Kuala Lumpur in 1 Day Itinerary

The Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, is one of the biggest airports and city hubs in Southeast Asia, so there is a good chance you’ll find yourself here at some point.  But don’t think of it as merely a stopover point, it has a lot to offer travelers!  

From the popular limestone cave Hindu shrine, Batu Caves, to delicious Jalan Alor Night Food Court, KL is a worthy destination.  I even walked away thinking that it felt very livable.

BUT if all you have is a day, I think you can cover most of the main tourist sites (and then onwards to Penang, right?!)  

Here’s a suggested itinerary if you find yourself in town and wanting to make the most of your time.

 As always, make sure you are traveling safely with TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE

Kuala Lumpur In a Day Itinerary:

 Start your day off early with a visit to Batu Caves – this is a limestone cave & Hindu temple built into a mountain side – and one of KL’s most popular sites.  You’ve no doubt seen photos of the brightly colored steps.  You want to go early to beat the crowds – it can get very packed.  The site is open from 6am (to 9pm).  Make sure you dress for climbing a bunch of stairs….but ladies remember to cover your shoulders & knees!  Or else you will have to rent a sarong.  Watch out for monkeys as they can get a bit naughty/aggressive….we saw one run up to a woman and try to grab at her purse (they are looking for food).

After spending about an hour exploring Batu Caves, take a Grab car to the Central Market food court to grab a bit of breakfast & explore the shops.

TIP: Make sure to download the Grab app, Southeast Asia’s Uber equivalent….except that it’s based on distance – not time, so you don’t get charged extra in case of traffic.  You can add your credit card to the app or pay cash.

After breakfast, walk to Chinatown – stopping for a quick view of Sri Mahamariamman temple (which is at the end of the Chinatown strip).  In Chinatown, you’ll find lots of vendors selling sunglasses, watches, bags, clothes, street food, etc.  Maybe have a small breakfast so you have a little room to sample some of the street food!

If you are doing good on time, go by the Sultan Abdul Samad building – which is a very photogenic spot for photos.  

 From there, take another Grab car to the Petronas Towers.  I recommend viewing them from the front of the mall (as the angle for photos is a little cleaner than if you try to take photos behind the mall).  You’ll find tons of guys selling wide angle lenses – I got one for about $5 – and I highly recommend investing in one of these bad boys. Everyone will try to sell you one, but if you say you bought one already from their friend, all the guys selling will be so nice to you and offer to take tons of photos for you.  They know all the tricks to getting good photos!  Best $5 ever spent haha.

If you’re still wanting more views – you can head up to Menara KL towers for a great view of the city (and it’s cheaper than the Skybridge).

If you’re hungry for some lunch at this point, there are lot of food options in the mall.  

Then get a Grab car to Thean Hou Temple – a beautiful temple and one of KL’s top sites.  

As you’re getting close to sunset, make your way to Heli Lounge Bar – actual helicopter landing pad by day, popular bar and nightlife spot by night.  It has stunning views of the entire city and is the perfect place to watch the sun go down.  It can be hard to get a table so make sure you go somewhat close to open (5PM).

After sun down, if you’re getting hungry, head to Jalan Alor Food Court – a very lively street with every imaginable Asian food option.  

If you’re feeling like partying, you’re right in the thick of it!  Just a few minute walk away from Alor Food Court is a stretch of lively bars where you can drink and dance the night away.

Well I hope these tips and KL itinerary suggestions were helpful.  Enjoy your time there!!!

<3

Lauren