mondays.

Be aware that the majority points of interest in KL that cost admission have reductions for youngsters underneath 13.

Journey Suggestions for Kuala Lumpur

Earlier than attending to the precise itinerary, let’s go over some suggestions that may act as jumping-off factors to your journey.

Getting Round Kuala Lumpur

Throughout my analysis and my eventual journey final week, I came upon what an enormous and heavily-developed metropolis Kuala Lumpur is. Fortunately, they’ve a handy, clear, and easy-to-navigate rail system that companies a lot of the metropolis. For quicker journeys and transport to extra distant areas, there’s a nice taxi possibility.

The Kuala Lumpur Rail System

KL has an especially complete rail system that features an above-ground metro, ground-level trains, and below-ground subways. It spans 12 strains that weave amongst one another throughout the town heart and close by suburbs. In the event you’re prepared to switch occasionally, you may get from any station to any neighborhood you need to go to for the equal of a greenback or two.

One thing I want I had recognized earlier than visiting KL is that you may purchase a go that may get you limitless rides on all KL rail and bus rides. A 3-day limitless go prices RM25 ($5.35) and a 1-day go prices RM10 ($2.15). Yow will discover out extra data concerning the KL Rail Move right here and purchase one at a practice station there.

Seize Automotive in Kuala Lumpur

“Seize” is basically the Southeast Asian Uber. Like Uber, you may set up the app in your telephone, enter your Malaysian telephone quantity, after which use the app to enter your pickup level and vacation spot while you want a trip. The app will quote you a worth and ship a driver to select you up. In my expertise, costs inside the metropolis heart ranged from RM7-15 ($1.50-3.20).

Kuala Lumpur Buses

I normally like taking public buses when touring, however the buses in KL had been greater than a bit offputting. Simply getting on was usually complicated because the stops are typically unmarked and clustered intently collectively. Plus, the one time I nearly received pickpocketed in Kuala Lumpur was on a bus – I really needed to slap away the hand of the potential thief. So I might advocate steering away from the buses on this case.

When to Go to Kuala Lumpur

Climate-wise, the most effective time to go to KL is mostly the summer season months of July-August. The common temperature throughout that point is 28 levels Celcius (82 F). January or February can also be an excellent time to go to, because it’s a bit cooler. Each of those visiting home windows have little rain most years.

The place to Keep

My single most really useful lodge for a brief keep in Kuala Lumpur is Lodge Olympic Malaysia for 3 causes:

1. It’s a 10-minute stroll to Chinatown on one facet and Bukit Bintang on the opposite facet. These are two of the most effective neighborhoods within the metropolis to absorb KL’s city tradition, with Chinatown being a bit extra conventional and Bukit Bintang being a extra fashionable purchasing and leisure district.
2. It’s proper subsequent to 2 practice stations, Plaza Rakyat and Merkeda. Between them, you’ll be capable of attain nearly any neighborhood in central KL very quickly. In the event you’re following this jam-packed itinerary and attempting to stay to cheaper transportation, that will probably be a significant plus.
3. It’s proper throughout the road from the 118-floor Merkeda Tower, by far the tallest constructing in KL. The sheer measurement of the mammoth skyscraper awed me each time I stepped out of the lodge.

Only a tip, although: should you keep right here, purchase a SIM card you may tether to your laptop computer as a result of the wifi in a number of the rooms right here isn’t nice.

Kampung Baru is a neighborhood additional north that has a nice native vibe to it that I actually loved. It’s not as well-connected by rail, although, so be ready to spend a bit extra on Seize Vehicles should you keep there.

Arrival Day

Getting via immigration at Kuala Lumpur airport ought to be a breeze; so long as you’ve already stuffed within the free Malaysia digital arrival card on-line, there’s no visa payment and no trouble to get via the automated immigration gates.

A practice runs from the airport to KL Sentral within the metropolis heart. It prices RM50/individual, however I’d advocate springing for the limitless go that will get you on the airport practice and offers you free rides on the town’s rail system for two days. You should buy the KL Journey Move on the transport counter close to the station in KLIA Terminal 2.

Getting a taxi or utilizing the Seize app can also be an possibility, however the airport is much from the town and visitors could be brutal throughout rush hour. The practice is mostly probably the most dependable and handy possibility, whereas solely generally the most affordable.

Day 1

Now, on to the precise itinerary. I’m going to counsel a time for every exercise, nevertheless it’s versatile until I be aware within the exercise description that it solely happens at a sure time.

