Kuala Lumpur, or KL as many call it, is Malaysia’s vibrant capital and a favorite among digital nomads and backpackers. With its affordability, widespread use of English, and delicious street food, it’s easy to see why. While the city is famous for its towering skyscrapers and sprawling shopping malls, there’s so much more to explore. In this guide, we’ll share the 11 best things to do in Kuala Lumpur, along with tips on getting around, how long to stay, and the best places to stay.
Table of contents
- How to get to Kuala Lumpur
- How to get around in Kuala Lumpur
- Things to do in Kuala Lumpur
- Best time to visit Kuala Lumpur
- How long to stay in Kuala Lumpur
- Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
How to get to Kuala Lumpur
The easiest and most comfortable way to get to Kuala Lumpur is by plane. We know that everyone’s itinerary and starting location is different, but the cheapest flights to Kuala Lumpur can be found if you’re leaving from: Changi Airport (Singapore), Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta, Indonesia) or Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok, Thailand).
Once you arrive at KUL airport, you have a few options to reach the city center. The fastest way to get from KLIA to the city center is by taking the KLIA Ekspres. This takes 28 minutes and is by far the best (fastest) option as the service is non stop. You could also take the bus from KUL airport to the city center, which takes around one hour (but heavily dependent on traffic). Lastly, if you want more convenience, Grab is also an option. We took a Grab to reach our hotel in the city center, and paid 65 MYR (around € 13) for a one hour ride.
People that don’t want to fly will be happy to know that there are other options to get to Kuala Lumpur. The first option is to take the bus from Singapore to KL, which takes between 5 to 6 hours. The second option is to take the train from Bangkok to Padang Besar, which takes around 16 hours. Then from Padang Besar it’s another 5-hour train ride to reach Kuala Lumpur Sentral station.
How to get around in Kuala Lumpur
The most convenient option to get around in Kuala Lumpur is definitely Grab. During our week in KL we only paid € 47 for transportation, ride from and to the airport included. We find Grab very affordable, and it is by far the most convenient option.
If you don’t want to install new apps on your phone, you can also make use of the pretty extensive LRT (Light Rail Transit) and MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) systems. They cover major parts of the city, and fares typically range from RM1 to RM6 (€ 0,20 – € 1,20).
Things to do in Kuala Lumpur
1. Explore the Batu Caves
A visit to Kuala Lumpur isn’t complete without stopping by the Batu Caves. This iconic spot is famous for its vibrant rainbow stairs and the towering golden statue of Lord Murugan. To reach the caves, you’ll need to climb the 272 colorful steps first. We suggest visiting early in the morning – not just to dodge the crowds, but also to beat the heat. We made it to the top by 7 AM and were already pretty sweaty! The climb is definitely a challenge, but the experience is worth it. And the best part? It’s free!
Good to know
The simplest way to reach the Batu Caves is by booking a Grab. We paid about € 3,40 for a 20-minute ride! Another option is to join a private Batu Caves temple tour.
2. Visit Thean Hou Temple
Thean Hou Temple is a stunning six-tiered Buddhist temple perched on a hill, offering one of the best views in Kuala Lumpur. As one of the largest and oldest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, it’s a must-see for its intricate details and incredible views. We arrived around 8:30 AM, which we found the perfect time as it’s right before the tour buses arrived. The temple was so peaceful, we only saw a few people praying and two newlyweds taking wedding photos. If you want to enjoy the tranquility just like we did, visiting before 9 AM is key! The temple opens at 8 AM and is free to visit.
3. Explore Little India and Chinatown
Kuala Lumpur’s rich mix of cultures is beautifully showcased in neighborhoods like Little India and Chinatown. Little India (also called Brickfields) is the go-to spot for authentic Indian flavors and colorful street scenes. Having visited India ourselves, we can assure you that Little India offers a genuine taste of Indian culture. In Chinatown, check out Kwai Chai Hong for its beautiful murals, and Petaling Street Market for tasty street food and great shopping. For a tasty and affordable meal, The Lankan offers excellent Sri Lankan dishes at great prices. We never skip Chinatown in any city we visit, and we hope you won’t either!
4. Stroll through Perdana Botanical Garden
When thinking of things to do in Kuala Lumpur, a visit to Perdana Botanical Garden is a must. It’s the perfect place to escape the city’s hustle and relax in a peaceful, green setting. We spent about an hour wandering through the beautiful gardens and around the serene lakes, enjoying the calm atmosphere. It’s a great way to recharge while still being close to the heart of the city. The canopy of Laman Perdana is probably the most popular landmark here, but our favorite spot by a landslide is the Sunken Garden. It’s a perfectly symmetric garden in a lower section, with a star shaped fountain in the middle.
