48 Hours In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Experience The Best Of Kuala Lumpur In 48 Hours
Whether you have two days or two weeks to travel, our Kuala Lumpur city guide covers the must see sites, local food recommendations, where to stay, how much the city will cost, an example itinerary, and how to get around the city - including how to get to and from the airport.
A view of the Patronas Twin Towers from Trader Hotel Sky Bar
Kuala Lumpur, or KL as it is often referred to, is the capital of Malaysia and the country's largest city. It's popularity with tourists can be attributed to the amazing architecture of the tallest twin towers in the world, The Patronas Towers, the diversity of its residents, religion, and food, the large parks within the city, and the variety of other tourist attractions. With more than 9 million visitors per year, KL is one of the most traveled to cities in Asia. Within the past decade, KL has become 'the hub' for international meetings, conferences, and events, which has transformed the status of the city to a "global city", meaning it plays an important note in the global economic system. Due to its geographic location and international standing, KL is a great jumping off point for almost anywhere in the world. From the two international airports within the city, it is possible to fly to a handful of other international Asian cities for as low as $30 USD (one-way). Within the city itself you can visit numerous mosques, temples, cathedrals, and shrines, explore massive caves, dine at some of the finest restaurants within Asia, play with monkeys in the National Eco Park, take a trip up the Patronas Towers or the KL tower for a breathtaking view of the surrounding city, and explore the many different markets in each of the different districts that make up the city. There is always something to do in KL and has something to offer any and everyone.
Getting To & From The Airport
Kuala Lumpur has two main airports. Both are situated approximately 35km south of the city centre. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is Malaysia’s primary international aviation gateway while Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) is the world's largest airport for budget airlines such as Malaysia’s Air Asia, the Philippines' Cebu Pacific Air, Singapore's Tiger Airways, and Indonesia's Lion Air.
There are 3 ways to get into the city from KLIA or KLIA2 International Airport:
1. KLIA Ekspres (Airport Train) (This is the fastest option). The journey takes just 30 minutes to KLIA and 33 minutes to KLIA2, operating at 15-minute intervals during peak hours and 20 minutes during off-peak hours. You can catch this train at Level 1 and it will take you all the way down to KL Sentral. Once you have arrived in KL Sentral, it is very convenient to hop on a KTM Komuter, LRT, Monorail or even taxi, to get to your chosen destination.
Cost: one-way trip will cost RM 55 ($13.50 USD) while a round-trip ticket is RM 100 ($24.50 USD)
2. KLIA Transit Airport Train. Time duration and fares for KLIA Transit also vary according to which station you’re travelling from – for example, it takes 16 minutes to reach KLIA and 20 minutes to KLIA 2 from the Putrajaya station. The KLIA Transit trains are fitted with high-speed Wi-Fi, plenty of comfortable seats and grab bars, as well as spacious luggage storage compartments.
Cost RM 9.40 ($2.30 USD) for one way ticket.
3. Airport Bus Shuttle (This is the cheapest option). Getting to or from the airport and KL Sentral is via the airport bus shuttles, which operate at 30-minute intervals. Offering daily non-stop point-to-point shuttle from KL Sentral to KLIA, the bus service takes about an hour to reach KL Sentral. Once you have arrived in KL Sentral, it is very convenient to hop on a KTM Komuter, LRT, Monorail or even taxi, to get to your chosen destination.
Cost RM 10 ($2.50 USD) for one way ticket.
KLCC Park
First Things First - Where To Eat?
With the Malaysian population split between Malay, Bangladeshi, Chinese, and Indians, as well as the huge western influence the city has, there are never ending options for food and restaurants in the city. Kuala Lumpur has some of the finest Michelin Star Restaurants in Asia, but it also boasts some of the best (and cheapest) street food in Southeast Asia. You can spend anywhere from $3 - $300 on a meal in this spectacularly diverse city. Of course, we are backpackers, and we visited on a budget, so we cannot offer you any recommendations on the fine Michelin dining in this city, instead here are four recommendations for where you can find some amazing food around the city that will fit into any budget and fill any appetite.
Central Market - One of KL’s most familiar landmarks and a popular tourist attraction, the Central Market is also a Heritage site. Inside the building, you will find tons of boutique shops, handicraft and souvenir stalls with traders selling local merchandise such as authentic Malaysian batik prints and more. The market is a great place to shop, observe, and of course, eat locally.
Little India - Little India Brickfields is one of KL’s trademark tourist hotspots. It is a wide street with Indian stores and restaurants run by the country’s Indian community. The shops here sell everything from traditional Indian goods such as flower garlands, spices, and Bollywood music, to local delicacies such as thosai (Indian pancakes made from fermented rice flour) and delicious curry.
Street Food - The street food of KL is predominantly a vibrant mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian (although, there are influences from across South East Asia and beyond with Sumatran, Japanese, Thai and Arabian flavors surfacing in the city). If you're hungry, hit the street and stop at any street shop you see along the way for cheap and delicious food.
