The Ultimate Kuala Lumpur 2 Day Itinerary

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia, a country broken up into two parts by the South China Sea. The capital is located on the Malaysian peninsular and is often referred to simply as KL. Its an extremely developed city with several iconic sites, making it popular for tourists travelling through South East Asia. Its also culturally diverse, with large proportions of Chinese and Indians, in addition to the local Malay ethnic group. This has resulted in the city becoming a foodie haven, with an incredibly varied and authentic culinary scene. There’s a lot to see and do in Kuala Lumpur, but a first time visitor can get a sense of the city in two full days. In this post I’ll be providing an overview of the best way to enjoy your stay in Kuala Lumpur in that time.

A Bit of Background on Kuala Lumpur

The name Kuala Lumpur means “muddy confluence” and it was appropriately founded at the meeting point of the Klang and Gombak rivers by Chinese tin prospectors in 1857. Kuala Lumpur grew into a tin mining town and was ruled by the Kapitan China, a proxy appointed by the local Sultan of the day. Conflict eventually broke out between the local Sultans however, and the city burned down in the ensuing conflict in 1881. It was only following the colonial British government redeveloping the city that Kuala Lumpur would begin to expand, becoming the capital of the Federated Malay States in 1896. The British ruled Kuala Lumpur until the Japanese occupied the city briefly during the Second World War. When the territory was returned to Britain after the war, Malaysia went on to declare its independence in 1957, with Kuala Lumpur as its capital.

While the early years of independence saw racial tensions and riots between the local Malay and Chinese communities, this subsided and in 1974 the city’s land was ceded to the state, becoming a federally controlled territory. Today, Kuala Lumpur is a thriving metropolis, with major infrastructure projects seeing massive skyscrapers (including at a time the world’s tallest towers) in a modern society within a rich cultural melting pot.

How to Get to Kuala Lumpur

Most people visiting Kuala Lumpur will fly into Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Located about 55 kilometres outside of the city, this airport consists of two terminals and is a major hub in South East Asia. The airport connects to most regions of the world, so you’ll likely have lots of options to get here. Its also only an hour flight away from Singapore, one of the biggest airports in the region. Kuala Lumpur is also serviced by the smaller Subang Skypark Airport, which generally operates regional and budget airlines.

If you’ve flown into KLIA, you’ll find you’re a fair distance away from the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Despite this, there’s many ways to get into the city. Grab (a ride-share app like Uber) operates in Malaysia and tends to be cheaper than using regular taxis. You’ll get into the city centre within an hour. Another option is the KLIA Ekspres train, which departs every 15 to 20 minutes (between 5am – 1am), which will get you to KL Sentral station in around half an hour for about 55 Ringgits (around $18.50 AUD). From there, you’ve got multiple choices to transfer to your final destination, including Grab, monorail, light rail (LRT) or KTM Komuter train.

Travellers from most Western nations will receive a free visa on arrival, allowing entry into the country for 30 days. Check your particular requirements before travelling as always.

When to Visit Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur experiences a tropical climate, with hot and humid conditions most of the year. The best time to visit is generally from May to July, when the city is in its dry season. This is also the most popular time of year however, with numerous festivals taking place and prices accordingly jumping. Other decent times to visit are between December and February and May to August, as it tends to rain less in these months. For most of the year, Kuala Lumpur sees temperatures consistently in the mid 30s Celsius, getting down the mid 20s during the night.

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

There’s plenty of accommodation options for travellers visiting Kuala Lumpur. The is quite large and sprawling however, and the attractions are spaced out across it. This means you’ll want to stay something relatively central to get the most out of your trip. A great place for first time visitors to stay is in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). There’s lots of hotels in this modern part of the city, with the massive KLCC Suria Shopping Mall nearby, along with a strip filled with bars. Sure, its a touristy area, but its a good place to base yourself.

While prices in Kuala Lumpur are more expensive than some other parts of South East Asia, you’ll still find prices to be quite affordable in the city. As a general rule, you can expect to pay the following price ranges for double room per night:

• Budget: less than 100 Ringgits (approximately $34 AUD)
• Mid-Range: approximately 100 – 400 Ringgits (approximately $34 – $136 AUD)
• Luxury: more than 400 Ringgits (approximately $136 AUD)

How to Get Around Kuala Lumpur

You’ll have to get around a fair bit while touring Kuala Lumpur. Getting around the city is fairly easy, even though distances from one area to another generally won’t make walking an option at all times. Using the Ride-share app Grab, you’ll be able to cover longer distances for quite a reasonable fee. The public transport infrastructure in Kuala Lumpur is also quite good, with the GO-KL free city bus running every 5 to 15 minutes around different routes that link most of the city’s tourist attractions. The LRT light rail, KTM Kommuter train and monorail system also offer relatively convenient ways of getting around the city. Depending on which you take, you can expect costs to start from 1.20 – 4.10 Ringgits (less than $1.40 AUD).

