24 hours in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur combines mosques with Chinese and Hindu temples. A central oasis filled with tropical flowers, orchids and monkeys in a busy metropolitan city centre – plus an undisputed reputation for delicious food. Find out how to pack all this into a single day in this article.

Morning: Chinese-style breakfast and Little India

Start the morning with a steaming bowl of noodle soup at Restoran One Sentral. The Chinese-hawker style restaurant sits in the heart of Brickfields near the neighbourhood’s budget-friendly accommodation. Stroll through Little India along the colourful streets decorated with arches to the sounds and smells of the subcontinent. Check out the 100-year-old Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Tempe on Scott Road and the Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple. If you’re peckish, order roti canai from one of the Nasi Kandar shops along Jalan Tun Sambanthan. Pro Tip: KL Sentral’s shopping centre has plenty of cafés, shops and ultra-strong air-conditioning for days that are just too hot.

Afternoon: Chinatown, Lake Gardens and monkeys

The afternoon involves a walk around Chinatown and visiting the Lake Garden’s city oasis. Take the LRT from KL Sentral to Pasar Seni (one stop). Remember to get the token from the machines and keep it in a safe place. Chinatown is east of Pasar Seni. Check out the Central Market, Sri Mahamariamman Temple (KL’s oldest temple) and Petaling Street. Take a taxi or Grab Car to Lake Gardens which houses the Orchid Gardens around a lake. With just 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur, this is your best chance to see wild monkeys.

Evening: Petronas Towers and the KLCC Water Show

Our 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur itinerary reserves the evening for the acclaimed Petronas Towers. From Lake Gardens, take a taxi or Grab to KLCC. Snap a few photographs of the towers in front of the shopping centre (where all the tourists are standing). Next, pass through the mall to KLCC Park. Follow the jogging path to get different perspectives of the Petronas Towers. The bridge directly behind the pond offers the best photographs. Enjoy a cake and iced coffee inside KLCC’s megamall and cool down for an hour. Stick around until the 8pm KLCC Lake Symphony Water Fountain Show. Pro tip: Aim to arrive before 6pm to see the Petronas Towers in daylight and again when they light up after sunset.

Night: Unwind in Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant neighbourhood

If you still have any energy after an action-packed 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur, head to Bukit Bintang. The district is a magnet for backpackers and travellers with an array of bars and restaurants. For the not-so-budget conscious tourists, a night at either No Black Tie (jazz bar) or Whiskey Bar makes for a classy night out. Alternatively, order a meal and bottle of beer at one of the plastic-table restaurants spread along Jalan Alor. For a more traditional meal, dine at a banana leaf restaurant.

See more: The best markets to visit in Phuket, Thailand

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Tips to save money when travelling to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur may not be the most budget-friendly destination in the country but it’s not impossible to get by on less than $20 a day. Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveller or an experienced backpacker, these ways to save money on your trip to KL can come in handy.

Eat like a local

The key to really making your cash last in this city can lie in finding the right places to eat. Food can present a tricky situation for those who don’t know where to look. The answer to finding cheap grub is simple: do as the locals do.

Make your way to a kopitiam (a Chinese coffee shop that is common in and out of the city). Such hangouts can be found offering menu selections that are both scrumptious and affordable with a number of local favorites to choose from. Similarly, 24-hour mamak stalls are plentiful and provide fresh coffee as well as South Indian delicacies like roti canai to customers who are looking for good, cheap food.

If you’re travelling in big groups, look for food courts in the shopping malls; they can accommodate to different tastes and are incredibly cheap if you pay attention to the bill.

Take the train or the bus

If it’s a tight budget you’re worried about, why not forget about renting a standard vehicle? Kuala Lumpur’s public transportation networks can get the job done just fine. With a series of interconnected systems that lead from one destination to another, you can explore the city without breaking the bank. KL’s numerous trains and buses can get you right where you need to go without the hassles of rush hour road traffic. Prominent landmarks, hotels, shopping districts and malls are often within walking distance of most stations with one-way fares that start at RM1.20 (less than $0.50).

If trains aren’t really your thing, you may want to consider the GO KL City Bus. This option lets you visit popular districts, shopping spots, train stations and notable attractions. The best part? It’s completely free of charge! Look out for a bright lilac-colored bus that makes its way around town, fully equipped with free WiFi and wheelchair ramps for disabled passengers.

Purchase a tourist pass

If affordability and convenience are at the top of your list, the KL Pass helps encourage budget-friendly tourism in the country with special privileges that allow visitors to enter prominent attractions or skip queues with fast-track lanes for free. The pass can be purchased at validities of one (RM165), three (RM395) and six (RM675) days. Apart from getting access to various destinations, the KL Pass also grants you exclusive discounts and offers found in selected retail outlets, shopping plazas or dining spots. A complimentary guidebook with useful information about the many activities and locations in Kuala Lumpur is also available.

