Kuala Lumpur is a unique capital city that you should not miss when you are traveling in Southeast Asia. For one, it is cheap for a city this size, not very well known to other backpackers, and the best part is that the city is a melting pot of religions where people of many beliefs and races live together in harmony, resulting in one of the best places to go out and eat and explore stunning varieties of architecture and cultures in Kuala Lumpur.
I spent over 2 weeks in Kuala Lumpur, visiting friends, and had the opportunity to see the city from both tourist and local perspectives. So, here is a guide on the top 10 things to do in Kuala Lumpur for backpackers for solo travelers.
- Kuala Lumpur Things to Do Map
- Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur?
- Quick Summary: Things to do in Kuala Lumpur
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10 Best Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur
- 1. Visit the Petronas Twin Tower
- 2. Climb up the Hindu temple in Batu Cave
- 3. Check out the Merdeka Square
- 4. Become a Bird-Nerd at the KL Bird Park
- 5. Pay respect at the National Monument
- 6. Stroll around the Perdana Botanical Gardens in the Evening
- 7. Learn about Malaysia History at the National Museum
- 8. Devour your way through Jalan Alor Street
- 9. Enjoy Nightlife at the Changkat Avenue
- 10. Explore the Local Coffee Culture of KL
- More Kuala Lumpur Activities
- Southeast Asia Travel Video
- How to Get to Kuala Lumpur?
- How to Get Around Kuala Lumpur?
- What to Pack for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia?
- Further Reading for Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur Things to Do Map
Quick Summary: Things to do in Kuala Lumpur
- Step Inn Guest House and Hostel (Budget)
- Gold3 Boutique Hotel (Mid-Range)
- Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral (High-End)
- Private Tour Kuala Lumpur with Petronas Twin Towers Observation Deck & Batu Cave (8 hours)
- Kuala Lumpur City Tour Full Day 8 hours (8 hours)
- Skip the Line: Petronas Twin Towers Ticket With Free Hotel Delivery (1 hour)
10 Best Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur
1. Visit the Petronas Twin Tower
The Pretonas Twin Towers is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. It is the tallest twin tower in the world, standing at 452 m high with 88 floors. At night, the silvery tower is lit up with lights, showcasing its magnificent metalwork in all its glory; a sight to behold. The locals also enjoy hanging out around the tower as it is one of the most well-known shopping areas in KL. Therefore, this place is not a bad spot for people-watching as well.
Petronas Tower during the day is also worth visiting by walking through the iconic tower and accessing the quiet park behind it. You can sit, relax, and enjoy the beautiful greenery of the park in the middle of stunningly tall skyscrapers.
Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur?
2. Climb up the Hindu temple in Batu Cave
Only an hour's train ride away from the city center lies Batu Cave, a sacred Hindu temple located magnificently inside a limestone mountain. In front of the Cathedral cave is the 43m high golden statue of Lord Murugan.
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You can climb the 272 steps up to the top where you will find Hindu shrines built perfectly under the sun rays coming through the cavern. It is one of the most religious structures in KL and an interesting one to witness.
Getting there is pretty simple: simply get yourself to KL Sentral station and take a train that is going to Batu Cave, and you're done.
3. Check out the Merdeka Square
Merdeka Square, or Independence Square, is a place of national significance as it was here that the Union Flag was lowered and the Malayan flag hoisted for the first time in 1957. If you are looking for a break from the concrete walls of the city, this is the place to be.
With its spacious area and lush green field, visiting here in the morning can be a very peaceful experience. While you relax in the square, you can indulge yourself in the impressive Islamic + European style architecture surrounding the square, such as the Sultan Abdul Samad Building.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
4. Become a Bird-Nerd at the KL Bird Park
At the heart of this busy city is the "World's Largest Free-flight Walk-in Aviary" located at KL Bird Park, which offers 20.9 acres of verdant valley terrain filled with beautiful birds for you to explore. I was caught by surprise when I was walking around the city, as I did not expect the city to be full of nature like this.
I found out that they reserve parts of the city to create a park, and part of that is the bird park. Take note, Bangkok, because KL is certainly greener than you! If you love nature as much as I do, KL offers a way for you to escape the city with little effort.
