Welcome to the vibrant capital of Malaysia! Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of culture, architecture and gastronomy. This versatility is therefore reflected when you explore the city: from impressive mosques and temples such as the Batu Caves to gigantic shopping malls and ultramodern skyscrapers. There is so much to do in Kuala Lumpur that you can easily fill several weeks with activities. In this travel guide you will read about the best sights and best things to do in Kuala Lumpur!
Three days in Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia’s capital has a lot to offer and there is so much to see! In this travel guide, you will discover the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur. We recommend spending at least three days in this vibrant city. If you have more time, you can take it a little slower and take in sights in Kuala Lumpur even better.
Day 1: nature & culture
The first day in Kuala Lumpur is all about the green parts of the city and the delicious food!
1) Forest Eco Park
Start your first day in Kuala Lumpur by visiting the Forest Eco Park, the last piece of tropical rainforest in the city. This unique 10.5-acre park is tucked away in the center of the city, surrounded by the many skyscrapers. The park is especially popular for the Canopy Walk, a short hike that takes you from treetop to treetop via several suspension bridges. Along the way, there’s even a good chance you’ll encounter a group of monkeys!
Opening hours Forest Eco Park: daily from 08:00 – 17:30 (last tickets at 16:30) | price: 40 RM
2) Merdeka square & Sultan Abdul Samad
Merdeka Square is historically one of the most important squares in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia’s independence was declared here in 1957, and that is what ‘Merdeka’ stands for. The square is especially worth a visit for the beautiful Sultan Abdul Samad building. This building is notable for its Moorish style and 40-meter-high bell tower. Stroll around the building and discover a surprisingly landscaped park with a fountain at the back.
3) Have lunch in Little India
Continue your day by taking the subway to Brickfields, also known as the Little India of Kuala Lumpur. Stroll through this colorful neighborhood with its many cheerful arches. Slide into one of the many Indian restaurants here and enjoy a blissful Indian lunch. At Nadia Vege Cafe you are already coming into your own!
4) Perdana Botanical Garden
After lunch, it’s time to explore Kuala Lumpur’s green lung. This is the largest park in the city and ideal for taking a break in the shade. You can walk around here for hours if you want, as you will find a bird park, butterfly garden and a playground made entirely of bamboo, among other things. The most beautiful photo spot is undoubtedly the yellow stained-glass structure at the heart of the park. Here you will also find many locals who come to seek shade or street performers putting on their best performance. The park is a public place and completely free to visit.
5) Jalon Alor Night market
What better way to end your first day in Kuala Lumpur than at the city’s largest street food market ? By evening, this street, called Jalon Alor, turns into a veritable feast, with all sorts of food stalls set up offering various local dishes. Live it up by trying typical Malaysian dishes like Nasi Lemak (fried rice in coconut milk) or Pisang Goreng (banana fritters) at ridiculously cheap prices!
Day 2: religious monuments
On day two in Malaysia’s capital, you will explore the city’s main religious sites. What is especially beautiful to see is how all religions in Malaysia can live together in peace.
1) Batu Caves: the rainbow steps
Start your day early by heading to the Batu Caves which is located just outside the center of Kuala Lumpur. Hidden in the slate rocks is a Hindu temple that you reach via the 272 colorful steps. Next to the steps, you will find a 42-meter golden statue of the god Murugan stretching high above you. The Batu Caves is one of the most famous sights and should definitely not be missed when in Kuala Lumpur! The entrance is free, but it is a religious place so remember to cover your shoulders and knees when entering the complex.
TRAVEL TIP : Around the steps, you will see numerous monkeys hanging out. Even though they sometimes look cute, these hungry monkeys are only out to steal your food and belongings. So tuck everything well away in your bag and keep plenty of distance.
2) Federal Territory Mosque
Take a Grab or catch the train to the next stop on day two in Kuala Lumpur: the Federal Territory Mosque. This mosque, also called Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan, will leave you stunned. The interior, inspired by Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, is beautiful with its many mosaics and marble floors. Admission is free and clothes will be provided at the entrance so you can dress appropriately before entering. Usually when you visit the Federal Territory Mosque you get a guided (and very enthusiastic!) tour, so be sure to allow at least an hour for your visit here.
3) Chinatown
Chinatown is Kuala Lumpur’s most vibrant and colorful neighborhoods with a mix of culture, history and delicious food. Stroll through the winding streets surrounded by traditional Chinese temples and colonial buildings decorated with many, red lanterns. The markets, including Central Market and Petaling Street Market, are a bargain hunter’s paradise. In between shopping, sample local delicacies at the many food stalls and enjoy Malaysian, Chinese and Indian dishes.
