Wondering what to do with only 2 Days in Kuala Lumpur?
Malaysia is one of the most diverse countries in the world; with a blend of culinary delights, natural wonders, and dynamic urban landscapes, it continuously captivates travelers.
And Kuala Lumpur is its capital and largest city!
Whether you are spending a few days in Kuala Lumpur or just have a short layover, our guide will show you exactly what to do with just a couple of days in KL.
You won’t see everything in only 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, but this itinerary is crafted to ensure you get all the highlights. You’ll get a taste of each distinct area of the city, from bustling markets to iconic towers, all within a short time frame.
Get ready to explore the best of Kuala Lumpur, a city where tradition meets modernity, all within a weekend’s adventure!”
Table of Contents
Quick Facts About Kuala Lumpur
Here are some essential things to know about traveling in Kuala Lumpur. Whether visiting KL, the Cameroon highlands or spending a few days in Penang, these are crucial things to know about Kuala Lumpur.
Weather & When To Travel
In Kuala Lumpur, expect warm temperatures (85-90°F) and humidity year-round, with a chance of rain. The monsoon season here is milder compared to other Southeast Asian regions.
For the driest conditions, plan your visit between December and February or June and July.
Exchange Rate
The exchange rate is approximately 1 USD to 4.14 Malaysian Ringgit.
Language
While Malay is the national language, English is widely spoken, making navigation and communication relatively easy. Mandarin and Hindi are also standard, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural tapestry.
Safety in Kuala Lumpur
While Kuala Lumpur is generally a safe city for travelers, it’s essential to avoid minor scams and pickpocketing.
Be aware of your surroundings. This goes for any large city, but keeping an eye on your belongings, using safe public transportation, and avoiding isolated areas are the best ways to ensure you don’t find yourself in a compromised situation.
Additionally, the unpredictability of travel makes travel insurance a vital part of your trip planning. Unforeseen circumstances, whether they are health-related emergencies, lost baggage, or trip cancellations, can occur.
Having a reliable travel insurance policy provides peace of mind and security. The best option these days is Safety Wing, which offers reliable travel insurance for less than $50/month. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking comprehensive coverage without a high premium.
Day 1 – Kuala Lumpur Itinerary
Peruse The Markets in Kuala Lumpur
Spend the morning browsing the flea markets, and don’t be afraid to go early. Vendors set up around 10 a.m., and the markets are already bustling with locals and tourists by noon. There are literally hundreds of stalls to explore.
Petaling Street Market
Kick off your morning in Chinatown at Petaling Street Market. The heckling can be a little annoying here, but just politely say no and continue on your way. There is a huge selection of stalls selling food, accessories, and souvenirs, and the large awning covering the market offers a respite from the sun.
Central Market
Just across from Petaling, the Central Market offers a slightly different vibe. This indoor market boasts a selection of quality souvenirs, including embroidered fabrics and local art. The air-conditioned environment provides a more relaxed shopping experience, but you’ll definitely notice slightly higher prices.
Kasturi Street
For a less crowded alternative, wander down Kasturi Street adjacent to the Central Market. You’ll find similar items to those at Petaling Street but with half the crowds.
Temples/Mosques
After shopping and enjoying a traditional lunch of fresh fruit, satay, and Nasi Lemak, It’s time to check out the temples in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of religions from all over the world. And just a short trip away from Chinatown are some of the city’s most beautiful places of worship. You may have even run into a couple while shopping!
Sri Mahamariamman
Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, located at the edge of Chinatown. This temple, dating back to 1873, is known for its vibrant and intricate South Indian architectural style. Its main entrance, known as the ‘Raja Gopuram,’ is adorned with a profusion of colorful sculptures of Hindu deities, which is a fascinating sight. The temple is an important cultural and national heritage, symbolizing the city’s rich religious mosaic.
Guan DI Temple
Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Guan Di Temple, a Taoist temple dedicated to Guan Di, the Chinese God of War and Literature. This temple has an ornate interior and peaceful ambiance, and it’s filled with the scent of incense and the sounds of traditional Chinese music.
