My Plan was to visit Malaysia for a couple of days while doing a mini tour of Asia last year that consisted of China, Cambodia, and Thailand. Little did I know that the vacation Gods had other plans as I ended up back in Malaysia after missing my flight to Paris and also visiting this year on the way to Australia.
While I was bummed about missing my Paris flight and consequently missing the New Year’s celebration I planned in Paris but it wasn’t all too bad as I got to ring in the New Year in Cambodia then flew off to visit Malaysia before returning back to London.
One gets over these little mishaps very quickly if you happen to get stuck in rather beautiful cities like Kuala Lumpur. I expected it to be Modern and lavish and I wasn’t disappointed either.
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Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide | Top Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur
1. KLCC Shopping Mall
This sits right at the foot of Petronas Twin Towers in Suria KLCC and definitely worth stopping by even if you are not into burning plastic when you travel. There is something for everyone in there. From Luxury brands the likes of Gucci, Fendi, and Gabbana to a cinema, food courts, art gallery, concert hall and to top it all there is also a lovely park on the other side of the building, perfect for people watching while taking it all in.
Iconic landmarks of Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia as a whole is well worth a visit if you having broken your neck by staring up at them from ground level. Built in 1998, the twin towers stand at 88 storeys high and are joined by a double-decker sky bridge that you actually get to walk on during the tower tour.
From 88 storeys high you get amazing views of the city and beyond. I visited the City Museum which has a display exhibition showing proposed buildings that will litter the city’s skyline so more exciting and awe aspiring structures to grace the capital soon.
This is not to be missed! Batu Caves are 11km north of KL. A 400 million years old limestone hill with a 100-year-old temple inside its caves. You will be greeted by little monkeys that traipse the steep steps to the caves. A word of caution, this is a temple, even with the relentless heat in Malaysia you are still expected to visit the temple in modest dress. If you turn up with barely there short shorts like I saw many tourists turn up in you will be asked to cover up.
4. Petaling Street
Day or time if you can add this to your itinerary you will not regret it, well at least your taste buds won’t. I shared a post on my visit to Kuala Lumpur’s China Town. A colourful part of the city well known to locals and tourists alike for a being a bargain hunter’s paradise.
You will find all sorts of knick-knacks here including fake branded goods. From trainers, shoes, and handbags. Name the brand and they have a luxury brand sticker for it. The vibe is lively comes day or night. You also cannot leave here without tasting the food in the open air cafes, stalls, and restaurants that line the streets.
5. Menara KL
So you have taken in the city views from Petronas Towers, gets what? Menara KL has a viewing deck that is 100 meters higher than that of Petronas Towers. Menara KL is also one of the world’s tallest structures. To take in the views from her, though, be sure to arrive early in the day as tickets are in limited supply. That might have something to do with the fact that they are FREE!
7. Bukit Bintang
8. KL City Gallery/Museum
9. Heli Lounge
Having explored and eaten your way through the city you want to chill and watch the sunset. Heli Lounge is a cool little hang out with 360-degrees of uninterrupted views of the city. Free entrance to the Heli Pad, after you by a drink of course. For more on this, you can check out my post on Kuala Lumpur’s hidden gem.
10. Markets
Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
Getting Around Kuala Lumpur
Getting from the Airport is made easy as there are taxis waiting right outside. Even better if you haven’t already changed currency or don’t know too much about the going rate of taxi fares or can’t haggle to save your life then Uber will sort you out! We used Uber from the airport straight to our hotel without breaking the bank.
I believe it was under £20. Compared that to £50-60 from Heathrow into Central London. Getting around the city itself is super easy to as there is the monorail which is another item to add to an experience of seeing and experiencing Kuala Lumpur. There are buses you can also use but I didn’t get a chance to use these as was based right in the heart of the city, so we walked a lot or used taxis for places that were far, like the visit to Batu Caves.
