Overview
Kuala Lumpur, often abbreviated as KL, is the vibrant and bustling capital city of Malaysia. We share everything you need to know in this Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide.
This is a dynamic city, known for its stunning modern architecture, diverse cultural heritage, and rich tapestry of traditions.
The city’s iconic skyline is dominated by the towering Petronas Twin Towers, once the world’s tallest buildings, but visitors can also explore a fascinating blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cultures through its cuisine, festivals, and historical landmarks.
From the bustling markets of Chinatown to the serene Batu Caves and the lush greenery of the KL Bird Park, Kuala Lumpur offers a captivating fusion of old-world charm and contemporary vibrancy.
Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide
Typical costs in Kuala Lumpur
Hostel dorm rooms start at around 40RM and private budget rooms begin at 80RM. Midrange hotels in googled locations begin at 800 whilst more luxurious hotels in the city centre start at around 2000 RM.
A simple breakfast or lunch can be found for around 10RM whilst mid-range, sit-down meals begin at 50RM.
The best time to visit Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur can be visited all year round as the weather is warm and consistent. December to January and June to August are more popular times to visit because of the festivals at this time. February, March, September, and October are known as the off-season and prices can be slightly cheaper at this time.
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
Budget:
The Freedom Club Hostel is a cheap, highly-rated hostel in Kuala Lumpur and a great option for solo and budget travelers; dorm rooms begin at 87 MYR. The KLCC Hostel is another good choice, with capsule-styled traveler rooms available as well as private rooms.
Midrange:
THE FACE Style is in a great location in the city center, with high-quality, spacious rooms for just 274 MYR. Hilton Garden Inn is a chain hotel but in a food location at a fair price; double rooms begin at 155 MYR and include WiFi. Else Kuala Lumpur is another option located in Chinatown; this is actually a 5-star hotel but at a midrange price.
Top End:
The RuMa Hotel and Residences is a high-end luxury option in the heart of the city; some rooms offer views of the Petronas Towers too! Ascott Star KLCC is a fantastic option at a decent price, with many great deals in the off-season available too.
Save money in Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia is a cheap place to visit but KL can be expensive at times, however, there are ways to save money!
As with most Southeast Asian destinations, eating like a local and sticking to street vendors will help you save money on food. Take the train or bus instead of using the taxis. There are plenty of free attractions but also budget-friendly sights to see, including the Petronas Art Gallery and the KL Forest Eco Park. You can also get yourself a tourist pass to save money on sightseeing.
You can save money on hotels by booking in advance and staying further out of the city center but also browsing the accommodation options on Airbnb and hostelworld.com. You should also look at hotels in Chinatown as this is a great location and hotel prices tend to be cheaper here.
Best things to do in Kuala Lumpur
- Petronas Twin Towers
- Menara Kuala Lumpur
- Thean Hou Temple
- Sri Mahamariamman Temple
- Eat Nasi Kandar
- KLCC Park
- Batu Caves
- KL Bird Park
- Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
- Royal Selangor Visitor Centre
- National Mosque of Malaysia
- Central Market
- Suria KLCC
- Merdeka Square
- Aquaria KLCC
- Perrdana Botanical Garden
- Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park
How to get to Kuala Lumpur
There are a few different ways that you can travel to Kuala Lumpur.
Most visitors will head to the city via air, landing at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. This is a modern airport, rated as one of the world’s top airports.
Surrounded by other Southeast Asian destinations, it is also common for travelers to visit Kuala Lumpur via rail. The KTM railway service connects the city to other cities in Malaysia whilst international trains are available from Singapore and Thailand.
How to get around Kuala Lumpur
Walking in Kuala Lumpur is a popular option in the city; many of the major sights can be walked between. There are some popular walking rounds around neighborhoods like Bukit Bintang and Chinatown. There are plenty of train routes available in the city, with commuter trains connecting you to the airport and destinations outside of the city center.
A great option for those short on time is to use the Hop-on Hop-off bus to get around to the major sights in the city.