Two days in Kuala Lumpur is all you need to see the two big sights, explore the two main neighborhoods, and eat too much good food in Malaysia’s capital city.
Kuala Lumpur (or KL as it’s affectionately called) is home to bucket list sites like the Petronas Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world, and the Batu Caves, a Hindu temple carved into a hill with a rainbow staircase and a golden statue guarding its entrance.
This itinerary splits your time in KL between the sights in the city center on the first day and the destinations just outside of the city on the second day. It assumes two full days to explore, so it’s best to fly into KL in the evening and fly out in the morning for three nights and two days.
KL is a great addition to a longer and larger Southeast Asia itinerary. You can easily travel to KL from Bali, Singapore, or Ho Chi Minh City. But this itinerary is all about making the most of a couple of days in Kuala Lumpur, so let’s get into it.
Day 1: The city center
Breakfast at FEEKA Coffee Roasters
Kuala Lumpur loves its cafes. Start your day at one of the best in the city at FEEKA Coffee Roasters on Jalan Mesui. FEEKA is an all-day cafe where you can enjoy pancakes and fancy toasts with your cappuccino for breakfast.
There are a few FEEKA locations around the city, and while there is one closer to the Petronas Towers (your next stop), the FEEKA in Bukit Bintang is the original one with the coolest and coziest vibe.
The Petronas Towers
The Petronas Towers rise above Kuala Lumpur as a symbol of the capital city. They are the largest twin towers in the world and have held that status since they were built in 1998.
You can go up the towers to walk the skybridge and visit the 86th-floor observation deck for about 25 USD per person. To secure your ticket, make sure to buy it far in advance because only about 1,000 visitors are granted entry per day. The towers are closed on Mondays, so plan to visit between Tuesday and Sunday.
The best view of the towers is from KLCC Park. Personally, I didn’t care to go up the towers, so I walked around the park and took photos.
Merdeka Square
For a bit of history, go to Merdeka Square, the birthplace of Malaysian independence. The square is surrounded by government buildings and the beautiful Sultan Abdul Samad Building with Moorish-style architecture and a clock tower.
Jamek Mosque
On the other side of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building is the Jamek Mosque. The mosque is built at the intersection of two rivers, making for a nice photo opp.
Central Market
The Central Market, or Pasar Seni as locals call it, is the oldest marketplace in the city. Dating back to 1888, the Central Market has a mix of old and new vendors. On the perimeter are modern stores with carefully curated souvenirs, and in the center are a bunch of stalls selling artisan goods and trinkets.
Chinatown
The best and most distinctive neighborhood to explore in KL is Chinatown. It is home to temples, street markets, and amazing cuisine. While there are a lot of spots to hit in Chinatown, don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the quaint architecture as you stroll the streets.
Sin Sze Si Ya Temple
This Taoist temple screams Chinatown with its gold and red adornments. The temple is a beautiful and peaceful place to escape to amongst the bustle of the neighborhood.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
This Hindu temple is the oldest Hindu place of worship in Kuala Lumpur. The temple is ornate with a colorful, detailed tower at the entrance. Having visited many Hindu temples during our trip to Singapore and Bali, we just admired it from the outside.
Kwai Chai Hong
Another escape from the busy streets of Chinatown is Kwai Chai Hong, an alleyway filled with colorful murals that depict typical Chinese life. The alley is filled with photo ops and is surrounded by small businesses.
Lunch at Da Bao
By this time, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. Enjoy lunch at Da Bao, a restaurant and bar around the corner from the mural alley. Their bao buns are big, so come hungry or order just one to share amongst two people.
Petaling Street Market
Petaling Street Market is an open-air market on Chinatown’s most famous street. The street is pedestrian-only with vendors on both sides. Many of the vendors sell counterfeit goods of big American brands like Adidas and The North Face.
REXKL
For a more modern vibe, go to REXKL, a newer market with a cool bookshop, cafe, and vintage vendors. It’s a great place to escape the heat indoors while exploring the more contemporary side of Kuala Lumpur.
Merdeka 118
Kuala Lumpur is now home to the second-tallest building in the world. Merdeka 118 quietly finished construction in Jaunary 2024. While it’s still not open to the public yet, you can enjoy the view from outside. Because of its immense height, you can see it from almost every corner of the city. There’s a great view of it from Chinatown.
Dinner at Vermut Restaurant and Bar
For dinner, enjoy Spanish tapas at Vermut, a restaurant and bar near FEEKA (where you had breakfast). It’s a full circle moment to end your day, but the sangria at Vermut is exceptional, so it’s a must-visit. The vibe is also cozy and welcoming, making it the perfect wrap-up to your first day in the city.
Want to go out? Go to Changkat Bukit Bintang, the going-out street of the city. It’s filled with plenty of pubs to wander into.
Day 2: The outskirts + Bukit Bintang
Breakfast at VCR
Today is a big day, so you need to fuel up with a delicious breakfast. VCR is a trendy cafe serving brunch staples like waffles, eggs, and the works. Enjoy your breakfast before hopping in a Grab (the local rideshare service) to your next destination.
Batu Caves
The Batu Caves are the whole reason many people visit Kuala Lumpur. A giant golden statue and an iconic rainwbow staricase guard this Hindu shrine carved into the hillside. The climb up to the limestone caves only takes about 10 minutes if you go straight up without stopping to take photos. Once you reach the top, you can explore the caves and the actual temple inside.
ThatPlannerFriend Tip: Monkeys are known to steal belongings on the stairs leading up to the caves, so keep your distance and your bags close.
The Batu Caves are located about a 20-minute drive north of the heart of Kuala Lumpur. I recommend hopping in a Grab ride-share car. You could take public transportation, but it will take longer. You should allocate about an hour to explore the Batu Caves.
Entrance to the caves is free, but you may need to pay to rent or buy a sarong, depending on your attire. Your knees and shoulders must be covered to enter the temple. With the sweltering heat in Kuala Lumpur, you’ll likely want to wear shorts to be comfortable and buy a sarong. You can buy a sarong to take home with you as a souvenir for under 5 USD, just make sure to bring cash.
Thean Hou Temple
From the Batu Caves, head south of the city to visit the Thean Hou Temple, a giant Chinese temple dedicated to a Chinese sea goddess. This impressive temple is adorned with red lanterns and intricate designs.
The temple is about a 20-minute drive from the Batu Caves and only about 10 minutes from the city center. Again, rideshare is the best way to reach areas on the outskirts of town.
After getting back to the city center, freshen up at the hotel and relax before getting ready to hit the streets of Bukit Bintang.
Bukit Bintang
The heart of Kuala Lumpur is Bukit Bintang, a bustling neighborhood that comes alive at night. Bukit Bintang translates to “star hill,” and you can see why with its bright lights. The area is reminiscent of Times Square or Shibuya Crossing with big advertisements and crowds of people.
Pavilion Mall
Kuala Lumpur locals love to shop. Mall culture is alive and well in the city. The biggest and brightest mall is the Pavilion, with over 700 businesses. It’s a good place to visit to see the local buzz of the city and to escape the humidity with a blast of air conditioning.
Dinner at Jalan Alor Night Market
Dinner at the Jalan Alor Night Market is a foodie’s dream. This street food market serves some of Southeast Asia’s best cuisine. There are so many stalls to choose from, ranging from full-on restaurants to fruit stands. As you walk down the street, you’ll dodge waiters trying to get you to sit down for a meal.
We enjoyed a full Thai fish at an affordable price. A meal on Jalan Alor is the best bang for your buck you’ll find in the city.
Planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur for the first time? Check out this First Timer’s Guide to Kuala Lumpur.
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