Look out for flight deals or choose a flight with a stop

There are plenty of budget airlines connecting Kuala Lumpur to Southeast Asia and beyond. Scoot, Jetstar Asia and AirAsia are just some of them. If their usual fares aren’t appealing enough, follow such airlines on their social media pages to be in the know whenever they have special promotions and limited-time offers.

If you’re travelling from another continent, try hacking the conventional process and stop over at Dubai, Singapore, or even Bangkok on the way to Malaysia. You may just find that it makes the flight a lot cheaper, plus it gives you a chance to stretch your legs and do a little exploring before reaching your final destination.

Save money on early hotel booking

Worried about daunting hotel costs while staying in the city? Why not book your hotel early and cut those rates in half? You could make things easier on yourself if you decide quickly on where you intend to stay in KL, even before you set off. Once you’ve confirmed the area, start looking for the best deals on hotels online, using comparison sites to check on which prices are lower. Waiting until the very last minute to confirm your accommodation can leave you with higher costs on hotels, especially high-quality ones.

See more: The famous landmarks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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The best shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is bursting with an array of shopping malls, featuring everything from high street fashion, local boutiques, branded retail, and cheap budget finds.

When you stroll into a Kuala Lumpur mall, you will find everything you need under one roof, from bars, restaurants to fashion and onsite attractions, so everyone in the family is satisfied during the day out.

Suria KLCC

Located at the base of the 88-storey, steel-clad Petronas Twin Towers (which rise to 451.9m), the crescent-shaped Suria KLCC is more than just a shopping and dining venture. Opened in 1999, the retail and entertainment complex on the junction of Jalan Ampang and Jalan P. Ramlee houses a plethora of interesting attractions.

Starhill Gallery KL

For a shopping and dining experience, you have Starhill Gallery in Bukit Bintang. Imagine walking around on carpeted floors in ambient lighting while the strains of soft jazz fill your ears.
Opened in 1996, this 250,000 square ft complex has over 100 renowned luxury brands as well as a 50,000 square ft spa and relaxation centre (the Pamper Zone). For foods, you can always visit the food court (Feast Village) on the lower ground area where you can sample food from award-winning restaurants. Otherwise, you can also sit and relax at one of the exclusive cafés surrounding the main concourse.

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

Standing loud and proud in the heart of Bukit Bintang, Pavilion is the place to be for luxury shoppers and high-end fashionistas. The mall has dedicated itself as Malaysia’s power fashion hub with some of the world’s most sought-after brands such as Givenchy, Cartier and Saint Laurent on full glittering display. It is also home to the annual Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week which showcases the country’s best local designers.

Sunway Pyramid

Sunway Pyramid is 1.7 million-sq ft Egyptian-themed mall adjacent to Sunway Lagoon Theme Park in Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya. A distinctive retail landmark, it is one of the largest shopping centres in the country and the only one with an indoor ice skating rink. Some of the brands represented at this mall include Coach, Ms. Selfridge, Mango and Timberland.

Bangsar Village I & II

Located in the heart of posh Bangsar neighbourhood, Bangsar Village is a one-stop mall popular among both locals and expats. Bangsar Village I (designed to be family-oriented), has a handful of stores catering to the needs of a growing family, from children’s clothing to home appliances. Bangsar Village II, on the other hand, is for those seeking simple elegance with a selection of contemporary restaurants, curated design goods and luxury fashion brands.

Mid Valley Megamall

The best shopping opportunity is not actually within Bangsar itself, but very near it; the Mid Valley Shopping mall is one of the largest in Southeast Asia and is arguably the Klang Valley's most popular shopping attraction. From Bangsar, it is a few minutes away using a large flyover that cuts across the smaller Bangsar roads that lead to other areas.

Plaza Low Yat

Gadget geeks and tech lovers nerd it out at Plaza Low Yat. Serving as Malaysia’s largest IT and lifestyle mall, Plaza Low Yat is a 9-floor complex that offers the world’s latest gadgets, from laptops and computers to smartphones and cameras. If your battery drains after spending hours browsing through the maze of electronics shops, there are plenty of eateries to help you recharge.

Read more: 5 best places to enjoy street foods in Kuala Lumpur

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5 great destinations near Thailand for a quick getaway

If you have a few extra days to spare while you're in Thailand, or are living here and looking for an interesting place to go for 2–3 days, consider one of these great side trips from Thailand. Each of these places is three or fewer hours by plane from Bangkok, and all are wonderful places to visit.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Hands down, this is the most amazing cultural sight in the region, and even if you aren’t interested in archeology or ancient cultures, you’ll probably find it impressive.