08:00 AM – 08:45 AM: Breakfast at Nasi Lemak Manjo At Kg Baru

Nasi Lemak is probably to most quintessential Malaysian dish there’s, so it’s the right method to begin your Kuala Lumpur expertise. It consists of stewed or curried meats or greens piled onto coconut rice. At most Nasi Lemak retailers (together with Manjo), you get to browse an enormous buffet of things so as to add to your plate of rice. You’ll see it being offered at distributors on virtually each road within the metropolis, however Nasi Lemak Manjo is one in all KL’s most well-known locations for the dish.

I went there and I can undoubtedly see why. You’ll be able to style the standard care put into the meals prep, with nearly every part I attempted presenting a deep and complicated taste arising from sluggish cooking and a wide range of completely balanced spices. I might have nasi lemak a number of extra occasions throughout my adventures in KL, however it could by no means be as scrumptious because it was on that first morning at Nasi Lemak Manjo.

Serving sizes are good and enormous. You’ll in all probability find yourself paying RM15/individual contemplating every merchandise added to rice is about RM5 and a drink is just a few extra RM.

08:45 AM – 09:30 AM: Stroll to Cosmo Lodge

The stroll is pretty good and doesn’t go any highways. Of explicit curiosity is Jalan Masjid India, a colourful Indian market on a pedestrian-only road. You received’t have a lot time to hang around right here now if you wish to maintain to the itinerary, nevertheless it’s value testing to see if you wish to come again later.

09:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Free Strolling Tour (Thursday & Sunday Solely)

It’s astounding this scheduled two-hour tour is free as a result of the guides clearly have a ton of expertise and keenness for the historical past of Kuala Lumpur. The tour stops are a bit versatile, which means you may request particular places to cease at within the space should you’re curious. Nevertheless, I encourage you to stay to what they’ve deliberate; the group of the tour is nice. Plus, it’ll present some nice context for the sights you’ll see on the remainder of the journey.

Although the East-West Connection strolling tour is technically free of charge, I’d extremely encourage you to go away a tip of no less than RM40.

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM: Pasar Seni Craft Market and Mall

Pasar Seni is likely one of the busiest out of doors purchasing areas in KL. It’s additionally recognized merely because the “Central Market” as a result of it’s the oldest main commerce hub within the metropolis. A lot of the gadgets being offered listed here are mass-produced vacationer tchotchkes, however yow will discover some actually cool crafts should you take the time to wade via the remainder.

Sellers are additionally very open to bargaining, so know that you just’re in all probability getting ripped off should you pay something near full worth. As an example, I wished to purchase a hand-painted pockets and was initially quoted RM45. I got here again to the vendor with a suggestion of 25RM and received an instantaneous “okay.” I’ll by no means know if I used to be nonetheless overpaying or not.

12:15 PM – 01:30 PM: Lunch in Chinatown

Chinatown, one of the culturally wealthy elements of Kuala Lumpur, is only a 5-minute stroll from Pasar Seni. I’d advocate stopping by Guan Di Temple in your method there. The magnificent purple and gold structure and incense urns inside are a fantastic window into to KL’s outdated Chinese language tradition, and the free admission doesn’t harm both.

As soon as in Chinatown, search for a restaurant to get lunch. My high tip for locating good meals in these crowded neighborhoods is to GO SOMEWHERE WITH A LOT OF LOCALS EATING THERE. On this case, eat someplace with a variety of Chinese language prospects. I went to a Chinese language place known as Westlake and had an excellent meal, however I encourage you to scope one thing out for your self.

Additionally when you’re right here, attempt to swing by Kwai Chai Hong, an alley adorned with conventional Chinese language Avenue Artwork.

01:30 PM – 02:00 PM: Taxi to CWOKS Craft Studio

02:00 PM – 04:30 PM: Batik Drawing and Portray Workshop at CWOKS

“Batik” is an artwork kind that originated in Java and includes waxing and dyeing material in elaborate patterns to create colourful designs which have a uniquely flowy look to them.

The 150-minute Batik workshop at CWOKS takes place at 10 am and a pair of pm day by day and permits you to strive your hand on the artwork kind, waxing and dyeing a paper to create a stunning memento that radiates conventional Malaysian tradition. I introduced our Batik work residence and framed them right here – it was straightforward to seek out frames that match because the paper used for the category is A4 measurement. The workshop prices RM35 for 150 minutes, and it’s appropriate for all ages.