Chinatown - Petaling Street is the Chinatown of KL. The area has dozens of restaurants and food stalls, serving local, Chinese and Indian favorites. Traders here are mainly Chinese, but there are also Indian, Malay, and Bangladeshi traders. Haggling is a common sight here, and the place draws crowds of locals as well as tourists.
Must-See's Of Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a thriving metropolis, but with the right plan, the city can be explored and mastered in 48 hours. Here are the must see sights of Kuala Lumpur that you can explore and conquer in 48 hours. There are 6 must see attractions in the city that have come to define the city's wide spread popularity. From the iconic Patronas Towers, the deep and massive caves, breathtaking views of the city from Kuala Lumpur Tower, to the hidden side streets filled with temples, restaurants and markets - it's all broken down below.
Petronas Twin Towers - Cost $22 - Soaring to a height of 451.9 meters, the 88-storey twin structure is Kuala Lumpur's crown jewel. It's majestic by day and dazzling at night. You can scale 170 meters in an elevator to the Skybridge, a connecting structure between the towers, and cross the world's highest 2-story bridge. You can ascend even higher to the 86th floor, where you will see breathtaking views of the city. The towers were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004 and remain the tallest twin towers in the world.
Kuala Lumpur Tower - Cost $15 - The KL Tower is a communications tower in the heart of the city. The tower's antenna brings the height of the tower to 421 meters high (1,381 feet). The KL Tower is the 7th tallest freestanding tower in the world, and the viewing level is at 335 meters (1,099 feet) above ground. The lower part of the tower has a stairwell, as well as an elevator to reach the upper areas, and a revolving restaurant, providing diners with a panoramic view of the city.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple - Free to visit - The Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, founded in 1873. Mariamman is popularly worshipped by overseas Indians because she is looked upon as their protector during their sojourn to foreign lands. This is one of the most colorful and fascinating sights in Kuala Lumpur. Well worth the visit.
Batu Caves - Free to visit - This complex of giant limestone caves, just 13km north of KL, houses temples that have been drawing Hindu pilgrims for more than 120 years. The caves are now one of Malaysia’s most iconic sights and holiest Hindu shrines. You will see tons of monkeys, as you climb the stairs and ascend high above the giant Buddha.
KLCC Park - Free to visit - The KLCC Park is a public park located next to the Petronas Twin Towers. The park was designed to showcase a heritage of tropical greenery by integrating man's creation with nature. The park itself contrasts as a calm environment in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city. The park includes a 10,000 square meter man-made-lake with water fountains.
KL Forest Eco Park - Cost $3 - KL Forest Eco Park is one of the oldest permanent forest reserves in Malaysia. It boasts one of Kuala Lumpur’s latest attractions, an impressive 200m canopy walk, providing visitors with a wonderful aerial view of the treetops and the city beyond. This park is the only remaining stretch of tropical rainforest within the city limits of Kuala Lumpur.
Exploring Kuala Lumpur On Public Transportation
Kuala Lumpur is a well structured and connected city. Thus their public transportation is easy to use and affordable. When sightseeing, we recommend hopping on any of the options below to reach your desired destination. All options are reasonably affordable and will take you anywhere in the city.
Go KL Purple Line - When sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur, we recommend hopping on the Go KL Purple Line bus for free. The bus route stops at the KL Tower, the Central Market, the Petronas Towers and KLCC Park, as well as many shopping malls and areas of interest for tourists. There are 15 total stops around the city on the purple line.
OPERATION HOURS:
Working Day : 6.00AM – 11.00PM
Weekends and Holidays : 7.00AM – 11.00PM
Metro - Kuala Lumpur’s metro is the best, if not the only way to travel within the city. The metro will connect passengers to all the must see places in town as well as the shopping districts, areas of entertainment and nightlife. The metros are clean and surprisingly cold with good air conditioning. With lines running every few minutes, why waste your time and money hailing a taxi when the metro will beat the traffic and even take you as far out as the Batu Caves. The metro runs both below and above ground.
Taxi < Grab - There are two types of taxis in Malaysia: local and long-distance. The former are usually red-and-white or yellow-and-blue and are metered taxis that can be hailed throughout the city. Local metered taxi fares are cheap, starting 3 RM. Long distance cabs can be found at Puduraya bus station: however, they only operate when they receive a full set of four passengers. We advise using Grab: the Uber of Asia. Download the app and save yourself time, money and the hassle of taking a cab and paying ridiculous fares.
Kuala Lumpur Is A Shopping Mecca
KL is a shopaholics dream. You can literally find anything you will ever need or want within the city. There are over 10 major street markets and well over a dozen massive malls - not to mention all the boutique shops and designer stores scattered throughout the city. From Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada to massive bookstores, toy shops, and souvenir stands in the markets, if you are here to update your style, or just want to window shop, KL has everything you could possibly imagine. It seems that every other block there is a massive mall or market, so bring your walking shoes and get ready to explore.
The Pavillion Mall
Suria KLCC Mall
Where We Stay
There are tons of accommodation options in Kuala Lumpur, from hostels, Airbnb, bed & breakfasts, or many five-star hotels.
