Planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur but don’t know where to start? I’ve got you! We visited a couple of years ago, and didn’t do a lot of research beforehand, so we weren’t sure what to expect, but this vibrant, exciting city totally won us over with its incredible food scene, impressive landmarks, and world-class shopping.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or just want the insider scoop on what to see, eat, and experience, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide based on our adventures (and a few lessons learned the hard way!). Think of this as your big sister’s travel notes – real, honest, and packed with practical tips.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Before You Go: Essential Planning Info
- Getting Around: Transport Like a Local
- Where to Stay: Location is Everything
- Must-See Attractions & Experiences
- Food & Dining: Prepare Your Taste Buds
- Day Trips & Tours Worth Taking
- Shopping: Mall Heaven
- The Hop-On Hop-Off Experience
- Practical Tips & Final Advice
Before You Go: Essential Planning Info
Visas & Entry Requirements
Here’s some good news for UK passport holders: you don’t need to apply for a visa before arriving in Malaysia! You’ll automatically be granted a 90-day visit on arrival. However, as of 2024, there’s a new requirement you need to know about.
You’re now required to complete a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) prior to landing in the country. It’s pretty straightforward, but make sure you don’t forget this step, or you could face delays at immigration. You can find more information and register here.
For all other passport holders, please check your government website to confirm your specific visa requirements – they can vary quite a bit depending on your nationality.
Money Matters: Currency & Payments
The currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). The exchange rate is approximately 5.70 MYR = £1.00 / $1.30 / €1.20. For quick conversions on the go, download the XE.com app to your phone. You can list multiple currencies so you’ll always know exactly how much you’re spending – no more mental math gymnastics!
Here’s my top tip: don’t exchange money at the airport if you can avoid it; the rates are terrible! Instead, I recommend setting up a Wise account before you travel. You’ll get the real exchange rate (not the marked-up tourist rate), and you can use their multi-currency card to pay directly in ringgit without the foreign transaction fees your regular bank probably charges. We saved so much money by switching to Wise for our travels, and the app makes it super easy to track your spending in multiple currencies.
What You Need to Know About the Culture
Kuala Lumpur is home to just over two million people, and it’s this incredible melting pot of cultures. Historically, it was predominantly a Chinese city, but more recently the Malay population has grown substantially. Today, Malays make up the majority at 47.7%, closely followed by Chinese (41.6%) and Indian (10%).
The majority of the population is Muslim, which is really important to understand and respect during your visit. This means a few things:
Dress Modestly: Cover your knees and shoulders where possible, especially when visiting religious sites or more traditional neighbourhoods. I packed a lightweight sarong that could drape over my shoulders whenever needed, and it barely took up any space in my bag.
Alcohol & Food Restrictions: You’ll notice restrictions on the sale of alcohol, particularly in smaller, local restaurants. Pork is also not widely available in many establishments. But here’s the beautiful thing: this blend of cultures has created one of the most impressive food scenes we’ve ever experienced. We ate some of the best Indian dishes, the freshest sushi, and the finest Spanish tapas we’ve ever tried!
Language: The national language is Malay, but English is widely spoken as the country’s second language, especially in Kuala Lumpur. We found communication incredibly easy. However, if you have dietary requirements or allergies, I’d always suggest downloading a Malay translation to your phone to show restaurant staff, just to ensure they fully understand. Better safe than sorry!
Practical Packing Essentials
Beyond the usual travel items, here are some Kuala Lumpur-specific things you’ll definitely want to pack:
- Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be doing A LOT of walking. Make sure to pack your comfiest trainers or sandals.
- Lightweight, modest clothing: Breathable fabrics that cover your knees and shoulders. The heat can be intense in this part of the world, so natural fabrics are a must.
- A sarong or large scarf: Essential for temple visits and surprisingly versatile.
- Universal travel adapter: Great news for us Brits – the plug sockets are the same as the UK (3-prong)! But if you’re travelling around Southeast Asia, grab yourself an international travel adapter that works in 224+ countries. It’s one of those things you don’t want to be without.