04:30 PM – 07:00 PM: Relaxation Time

Take the subsequent few hours to relaxation. Throughout this time, I’d advocate both:

• Returning to your lodge for a lie-down;
• Strolling or taking a taxi the the close by Barn Pavillion KL, a pleasant bar;
• Taking a taxi to the Museum of Illusions, a museum with a collection of rooms that appear like scenes out of an MC Escher portray. It’s a fantastic spot for pictures; and
• Enjoying a fast spherical on the close by Royal Selangor Golf Course.

07:00 PM or When Individuals are Hungry: Taxi to Jalan Alor Meals Avenue

Jalan Alor is Kuala Lumpur’s most vibrant road meals space. Not solely will you be capable of fill your abdomen for an affordable worth, however you’ll additionally be taught extra about Malaysia’s numerous delicacies. You’ll discover Indian, Chinese language, Malay, and Halal meals, in addition to the hybrids that KL’s cultural melting pot has created.

After Dinner: Petaling Avenue Market and Chinatown

Since Chinatown might be on the way in which again to your lodge, you could as effectively give your self a change of surroundings after dinner at Jalan Alor and take a look at KL’s different hottest road meals space, Petaling Market in Chinatown, for some dessert. My suggestions are cendol (probably the most Malaysian dessert yow will discover) and a coconut smoothie.

After dessert, take a stroll across the broader Chinatown space. You had been right here earlier, nevertheless it’s even prettier at evening. Strive to take a look at the River of Life, a protracted canal working via the town. The intense lights alongside the a part of the river close to Chinatown are a poignant method to finish your first full day in Kuala Lumpur.

Day 2

Breakfast Close to Your Lodge

The primary day of the itinerary launched you to the type of meals on provide in KL. Now it’s time so that you can scope out one thing for your self! Meals prep in Kuala Lumpur tends to be fairly hygienic in comparison with many Southeast Asian locations, nevertheless it’s an excellent apply to stay to places the place no less than just a few locals are already consuming.

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Free Shuttle to Royal Selangor Customer Centre

This morning, you’ll head to the Royal Selangor Customer Centre for a pewter-crafting workshop. The middle presents a free shuttle that picks up guests from their resorts. Bear in mind to ebook prematurely by way of the hyperlink supplied within the desk above.

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Royal Selangor Pewter-Crafting Workshop and Museum

“The Foundry” is an in-depth pewter-crafting workshop on the Royal Selangor Customer Centre. The 60-minute class is an effective way to be taught a bit of concerning the industrial facet of Kuala Lumpur whereas making a pewter accent of your alternative you get to take residence.

Souvenirs I get throughout my travels are normally simply collectible figurines or magnets used for adornment, however I made a pewter mug and it was good to lastly have a memento I can use for an precise objective. I additionally received to maintain the apron I wore through the class. The workshop is really useful for folks 15 and older, and it prices RM75/individual. If you’re touring with youngsters, the Centre presents a less expensive and extra primary pewter-crafting workshop that’s solely half-hour and is appropriate for all ages.

After the workshop, take a couple of minutes to discover the remainder of the Customer Centre. There’s a museum devoted to the historical past and science of Malaysian pewter and some spectacular pewter buildings.

12:00 PM – 12:15 PM: Taxi to Nationwide Artwork Museum

12:15 PM – 01:00 PM: Lunch at SEJIWA, the Museum Cafe

This cafe could be very extremely rated, nevertheless it’s closed on Mondays. In the event you occur to be coming right here on a Monday, eat both exterior the museum or on the cafe of the Royal Selangor Customer Centre.

01:00 PM – 02:00 PM: Discover the Museum

The Nationwide Artwork Museum is free to enter and has some very participating reveals. You would possibly suppose that an artwork museum could be kind of the identical irrespective of the place you journey, however you’d be unsuitable. Malaysian painters undoubtedly have a definite fashion. They put extra coloration into their work they usually focus extra on commerce of their work.

Maybe probably the most fascinating exhibit to me was the bottom ground corridor that advised the story of Ferdinand Magellan and his Malaysian “assistant,” Enrique of Malacca. The exhibit included just a few maps made all through the previous 1000 years, work depicting the fabled spice islands, and a video retelling of the journey.

02:00 PM – 03:00 PM: Titiwangsa Park

The Museum is true subsequent to Titiwangsa Park, a fantastic place to expertise a little bit of Kuala Lumpur’s pure magnificence. The park is well-kept and has a big lake in it that has a paved pathway round it, so it’s comfy to stroll round even with youngsters. The surroundings remains to be distinctly tropical, although.