We choose to stay at the most famous hostel in KL called Reggae Mansion. Located just a minutes walk from a metro station or the free Purple Line bus, makes this hostel in range of all the must see sites. The hostel, which also features private rooms for a reasonable price, can be easily reached by public transit from the airport and offers guests of any age a luxurious, hip and entertaining atmosphere. Reggae Mansion Kuala Lumpur is in a stylish colonial building near Chinatown and the Central Market. This hostel features a rooftop bar which stays open until late and hosts lively parties with great views of KL Tower and the Petronas Twin Towers. The hostel features over sized pod-style beds in the dorms, offering optimum privacy with curtains, personal lights, and power sockets. There is also a 40-seat movie room with cinema seating and a cafe on the bottom floor ($7/night for a 24 bed mixed dorm or $23.50/night for a private twin room).
Travel Tips & Helpful Hints
Do I need a visa? Pretty much every country in the world is granted visa-free access to Malaysia from 14 to 90 days. Check the laws at the time you are planning your trip, but all citizens of the EU, the USA, Canada, and Britain have the right to travel for up to 90-days visa-free.
What is the power voltage? Malaysia uses the same power plug as the United Kingdom. The voltage is 240v whereas the US is 110V - so your devices may get a little warm while charging.
What about smoking weed or drinking in the streets? Weed is highly illegal. Not only will you get a large fine, you face possible jail time if caught. In fact, if you have over 15 grams on you, you will be labeled a drug trafficker and be sentenced to death if convicted. As far as drinking goes, it is not permissible to drink in public and the police are cracking down on public intoxication. So have a good time at the bars, but mind your p's and q's - meaning: "mind your manners", "mind your language", and "be on your best behavior".
Is it possible for me to go to the top of Patronas Towers? If you’re planning to visit the towers, be sure to book tickets at least a 2 days in advance. The tours are offered every half hour throughout the day, and they sell out quite quickly.
What is the currency and its value? The currency used in Malaysia is called the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). The current value (at the time writing) is RM 4 = $1 USD.
48 hours in Kuala Lumpur Example Itinerary:
Day Two:
Take a Grab and visit Batu Caves (give yourself around 2 hours).
Head back to KL City and have lunch in Little India or Chinatown.
Visit KL the Tower. Take the ride to the top to see the cityscape or visit the aqurium that is attached.
Head to Sri Mahamariamman Temple and explore this small but unique temple.
If you have time make your way to the National Museum to fill in any gaps and answer any unanswered questions you have about Malaysia (give yourself at least 2 hours).
Grab dinner at the Central Market and walk around the shops.
Head back to your hotel or hostel.
Day One:
First things first, grab some breakfast and head to the Petronas Twin Towers. There is a lot to do in this area so give yourself some time.
Grab lunch from KLCC Mall food court & enjoy lunch in KLCC Park directly outside and below the Petronas Twin Towers.
Visit National Mosque of Malaysia (directly next to KLCC).
Go to KL Forest Eco Park and enjoy nature in the big city.
Head to The Traders Hotel Sky Bar for the sunset and an amazing view of Petronas Towers and surrounding city while it lights up (*Tip: This is a great place to enjoy a glass of wine and meal while watching the day turn to night. You get an amazing view of the city, Petronas Twin Towers, National Mosque, and KLCC fountains).
Head back to your hotel or hostel.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
So What's It Going To Cost?
Here is how much we spent, and what we spent it on, in 48 hours.
Food: Breakfast: We spent an average of $2 USD each morning at local bakeries.
Lunch: We spent an average of $4 USD each day at local restaurants; usually ordering curry.
Dinner: We spent an average of $9 USD each evening. We had dinner at the Suria KLCC mall one night and a much more expensive dinner at the 5 star Trader Hotel Sky Bar on the second night.
Total for Food = $15 USD each/per day.
Beer: Between the beer we bought from the convenient store and from the hostel we spent anywhere from $2 -$4 per beer.
Total for Beer = $8 USD each/per day.
Accommodation: Reggae Mansion Hostel is one of the best rated hostels in town. It is massive, has a great party culture and super comfortable beds, which make the value per night outstanding ($9 USD per night, per person).
For 2 people to stay 2 nights, we spent $36 (total).
Transportation (Including getting to and from the airport): We took the bus to and from the airport which cost $2.50 per person, each way. In order to get around the city, we mainly used the free Go KL Purple Line Bus and would also walk as the city is fun to explore by foot. We did use the metro a few times which cost us a total of about $5 each during our two days. We took a Grab to and from the Batu Caves which cost $10 USD each way.
Total for Transportation = $20 USD each (total).
Activities: We basically walked around a bunch and found the free activities to do: like exploring a local markets, watching the sunset with a view of the Twin Towers during our nice dinner on the second night, exploring KLCC Park, and going to Batu caves (so cool that it's free). Unfortunately we were not able to go to the top of the Patronas Towers as they tickets were sold out (but honestly it's too expensive and personally we would rather see the cityscape with the towers in the background). We also did not go to the top of the KL Tower because we were being cheap, but it is probably really cool. We didn't spend any money on admission tickets for anything.
Total for Activities = $0 USD each.
So, What Did We Spend In 48 Hours?
$168 USD for 2 people. That's about $42 USD per person, per day.