5. Pay respect at the National Monument
As you walk to the bird park, don't forget to pay your respects at the National Monument (Tugu Negara). The monument is a sculpture built in remembrance of the brave soldiers who died fighting for the independence of the country. This historic sculpture has also marked its place in the Guinness Books for being the tallest freestanding group of bronze sculptures.
The walk from the city up here offers you a great chance to observe the locals, while at the monument, rewarding you with a view of the city from afar. Definitely worth a walk... if it's not too hot outside. We were melting when we decided to walk here during mid-day!
6. Stroll around the Perdana Botanical Gardens in the Evening
While you are at the National Monument, walk south towards the main road, and you will find the Perdana Botanical Garden, a green, quiet, and peaceful space for you to relax away from all the city noises. The place is big with plenty of space for you to walk around. You will often find many locals exercising, jogging, and enjoying nature in the evening.
If you are looking for a quiet place to sit around in nature rather than in malls, this is the place to be. I'd recommend coming in the evening around 6 PM, while the sun is about to set. The weather will be perfect for a little stroll and sitting under a tree, reading your favorite books.
7. Learn about Malaysia History at the National Museum
When I visited Malaysia for the third time, I was extra curious about the country and how it came to be. I decided to visit the National Museum (Muzium Negara), just to the south of the Perdana Botanical Gardens, and boy, was I blown away by the exhibition.
The Museum is divided into 4 rooms consisting of the prehistoric era, Malay kingdoms era, Colonial era, and Modern era, all of which are easily followed with excellent explanations of how the country went through each era.
The Malay kingdoms and Colonial era are the highlights of the museum if you are interested in history (which I believe every traveler should be!). The museum's opening hours are 7 AM to 6 PM and the entrance fee for foreigners is 5 MYR.
8. Devour your way through Jalan Alor Street
The food is one of the highlights of visiting KL, and Jalan Alor Street will not disappoint you. KL is a multicultural city, so you can expect to find a variety of food here.
From Chinese food to Thai food, the possibilities are endless! I found a really good Thai restaurant here where you can ask for a real "Thai" spice. You know it's a real Thai spice when your lower back starts sweating on your third spoon!
9. Enjoy Nightlife at the Changkat Avenue
With almost all Asian metropolitans having expat communities, there is bound to be a place to enjoy a pint of beer with friends at night, and Malaysia is no exception. One of the most popular streets to go out at night is Changkat Avenue, a street sandwiched by countless bars and restaurants for you to indulge yourself in. Personally, I prefer a quieter place with a good atmosphere to talk to people, and I often go to Havana Bar & Grill at the end of the street instead of the loud clubs along the main Changkat Avenue.
10. Explore the Local Coffee Culture of KL
One of the most memorable things in KL for me was the café and breakfast culture they have here, with all the Chinese-owned cafes that serve kaya toast and dim sum, along with a variety of coffee and tea such as "Kopi-C" (coffee + condensed milk), "Teh Tarik" (tea + milk), or "Kopi-Cham" (a mix of both tea and coffee). I often wake up every morning in KL, anticipating a good breakfast together with their delicious coffee and tea.
My favorite local cafes for breakfast are Sin Hoy How and Yut Kee Restaurant, or if you are looking for a more modern take on the local coffee culture, be sure to check out LOKL Coffee Co or any of the popular local chain cafes like Old Town White Coffee and PapaRich, which can be found in almost any major malls in Kuala Lumpur.
How to Get to Kuala Lumpur?
The best way to get here is to fly into the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. I would recommend you browse through Skyscanner or Expedia to find a cheap flight from where you live to Kuala Lumpur so you can pick the best one that fits your itinerary.
You can also take an overnight bus from Singapore or Thailand. There are hundreds of flights going to KL, so you will have no problem there.
Getting from the Airport to Kuala Lumpur City Center
There are two separate airports (KLIA and KLIA2) in KL, so be sure to know which one you are flying into. No matter which airport you fly into, the same information applies on how to get to the city center from the airport. If you are flying with AirAsia, you will be flying into KLIA2 airport, and there are two ways to get from the airport to the city center.
The fastest way to the city center and vice versa is via the KLIA Express train, which leaves for KL Sentral every 15-30 minutes and should take no more than 20 minutes. However, it is a bit pricey at 50 MYR per person.