- Portable charger: You’ll be using your phone constantly for photos, maps, and ride-hailing apps. A good portable charger is non-negotiable.
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated in the heat and save money. Many malls have water fountains. Currently obsessed with my cute ‘bottle bottle’ that I got from Amazon.
- Small day pack: For carrying your essentials while sightseeing. Something lightweight and secure like this Uniqlo crossbody dupe works best.
If you’re planning a longer trip around Southeast Asia why not check out my blog ‘What to Pack for Southeast Asia: Complete Packing List‘.
Getting Around: Transport Like a Local
Taxis vs Ride-Hailing Apps
Okay, so we learned this lesson pretty quickly. When we first landed at Kuala Lumpur airport, we decided to be adventurous and took the train into the city. The train was actually lovely – super clean, quiet, comfortable, and reasonably priced, with some great views on the way.
But then we made the mistake of booking an “official taxi” from the train station to our hotel. It was SO expensive! That’s when we discovered that Grab and InDrive not only work in Kuala Lumpur but are a fraction of the cost of regular taxis.
Our preferred app is InDrive – we consistently found it cheaper than Grab, and the app is super easy to use. You can find out more about InDrive here.
The Traffic Situation (It’s Real!)
I need to emphasise this because it caught us off guard: the traffic during rush hour in Kuala Lumpur is INSANE. Like, sitting-in-traffic-for-two-hours insane. If you need to be somewhere important (like the airport for your flight home), you absolutely must leave plenty of extra time or schedule your journey outside peak times.
We were staying just outside the city centre, close to the Sunway Putra Mall, and the airport was normally about an hour’s drive. For our departure, we arranged to be picked up extra early because after 8:00 AM, the motorway traffic builds up dramatically. We’re talking bumper-to-bumper, barely moving. Factor this into your planning!
Public Transport
The train system (LRT, MRT, and Monorail) is clean, efficient, and air-conditioned – a blessing in the heat! It’s perfect for getting between major attractions and shopping areas. Download the Kuala Lumpur metro map to your phone and to navigate like a pro.
Staying Connected
Speaking of downloads, I always recommend downloading large areas on your Google Maps app so you can navigate even without WiFi. But honestly? Having reliable data makes everything so much easier.
We use Airalo eSIM, a premier eSIM provider offering comprehensive coverage in 150+ countries. Malaysia costs under £15 for seven days of data. The beauty of this is that if you’re travelling with someone, you can just hotspot from your phone and share the connection – we split the cost and both had perfect connectivity the whole time. No more hunting for WiFi!
Where to Stay: Location is Everything
This is something I really want to emphasise because we learned it firsthand: location matters SO much in Kuala Lumpur.
We initially stayed on the outskirts of the city because we were trying to save money. It was quiet, we got to see how locals live (which was lovely), but here’s the thing – we had to take a taxi every single time we wanted to get into the city centre. Those costs added up quickly, not to mention the time wasted sitting in traffic and the spontaneity we lost because we couldn’t just pop out for dinner or drinks.
Spend a bit more and stay centrally located. Trust me on this! Kuala Lumpur has so much to see and do, and the central areas are actually very walkable if you’re wearing sensible footwear. You’ll save money on transport, save time on travel, and you’ll be able to experience the city properly.
The Bukit Bintang Area is absolutely where I’d recommend staying, especially if you’re a foodie or like to enjoy a drink in the evening. It’s the heart of the action, lined with incredible restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment. The best part? You can walk home after dinner or drinks, which means you can truly relax and enjoy yourself without worrying about arranging transport late at night.
Pictured is Grand Mercure Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang [4 star] with an outdoor pool and rooms start from around £65 a night if you want a bit of luxury without the huge price tag, this place is worth a visit.
Find hotels in the Bukit Bintang area here – look for places within walking distance of Jalan Alor (the famous food street) and the main Bukit Bintang strip.