Things to Know About Kuala Lumpur

The official currency of Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit. ATMs are widely available and most businesses will accept credit cards.

English is widely spoken in Kuala Lumpur (and throughout Malaysia). The official language is Bahasa Malaysian. While you will get around just fine without it, if you’re interested in learning a few basic phrases, try the following:

• Helo = hello
• Apa khabar? = how are you?
• Khabar baik = I’m fine
• Maaf = excuse me
• Terima kasih = thank you
• Ya = yes
• Tidak = no
• Adakah anda berbahasa Ingerris? = do you speak English?

Kuala Lumpur is a very safe city. As you would anyway, be aware of petty scammers and pickpockets, and just be alert when walking around in crowded areas or at night. You’ll generally have a hassle free experience in Kuala Lumpur. As with many parts of Asia, be aware of severe penalties for drug offences – a number of foreigners have been given the death penalty for possession of illicit substances in the country.

A 2 Day Itinerary for Kuala Lumpur

Two days is just enough time to see the best of what Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Considering the city generally serves as the entry point for tourists travelling onwards to other parts of Malaysia, this itinerary can easily be added to your trip to experience the highlights of the nation’s capital. Throughout your stay in Kuala Lumpur, you’ll be getting a mix of scenic viewpoints, religious sites and interesting attractions. Don’t miss out on the city’s excellent food during your stay as well (nasi lemak? Yes please!).

Day One:

Your first day in Kuala Lumpur will start out at the city’s best known landmark before heading towards the older part of the city. Aside from getting down to Merdeka Square itself, the rest of today’s itinerary is quite walkable, with attractions situated close to one another.

Petronas Towers

• Where: Concourse Level, Lower Ground, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur
• When: 9.00am – 9.00pm Tuesday – Sunday (closed Mondays and between 1.00pm-2.30pm on Fridays)
• Admission: 80 Ringgits (approximately $27.00 AUD)
• Website: https://www.petronastwintowers.com.my/

You should start your time in Kuala Lumpur by heading to the city’s most well known landmark – the 451 metre tall Petronas Twin Towers. Built in 1998, these towers were the world’s tallest buildings at the time (although they’ve since lost that distinction). They are without question the defining icons of the Kuala Lumpur skyline, which is fitting given they were actually constructed to give the city a beacon to establish it on the global stage.

You need to book tickets to visit the Petronas Towers in advance. While you can rock up early in the morning and try to score tickets, they sell out very quickly. You’re much better off booking in advance online (although you run the risk of not knowing what the weather will be like on the day). Only 1,500 tickets are sold per day. You’ll have to arrive at your designated time and will only have access to the towers during a 45 minute guided tour. This tour will take you to the Skybridge that connects the towers, along with the Observatory at the top of the 86th floor. While there’s better views of the city available elsewhere (we’ll get to that later) and the tour is a bit rushed, you can’t come to KL without ascending these structures.

• I’ve written a post that goes into more detail about what to expect on a visit to the Petronas Towers. Check it out HERE.

Merdeka Square

After your morning tour of the Petronas Towers, take a Grab ride down to Merdeka Square, also known as Dataran Merderka. This vast open field (formerly a cricket pitch called the Padang) marks the site at which Malaysia’s independence was declared in 1957 and is surrounded by hugely impressive colonial style buildings. One of the most noteworthy buildings here is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, which prior to independence served as the British administrative headquarters from 1897. Today it houses a tourist centre where you can pick up some brochures and learn a little about the city.

Merdeka Square is well known for its huge flagpole, actually one of the tallest in the world. Here the Malaysian flag flies above the square, while portraits of all the Prime Ministers of Malaysia since independence are also prominently on display nearby. Take in the main sights before continuing on with your day. If you have more time to spend in the city, this area also has a number of museums and galleries such as the City Gallery and National Textile Museum that you can visit.

Masjid Jamak

• Where: Jalan Tun Perak, City Centre, Kuala Lumpur
• When: 8.30am – 12.30pm; 2.30pm – 4.30pm daily
• Admission: Free

Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim nation, and the Masjid Jamak was the country’s first brick mosque. Built at the meeting point of the Klang and Gombak rivers, the onion domed structure was designed by British architect AB Hubback and completed in 1907. While it is no longer the National Mosque (that one opened in 1965 and you’ll pass it later), this Mughal inspired place of worship is incredibly beautiful, especially when viewed alongside its riverside setting.

The Masjid Jamek is only about a five minute walk from Merdeka Square. Its worth stepping inside (dress conservatively) if you arrive out of prayer time. If you can’t enter, there’s great views of the building and the confluence of the rivers from the nearby Leboh Pasar Besar bridge.

