Seeking the best Kuala Lumpur Itinerary for 2 Days? Here we have you covered with how to pack out your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur with the best activities and attractions the city has to offer. Malaysia’s capital is one of a kind, with a variety of cultural influences, you will find a diverse range of mosques, temples, food, and nature to sink your teeth into. In this guide, you will also find ways to get to and from the airport, the best places for you to stay, and essential travel tips.
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How to get from and to the airport
Kuala Lumpur’s airport is around a 1-hour drive away from the hustle and bustle. We recommend staying close to Bukit Bintang, as this is central to most attractions and where you will find the most nightlife. From the airport to Bukit Bintang you have a few transport options.
By taxi
The most convenient and quickest way to reach Bukit Bintang from the airport is via a private taxi. As you leave the airport you will notice that there is no shortage of taxis ready to take you to your hotel. To ensure you get a fair price, make sure you collect a coupon from the taxi rank or make sure the meter is running. Taxis to Bukit Bintang generally cost 75 RM ($17.50).
By metro
Two metro lines can take you into the city centre; the KILA Express and the KLIA Transit. Opt for the express line as it takes less than 30 minutes to reach KL Sentral Station. Whereas the transit line makes multiple stops, making for a long journey. Both trains cost 35 RM ($8.21). Service starts at 6:00 am and finishes at 11:10 pm. Once you reach KL Sentral Station, you will need to change to a different metro line on which the hotel is located. The journey to Bukit Bintang is short and costs just 1.80 RM ($0.42).
By public bus
The cheapest option is the airport coach service. The journey will take a little longer than the metro, but as it is so cheap, at just 10 RM ($2.35), it is certainly worth the extra 30-minute journey. A bonus is that the bus is very comfortable too! The bus service runs from 6:00 am to 12:30 am. Like the metro, the bus will terminate at KL Sentral. From here you will need to take the metro to Bukit Bintang for 1.80 RM ($0.42).
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
There are plenty of places to stay in Kuala Lumpur. From Airbnb to hotels and hostels, you will be spoilt for choice. Below we have recommended two places where we have personally stayed and would certainly stay again.
Big M Hotel – Conveniently located by Jamek Mosque and Masjid Jamek Station. From the hotel, you can easily access Kuala Lumpur’s main attractions; the Petronas Towers, Bukit Bintang and China Town.
Big M Hotel is a perfect, modern, budget hotel for couples and families. The rooms are well-decorated and very clean. The hotel provides amenities such as free coffee, toiletries, a safe, hairdryer and a kettle. Furthermore, there is a rooftop area where you can see out to the nearby mosque. The staff at the hotel are very friendly and helpful. We fully recommend staying here if you are visiting Kuala Lumpur.
Dorms KL 2 – If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper alternative and don’t mind staying in a dorm, Droms KL 2 is the perfect option. We stayed here on our third visit to Kuala Lumpur and we thoroughly felt comfortable. The dorms are super clean and each bed is equipped with locker storage, electrical sockets, and night lights. For such a cheap price, you can’t go wrong. The hostel is relatively quiet but if you like to meet other people, just hang out in the common area or the garden and you are sure to find someone to natter away to.
The best Kuala Lumpur itinerary for 2 days
There is so much to see and do in Kuala Lumpur, you could spend months on end trying to fit everything in. With so many awesome things to see, you could say Malaysia is one of the best countries in the world to live in! However, having been ourselves numerous times, we have put together this Kuala Lumpur itinerary for 2 days to help you get the most out of your visit. We recommend you visit each place in the order of this itinerary to avoid doubling back or wasting any time.
Day of 1 the Kuala Lumpur itinerary for 2 days
Batu Caves
Start your first day in Kuala Lumpur bright and early and head 15 km out of the city on a trip to Batu Caves. Batu Caves is arguably the top attraction in the whole of Malaysia. Not only is it a popular site for travellers, but also an important religious site for the Tamil Hindu community.
The magnificent limestone cliffs are thought to be over 400 million years old, but what is really fascinating is the collection of caves and shrines embedded between them. Upon arriving at the caves, you will first notice what may look like a million steps up towards the most popular Hindu shrine at the site. But no worries, there are plenty of monkeys chilling out around you, keeping you entertained whilst you make the leg-aching journey towards the top. Climbing the steps and admiring the caves from the outside is free. You can also opt for a guided tour inside the caves.