Other great central areas to consider:
- KLCC (near Petronas Towers): Perfect if you want to be near the iconic landmark and KLCC Park
- Chinatown: Great for budget travelers who want authentic local atmosphere
- Golden Triangle: Excellent for shopping and nightlife
Must-See Attractions & Experiences
Petronas Twin Towers
You simply can’t visit Kuala Lumpur without seeing these iconic towers! They’re even more impressive in person than in photos. Standing at 451.9 meters tall, they were the world’s tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004, and they remain the tallest twin towers in the world.
You do need to pay to access the observation deck (Skybridge on the 41st floor and observation deck on the 86th floor), but it’s absolutely worth it for the views. Here’s a crucial tip, book your tickets in advance! The towers often sell out, especially during peak season and weekends. You can book your Petronas Twin Towers tickets here to skip the queue and guarantee your spot.
The best time to visit is late afternoon so you can see the city in daylight and then stay for the sunset and evening views when the city lights up – magical!
KL Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur)
At 421 meters, KL Tower offers a different perspective of the city and, in my opinion, slightly better views than the Petronas Towers because you get to see the towers themselves in your panorama!
You’ll need tickets to access the observation deck, but you can purchase these on arrival. However, if you want to do something really special, book the Dining in the Sky experience at Atmosphere 360. It’s a revolving restaurant at the top of the tower. It’s perfect for a special occasion, just make sure to book well in advance, as it fills up quickly.
KLCC Park
This beautiful 50-acre park sits at the foot of the Petronas Towers and is the perfect spot for relaxing, having a picnic, or just people-watching. There’s a lovely walking path, a wading pool for kids, and plenty of shaded areas.
But here’s the insider tip: come back at night for the fountain show! The Lake Symphony is a stunning water and light show that runs three times each evening at 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm. It’s completely free to watch, and it’s absolutely worth planning your evening around. Grab some street food, find a good spot on the grass, and enjoy the show.
Batu Caves
This is an absolute must-do day trip, and it’s actually quite close to the city centre. The Batu Caves are a series of limestone caves and Hindu temples located about 13km north of Kuala Lumpur. The cave complex contains many Hindu shrines, the most popular being dedicated to Lord Murugan.
The highlight? Climbing the 272 rainbow-colored steps up to the main cave temple. Yes, it’s a workout, but the cave temples at the top are absolutely stunning. Just watch out for the cheeky monkeys – they’re bold and will snatch food right out of your hands!
Important: Dress modestly (covered knees and shoulders). They’re strict about this and you may be asked to rent a sarong if you’re not appropriately dressed. Save yourself the hassle and bring your own!
You can visit independently by train (KTM Komuter to Batu Caves station), or book a half-day guided tour, which includes transport and gives you the historical and cultural context that really brings the site to life.
Bukit Bintang
Bukit Bintang is the beating heart of Kuala Lumpur, a bustling street and neighbourhood packed with shops, bars, restaurants, and entertainment.
It’s the perfect place to visit in the mid-afternoon through to evening. Start with some shopping, grab an ice-cold drink, play a game of pool, then settle in for a delicious dinner.
Don’t miss Jalan Alor – the famous food street that runs off Bukit Bintang. As the sun sets, the entire street comes alive with sizzling woks, incredible aromas, and rows of plastic stools where locals and tourists alike sit elbow-to-elbow enjoying some of the best street food in the city.
Food & Dining: Prepare Your Taste Buds
Oh, where do I even start? The food in Kuala Lumpur was one of the absolute highlights of our trip. We ate SO well, and for such reasonable prices compared to other major cities.
Our Restaurant Recommendations
Pinchoas Tapas Bar – I’m not even exaggerating when I say we think about this restaurant way more than we should! We stumbled upon it on Bukit Bintang, the Spanish tapas were absolutely incredible, with authentic flavours, generous portions, and the sangria was dangerously good! If you only have time for one sit-down dinner, make it here.
Local Indian Restaurants – We ate some of the best Indian food of our lives in Kuala Lumpur. Super flavorful, authentic, and incredibly fresh. The best places are often the small, unassuming family-run restaurants away from the main tourist areas. Follow the crowds of locals – they always know best!