The Angkor Wat temple complex is just one of many you’ll get a chance to visit in the city of Siem Reap in Cambodia. In fact, there are many must-see temples. You can travel overland (bus from Thailand) or take a short flight from Bangkok.

Siem Reap itself was once a very sleepy town, but in the past decade, has been developing at breakneck speed. The first Starbucks in Siem Reap opened in August 2017. There are scores and scores of guest houses and high-end hotels — and enough restaurants and bars to keep you fed and watered while you visit.

Singapore

If you’re craving a calm, convenient, organized city after the chaos of Bangkok, head to this tiny city-state.

From the moment you land at Singapore’s Changi Airport, you’ll know why many Bangkok residents choose this destination for quick weekend getaways. It’s super clean, for one. And since English is one of the country’s official languages, you won’t have any problems communicating. While taxis are plentiful and safe, you can also use the city’s expansive, efficient public transportation system.

Singapore is a relatively new country; prior to 1819, it had few inhabitants other than the lions that roamed the island. Because of the city's Chinese, Malay, and Indian roots, it’s got a really interesting vibe you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Singapore also has plenty of fun stuff to do, great restaurants — again, thanks to its Chinese, Malay, and Indian roots — lots of big shopping malls, and a decent nightlife scene. The only drawback is that Singapore hotels can be very expensive compared to the rest of the region. In fact, everything in the city is expensive when compared to Bangkok — especially beer.

If the prospect of blowing lots of cash doesn’t scare you, check out one of Singapore’s casinos. Gambling has only been legal there for a relatively short time and is very high end. The Marina Bay Sands, right on the edge of the city’s financial district, is a casino, adult playground, shopping center, and upscale restaurant all rolled into one.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Somewhere between the frenzy of Bangkok and the organization of Singapore lies Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.

KL, as it’s known throughout the region, has a good mix of tourist attractions and shopping. Like Singapore, its residents are a mix of ethnic Chinese, Indian, and Malay — along with many other nationalities — so the food is fantastic, as are the many cultural celebrations held almost weekly.

Kuala Lumpur is easy to navigate, with great public transportation.

Penang, Malaysia

This popular island off the northwest coast of Malaysia has a fascinating history, the most visible of which is its past as an English colony.

When you visit Penang, explore the architecture of Georgetown, which earned a UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2008. Make sure to sample some famous Penang street food, too.

And if you’re looking for a place to stay, the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, an old Chinese courtyard home that has been transformed into a gorgeous boutique hotel, is the best on the island.

Bali, Indonesia

Although Thai beaches can be spectacular, the island of Bali offers something a little different and is still definitely worth visiting if you’ve already explored Thailand’s coast and islands.

The beaches are beautiful, but one of the things that makes Bali special is that its interior is stunning. Lush, green rice terraces and mountains make the island worth visiting even if you don’t want to go for a swim. And of course, there’s Ubud, an artsy tourist town in central Bali filled with cafes, galleries, pretty villas, and museums. Ubud is about an hour away from Kuta, the island’s most popular beach, so it’s easy to visit for the day if you don’t want to spend a night.

See more: Taste the traditional sweets from Asia

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A guide to Malaysia's regions

Malaysia offers travelers tropical islands, a 130-million-year-old rainforest and (almost) secret diving havens. The country’s many features make it challenging to know where to visit.

Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s beating heart. This skyscraper-laden city houses the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers, while Little India and Chinatown offer a taste of its thriving multiculturalism. Malls are stocked with the latest fashion, technology and souvenirs, alluring bargain-hunters inland and overseas. But it isn’t all about the high life: KL is also one of the world’s food capitals, filled with street-side restaurants, vendors and food courts. Away from the skyscrapers, KL Forest Eco Park provides a slice of the rainforest in the city center.

Malacca

Malacca oozes with history and culture, with a celebrated title as one of the most historically important states in Malaysia. Malacca’s 15th-century Sultanate led to the modern Malay identity, accepting three eras of colonial influence (Portuguese, Dutch and British influence) that spanned almost five centuries. Today, UNESCO-listed Malacca City bursts with centuries-old structures, including St Paul’s—Malaysia’s oldest church. It also has a thriving food scene: Many people come here solely to eat their way through Jonker Street and stuff their faces with mountains of Peranakan cuisine.