Getting to the caves is relatively easy using the metro system. Just head to KL Sentral Station and hop on the train to the terminal station; Batu Caves. The journey takes 30 minutes and costs 4 RM ($0.94) for a return journey.
Entrance cost: Free
Opening times: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm every day
Little India
Get a taste of India in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Located just a short walk away from KL Sentral Station, you will find yourself in Brickfields District, where a community of Indians, Sri Lankans, and Bangladeshis have settled in the area for generations. With them comes their colourful and vibrant culture. As you walk the street of Jalan Tun Sambanthan you will notice shop upon a shop selling sparkling saris, aromatic spices, and pretty jewels. If you haven’t yet backpacked India, you will truly get a feel for Indian life here.
Thean Hau Temple
Thean Hau Temple is a striking 6-tier Chinese temple. Surprisingly, the temple is relatively new; construction was finished in 1987. The intricate design is simply beautiful and astonishing, which explains why this temple has become an Instagram sensation in recent years. It’s one of the largest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia, so make sure to pass by after you have had a bite to eat in Little India.
Entrance cost: FREE
Opening times: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
Masjid Negara (National Mosque)
If you’re a lover of architecture, don’t miss a trip to the National Mosque, also known as Masjid Negara. Situated in 13 acres of garden, you could spend a few hours roaming around the grounds alone before heading inside to admire the contemporary design of the mosque. The 73-meter high minaret accompanied by a 16-pointed star concrete roof is a distinguishable feature among Kuala Lumpur’s skyline. Remember, as it is a place of worship, you will be required to dress appropriately. Robes and headscarves are provided free of charge.
Entrance cost: FREE
Opening times: For non-Muslim visitors, you can visit from Saturday to Thursday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. On Fridays, you can visit between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. If you’re a practising Muslim, you’re free to visit during prayer times too.
KL Forest Eco-park
Whilst Kuala Lumpur is a buzzin’ city filled with skyscrapers and pollution, in the heart of the city, you will find a wonderful nature retreat. At KL Forest Eco-park you will find a variety of trees, plants, and endangered species. One of the star attractions though is the canopy walk among the treetops, which boasts awesome views of the city skyline.
Entrance cost: FREE
Opening times: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
Petronas Towers at night
The towers are a must-see; particularly at night when they are lit up in all their glory. There is also the option to view the city skyline from the observatory deck and the sky bridge. We did not do this, so we are unable to comment on the price or its worth. Either way, be sure to experience the awesome views of the towers as they sparkle in the night sky. Whilst there, take the opportunity to watch the Symphony Lake Water Show which takes place every evening between 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm.
Day 2 of the Kuala Lumpur itinerary for 2 days
Merdeka Square
If you’re a bit of a history sponge, make sure to add Merdeka Square to your Kuala Lumpur 2-day itinerary. Here is where Malaysia claimed its independence and proudly waved the national flag on the 31st of August 1957. Fun fact, the flagpole is the tallest in the world at 95 meters high. Opposite the well-kept square of grass, take the time to admire the distinguishing building with beautiful brickwork, the Abdul Samad building. The building was originally used as offices for British colonial administration in 1987, but later became the office of the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture of Malaysia.
Masjid Wilayah Mosque
Kuala Lumpur has no shortage of fascinating architecture, and Masjid Wilayah Mosque is no different in that regard. The lavish design won’t fail to impress you. To get to the mosque, you should take a car as it is located along a highway, around a 15-minute drive from the Petronas Towers. Furthermore, when you arrive, you will be offered a FREE guided tour!
Entrance cost: FREE
Opening times: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. Closed on Fridays from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
KLCC Park
For one of the best views of Petronas Towers and a peaceful stroll, head over to the tranquil KLCC Park. Set on 50 acres of land, you will find plenty of unique angles of the towers. It’s the perfect place to capture a full-length picture of them! You will also find a manmade lake, water fountains, running tracks, and children’s playgrounds. We recommend you head to the park 1 hour before sunset. This way you get the best of both worlds; a view of the towers in the sunlight, and a view during the pinky dusk sky.
