Kuala Lumpur – capital city of Malaysia, it is considered to be a vibrant metropolis that boasts rich cultural heritage with a blend of modernity. Kuala Lumpur is a city for everyone – with its towering skyscrapers, diverse culinary scene and endless street markets, you ought to have a good time! Here’s how to make the best out of your 2-day visit:
DAY 1:
- Start the day right by visiting a local mamak joint, though seemingly unassuming, serves up a variety of delicious Indian-Malay cuisine. Go for any type of Roti or aka Prata and make sure you fill up with a nice glass of Teh Tarik, pulled black tea with condensed milk.
- After that, head towards the Petaling Street Market, aka Chinatown of KL. Many hidden gems can be found along the street such as quaint cafes, local eateries and some mural art. Search Kwai Chai Hong for a pleasant surprise! If you’re into culture, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of a Taoist Temple – Guan Di Temple and across the road from the temple you can find the colourful Sri Mahammariamman Hindu Temple. (P.S. legs have to be covered if you wish to enter the temple.)
- For lunch, pop by Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock for a taste of our local favorites! It tends to fill up during lunch time so other options around the vicinity of the market would be Merchant’s Lane, Bunn Choon Restaurant or Ho Kow Hainam Kopitiam.
- Within walking distance from Petaling Street is Central Market. It houses many local handicrafts and artisan collectibles, overall a great place for souvenir shopping.
- Another popular place to visit will be Merdeka Square. Surrounded by historical buildings, a notable one would be the Sultan Abdul Samad Building which dates back to the days of the British ruling.
- After which, pay a visit to the Masjid Jamek Mosque, and you’d have visited a chinese temple, hindu temple and mosque, all in one day!
- From Merdeka Square, hop on a short taxi ride to a tropical rainforest tucked in the heart of the city – KL Forest Eco Park. Enjoy the peace and tranquility whilst hiking towards the tallest vantage point to enjoy the skyline of the city.
- Next, you can visit another iconic landmark – Petronas Twin Towers and have a stroll around the KLCC Park. You can opt to pay the admission fee to walk the skybridge and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
- To finish up your day, explore the Bukit Bintang area, known for its endless shopping and entertainment offerings. Have a go at street food at Jalan Alor Night Market for dinner.
DAY 2:
- Your second day starts off with a hearty indian breakfast at Brickfields (Little India), a cultural contrast from Chinatown.. As you stroll along this street, you’ll find colorful flowers, jewelry and fabric. Grab a seat at any of the busy stalls and be ready to have a meal bursting with flavors. Food here is usually quite affordable and generous in portions.
- From Little India, you’re just a stone’s throw away from KL Sentral. It is one of the major transportation hubs where you can find many bus and train operations that bring you around Malaysia. For this next part of your day, you need to hop on a train and head towards Batu Caves.
- You’ll have to climb up 272 steps and explore the hindu temples nestled inside a limestone cave. Be careful of playful monkeys as you’re climbing up, they will try to grab ahold of anything they can! (P.S. you will need to cover your legs at the Batu Caves. Sarongs can also be rented for a refundable deposit at the bottom.)
- Consider visiting the National Museum of Malaysia to learn about the country’s history, heritage and culture. (Entrance fee priced at 5 MYR per adult, 2 MYR per child aged 6-12)
- The next stop will be the KL Tower. Boasting a height of 421 meters, it is the seventh tallest telecommunications tower in the world. There is a forest area at the base of the tower where you can have a walkabout and relax. If you wish to have a panoramic view, you would need to visit the Observation Deck and the Sky Deck. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid being disappointed! (Check out this blogpost for some suggested tours)
- End your night at Changkat Avenue, a bustling nightlife area. There’s plenty of bars, lounges, eateries and nightclubs, something for everyone!
GETTING AROUND:
- Walking: While it is possible to walk around certain areas of Kuala Lumpur, the climate out can be hot and humid, making it less practical and even uncomfortable at time. However, there are some pedestrian-friendly areas where attractions are close by to one another. Most of the attractions mentioned earlier are walkable, Google Maps would be the best to consult when in doubt.
- Bicycling: Bicycle rental services can be found in certain areas of Kuala Lumpur. They are either rented on a daily basis or also charged per hour, a popular rental location is KLCC Park. There is also a bike-sharing application oBike that can be utilized around the city. While it is not as common as in other cities, there has been an increased effort to improve the cycling infrastructure in the city.
- Public transport: There are multiple modes of transport that one may opt for to travel around Kuala Lumpur. Some options include the LRT, MRT, Monorail, RapidKL Buses or the KTM Komuter. Tickets may be purchased at the respective station counters or online for inter-city travel. A contactless payment system, Touch ‘n Go can also be used across these modes of public transport.
- Car rental: Car rental is also available, though you probably won’t need one here unless you are planning to travel out of Kuala Lumpur . If you are so inclined, metered taxis or ridesharing applications such as Grab or AirAsia Ride are widely available.
TIPS:
- Language: English, Tamil, and Mandarin are widely spoken in Malaysia due to its multicultural background. However, the official language of the country is Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) thus, it is a good idea to learn a few basic Malay phrases to help with communication. To greet someone, people tend to say “how are you” or “ Apa Khabar ” in malay. “Thank you” in Malay is “Terima Kasih.”
- Currency: The currency used in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). It is often denoted with the symbol “RM”. ATMs and currency exchange services are widely available throughout the country, and most establishments accept international cards. However, it’s worth noting that certain tourist areas still use cash as their primary form of payment. Therefore, it’s advisable to carry some cash on hand for such situations.
- Tipping: Tipping is not as common in Malaysia. However, it is common to leave small change or gratuity as a gesture of appreciation for good service in certain situations. Most restaurants and cafes include a 10% service charge in the bill so do check when paying. In general, tipping in Malaysia is not expected but always appreciated. Ultimately, it is a personal decision.
- Safety: Kuala Lumpur is a generally safe city, but as with any large city, it is always a good idea to take precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings and being aware of your surroundings at night. The local helpline in case of emergency is (999).
- Climate: Kuala Lumpur is a tropical city with generally high temperatures and humidity, it remains relatively constant throughout the year. It has regular rainfall throughout the year so it is advisable to carry an umbrella or rain jacket and pack lightweight, breathable clothes.
- Visa: Visas for Malaysia depend on nationality, purpose and duration of your visit. For stays of up to 90 days as tourists, citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and many countries in the European Union, do not require a visa. It is important to check if your country is included in the visa exemption list. Some nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival allowing them to stay between 7 to 30 days in the country.
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