This Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide helps you make the most of your one day in the city. It features a well-thought-out travel itinerary and a detailed budget for the trip.
Disclaimer: Some information in this Kuala Lumpur Guide changes too often. If you continue reading this article, you agree to cross-check information with concerned authorities. Please read the site’s full Terms.
Advisory: Please refer to the Embassy of Malaysia regarding the country’s latest travel advisories before planning your trip.
Introduction
I was in the first grade when my mom left to work overseas. During the 90s, we only relied upon phone calls and airmail for distant talks.
From then on, she keeps mailing me photos of the different spots in Kuala Lumpur. But, a snapshot of the Petronas Twin Towers always caught my attention. Hence, I started dreaming of visiting Kuala Lumpur – a city blended with old-fashioned and contemporary landscapes.
My childhood dream came to reality after 25 long years. I can’t contain the euphoria while staring at the city’s iconic twin towers and the surrounding buildings. The moment in Kuala Lumpur brought me into my childhood when my dream started.
Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Contents
- Quick Fact About Kuala Lumpur
- Visa in Malaysia
- Time Zone in Kuala Lumpur
- Climate in Kuala Lumpur
- Best Time to Visit Kuala Lumpur
- Language in Kuala Lumpur
- Currency in Kuala Lumpur
- Modes of Payment in Kuala Lumpur
- Ways of Getting to Kuala Lumpur
- Getting Around Kuala Lumpur
- Areas to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
- Internet in Kuala Lumpur
- Power Adaptors in Kuala Lumpur
- Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Itinerary
- Budget for Kuala Lumpur Trip
- Kuala Lumpur Guidebook Resources
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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Quick Fact About Kuala Lumpur
The abundance of tin in Kuala Lumpur had enticed Chinese miners to build an industry for mining. As a result, the tin industry flourished and became a modern town in the late 19th century.
Visa in Malaysia
All Philippine passport holders traveling for tourism in Malaysia are granted a free entry visa for thirty (30) days. You are required to apply for a tourist visa in the event of a visit extension.
Before departure, passengers must undergo stringent immigration procedures. Read the article, How to Avoid Getting Offloaded at the Philippine Immigration?
Time Zone in Kuala Lumpur
Manila, Philippines, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia have similar time zones.
Climate in Kuala Lumpur
Situated in the equatorial region, Malaysia has a tropical climate. Hence, Kuala Lumpur remains hot and humid, with occasional rains occurring throughout the year.
Best Time to Visit Kuala Lumpur
Like its neighboring city Singapore, the weather in Kuala Lumpur is quite unpredictable however remains a year-round destination. If the weather remains ungood, the city has shopping malls that even feature indoor attractions.
November to February
Visitors can expect a milder temperature from November until February, making it the peak season in Kuala Lumpur. During the colder months and holiday breaks, visitors await larger crowd and a spike in accommodation rates.
March to October
The months from March until October are the hottest period of the year. Amid the sweltering heat, visitors may likely experience downpours any time of the day.
Language in Kuala Lumpur
The Bahasa Malaysia is the official language in Kuala Lumpur. Apart from Malay, Malaysians also speak English or Malaysian English.
Here are essential Malay words and phrases to learn before your trip to the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur.
- Selamat pagi – Good morning
- Terima kasih – Thank you
- Selamat tinggal – Goodbye
- Tidak – No
- Jalan terus – Go straight
- Keluar – Exit
- Di mana tandas – Where is the toilet?
- Dini – Here
- Berapa harga? – How much?
- Mahal sangat – Too expensive
- Saya hendak tukar duit – I would like to change money
- Boleh kurang? – Can you reduce the price?
Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Fact: The residents of Kuala Lumpur are called KLites. Does it sound posh?
Currency in Kuala Lumpur
Malaysian Ringgit (code: MYR) is the official currency of Malaysia. Ringgit got its name from the rough edges of a Spanish silver coin in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Exchange rate as of May 31, 2022: MYR 1, PHP 11.99, or USD 0.23.
Modes of Payment in Kuala Lumpur
Cash, foreign-issued, and stored-value cards are the accepted payment modes in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Cash
Hard cash is the preferred mode of payment in Kuala Lumpur. It is accepted in all commercial establishments in the city, especially in small shops and hawker food centers. If you run short of cash, there are countless money changers across downtown Kuala Lumpur.
Debit and Credit Cards
Aside from cash, foreign-issued cards like Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels, diners, and shopping malls.
Stored-Value Cards
The Touch n’ Go Card is an alternative to cash for transport fares and retail payments. This prepaid card is available at select shops, petrol stations, and LRT stations.
Without stored value, the Touch n’ Go card is at MYR 10.60, PHP 127.06, or USD 2.42.
Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Tip: To save money, convert your currency into Malaysian Ringgit in downtown Kuala Lumpur, which offers better exchange rates. Or, convert just enough cash at the airport of destination to cover your fare to the city center.
For withdrawals, inform your home bank ahead of time regarding ATM use abroad.
Ways of Getting to Kuala Lumpur
Located in Southeast Asia, Kuala Lumpur is accessible via air and land.
By Air
Several local and international airlines provide flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The flight time between Manila and Kuala Lumpur will take three hours and 25 minutes.
Kuala Lumpur has two aviation hubs; the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2. The former port caters to most long-haul flights, while the latter serves budget carriers. These airports are accessible via the Airport Rail Link, a taxi, or a free shuttle.
By Land
Malaysia shares a border with Thailand to the north, and Singapore via Johore Strait to the south. To get to Kuala Lumpur, transports like cars, buses, and trains are available for inland travel.
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Getting Around Kuala Lumpur
Gridlocked traffic is the usual road scenario in Kuala Lumpur, especially during the rush hours. Thus, the city has an extensive and well-linked network of public transport.
Train
Getting around or beyond Kuala Lumpur is more convenient because of the city’s unified central station, the KL Sentral. The central transport hub links all the rail networks of the metro like the MRT, LRT, etc.
Express Rail Link connects the airports of Kuala Lumpur and the city center. The airport rail link serves two train services; the non-stop KLIA Ekspres and the KLIA Transit.
Express Rail Link operates from Monday to Sunday from 5:00 am until 1:00 am. The fare starts at MYR 55, PHP 659.28, or USD 12.56.
Light Rapid Transit links the city center and the suburban areas. Kuala Lumpur’s LRT operates from Monday to Sunday from 6:00 am until 12:00 am. The fare starts at MYR 1, PHP 11.99, or USD 0.23.
Mass Rapid Transit is a fully automated rail transit traversing more distant areas in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur’s MRT operates from Monday to Sunday from 6:00 am until 12:00 am. The fare starts at MYR 1, PHP 11.99, or USD 0.23.
KL Monorail passes through the city’s popular areas like Bukit Bintang. The KL Monorail operates from Monday to Sunday from 6:00 am until 12:00 am. Fare starts at MYR 1.20, PHP 14.38, or USD 0.27.
KTM Komuter connects the city center and the suburbs like Selangor. The KTM Komuter operates from Monday to Sunday from 6:00 am until 12:00 am. Fare starts at MYR 1.50, PHP 17.98, or USD 0.34.
Bus
Kuala Lumpur has extensive bus networks like the Rapid KL, Metrobus, and the GO KL City Bus. The Go KL City Bus is a free shuttle roaming the city’s key areas. It has four lines with dedicated stops; Green, Purple, Blue, and Red Lines.
The GO KL City Bus operates from Monday until Thursday from 6:00 am until 11:00 pm. Also, the operating time extends until 1:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Taxi
Metered taxis in Kuala Lumpur are available 24 hours a day. A regular cab has red-white colors, while a pricey cab has blue and yellow exteriors.
Taxis in Kuala Lumpur operate from Monday to Sunday. The fare starts at MYR 3, PHP 35.96, or USD 0.69 for the first three minutes. And an additional MYR 0.25/ PHP 3.00/ USD 0.057 is charge for the next 36 seconds.
Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Reminder: Be warned that some cab drivers in the city refuse to use meters. Hence, avail of other cab services that utilize meters or hop into mass transit like MRT.
Areas to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a modern and multicultural city that offers countless things to see and do. The Malaysian capital is consistently on the roster of the world’s most visited cities. The vast and compact metropolis has numerous lodgings in the city’s key locations.
Bukit Bintang
The bustling area of Bukit Bintang is a place for endless shopping and energetic nightlife. This neighborhood is home to clusters of malls and restaurants. It also hosts a wide array of mixed-type accommodations, from budget hostels to expensive hotels.
The streets of Jalan Alor and Changkat are the popular spots for food tripping and night parties in Bukit Bintang.
KLCC
The Kuala Lumpur City Center or the KLCC is Malaysia’s business and financial district. This expensive area hosts many upscale malls and luxurious accommodations.
The world-renowned Petronas Twin Towers and Aquaria KLCC are among the significant spots in Kuala Lumpur City Center.
Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Reminder: Guests must pay tourism tax amounting to MYR 10, PHP 119.61, or USD 2.28 per room and night. The additional charge is to be paid directly to the hotel upon check-in.
Chinatown
An excellent neighborhood for budget travelers, Chinatown has filled with accommodations and countless shops and eateries. It is also near to cultural attractions in Kuala Lumpur.