Entrance cost: FREE
Opening times: 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily
Petaling Street in China Town
Ready to shop until you drop? Petaling Street, located in China Town, is the perfect place to grab yourself a bargain. If you’re looking for sparkling jewellery, watches, or necklaces, no problem. Looking for new clothes? Fill your boots. Looking for electrical goods? You will get those too. With pop-up stalls on either side of you, it can be tempting to go wild and buy everything that catches your eye. Just be mindful of your budget and make sure to haggle. Around 25 % off the starting price would usually be considered a fair deal.
Opening times: You can head to China Town at any time but the market is in full swing by late afternoon and continues into the evening.
Alor Street food night market
Bukit Bintang is a very popular area with backpackers! Here you will find a range of hotels and hostels to meet your needs. There are plenty of shops, nightclubs, and other forms of entertainment. There is also a buzzin’ strip filled with local eateries and food stalls. This place is perfect for those who want to go on a foodie adventure and try out some local food. Might we recommend the Nasi Lemak?
Changkat Bukit for bars
Finally, it’s time to wrap up your Kuala Lumpur itinerary for 2 days with a few beers to celebrate an awesome time. Head over to Changkat Bukit, which is within walking distance from Alor Street. Here you will find a stretch of bars and nightclubs. Backpackers, ex-pats, and locals alike pack out the watering holes ready for a night of dancing and chugging down alcohol. Don’t go too crazy though, you may want to save that for a cheap night out in Penang!
Essential resources for travelling in Malaysia
Travel Insurance – No matter where you’re travelling to, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re covered for any accidents or losses. We spent days and weeks searching for insurance, but most insurers would not allow us to take out a policy as we were already abroad. Our personal choice is Safteywing. You can opt for automatic monthly payments, just like a subscription. More importantly, it is available in 180 countries and can be purchased whilst already travelling. There is no cap on the duration of travel.
Visa – Before you travel to any country, make sure to check if you need a visa. iVisa is a fantastic website that is super easy and quick to use. Just type in where you are from. and where you are going. to check if you need a visa. If you do, you can quickly make an application online.
Accommodation – Booking.com is our go-to when looking to pre-book accommodation online. Booking.com tend to almost always have the best rates and a FREE cancellation policy for most properties.
Overland transport – Our go-to website for overland transport is Bookaway. Bookaway offers multiple forms of transport, from buses, mini-vans, trains, and ferries. The routes on offer are extensive and certainly cover most of the backpacker trails. Bookaway works a little like Skyscanner but for overland transport. You will find plenty of transport options from a range of companies. All you simply need to do is book online and receive your ticket by email. The email will contain essential information, such as where the bus leaves from and departure and arrival times.
Tours & Activities – If you want to book tours and activities online, make sure to check out Get Your Guide. Get Your Guide takes the stress out of booking activities abroad. You will also find a range of benefits, such as skip-the-line passes, lunch included in your tours, and so much more.
Travel tips ebook -Before you head off on your adventure, make sure to download our free ebook. It has a whopping 109 budget travel tips to help you make your hard-earned cash go further. Click here to download your FREE ebook.
Kuala Lumpur travel tips
Take a cardigan – Buses, museums, cinemas, shopping centres, you name it, anything inside is freezing! The air-con is turned up so high, it often gave me a headache from shivering. Make sure to bring a cardigan to slip on when you decided to take part in indoor activities.
Hostel barter – Don’t feel cheeky to ask for a lower rate if you plan to stay for a couple of nights. Places will often give you a discount, if you stay for more than 2 nights, and are willing to pay upfront.
Book a 2 by 1 seater bus – If you can, try to book the buses that have two seats on the left, and one on the right. They allow you more leg space and are roughly the same price as buses that have more seats.
Make use of the monorail – Make use of the simple and easy-to-use monorail system. No need to spend money on taxis. The monorail is very easy to use and can get you almost anywhere you want to go at very cheap prices.
Cut down on alcohol – Alcohol in Malaysia is quite expensive compared to its neighbouring countries. Try to drink less, so you have more money for other fun activities that you can’t do elsewhere.
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