Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is one of the gateways to Southeast Asia for foreign travelers from across the world. This sprawling metropolis is filled with larger-than-life skyscrapers, a rich and diverse cultural history, and lots of hustle and bustle…but that’s the beauty of it! Many travelers chose to skip the city and head to other destinations in Malaysia or Southeast Asia, but I personally think that Kuala Lumpur is a destination of its own and is definitely worth a stop in your itinerary!
Find out how to spend the perfect 48 hours in Kuala Lumpur with this guide & some extra tips if you decide to extend your stay!
WHAT TO DO
DAY 1
ARRIVE & REFRESH
Arrive to Kuala Lumpur in the morning and refresh at your accommodation before heading out to explore the city! Make sure to wear comfy shoes because you will be walking around A LOT here.
EXPLORE CHINATOWN & THE RIVER OF LIFE
After all of that travelling, you’re probably hungry! Head out to Chinatown for an Asian fusion lunch at Chocha Foodstore or check out some of the hawker stalls along the streets or in the food markets. The best stalls will usually have a queue!
After you’ve gotten some sustenance and explored the shops in Chinatown, make your way to the River of Life. Along the way, you will pass many historical buildings that show the grandeur of Malaysia’s cultural history like the iconic copper-domed clocktower of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the ornate mosque, Masjid Jamek of Kuala Lumpur. This walk is stunning and I highly recommend it if you’re interested in seeing some of the city’s architecture.
TAKE A WALK ABOVE THE TREES
Most cities have a central park, but Kuala Lumpur has a rainforest. The KL Forest Eco Park is one of the oldest forest reserves in Malaysia and it is located in the dead center of the city…. pretty unreal, right?! This park has several nature trails and an awesome canopy walk over the tree tops. Sadly, the canopy walk was closed when I went to the park, but I’ve heard great things about it from fellow travelers!
HAVE A DRINK ON A HELIPAD
After a long day of walking around, treat yourself to a bucket list experience: have drinks on a helipad with a view of the sunset over Kuala Lumpur. Yep, that’s right! You can sit atop a helipad at Heli Lounge Bar and drink a cocktail with a 360° view of the city! Make sure to come early because it can get super crowded at sunset.
DAY 2
SUNRISE SWIM
Wake up to witness the sunrise over the city from your rooftop deck. Many hotels and Airbnb’s here have a rooftop with a view and if you’re lucky, your accommodation might even have a pool! Nothing beats watching the sunrise over the KL skyline, I promise you will not be disappointed!
Travel Tip: The best rooftop infinity pool can be found at the Platinum Suites building. There are many different listings available at this property when you search online, but the most popular is The Face Suites.
BRUNCH AT MERCHANT’S LANE
After an early rise, get some much-needed brekkie at KL’s hottest brunch spot: Merchant’s Lane. The food here is a fusion of local tastes and western favorites and of course, it is equally photo-worthy. There is usually a queue here after 10 am, so make sure to get there early before the crowds!
TEMPLE TOUR AT THEAN HOU
Hitch a ride to one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in southeast Asia. Thean Hou temple is a must-see in KL with ornately designed red pagodas and stunning details. It is completely free to enter, but aim for a morning visit when the crowds are smaller.
SEE THE PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS FROM ABOVE & BELOW
The Petronas Twin Towers are undoubtedly the most famous icon of Kuala Lumpur and are the defining feature of this city’s skyline. These identical towers were once the tallest buildings in the world, but are now ranked as the 15th tallest buildings. If you want the best views of the towers, take a walk around the KLCC Park below or have a drink at Marini’s on 57 where you can take in the views from above.
DINE IN LITTLE INDIA
Kuala Lumpur is teeming with cultural diversity, which is one of the many aspects that make this city so unique. If you want to get a taste of Indian culture, spend the evening in Brickfields. The Brickfields area is home to Little India, where you will find beautiful Hindu temples, shops and restaurants with the best Indian food in the city. Have an authentic dinner at MTR 1924 and check out the shops filled with gorgeous saris, colorful trinkets and fresh floral garlands.
DAY 3
BATU CAVES
It’s your departure day, so I’ve saved the best for last! The Batu Caves has become a popular spot on social media after the famous staircase leading up to the caves was repainted with a rainbow of colors. To reach the caves, you have to climb a whopping 272 stairs- it’s definitely a workout!
There are three main caves and several smaller ones to explore, all filled with Hindu statues and paintings. Ideally, the best time to visit Batu Caves is at sunrise when the crowds are smaller, but anytime in the morning is usually your safest bet.
IF YOU CHOOSE TO EXTEND YOUR STAY
- Tour the Wilayah Mosque
- Take a day trip to the Pink Putra Mosque in Putrajaya
- Check out the scenic views high in the sky at Menara Kuala Lumpur tower
WHERE TO STAY
Kuala Lumpur has an abundance of nice places to stay and your dollar will go along way to book a room. Many of the accommodations have rooftop pools, which is a huge dealbreaker for me! This girl loves a good pool with a view… I mean, who doesn’t? Check out some of my top picks to stay:
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Kuala Lumpur has an international cuisine scene, so you will find anything you’re craving in this city! I’m such a foodie, so this was heaven for me. Check out some of my favorite spots:
- For the best breakfast/ brunch: Merchant’s Lane, Mingle Cafe
- For drinks with a view: Heli Lounge Bar, Canopy Lounge
- For local cuisine & pan-Asian tastes: Beta KL, Opium KL, Lai Po Heen
- For authentic Indian food: MTR 1924, Nadodi
- For western fare: Fuego, Horizon Grill, Cielo, Manja
TRAVEL TIPS
The local language in Malaysia is Malay, although Cantonese and Mandarin are also common. In Kuala Lumpur, English is also widely spoken, so you will have no problems communicating in most touristic areas. The currency is the Malaysian ringgit (RM) and the easiest way to get cash is from an ATM or from trusted currency converter shop. As far as transport, the best ways to get around the city are by walking, taking an Uber, or using the MRT rail. The rainy season in Kuala Lumpur is from March-April and October-December, but the weather can be quite fickle any time of year, so prepare for humidity, rain and sunshine when packing and planning your trip.
WHAT TO WEAR
Kuala Lumpur has a tropical climate, so this means that it’s hot and humid year-round. Make sure to pack breathable fabrics in looser silhouettes and keep in mind that the majority of the Malayasian population is Muslim, so pick pieces that are relatively modest!
Inspired to visit KL yet? This city is one of my faves and I promise it will not disappoint!