Also See:
- Going Beyond Kuala Lumpur With A Borneo Itinerary
- Best Places To Stay In Bali
- Top Phuket Experiences Not To Miss
- Where To Stay In Phuket
Upeksha
I went to KL, many many years ago and would love to go again. Looking at your photos, it seem to have changed so much. Thank you for sharing. #theweeklypostcard
Bianca M.
If it was a while since you visited then I though you are well overdue a visit.
Tracy Collins
Interesting! I would love to pin this for future reference as hoping to get to KL next year and this gives a lot of useful info! #theweeklypostcard
Erick Prince
I think thoose pics under Petaling Street are from Jalon Alor. The night food street.
Bianca M.
Will have a look
Elaine McArdle
We went a few years ago and were so burnt out from a being on the road we spent most of our time at the hotel pool! So many Batu Cave regrets looking back!
Bianca M.
I think you now have a reason to head back and visit 😀
Sarah Audal
OMG, I missed KL after reading this! I visited KL while I was living in Singapore in 2009 and definitely loved walking around the city – and well, shopping!!!
Bianca M.
Yep, shopping!!! I expect shops but not on this scale. Yep, KL really knows how to do retail therapy well.
Luca
Really greaat post. So many amazing ideas for things to do in Kuala Lumpur. Thank you so much!
Bianca
Awww thanks! ….and you are welcome 😀
Jesperel
We have a couple of days in Malaysia and are looking for ideas for most romantic things to do in Kuala Lumpur. You visited KL with your husband, any ideas on cool places I could take my wife?
Bianca
Oh, there a plenty of unique experiences to check out from private tours to amazingly romantic dinners from budget to lux. We stayed at Mandarin Oriental hotel and had one night in for my birthday where the hotel arranged for a fully decked out night in with dinner severed in our room after having an evening of pampering. Maybe you can do something similar to that or see if there is any hotel that has an amazing view while you dine? Hope that helps.
Silas
Great post. We are excited to be visiting Kuala Lumpur for 2 days and really love your blog as you have plenty of ideas for things to do in Kuala Lumpur during our 2 days.
Bianca
Thats great that you found the post useful. I am sure you will have an amazing time in KL.
Caitlin
We have a layover in Kuala Lumpur but not enough to actually go out exploring the city. Trying to find things to do in Kuala Lumpur at the airport, any ideas you can recommend?
Bianca
Hi Caitlin, there is plenty to do at the Kuala Lumpur Airport. There are plenty of things to do, from trying out amazing food, you can check into a capsule hotel to sleep, there is a movies lounge, hang out in the express lounge…
Daniela
We have a couple of nights in KL and want some cool and fun things to do in Kuala Lumpur at night. Any ideas of what fun places we can check out?
Bianca
Hey Daniela, if you want something cool to do at night in Kuala Lumpur you can definitely check out the Heli Pad Lounge which is just a treat at night. Amazing views and great drinks too.
Selena
Hi, we are visiting Malaysia with a baby, just wanted to check if you have any idea of things to do in Kuala Lumpur with toddlers?
Bianca
Oh man, I can’t say I can think of anything to do particularly with toddlers. We did come across may families thought. There were playpens in the KLCC malls and that’s as far as I can recall.
Koffi
We are looking for things to do in Kuala Lumpur layover on our way to Cambodia. Can you recommend things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 8 hours.
Bianca
Ok I think realistically you only have about 3 – 4 hours to explore as I am thinking getting out of the airport and back to the airport for check-in and all that… So you can easily take an uber to KLCC. Check out the mall check out the Petronas Towers and cafes in the mall. The other option is that you to go and visit the Batu Caves. The journey from KL airport to Batu Caves is about 50mins each way and for the journey from KL Airport to Petronas Towers is about 45mins each way so just bear that in mind.
Jeanie
We have a short visit in KL and wondering if you think we have a shot to many of the above when looking at things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days?
Bianca
Hey Jeanie, we had a couple of trips to Kuala Lumpur one of which was short so you can certainly do many of the thing above during a short visit and many of the above too.