Titiwangsa Park is so large that it’s really divided into totally different “walks” to discover. As an alternative of masking what you may on foot, although, I’d advocate renting a bicycle so you may see all of it. This pin exhibits the placement of the closest bicycle rental space. The park rents regular bicycles, tandem bikes, and bikes with a baby provider. Regular bicycle rental charges ought to be RM10/hour, although they’ll doubtless attempt to overcharge you at first so that you’ll in all probability must insist on the correct worth. In the event you’re unsure the place to go, strive biking across the lake after which making your method to the park’s cover bridge.

Bear in mind that there’s nowhere within the park to purchase water, so carry a full bottle with you.

03:00 PM – 03:15 PM: Taxi to She A Po Durian

After you’ve seen your fill of the park, return the bikes and hop in a taxi.

03:15 PM – 04:00 PM: Strive Durian or Durian Ice Cream

In the event you’ve ever eaten and even smelled durian, you’re in all probability skeptical about this itinerary merchandise. And I understand how you’re feeling if that’s the case; earlier than attempting durian in Malaysia, I used to be all the time disgusted by the fruit, too. However I had heard that Musang King, a durian selection distinctive to Malaysia, is the most effective durian on the earth, so I figured I’d strive it. And what? I completely liked it.

In the event you’ve tried different durians, you’re in all probability used to the dominant taste of the fruit being a deep pungency that’s nearly like onion with a touch of sweetness underscoring it. The dominant taste of the Musang King, although, was a wealthy and creamy sweetness. The pungency was nonetheless there, nevertheless it was not overpowering.

Not solely that however the seeds of the Musang King had been surrounded by a thicker layer of the decadent durian fruit than the varieties I’m used to, which meant I may actually sink my enamel into the creamy texture as an alternative of scraping the seeds clear with my enamel.

In the event you’ve disliked durian prior to now, or should you’ve by no means tried durian earlier than, I extremely encourage you to strive Musang King with an open thoughts. For many who can’t bear to strive it, go together with the durian ice cream supplied at She A Po.

It ought to be famous that durian, particularly Musang King, is EXPENSIVE. You’re not being ripped off while you’re charged RM80 for a kilogram of recent Musang King; it’s simply that sought-after.

04:00 PM – 05:00 PM: Petronas Twin Towers

Petronas Towers is extraordinarily touristy and could also be a bit of bit (GASP) overrated, nevertheless it’s additionally completely iconic and is de facto the defacto image of Kuala Lumpur. The structure of the constructing is de facto cool, and the view from the 86th-floor viewing deck (and the sky bridge on the way in which up) is fairly spectacular.

Tickets price a steep RM98 for adults. Most days, you’ll be capable of wait in a protracted line to purchase tickets on the tower, however I like to recommend shopping for tickets prematurely on the hyperlink within the desk above to keep away from the delay.

I loved the free Symphony Water Present in a fountain close to the foot of the towers much more than the towers themselves. The fountain shoots up jets of water coloured by lights and accompanied by music. The present takes place each evening at 8, 9, and 10 pm, although, so that you’ll have to come back again later in case you are attempting to stay to the itinerary.

05:15 PM – 07:30 PM: Aquaria KLCC OR MinNature Malaysia

These had been two of my favourite actions on my Kuala Lumpur journey, so it pains me a bit of to incorporate them as an both/or possibility on this itinerary. In case you have free time to spend within the metropolis later, I’d advocate coming again to the one you didn’t select. In any other case, decide whichever pursuits you extra.

Aquaria KLCC is a brief stroll from Petronas Towers and is likely one of the greatest aquariums in Asia. It’s extraordinarily well-maintained and has fascinating reveals from begin to end. The marine wildlife is nearly all native to oceans round Asia solely, so it has a variety of aquatic species you may’t see in aquariums elsewhere. It’s effectively well worth the admission, which is just RM70 ($15) should you purchase tickets from the hyperlink within the desk above slightly than on the entrance desk of the aquarium.

MinNature is a tremendous museum on the second ground of Sungei Wang Plaza in Bukit Bintang purchasing and leisure district. The museum is stuffed with spectacularly detailed dioramas depicting varied elements of Malaysian tradition. The dioramas within the first room depict scenes from each day life like a road meals market, a fishing outpost, or a Malaysian farm. The dioramas within the second and third rooms spotlight iconic sights within the totally different provinces and main cities of the nation. Simply wanting on the dioramas, you may really feel that the homeowners of MinNature Malaysia have an overflowing ardour for his or her craft.