Notable attractions near Chinatown are Central Market, the National Textile Museum, Merdeka Square, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, and Masjid Jamek.
Also, visit the temples of Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, Sri Mahamariamman Temple, and Guan Di Temple.
KL Sentral
The KL Sentral offers easy access around Kuala Lumpur. Apart from being transport convenient, the well-integrated area also hosts malls and accommodations.
Sights near KL Sentral are Botanical Garden, KL Bird Park, Islamic Arts Museum, National Museum, National Mosque, and Little India.
Internet in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur offers free Wi-Fi in airports, malls, and transport stations. Moreover, pocket Wi-Fi devices and data sim cards are available for rent.
Power Adaptors in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur operates on a 230v supply with a frequency of 50 Hz and has one type of power adaptor:
- G or with three rectangular pins in triangular patterns.
Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Itinerary
Departs from Singapore
- Head to Kuala Lumpur
- From Golden Mile Complex, Singapore
- Take the bus heading to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Alight at Singapore – Malaysia Border Gate and clear the immigration and customs checkpoint
- Take the same bus
- Get off at Berjaya Times Square, Bukit Bintang
- Walk toward accommodation
08:30 pm – 10:00 pm hotel check-in and have dinner
10:00 pm sleep
Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Tip: A hostel is a low-price shared accommodation that offers essentials like sleep and a bath. Compared to hotels, staying in hostels offers cheaper options. Reserve a hostel in Kuala Lumpur now!
Day 1 - Selangor and Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Reminder: Walking from points A to B requires less than 800 meters.
06:30 am – 09:00 am head to and explore Batu Caves using the KL TravelPass for hassle-free transfers.
- From accommodation
- Walk toward KL Monorail Bukit Bintang Station
- Take the KL Monorail
- Alight at KL Sentral
- Walk toward KTM Komuter Platform 3
- Take the KTM Komuter Seremban Line
- Alight at KTM Komuter Batu Caves Station
- Walk toward Batu Caves
Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Reminder: Visitors should wear conservative clothes before entering Batu Caves. Or, you may rent a sarong at the cave entrance at MYR 3, PHP 35.96, or USD 0.69.
Batu Caves
Located north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is a limestone hill and a Hindu worship place. The gigantic-golden statue of a Hindu deity and a colorful 272 steps staircase welcome incoming visitors.
The Batu Caves is open from Monday to Sunday from 6:00 am until 9:00 pm. Admission is free.
Alternatively, book your Kuala Lumpur Suburbs and Batu Caves Half-Day Tour to engage in the suburbs’ way of life. The guided tour includes transfers.
09:00 am – 03:45 pm head to and explore Old City Center, have lunch
- From Batu Caves
- Walk toward KTM Komuter Batu Caves Station
- Take the KTM Komuter Seremban Line
- Alight at Kuala Lumpur Station
- Walk toward Petaling Street
Petaling Street
Chinatown’s Petaling Street is Kuala Lumpur’s shopping paradise. The vibrant area is home to countless eateries and shops that offer goods at a bargain price.
Central Market Kuala Lumpur
Erected in 1888 as a wet market, Central Market is home to Malaysian craftsmanship. The Art-Deco style edifice houses hundreds of shops that offer handicrafts, delicacies, and souvenir items.
Central Market is open from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 am until 10:00 pm, and admission is free.
Kasturi Walk
Situated beside Central Market, Kasturi Walk is an outdoor market filled with lanes of kiosks that sell cheap goods. The striking 9-meters-covered pathway decked out with a traditional kite welcomes shoppers.
Kasturi Walk is open from Monday until Sunday from 10:00 am until 10:00 pm, and admission is free.
National Textile Museum
The National Textile Museum exhibits the local fabrics and traditional costumes of Malaysia. This Indo-Gothic style structure is an old railway office erected in 1905.
National Textile Museum is open from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm. The admission fee for adults is MYR 5, PHP 59.14, or USD 1.18, while the attraction offers discounts to children.
Merdeka Square
Dataran Merdeka or Merdeka Square is an open field where the declaration of Malaysian Independence took place on August 31, 1957. It is also the official venue of the country’s annual National Day parade.
Merdeka Square is open 24 hours a day.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building
The landmark built-in 1897, the Moorish-style Sultan Abdul Samad Building, is a former British colonial office. It serves as the headquarters of ministries of communication, multimedia and tourism, and the culture of Malaysia.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building is not open to the public.
Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque
Built-in 1905, the Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque is situated between the rivers of Klang and Gombak. The Muslin worship place is one of the oldest in Kuala Lumpur and became the national mosque in 1965.
Masjid Jamek is open from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 am until 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm until 4:00 pm. The mosque is closed to non-Muslim on Fridays, while admission is free.
Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Reminder: Visitors should wear conservative clothes before entering the Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque. Also, non-Muslims can borrow robes at the entrance gate upon entering.
Otherwise, book your Half-Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour and explore the city blended with old-fashioned and modern landscapes. The guided tour includes transfers.
03:45 pm – 06:00 pm head to and explore Kuala Lumpur City Center
- From Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque
- Walk toward LRT Masjid Jamek Station
- Take the LRT Kelana Jaya Line
- Alight at LRT KLCC Station
- Walk toward Petronas Twin Towers
Petronas Twin Towers
Malaysia’s Petronas Twin Towers is the world’s tallest twin structure, measuring 451.9 meters high. The 88-story tower is the headquarters of the state-owned Petronas Corporation and other global companies.
Petronas Twin Towers is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am until 9:00 pm. The entry fee for adults is MYR 64, PHP 767.17, or USD 14.62, while the attraction offers discounts to children.
Ascend to Petronas Twin Towers observation deck. Hold your breath and witness the entirety of Kuala Lumpur from the tower’s 86th floor. Book admission to Petronas Twin Towers and unleash your exciting feelings. It also covers the one-way transfer.
KLCC Park
Located behind the Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC Park is a 50-acre garden park. It features a children’s playground, swimming pools, a lake, and a jogging path. Light and sound spectacle awaits visitors at KLCC Lake at 8:00 pm, 9:00 pm, and 10:00 pm.
KLCC Park is open from Monday until Sunday from 7:00 am until 10:00 pm. Admission is free.
06:00 pm – 08:30 pm head to and explore Bukit Bintang, have dinner, hotel check-out
- From KLCC Park
- Walk toward KLCC Bus Stop
- Take the Go KL City Bus Green Line
- Alight at Bukit Bintang Bus Stop
- Walk toward accommodation
Jalan Alor Food Street
Spanning 500 meters long, the Jalan Alor Food Street is a stretch of outdoor dining in Bukit Bintang. Alongside the vibrant street are diners and food stalls offering a wide range of Asian cuisines.
Jalan Alor Food Street is open from Monday to Sunday from 5:00 pm until 12:00 am.
Nasi Lemak
A visit to Kuala Lumpur would not be complete without tasting its traditional rice dish, the Nasi Lemak. It consists of rice, fried anchovies, hard-boiled egg, roasted peanuts, sliced cucumber, and sambal chili sauce.
08:30 pm – 10:30 pm head to Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2
- From accommodation
- Walk toward Monorail Bukit Bintang Station
- Take the KL Monorail Line
- Alight at KL Sentral Station
- Walk toward the basement, bus terminal
Are you heading to Kuala Lumpur International Airport from the KL Sentral in less than 30 minutes? Reserve a seat and grab your tickets for the KLIA Ekspres Airport Train.
10:30 pm – 01:40 am arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2, clear immigration and customs checkpoint, boarding
01:40 am – 06:05 am flight to Manila
Budget for Kuala Lumpur Trip
In 2019, I spent P 4,638.00 for one day and one night in Kuala Lumpur. But, costs may still vary depending on your travel lifestyle. For more thrift tips, consider several ways to save money for your next trip.
Below is the Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide budget breakdown for your reference.
Pre-Departure
- One-way airfare, Kuala Lumpur to Manila, PHP 2,680.00
- 1D1N accommodation, PHP 550.00/2, PHP 275.00
Day 0
- Tourism tax for one night, PHP 125.00
- Dinner, PHP 200.00
1st Day
- Breakfast, PHP 200.00
- Monorail Bukit Bintang Station to KL Sentral via KL Monorail, PHP 30.00
- KL Sentral to KTM Komuter Batu Caves Station via KTM Komuter, PHP 35.00
- KTM Komuter Batu Caves Station to KL Sentral via KTM Komuter, PHP 35.00
- Lunch, PHP 200.00
- LRT Masjid Jamek Station to LRT KLCC Station via LRT, PHP 23.00
- KLCC Bus Stop to Bukit Bintang Bus Stop via Go KL Bus, PHP 0.00
- Dinner, PHP 200.00
- Monorail Bukit Bintang Station to KL Sentral via KL Monorail, PHP 30.00
- KL Sentral to Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 via bus, PHP 150.00
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Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Question: What are the world’s tallest twin towers?
Please drop your answers or messages in the comments section. Thank you, and see you on the road.
About the Author
J. Sac is the author of ‘Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide: An Excellent Guide to the World.’ He is also the founder of Traveledictorian – a travel blog that publishes compelling travel-related content.
His passion for writing, photography, and travel fueled him to explore Asia and the rest of the world. He also plans to undertake humanitarian work in his travels. Read his inspiring story and follow him on social media!
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