Sri Mahamariamman Temple

• Where: Jalan Tun HS Lee, City Centre, Kuala Lumpur
• When: 6.00am – 8.30pm Sunday – Thursday; 6.00am – 9.30pm Friday; 6.00am – 9.00pm Saturday
• Admission: Free

While Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, the sizeable Indian population contributes to a significant proportion of Hindu adherents as well. The Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the most important Hindu shrine in the city, and is also thought to be the oldest in Malaysia. The temple was founded in 1873 and its design is inspired by Southern Indian architecture. Its named after the Indian mother goddess Mariamman (also known as Parvati) and was originally a private shrine before being opened to the public in the 1920s.

The temple is just a 10 minute walk south of Masjd Jamek and is quite close to the city’s Chinatown District (KL is such a melting pot!). You’ll need to take off your shoes before stepping through the temple’s gate, and once inside you’ll be able to see the shrines to the various deities within. One of the most impressive sights in the temple is the 23 metre tall tower decorated with colourful depictions of various Hindu gods. As always, be respectful and remember that you are in a place of worship when visiting.

Islamic Arts Museum

• Where: Jalan Lembah, Tasik Perdana, Kuala Lumpur
• When: 9.30am – 6.00pm daily
• Admission: 14 Ringgits (approximately $4.75 AUD)
• Website: https://www.iamm.org.my/

As the day rolls on, take a 20 minute or so walk into the Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park, which is filled with things to do. While there’s a number of museums in the area, if you only have time for one, the Islamic Arts Museum is the one to visit. On the way, you’ll pass the Masjid Negara National Mosque, a massive mosque that can house up to 15,000 worshippers.

The Islamic Arts Museum is inside an impressive domed building and is home to the largest collection of Islamic Art in South East Asia. Spread over four levels, you’ll see countless artefacts such as Islamic texts, artwork and textiles while learning about aspects of Islamic culture. One of the museum’s highlights is the collection of scale models of significant mosques around the world, including the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, the Holiest site in Islam.

Count on spending at least an hour during your visit to the Museum. While you’re here, if you haven’t eaten yet, consider having lunch at the surprisingly excellent on-site museum, which serves traditional cuisine at affordable prices.

KL Bird Park

• Where: 920, Jalan Cenderawasih, Tasik Perdana, Kuala Lumpur
• When: 9.00am – 6.00pm daily
• Admission: 63 Ringgits (approximately $21.30 AUD)
• Website: https://www.klbirdpark.com/

Venture deeper into the Tub Abdul Razak Heritage Park and you’ll come to the KL Bird Park. This walkthrough aviary sprawls across 21 hectares and is home to over 200 species of birdlife. This popular tourist attraction is divided up into four zones, each representing different varieties of birds, mostly found across Asia, but also some from other parts of the world. In addition to wandering around the park observing the various hornbills, ostriches and countless other species, there are various shows and feeding times scheduled throughout the day.

If the birds aren’t enough for you, the nearby KL Butterfly Park is another open air attraction, obviously this time dedicated to butterflies. In fact, its the largest butterfly garden in the world.

Wrapping Up the Day

After a busy day exploring Kuala Lumpur, spend the evening in the Butik Bintang district. Here, you’ll find Kuala Lumpur’s street food capital, Jalan Alor. This street turns into bustling hawker market at night, with countless Malay, Chinese and other vendors selling great food. Its a tasty way to wrap up a day in the city, and you can follow it up with a bar along Changkat Bukit Bintang for a drink or two.

Day Two:

On your second day in KL, you’ll be heading to the outskirts of the city to visit one of the most sacred Hindu sites in the world. After spending the morning taking in everything this destination has to offer, you’ll be headed back to the KLCC to see a bit of KL’s more touristy side. You’ll be covering a fair bit of distance to get to your first destination. Have a good breakfast before calling for a Grab driver.

Batu Caves

• Where: Gombak, Batu Caves, Selangor
• When: 6.00am – 9.00pm daily
• Admission: Free for Temple Cave; 15 Ringgits for Cave Villa (approximately $5.10 AUD); 5 Ringgits for Ramayana Cave (approximately $1.70 AUD)

The Batu Caves are located to the north-west of Kuala Lumpur and comprise of a system of caves that have been converted into various shrines of Hindu worship. The major destination here is the Temple Cave, which is positioned at the top of a massive 272 step staircase and watched over by a gigantic golden statue of the Hindu deity, Lord Murugan (in fact, its said to be the largest statue of its kind in the world). When you get to the top of the staircase (watch out for the monkeys!), you’ll enter an area of worship, with various shrines filled with worshippers make offerings and praying. The Temple Cave was converted into a place of worship in 1890 and sees thousands of adherents flock to the shrine during the Thaipusam festival in late January/early February each year.