For the cheapest way, you can take a direct bus to KL Sentral for only 12 MYR, and it will take you around one hour. From the airport terminal, you will have to walk north through the Gateway mall until the end (location shown here), and then you can buy the ticket from the SkyBus Kiosk. The bus leaves every 30 minutes or so. For more information on the schedule, visit the SkyBus official website.
Getting to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore
If you are looking for a way from Singapore, you can try booking a bus via BusOnlineBooking.com. We took the Star Qistna Express because their pick-up spot was close to Little India, where we stayed in Singapore. The bus leaves at 11 PM, and by 12 AM, you will have to go through immigration yourself. There, the bus will take you to KL and drop you off at the bus terminal at 4 AM.
The coach by Star Qistna Express is equipped with super comfortable reclining sofas. You will have all the space in the world to have a great nap before arriving. Truth be told, it could be one of the most comfortable buses I've been on so far!
How to Get Around Kuala Lumpur?
KL has a very extensive train system, so getting around is very easy and cheap. You don't even have to bother taking a taxi around KL if you are looking to visit the popular tourist places. The easiest way I found is to punch in the location you wanted to go on Google Maps, and it will suggest the best train to take and at what time. You can also download the map here: KL Transit Map.
Grab is also a great way to get around the city where there is no access to trains. The app will connect to your phone number, so be sure to do this before you are in Malaysia to prevent having to create multiple accounts on a local number. Simply pick a location and the minutes, and your grab will pick you up. This also works in Malacca, as well as many other towns around Malaysia.
Daily Budget
This place is quite affordable compared to all the other countries in the world. If you are planning a trip here, you can expect to spend around $25 - $45 USD per day per person, which should include accommodation and three meals.
Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.
What to Pack for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
That is it for the 10 Amazing Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for Solo Travelers. Have we missed anything? Have you found the guide useful? Let us know in the comments below!
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to plan your trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Here are some resources to help you get your trip going:
Are you planning to travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Malaysia
Malaysia may often be overlooked by travelers, but the country has so much to offer that you can't find anywhere else in Southeast Asia.
Here is a selection of articles you might want to read about Malaysia:
- Looking for a complete itinerary and travel guide for Malaysia? 10 Days Itinerary for Malaysia.
- Planning a trip to Malaysia and not sure where to begin? Check out: 10 Best Places to Visit in Malaysia.
- Are you planning to travel to Malaysia as part of a big Southeast Asia trip? Check out our 3-month backpacking itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Not your first time in Kuala Lumpur? How about we go explore the cafe and the unique Kopitiam culture of Kuala Lumpur with the 8 Best Cafes and Restaurants to try in Kuala Lumpur guide?
- If you are looking for a day trip from Kuala Lumpur or somewhere to stop on your way to/from Singapore, Melaka is a great place to stop and learn a little bit about this ancient port city. Check out my 8 Incredible Things to Do in Melaka Travel Guide Here.
- Cameron Highlands is a break from the hot, humid weather and the bustling city of KL that you need. Surrounded by mountains and tea plantations, here is a complete travel guide on things to do in Cameron Highlands.
- Cameron Highlands is high up in the mountains, with the cool breeze making it the perfect place to go hiking. There are over 14 trails to choose from. Check out my ultimate hiking guide to Cameron Highlands.
- Penang is the food heaven of Malaysia, and it is a must-stop on your way to/from Thailand. Here are 10 Best Things to Do in Penang.
- Want to go off the beaten path in Malaysia? Let's head over to Borneo with a complete travel guide and a 2-week itinerary for Borneo and Brunei.
- Want to know where to go after Malaysia? How about spending 3 days in Singapore or going snorkeling on Koh Lipe, Thailand?
- For all articles about Malaysia, visit the Malaysia Travel Guide page.
- Looking for more travel guides for Southeast Asia? You can find more on my Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- I have also compiled all of my favorite photos I took in Southeast Asia into one post. Check out 64 photos of Southeast Asia that will inspire you to travel.
- For more of my travel guides, visit the All Destination Travel Guide page.
1 Comments
Hi,
How about the Aquaria in KL? did you go there ?