Sushi King – This is a chain you’ll find in many shopping mall food courts, and it’s fantastic for a quick, affordable meal. We stuffed ourselves with freshly made sushi and fruit juices for a grand total of £12 for BOTH of us! The quality was surprisingly excellent for mall food court dining.
BUT if you really want to experience Kuala Lumpur’s food culture, you need to dive into the street food scene.
Jalan Alor is the most famous food street. If you’re stuck for what to try, look for stalls with long queues of locals, that’s always a good sign!
Not sure where to start? Book a street food tour where you’ll try 15+ local dishes with a knowledgeable guide. They’ll teach you about the history and culture behind each dish, take you to spots you’d never find on your own, and make sure you don’t miss any must-try foods. It’s one of the best investments you can make in any new city.
Important Dining Tips
- Check your bill carefully: Unlike some other Southeast Asian cities, most restaurants in KL will add 6% tax and usually a 10% service charge to your bill. It’s not hidden, but it can be a surprise if you’re not expecting it!
- Card payments are widely accepted: This was a pleasant surprise compared to somewhere like Thailand. Most restaurants and bars accept cards without additional fees.
- Booking ahead: For popular restaurants, especially on weekends, consider booking ahead.
Day Trips & Tours Worth Taking
One of the best things about Kuala Lumpur is how many incredible day trips you can take from the city. Here are my top recommendations:
Historical Malacca Day Tour
Malacca (or Melaka) is a UNESCO World Heritage city about 2 hours south of Kuala Lumpur, and it’s absolutely brimming with history. This was one of the most important trading ports in Southeast Asia during the 15th century, and you can still see the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial influences in the architecture and culture.
Book a full-day Malacca tour that includes a river cruise and lunch. You’ll visit the famous red Christ Church, walk through Jonker Street (amazing for antiques and souvenirs), see the A Famosa fortress ruins, and cruise along the Malacca River past beautifully painted buildings and street art. The river cruise is genuinely lovely, so relaxing and such a different perspective of the city.
Genting Highlands
If you want to escape the heat and humidity of the city, head up to Genting Highlands, a hill station resort about an hour from KL. It’s noticeably cooler up here (bring a light jacket!), and it’s home to Malaysia’s only legal casino if that’s your thing.
But the real draw is the Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park, it’s massive, with 26 attractions across nine different themed areas. Think Universal Studios meets Disney. There’s also the SkyWay cable car which offers spectacular views on the journey up the mountain. It’s one of the longest and fastest cable cars in Southeast Asia!
Perfect for families or anyone who wants a fun day out with a completely different vibe from the city.
Sunway Lagoon Theme Park
If you’re travelling with kids (or you’re just a big kid yourself!), Sunway Lagoon is an absolute blast. It’s one of the best theme parks in Malaysia, with six different parks in one: Water Park, Amusement Park, Wildlife Park, Extreme Park, Scream Park, and Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon. AND tickets are only around £20 per person.
We spent a full day here and didn’t even come close to doing everything! The water park is especially good for cooling off, and the wave pool is huge. There’s also the longest flying fox in Asia if you’re feeling brave!
Kuala Selangor Firefly Tour
This is something really special and completely different from anything else you’ll do. About an hour from KL, the Kuala Selangor Nature Park is home to thousands of fireflies that light up the mangrove trees at night.
You’ll take a small boat along the river after dark, and it honestly looks like the trees are decorated with twinkling Christmas lights! It’s magical and slightly surreal. Tours usually include dinner and a stop at a local seafood restaurant.
Shopping: Mall Heaven
Did you know that Kuala Lumpur has three of the world’s ten largest shopping malls? Malaysians LOVE to shop, and honestly, after visiting, I can see why!
You’ll find everything from local designers and artisans to every international brand you can imagine, huge food courts, global skincare and beauty brands, electronics, homewares – absolutely everything.