Admission to the Temple Cave is free. For an additional fee however, you can access both the Cave Villa and the Ramayana Cave. The Cave Villa is a mini-cultural centre, with dance performances, painted caverns and information about the Hindu gods and goddesses. Meanwhile the Ramayana Cave contains countless sculptures depicting the Ramayana Epic.

Count on spending most of the morning at the Batu Caves. It will take around 20 minutes to get to there by car. Alternatively, you can take the KTM Kommuter Train which departs every 15 to 20 minutes from the KL Sentral Station. When you’re finished exploring, the vendors at the bottom of the main stairs provide options for lunch – Restoran Rani in particular serves amazing Indian curries.

• Check out my detailed guide to the Batu Caves HERE.

Aquaria KLCC

• Where: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur
• When: 10.00am – 7.00pm daily
• Admission: 75 Ringgits (approximately $25.35 AUD)
• Website: https://aquariaklcc.com/

Back in the city for the afternoon, make your way to the basement of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Here you’ll find the excellent KLCC Aquaria, which I’d put on par with many aquariums around the world. Taking up two floors in the building, this aquarium is home to over 5,000 aquatic species. There’s numerous exhibits showcasing different marine environments, such as the highland rivers, mangrove forests and coral reefs. The highlight is the 90 metre long underwater tunnel, over which tiger sharks, rays and other creatures of the deep swim around. Check the show schedule to see if there’s any educational talks or animal feedings while you’re visiting. The aquarium is really interesting, especially for those with families, and is also a great excuse to get out of the early afternoon heat.

KL Forest Eco Park

• Where: Jalan Raja Chulan, Bukit Kewangan, Kuala Lumpur
• When: 7.00am – 6.00pm daily
• Admission: Free
• Website: https://www.forestry.gov.my/index.php/en/wp-kuala-lumpur/taman-eko-rimba-kuala-lumpur

Malaysia is known for its thick, tropical jungles, but did you know there’s a forest right in the middle of Kuala Lumpur? A short walk away from the KLCC towards the base of the KL Tower, you’ll find Malaysia’s oldest natural reserve. This 11 hectare forest was gazetted in 1906 and is filled with bird and insect life, despite the hustle and bustle of the city being just a few blocks away. Its a wonderful place to spend a bit of time in the afternoon wandering abound. Don’t miss the canopy walk, where you can take an easy hike among the tree tops along a series of suspended walkways. You’ll be able to take in the forest, as well as views of the surrounding city at the same time. You can also stop by the Forest Information Centre for a brief overview of the trails in the area.

Menara Kuala Lumpur

• Where: No. 2 Jalan Punchak Off, Jalan P Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur
• When: 11.00am – 7.00pm Monday, Wednesday – Friday; 10.00am – 10.00pm Tuesday, Saturday – Sunday
• Admission: 105 Ringgits including outdoor observation deck (approximately $35.50 AUD)
• Website: https://www.menarakl.com.my/

The Menara Kuala Lumpur is more commonly referred to as the KL Tower. It is situated on the top of Bukit Nanas and provides the best views of all the city. While the tower isn’t quite as tall as the Petronas Towers, its 421 metre tall structure stands the benefit from being built on a point of higher elevation, and you’ll also actually get the Petronas Towers in your photos from up here. The tower is made up of two separate observation levels – an interior area and the much better open air sky-deck. There’s even a skybox up here where you can stand over the edge with nothing but glass below you.

You can book your ticket for the KL Tower online in advance (though its not as essential as the Petronas Towers to do so). Try to time your visit for sunset so that you can see the city both at day and night. Take your time admiring the view – unlike the Petronas Towers, you can stay up here for as long as you like.

Dinner and Drinks

Coming off another day of sightseeing around Kuala Lumpur, head to the KLCC Suria Mall where there’s a massive foodcourt in addition to plenty of restaurants where you can grab a good feed for dinner. The Little Penang Kafe in particular is a great choice for authentic Malaysian cuisine. After you’ve eaten, make your way to the KLCC Park at the back of the mall. Every hour on the hour between 8pm to 10pm there’s a light and fountain symphony show in the pond here that is well worth watching. Stick around the area for a bit before heading to a bar along Jalan P Ramlee to put a cap on the evening.

As you can see, there’s plenty to see and do in Kuala Lumpur. This itinerary has only given the highlights. Is there anywhere I’ve missed that you’d recommend visiting? Let me know below.

If you want to see more of Malaysia, consider heading to George Town in Penang.

For those looking to head to neighbouring nations, Singapore is a popular hub in the region, while Indonesia offers countless islands to explore. You could even head to the tiny sultanate of Brunei for a less travelled path.