Admission to the MinNature museum is RM30 for adults. You should buy tickets on the entrance desk.

07:30 PM – 07:45 PM: Taxi to Pudu Wai Sek Kai Malay Meals Courtroom

07:45 PM: Dinner at Pudu Wai Sek Kai

Pudu Wai Sek Kai was really useful by a Malaysian pal, and he didn’t let me down. It’s one of many few locations I visited in KL that felt untouched by fashionable growth despite the fact that it’s in the course of city. It was an odd feeling seeing all of the quaint road distributors and plastic desk and chair units set towards a background of a decidedly Twenty first-century megacity.

The meals court docket itself has tons of choices. I received’t spoil every part for you, however I’ll let you know that my favourite factor was a fried rice noodle dish known as char kway teow and a dessert of iced lin chee kang, a candy soup.

Almost every part at Pudu Wai Sek Kai is extraordinarily reasonably priced, so carry RM75 and go nuts.

Day 3

Breakfast Close to Your Lodge

08:45 AM – 11:30 AM: Genuine KL Bicycle Tour

I really like taking biking excursions of latest cities I go to as a result of they will let you cowl a variety of floor whereas nonetheless feeling an interpersonal connection to your environment. This “Genuine KL” tour was no exception, and it’s not a retread of sights you’ve already witnessed on this itinerary both.

Meet at 8:45 for the tour on the Mike’s Bikes workplace in MATIC, the Malaysian Tourism Middle.

11:30 AM – 12:45 PM: Crimson Line to SS15

To get a well-rounded really feel for Kuala Lumpur, it’s good to journey exterior the town heart to a extra working-class space. To take action, I’d advocate taking the purple LRT line southwest in the direction of Putra Heights and getting off at SS15.

12:45 PM – 01:45 PM: Lunch

Being additional out of the town heart, the quite a few eating places in SS15 will probably be even inexpensive and, for my part, extra scrumptious. A couple of good eateries in SS15 are:

• SS15 Rojak and Cendol for extra Malaysian road meals.
• Restoran Gold Chilli for the most effective butter rooster exterior of London.
• Uncle Quickly Fried Rice should you’re actually hungry and wish a scrumptious carbohydrate bomb.

01:45 PM – 05:00 PM: Spend Time in SS15

I’m conscious that I’m a little bit of an outlier for loving suburban areas of huge cities a lot, however I simply can’t get sufficient of the quiet, quaint, however nonetheless very fashionable appeal that these sorts of neighborhoods present. Individuals are inclined to exhibit a extra laid-back angle, meals tends to be cheaper and extra lovingly made, and the streets aren’t as crowded, however you continue to have entry to city conveniences like 7-11s and road meals.

I discovered the trademark suburban appeal in spades at SS15, the primary neighborhood I visited. There are just a few massive universities there that make it type of a pupil hotspot, which solely provides to its thrilling and vibrant really feel. I got here right here for Meeples European Board Recreation Cafe (which I extremely advocate to board recreation followers), however there are a variety of different choices to discover too. As an example, I had a number of the greatest loose-leaf tea I’ve ever tasted at Tea Impression and I used to be advised The Beer Manufacturing unit is a good place to spend a night.

In the event you’re touring with youngsters and wish an exercise for them, sub out SS15 for SS2 and go to Escape Petaling Jaya, which is a implausible impediment course in a mall. Get off the purple line on the Glenmarie Station to get there.

05:00 PM – 06:15 PM: Take Crimson Line Again to Brickfields

Brickfields is the “Little India” of Kuala Lumpur. It’s additionally proper on the purple line of the LRT. Take the road in the direction of Gombak, get off on the KL Sentral cease, and it’s a brief stroll.

06:15 PM – 07:30 PM: Eat at an Indian Restaurant in Brickfields

Provided that over 10% of Kuala Lumpur residents are Indian, it’s no shock that the Indian meals in its most well-known “Little India” district is each scrumptious and deeply genuine. I had a fantastic meal at Bombay Talkies Restaurant, however any eatery on this neighborhood that will get good evaluations on Google Maps ought to wow you.

This itinerary is designed to present you a really feel for each a part of Kuala Lumpur, however it’s only the very tip of the iceberg by way of what the town has to supply. If in any respect potential, I encourage you to remain longer than just a few days and do a few of your personal exploring along with what’s on right here to expertise Kuala Lumpur on a deeper degree.