The Top Shopping Malls
- Pavilion KL – This is probably the most upscale mall in the city. It’s huge, beautifully designed, and home to all the luxury brands. The food court here is also excellent, more expensive than others, but the quality and variety are top-notch.
- Suria KLCC – Located at the base of the Petronas Towers, this is a must-visit even if you’re not shopping. Pop into Kinokuniya bookstore (one of the best bookshops in Southeast Asia), browse the designer stores, and enjoy the views of the towers from inside the mall.
- Sunway Putra Mall – This was close to where we stayed, and it became our go-to spot. It’s more mid-range than Pavilion, but still has great shops and an excellent food court. Less touristy and more where locals actually shop.
- Berjaya Times Square – Home to an indoor theme park and over 1,000 retail shops.
Pro Shopping Tips
Make sure to take an afternoon to properly browse one of the major malls, then settle in at a food court with your favourite cuisine. The food courts here have tons of options and super affordable prices.
Important timing note: We made the mistake of arriving at a mall right when it opened, and literally nothing except Starbucks was open for another hour! Most shops don’t open until 10am or even 11am, so plan accordingly. Check opening times before you make a special trip.
The Hop-On Hop-Off Experience
If you’re the type of traveller who likes to get a lay of the land before diving deeper, or if you’re short on time and want to see all the major sites efficiently, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour is brilliant value.
For under £10 per person, you get unlimited rides for 24 or 48 hours. There are two routes:
The City Route covers all the major city center attractions – Petronas Towers, Bukit Bintang, KL Tower, Merdeka Square, the National Museum, and more.
The Garden Route takes you to the greener, more cultural sites including the National Mosque, Batu Caves area, and various parks and gardens.
Both routes meet at a central point, and if you do both routes straight through without any stops, it takes about 3 hours to see the whole city. Buses run every 20-30 minutes, so you’re never waiting long.
The buses are air-conditioned (thank goodness!) with an open-top deck for photos and panoramic views. Plus, there’s informative commentary available in multiple languages so you’ll learn about the history and significance of what you’re seeing.
We did this on our first full day to orient ourselves, then spent the following days revisiting the places we wanted to explore more deeply. It’s a smart way to maximise your time and get great photos from the upper deck!
Practical Tips & Final Advice
Opening Hours & Booking Ahead
This is important, so please learn from our mistakes! Many attractions and even some shops don’t open as early as you might expect. Shopping malls typically open around 10am or 11am, with most stores following suit.
For major attractions like the Petronas Towers, KL Tower observation decks, and special experiences like Dining in the Sky, book in advance whenever possible. These can sell out, especially on weekends and during school holidays. There’s nothing worse than showing up excited to visit somewhere only to be told it’s fully booked for the day.
Money-Saving Tips
- Use ride-hailing apps instead of official taxis
- Eat at food courts and local restaurants rather than hotel restaurants
- Get a Wise card for the best exchange rates
- Visit free attractions like KLCC Park and the fountain show
- Shop at local markets for souvenirs instead of mall boutiques
- Share an Airalo eSIM data plan with your travel companion
Best Time to Visit
We visited in late October, and while it was hot and humid, it was manageable. Kuala Lumpur has a tropical climate, so it’s warm year-round with occasional rain showers.
Generally, May to July and December to February are considered the best months with less rain and slightly more comfortable temperatures. But honestly, there’s no truly “bad” time to visit. Just pack light, breathable clothes.
Final Thoughts
Kuala Lumpur completely surprised us in the best possible way. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture enthusiast, a shopping addict, or just someone looking for an exciting city break with excellent value for money, Kuala Lumpur delivers on every front.
Pack those comfortable walking shoes, download your apps, and get ready for an incredible adventure. You’re going to love it!
Have questions about visiting Kuala Lumpur? Drop them in the comments below and I’ll do my best to help based on our experience!
Travel safe and don’t forget to subscribe for more travel tips + guides!
Until next time,
This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend services and products we’ve personally used and loved. Your support helps me keep creating helpful travel content!
Discover more from travel eat sleep repeat
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.