4) Thean Hou temple
A visit to one of Southeast Asia’s largest temples could not be missed when visiting Kuala Lumpur in three days. Dedicated to the goddess Tian Hou, this Chinese templeis an important spiritual and cultural destination in Kuala Lumpur. Immerse yourself in Chinese culture as you stroll through the ornate pagodas decorated with hundreds of red and yellow lanterns. The temple is located on a hilltop in Kuala Lumpur, which gives you a beautiful view of the entire city.
Day 3: shopping in Kuala Lumpur
The last day in Kuala Lumpur is dedicated to the city’s icon: the Petronas Towers. This day we look at the city from a different perspective: from above!
1) Infinity pool with a view
Something you should definitely do when staying in Kuala Lumpur is swim in an infinity pool overlooking the Petronas Towers and the city. In Kuala Lumpur, you’ll find hundreds of hotels with their own swimming pools, and unlike Singapore, you don’t have to shell out a fortune for these. We ourselves stayed at the Santa Grand Signature hotel where you can stay for as little as €50/night with infinity pool, fitness and a delicious breakfast buffet! You can also find many aparthotels in Kuala Lumpur, where you can find a studio with kitchenette from as little as €60/night such as at Pavilion Ceylon Hill Suites. If you like a little more luxury, then a night’s sleep at EQ Kuala Lumpur is definitely a must!
2) Petronas Towers & KLCC Park
After a refreshing morning swim, it’s time to hit the town again! Start your third day in Kuala Lumpur by going to Kuala Lumpur’s icon: the Petronas Towers. At 452 meters and 88 stories, it is the tallest twin towers in the world. For the best views of the towers, head to the adjacent KLCC park. This green park is a pleasant walk and every evening you can also go there for a free fountain show at 8pm , 9pm and 10pm. You can also visit the towers themselves where you can get a great view of Kuala Lumpur on the 86th floor. Book your tickets online so you can be sure of a place to go inside.
3) Bukit Bintang
Bukit Bintang, also called Kuala Lumpur’s Times Square, is the place to store! On this street you will find one mall after another surrounded by large billboards. The most famous shopping malls are Pavillion and Fahrenheit 88 where you can spend hours. In addition to stores, you will also find numerous restaurants, hair and beauty salons, electronics stores and cinemas. Whatever you are looking for, you will undoubtedly find it here.
4) Sunset at a rooftop bar
The best way to see Kuala Lumpur from a different perspective is to end your day at one of Kuala Lumpur’s many rooftop bars. Enjoy a nice drink with a beautiful sunset. The Heli Lounge Bar is ideal for this. This helicopter pad is transformed into a rooftop bar with a 360° view of the city after 6 p.m.! For a more upscale setting, you have to go to Vertigo. This is considered one of Kuala Lumpur’s best rooftop bars, but you’ll notice that in the pricier cocktails.
TRAVEL TIP: Most rooftop bars have a dress code: smart casual. This means that it is best to dress somewhat neatly. Men’s shorts or open shoes are not allowed.
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
The best neighborhoods to stay in Kuala Lumpur for a first timer is in the city center near the Petronas Twin Towers or around Bukit Bintang.
- Budget ($): Travelogue Guest House
- Comfort ($$): Santa Grand Signature Hotel
- Luxurious ($$$): EQ Kuala Lumpur
How to visit in Kuala Lumpur
From Brussels or Amsterdam, you have several flights to Kuala Lumpur, often with a stopover in Dubai or Singapore. Via Skyscanner you can sometimes find flights as low as €600 round trip! Malaysia has good public transportation, and from Thailand or Singapore you can also easily get to Kuala Lumpur by bus.
Getting around in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a sprawling city, and before you know it, you’ve covered a lot of miles. The easiest way to get around in Kuala Lumpur is to use public transportation such as the subway. Not all sights are close to a metro stop, which is why we often used the Grab cab app. This is spot on in Malaysia, and it can save you a lot of time if you only have three days in Kuala Lumpur.
Best travel time Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur has a year-round tropical rainforest climate with temperatures between 25°C and 35°C. From November to March is monsoon season, which means there can be heavy rains. We visited Kuala Lumpur in December, and except for a few heavy but brief rain showers, we had gorgeous weather!
Would you like to explore more of Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur? Then find your ideal two-week itinerary through this country right here! Do you still have questions about Kuala Lumpur or would you like to share your own travel experience? If so, feel free to leave a comment below or send us an email at info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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