National Mosque of Malaysia
A 20-minute walk from Chinatown leads you to the National Mosque of Malaysia (Masjid Negara). This mosque’s 73-meter-high minaret and 16-pointed star concrete main roof is a stunning example of modern Islamic architecture. The mosque can accommodate 15,000 worshippers and is set in 13 acres of beautiful gardens.
Thean Hou Temple
Though it’s impractical to walk here, the six-tiered Buddhist temple dedicated to Tian Hou, the Goddess of the Sea, is one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most impressive temples. The temple is also known for its ornate roof, vibrant murals, and embellished pillars, reflecting the rich Chinese artistic heritage.
KLCC Park & Petronas Towers
As the day transitions into the evening, make your way to the iconic Petronas Towers, but do it before 5:00 p.m. if you want to miss rush hour.
KLCC Park – This beautifully landscaped park, spanning over 50 acres, offers a refreshing break with its lush greenery, jogging paths, and water features. It’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors with a city skyline backdrop.
Petronas Towers Skydeck – As the sun begins to set, head to the Petronas Towers for a visit to the Skydeck. The Skydeck is located on the 86th floor and offers a breathtaking panoramic city view. Tickets are $19, and you’ll have around 45 minutes to take in the stunning vistas. It’s a must-visit to appreciate the architectural marvel of the Twin Towers up close and from a bird’s-eye view.
The Traders Hotel Skybar is famous for having a top-notch view of the Petronas Towers. You don’t have to stay at the hotel to access the sky bar. Just go in and jump in the elevator. Walking in, you will see a fancy bar with an indoor pool. The private window seats are a natural attraction. There is a minimum spending limit (only for the window seats) of 500MR ($125) per group, but it’s worth it!
Day 2 – Batu Caves, Food & The National Museum Of Malaysia
Day 2 of this Kuala Lumpur itinerary starts a bit earlier than the first day. Try to be up and on your way to the Batu Caves by 8 a.m. for your best chance at escaping the crowds.
Batu Caves in Malaysia
Begin your day with an early visit to the iconic Batu Caves, probably Kuala Lumpur’s most famous landmark. The site features a towering statue of Lord Murugan and a colorful flight of 272 steps leading to the Temple Cave. The caves are a significant religious landmark and a marvel of natural beauty. You should allow 1-2 hours to explore the main cave and consider extending your visit to 3-4 hours if you wish to see the entire complex.
You can reach the caves via a short metro ride from KL Sentral Station or a quick Grab ride, but to beat the crowds, aim to arrive as early as 7 a.m.
Please Note:
- There is a Dress Code: No shorts above the knee, tank tops, or flip-flops.
- The limestone cliffs around Batu Caves are a really popular rock climbing site.
- Visit in January for a chance to witness Thaipusam, the Tamil Pilgrimage to the caves.
National Museum Of Malaysia
Once you’re done exploring the Batu Caves, take the train back to Kuala Lumpur Station (1 stop before KL Sentral), and you’ll be a 10-minute walk from The National Museum of Malaysia.
You should also grab some lunch along the way because you’ll want a couple of hours in the Museum.
The different Malay cities have actually been colonized A LOT throughout history. You can learn all about the city’s origins while escaping the midday heat. The Museum showcases the entire Malay history through four galleries: Prehistory Gallery, Malay Kingdoms Gallery, Colonial Era Gallery, and Malaysia Today.
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays).
Entrance Fee: 5 MR ($1)
Food Streets
Restoran Al Sarifa
As the sun sets, you’ll probably be hungry for dinner, and there’s no better place than Bukit Bintang.
This area is home to two food meccas of KL: Jalan Alor and Hutong 10.
Both are filled with endless food carts and hawker stalls serving a wide variety of Asian flavors. Everything is a bit surcharged due to tourism, but it is still very affordable by Western standards.
At Jalan Alor, it has a variety of Asian food. For instance, you can find some delicious Pad Thai and Basil Chicken Stir Fry. Together (with drinks), it costs 45MR ($11). Then, afterward, grab some Mango sticky rice for dessert!
If you’re looking for less touristy local restaurants, head to Restoran Al Sarifa, just a couple of streets down from Jalan Alor. This Malaysian restaurant is set up ‘cafeteria style’ and meals are just 3-10 MR ($0.5-2.50)
Have Some Extra Time? Here Are More Things To Do!