Penang

Penang, once Malaysia’s colonial jewel and now proud street art and food capital, is split between Penang Island and mainland Butterworth. Capital George Town’s historical center includes dozens of colorful restored British colonial buildings, with traditional two-storey decorated shophouses lining the narrow streets. More curious travelers can stop by Butterworth, the hub connecting Penang and KL. This little-visited city offers colorful Chinese temples and views over the Straits and Penang Bridge.

Sabah

Borneo’s Sabah in East Malaysia showcases the best of Malaysia’s biodiversity. Pre-historic rainforest covers most of the state, where endemic proboscis monkeys and orangutans swinging from the trees. Mount Kinabalu at 4,095 metres (13,435 feet) stands proudly as Malaysia’s tallest peak, with most travelers arriving at Kota Kinabalu (literally Kinabalu City) as a base for scaling this beast. Speedboats connect the city with Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park’s beach and snorkeling opportunities within minutes. Take a day trip to the northernmost ‘Tip of Borneo’ in Kudat and watch the fireflies in Kota Belud. If you want the jungle, spend a few nights in Danum Valley or the rarely explored Maliau Basin.

Kedah

Kedah State covers a section of the Malay Peninsula and the famously duty-free Langkawi Island. World-acclaimed Langkawi receives the vast majority of the state’s tourists, home to beautiful beaches, verdant hills and a colorful nightlife scene. As an alternative, the dazzling white-sand beaches of Pantai Cenang provide the perfect place for relaxation, especially with cheap cocktails in beachside bars overlooking the gentle sea. Mainland Kedah offers a completely different travel package. Alor Setar’s modern city center blends decorative, traditional and Islamic styles of architecture, while paddy fields forming the famous ‘Rice Bowl of Malaysia’ stretch towards the horizon.

Read more: Top reasons why you should visit Malaysia

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The best places to go shopping for budget travelers in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is well known as a shopping heaven for both tourists and locals. However, it can be a hassle for you if you are currently stuck in the diverse world of shopping malls. Here is a list of the top best budget shopping places which can satisfy Shopaholic’s dream at very reasonable price in Kuala Lumpur.

Berjaya Times Square

Berjaya Times Square, the biggest shopping mall in Malaysia has over 600 shops, ranges from huge stores at the lower levels to numerous small shops at the higher levels. There is even an indoor roller coaster inside this shopping, which makes it the perfect mall to visit if you are traveling with children. You can not only enjoy shopping here, but also various entertainment activities .A lovely dresses can be found here at RM 40. Amazingly, you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, an above standard movie theatre and awesomeindoor theme park all in one place.

Sungei Wang Plaza

Although this mall might not look like fancy place from the outside, it is one of the best cheap shopping places in Kuala Lumpur, especially for young Muslims looking for trendier options. You can find many shops that give discount in Kuala Lumpur’s Sungei Wang Plaza, not only for some of Malaysia’s top Muslimah fashion brands, but also for beauty and hair treatments as well. This is truly a mall for the ladies.

Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman

Not exactly a shopping mall, but definitely one of most affordable shopping districts to check out for low price shopping in Kuala Lumpur. You will be able to find a variety of items and some of the best shops in Kuala Lumpur for budget fashion. Frequented by local Muslims, you can be sure to find some of the best clothes shops that give discounts in Kuala Lumpur in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman street.

Low Yat Plaza

Low Yat Plaza is Kuala Lumpur’s largest IT mall with around 500 shops spreading over 7 floors. Most of them are small stalls, only a few are large-scale stores. This mall has all things IT on offer, from mobile phones and cameras to laptops and computers. Prices are negotiable, so you can bargain hard and smart for good deals.

Lifestyle facilities are included for a more comfortable shopping experience. Guys can hunt for a good buy on latest tech items on the higher floors while ladies can indulge life in a beauty salon on upper ground floor.

The Factory Outlet Store

If you wish to find shops that give discounts in Kuala Lumpur for branded apparel, you will not find a better place than this. With brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie and Fitch, and GAP, The Factory Outlet Store offers genuine branded items that are sourced directly from the factories and inexpensive modest wear in Kuala Lumpur.

Read more: Spend the night at these 6 greatest clubs in Kuala Lumpur

Mid Valley Megamall

Mid Valley has over 430 stores spreading across its five floors, its five anchor tenants include Carrefour, Jusco, Golden Screen Cinemas, Metrojaya and Harvey Norman. In addition, Mid Valley also boasts 18-screen Golden Screen Cinema, a state-of-the-art bowling center on the fifth floor, One-Stop IT Centre for tech-savvy shoppers and a spacious MPH bookstore outlet.

Besides, a wide range of restaurants serves all kinds of food. Ladies will surely love this shopping center as there is a variety of clothing outlets available, including the big Europeans brands, Top Shop, H&M, Mango and so on.

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