48 Hrs | Kuala Lumpur
48 hrs is a 2-day itinerary designed to not only take you by the main attractions but also to conveniently locate the best food & drink options along the way. Cheers!
{A Google embedded map is included in the itinerary below. On the map, click the Share Icon located at the top right corner, send to your email, tap the link once received, and now you have a map to follow along with.}
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur Snapshot
Kuala Lumpur, (the capital of Malaysia.) is a vibrant city with lots to see and lots to eat. As a whole, Malaysia does very well for itself. It ranks as the 38th largest economy in the world and is multi-religious and multi-ethnic. The main religion is Muslim, followed by Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Sikhism.
Kuala Lumpur began as a small town mostly consisting of Chinese and Malay people back in the early 1800s. An industrial boom would his this small town and the growth began. Conveniently located between two major transport rivers, the Klang and the Gombak, the rubber trade was booming. Kuala Lumpur also roughly translates to muddy confluence with two rivers joining at one point. So there ya go.
A former British colony, on August 31, 1957, the British surrendered rule to the Federation of Malaya and Malaysia gained its independence. Today, Kuala Lumpur has more than 1.7 million people.
Being as multicultural as it is, KL offers a ton in attractions and shops to visit. With a booming economy, it also ranks as one of the best urban centers (with green space) in the world today.
The food is has been described as a mix between Chinese, Indian, and the Malay. I would say the Malay most closely resembles Thai food for the sweetness and use of fish sauce/paste, and lime. In any event, the food is insanely good.
Let’s go.
Welcome to Kuala Lumpur.
Map
Tap the Menu Icon in the upper left hand corner to get started.
Day 1
Perdana Botanical Gardens
We’re beginning our day 1 at the ever so beautiful Perdana Botanical Gardens. Perdana, or “Lake Gardens” as it was formally called, is 90+ hectares of beautiful landscapes. Featuring over 15 different areas, you could spend an entire day here. As if there wasn’t enough to walk around to explore, Perdana also features a butterfly park, a bird park, and a planetarium. Get here early in the morning to beat the heat!
Chinatown Lunch?
If you’re craving some food, feel free to get your first taste of Chinatown (relatively close by) and seek out any one of the stalls selling whatever food looks good to you. We’ll also be back here tomorrow…
Petronas Towers & KLCC Park
Next, we’re at downtown to view the famous twin Petronas Towers and enjoy KLCC Park across the street. The viewing deck of the Petronas offers great views of the city, KLCC Park below, and the Menara Tower.
Shopping Suria KLCC
Close to Petronas, is the most popular mall in KL, Suria KLCC. You’ll be able to find anything you can imagine inside this mega shopping center. It also gives a chance to cool off from the heat outside. Grab a stellar cup of coffee at Eight Ounce Coffee Co. They’re sure to give you that extra boost to continue on through the night!
Behold, the Golden Triangle
Upon entering the Golden Triangle, you may feel a little overwhelmed. This is where KL shows off its mega city muscles in the shopping, restaurants, towering skyscrapers, and world-class hotels you’ll find here. Nightlife options are abundant. Feel free to pop into one of the many restaurants within this area. But fair warning, you’ll miss out on some of the best food in the city.
Jalan Alor | Foodie Paradise
Be prepared for the best food you may have ever tried. And the restaurant owners know it and send people out with menus to stand and yell at you to come to their restaurant. I don’t care. The food is amazing, they can yell all they want.
Take your time (as long as you have patience) and walk up and down the street once or even twice just to get a feel for the place before you decide on a restaurant. Walk up to the kitchens and see the action. Look at the seafood placed outside and choose the one that looks the freshest. Then, grab a seat, someone will be around quickly and order away. They know how to take care of people here.
Goodnight!
Day 2
KL Station
We’re heading out of town on a train trip to begin day two. Head to KL Station, buy a round trip ticket (only 0.50 USD) to Batu Caves, hop on, and enjoy the ride. There’s not much to it and it’s very easy to purchase the ticket. Most tourists are doing this anyway, so just follow them or ask one of the many information desks.
Batu Caves
Bintu Caves is one of the holiest Hindu shrines in the world. The site holds three large caves, with some smaller caves as well. One of the larger caves holds an art gallery depicting holy images using holy icons.
Arriving via train, you’ll walk up the exit ramp, head through security, and come out to a view that is quite breathtaking.
A 42.7 m statue of the Hindu deity, Murugan, stands at the base of a massive stairway leading up to the caves. There is plenty to do here and there are cafes offered to catch your breath and get something to eat or drink. When you’ve had enough fun, hop back on the train and let’s hit Chinatown!
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Before entering Chinatown, hit up the elegant, Sri Mahamariamman Temple. This temple is also a main Hindu Temple located at the foot of Chinatown.
Walking Through Chinatown
Malaysia’s Chinatown is similar to most other Chinatowns around the world. You can certainly bargain shop, check out the colorful sites, and eat some delicious food. There’s also a great place for tea or coffee at the Chocha Foodstore.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building & Menara Kuala Lumpur
If you’re in the walking spirit, continue north to the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. This is a late nineteenth-century building that held the British colonial administration. Later, it was renamed for the Sultan Abdul Samad. The building now holds the Ministry of Communications & Multimedia and the Ministry of Tourism & Culture.
The Menara KL Tower offers possibly the best views of the city. Standing a little taller than the Petronas, the Menara will give you a wonderful vantage point of everything you’ve accomplished in the last two days.
From here, my suggestion is to go back to Jalan Alor street. But do as you please. If the Golden Triangle is more your bit, have at it. KL certainly doesn’t disappoint in keeping people entertained.
Cheers!