If you still have more time on your Kuala Lumpur itinerary, here are some awesome things to do around the city!
Merdeka Square – If you have time in the morning before leaving KL, spend it relaxing in Merdeka Square. A large grassy park below the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Putrajaya – This is the Government and administrative capital of Malaysia.
Take a Day/Half-day trip – It’s a great way to see lesser-known parts of the city. Unfortunately, you won’t find beaches near Kuala Lumpur (at least not ones that compare the best beaches in Bali).
Ipoh / Cameroon Highlands – Beautiful Highlands located a few hours from Kuala Lumpur.
Malacca – Historic Capital city of Malaysia. Colonial-Era European architecture, street food, and cafe culture.
How To Get Around Kuala Lumpur
There are a lot of situations where you’d need to use transportation. There’s no Uber in Malaysia, but it’s still pretty easy to get around!
Here’s a mini-guide to help simplify your Kuala Lumpur itinerary.
KL Airport to City Center
Train = 50MR/person ($12.50): The Express train to KL Sentral runs from 6:00 am -10:10 pm (in 20-30 minute intervals). It’s fairly affordable and only 30 minutes from the city center! To save you the hassle of finding the ticket booth and waiting in line at the airport, we highly recommend booking the KLIA Express train beforehand.
If you book here, they will send you a QR code, and you just scan through.
Taxi/Private Transfer = 80-100 MR ($20-25): In the arrivals hall, there is a ticket window where you can purchase a taxi. You choose between metered or fixed rates. We chose a fixed rate, costing us 85MR ($20). A slightly cheaper private transfer can be booked online.
Getting Around Kuala Lumpur
Metro System: The Metro is very cheap. ($0.25-$1). We only used the metro to get from the Batu Caves straight to the airport. However, it’s possible to get around the city using this metro map.
Hop on and off the bus: At just $11 for two days, this bus system stops everywhere on this Kuala Lumpur itinerary and more. It operates every day from 9 am-6 pm. This is a very convenient way to travel around the city. Then, when you get to the town, just hop on the bus, and the crew will assist you in redeeming your official ticket. You can buy the ticket online here.
Grab Taxi: The Uber of Southeast Asia. The app almost always charges less than a regular taxi. And paying through the app ensures you can’t be scammed. Make sure you download the app before you go.
Where To Stay in Kuala Lumpur
There are three areas where you should look into staying while in Kuala Lumpur.
1.) Bukit Bintang (Best for First-Time Visitors)
Bukit Bintang is central to the significant attractions in KL. The heart of famous food streets like Hutong 10 & Jalan Alor.
However, it can be a bit touristy and hectic in the evening. One of the most reputable places to stay is the Ramada Hotel, down the road from Jalan Alor. It’s $50/night but worth the price! It’s immaculate and spacious.
Plus, the room had a balcony and access to an infinity pool on the 7th floor!
2.) Chinatown
Chinatown is the most affordable area downtown. It’s also right next to Petaling Street Market and Merdeka Square. While the area is a little run down, it has many places to eat and easy access to the train station.
However, it’s far from the Petronas Towers & Jalan Alor. This is one of the top places to stay in Chinatown.
3.) KLCC
KLCC is a very nice, modern area with a bunch of excellent restaurants and shops, and it’s right next to the iconic Petronas Towers.
The downside is that it can be really expensive, and it’s also far from temples, markets, and food streets.
There are some really beautiful places to stay in this area, though. For example, you can stay at Deface Victory Suites for less than $50/night!
Final Thoughts: 2 Days in Kuala Lumpur
Our two-day journey through Kuala Lumpur is the best way to spend a short stint in the city, especially if you want to see the most iconic attractions.
Hopefully, this guide has illuminated the endless experiences you can choose from while exploring Kuala Lumpur!
From the lively markets brimming with colorful wares and the serene beauty of its religious temples to the awe-inspiring view from the Petronas Towers and the bustling food streets of Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur is a city that effortlessly blends tradition with modernity.
Enjoy your travels, and we encourage you to explore, engage, and immerse yourself in all that Kuala Lumpur offers.
Read next:
Leave A Comment