5. Discover KL Forest Eco Park
KL Forest Eco Park is another fantastic park in Kuala Lumpur. Situated right in the city center, it features several walking trails through the only natural rainforest in the area. The canopy walk is a highlight of the park, with suspended bridges offering breathtaking views of the treetops, the skyline, and even the KL Tower. We loved the striking contrast between the beautiful greenery and the city skyline, making it a perfect place for photos and a peaceful escape from urban life.
Entrance fee: 40RM for international visitors (around € 8)
Opening hours: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
6. Admire the iconic Petronas Towers
No trip to Kuala Lumpur is complete without seeing the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. These towers are not just the world’s tallest twin buildings, but also a must-see sight in the city. We suggest heading to KLCC Park for the best experience. It is located behind the towers and offers a great view. Plan to visit in the evening or stay until nightfall to watch the towers light up and catch the Lake Symphony Light and Sound Water Fountain Show. These shows happen daily at 8 PM, 9 PM, and 10 PM. It’s a great way to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere!
See if there’s availability to visit the Petronas Twin Towers observation deck on your dates.
7. Drinks with a view at SkyBar
If you’re looking for a fantastic rooftop bar in Kuala Lumpur, SkyBar at Traders Hotel KL is a must-visit. We totally get why it’s so popular – along with their amazing cocktails, you get an incredible view of the Petronas Twin Towers. You’ll be able to (almost) touch them! The rooftop at SkyBar also features a pool, but it’s only for hotel guests. Thankfully, the bar area is open to everyone. 😉 Even though there’s no “outside platform” at SkyBar, we can say that the overall experience is definitely worth it!
Wondering how much a trip to Kuala Lumpur will cost? Take a look at our detailed budget breakdown for 1 week in Kuala Lumpur.
8. Stroll around Merdeka Square
Merdeka Square, or Dataran Merdeka, is a significant spot in Kuala Lumpur where Malaysia’s independence was declared on August 31, 1957. Today, it’s a peaceful place where both locals and tourists gather to relax. One of the highlights here is the stunning Sultan Abdul Samad Building, which stands proudly at the front of the square. While the front is impressive, we found walking along the river behind the building just as enjoyable. It’s a great way to enjoy a quieter perspective of this historic area!
9. Shop at Central Market
Just a short 5-minute walk from Merdeka Square, Central Market is the perfect spot to buy some unique souvenirs. This charming Art Deco building is packed with interesting shops, cozy cafes, and a lively food court. We loved wandering through the market, and even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s a fun place to explore.
If you’re craving something sweet, you’ve got to try the pastries at Ben’s Bake Shop – especially the carrot cake. And for a refreshing break, grab a Restore juice near the food court. The owner is the sweetest, he even gave us two extra juices just because it was a hot day. Before you leave, be sure to snap a photo at the iconic Central Market Drop Pin near the entrance!
10. Try street food at Jalan Alor Night Market
Jalan Alor Night Market is the perfect spot to dive into Kuala Lumpur’s street food scene. Located in Bukit Bintang, this bustling market is packed with food stalls and restaurants serving up delicious dishes at affordable prices. The lively atmosphere and endless variety of food made our visit a highlight of the trip!
See if there’s availability for a Kuala Lumpur local street food night tour on your dates.
11. Cool off at SplashMania WaterPark
SplashMania WaterPark in Kuala Lumpur is a surprising find just outside the city! With 39 slides and attractions, it’s perfect for cooling off and having a great time. Whether you’re into single or group slides, watching shows, or grabbing a bite at the food stalls, there’s plenty to enjoy all day long. We went on a Friday and were pleasantly surprised that we never had to wait more than 30 minutes for any attraction!
Located near the airport, it’s a bit of a drive (about an hour), and we spent around € 12 on a Grab ride to get there. Totally worth it though! Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or as a couple, SplashMania is sure to offer a memorable day of water fun.
Buy your SplashMania tickets here.
Best time to visit Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is great to visit any time of the year, but for the best weather, consider coming between May and August or in February. During these months, you’ll enjoy drier conditions and more sunshine, making it perfect for exploring the city’s attractions.
How long to stay in Kuala Lumpur
As for how long to stay, we recommend spending at least 3 days in Kuala Lumpur. This gives you enough time to see the main sights and explore the food scene. If you can, extending your stay to 4 days allows you to explore at a more leisurely pace and truly experience everything the city has to offer without feeling rushed.
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
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