Itineraries for Your Trip to Kuala Lumpur
2 Days in Kuala Lumpur for First Timers
For years, Kuala Lumpur has been my layover destination of choice when traveling between New Zealand or Australia and Asia. Grungier than Singapore, smaller than Hong Kong, and more conservative (but no less interesting) than Bangkok, the Malaysian capital is an ideal Asian city-break destination. When I have two days to spend in KL, my plans revolve around the markets, the food, the museums, and some chilled-out central-city wildlife attractions. First-time visitors should also make sure to visit the Batu Caves, where natural beauty and cultural interest meet. Here’s how I recommend spending two full days in Kuala Lumpur if it’s your first time in the city.
If you only have time for one thing, head to the Central Market (Pasar Seni), where you can shop for local crafts and feast on Malaysian and other Asian cuisine at the top-floor food court.
Kuala Lumpur has a tropical climate so it’s hot and humid year-round, but it tends to be wettest between October and April; luckily, most attractions are air conditioned.
Spend your first day in Kuala Lumpur in the city checking out its markets, museums, and cultural landmarks. A guided morning tour is a great way to get your bearings. Check out the Petronas Twin Towers—the tallest buildings in the world between 1996 and 2003—as well as Chinatown, Little India, Merdeka Square, the National Mosque of Malaysia, the Central Market (Pasar Seni), and more.
After lunch in one of Kuala Lumpur’s hawker markets (your morning guide can offer suggestions), choose one of the city’s top cultural attractions to visit: Art and culture enthusiasts should check out the Islamic Arts Museum, which includes artifacts from around the Islamic world, or the National Museum, which covers the country’s history from the prehistoric age to the present. If you’re with kids, they’ll enjoy the Bird Park and Butterfly Park.
As a predominantly Muslim city, Kuala Lumpur’s nightlife revolves around eating rather than drinking—though you can certainly wash down a curry with a glass of cold beer. The city is proud of its cuisine, which combines Malay, Chinese, and Indian elements, so tuck in on an evening foodie tour. KL’s landmarks tend to be beautifully lit up at night, so make sure to snap some photos along the way.
This morning, venture beyond the central city and head north to the impressive Batu Caves, which are easily accessible by train or through a tour. These Hindu temples, built into natural caves in the hills, are sacred to the local Tamil population. Pass the giant golden statue of Lord Murugan and climb the colorfully painted steps to the temples; and look out for bats and monkeys as you go.
If you’re interested in contemporary architecture, take an afternoon trip to Putrajaya, Malaysia’s administrative capital, just 22 miles (36 kilometers) south of KL. Built in the late 20th century, Putrajaya showcases contemporary Islamic architecture in the rose-colored Putra Mosque, the grand Putra Bridge, and the green-domed Perdana Putra (which houses the prime minister’s offices). You can cruise on Putrajaya Lake before returning to KL.
Enjoy a different kind of nightlife this evening by taking a tour from KL to Kuala Selangor to see fireflies and bioluminescence on the Selangor River. Ride through mangroves as the sun goes down, then settle in to watch the natural magic. Some tours include dinner or allow you to purchase it; alternatively, you can return to KL for a later dinner after you’re done.
