Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia is a big travel hub in Southeast Asia. It’s the door for tourists that come to discover Malaysia or have connecting flights to other countries. Most people visit here during a stopover to see a few famous sites but there are a lot of things to do in Kuala Lumpur. This 3 day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary will show you the best KL has to offer.
Kuala Lumpur also called KL fondly by the tourists is a very diverse city. It’s multicultural with a population from Islamic, Buddhist, Christian, Hinduism, and Chinese religions. As a result, one can find several night markets offering traditional/local food and festivals of all cultures happening throughout the year.
What to see in Kuala Lumpur depends on your time there. Even though the transport system is okay here (not the best), many of the sights are scattered around in the city. Hence, some places take a lot of time to reach (around an hour or so).
I would suggest spending 4 or 5 days in Kuala Lumpur for a balanced vacation that is full of both exploration and well-deserved rest in one of the amazing hotels with a rooftop pool but in case you have less time, this 3 day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary will guide you on what not to miss when you are in Kuala Lumpur. I have also mentioned an alternate 2 day and 1-day Itinerary for people who have even lesser time.
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VISA INFORMATION
Visitors coming to Malaysia requires a visa unless they are a citizen of one of the visa-exempt countries. If you want to know whether you require a visa or not, check here.
The Malaysian government issues three types of visas to foreign nationals:
1. Single Entry Visa – This type of visa allows foreign nationals to enter the country only once. The purpose can be anything from tourism to visiting family and friends. It is valid for a period of three (3) months from the date of issue.
2. Multiple Entry Visa – This type of visa allows the visitor to enter Malaysia multiple times. The validity of a multiple entry visa is 1 year and each entry is for 30 days without any extension. Conditions for the Multiple Entry Visa are:
a) The applicant must show proof of sufficient funds for staying in Malaysia.
b) The applicant must have a valid and confirmed return ticket.
c) Tour groups are not eligible to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa.
d) The Multiple Entry Visa costs RM100.00 for Indian citizens and RM30.00 for citizens of the People’s Republic of China.
3. Transit Visa – This is issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia on transit to other countries. You do not require a visa if you are continuing your journey to another destination without leaving airport premises. Online visa applications from certain countries through eVISA are also allowed.
You can find all the information including visa eligibility, requirements, and fees by country, as well as eVISA eligibility here.
BEST TIME TO VISIT KUALA LUMPUR
Kuala Lumpur has hot and humid weather throughout the year due to its close proximity to the equator. There are tropical showers almost every day but the rain usually doesn’t last much longer than 1-2 hr. The weather can be characterized into 2 seasons: Dry season and Wet season.
Dry Season: May to August and December to February is the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. However, there will still be occasional showers.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
Kuala Lumpur airport is far from the city, around 60 km so it would take 45 mins to reach your hotel. If you want to save yourself from the hassle of finding a taxi and thinking about the appropriate price to bargain, then booking a private transfer to/from your hotel by car/van is the best idea depending on the size of your family and the number of luggage you have.
You can also choose to book a sedan for the transfer if you are a couple.
GETTING AROUND KUALA LUMPUR
There are a few choices for transportation around the city. If you are in KL for a couple of days, I suggest buying the prepaid MyRapid card, which can be used on pretty much all public transport modes in the city. You can get your MyRapid card at any monorail and LRT station.
1. Taxis – Taxi is the most comfortable way to get around in KL because you wouldn’t have to walk from the train or bus station on foot. The only negative part about taxis in Kuala Lumpur is the scam part. The drivers are not willing to turn on the meter and in case they do, they will take a longer route to have their desired fare.
2. RapidKL Buses – RapidKL is Malaysia’s biggest bus operator that runs 177 routes around Kuala Lumpur. But getting around by bus is not the most comfortable and time-saving in KL. Only a few buses have air conditioning and you will have to wait a lot for the next bus.
The bus stops are not very informative as they don’t have maps and timetables so you will have to rely on google. Also, they are not the fastest as they operate with set stops and it can get really crowded.
Service hours: 06:00 – 23:00 daily
Service schedule: Usually every 10 minute
Tickets: You can purchase a ticket from the driver using cash or using your MyRapid card via a machine.
3. Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Monorail – The Light Rail Transit (LRT), comprises RapidKL and KTM Komuter, and the KL Monorail is the closest thing to a metro Kuala Lumpur has.
RapidKL and KTM Komuter connect the city center to the suburbs. And KL Monorail runs straight through central Kuala Lumpur but it gets very crowded during rush hours, which is why it’s not suitable for sightseeing during these periods of time.
Service hours: 06:00 – 00:00 daily
Service schedule: For both the RapidKL and Monorail, it’s every 4 to 5 minutes during rush hours and 7 to 14 minutes during off-rush hours. And every 5 minutes during rush hours and 15 minutes during off-rush hours for the Komuter.
Tickets: You can purchase LRT tokens at machines at the entrance of every station before getting on the train.
4. Hop-on, Hop-off tourist Bus Service – These tourist buses can save you from a lot of trouble as you wouldn’t need to figure out the transport system and where to get off. There is free wifi on board and one tour covers around 50 tourist attractions.
Service hours: 09:00 – 20:00 daily
Service schedule: Intervals between the buses 20 to 30 minutes
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO KUALA LUMPUR
Visiting a new place is exciting but it can come with its own challenges too. Before visiting a new country it’s better to know all the most important things and read about the scams so that you get an idea of what you are getting into.
1. Kuala Lumpur is hot and humid.
It can get really hot and humid which can be uncomfortable so pack accordingly, stay hydrated, and don’t forget that sunscreen.
2. The national currency of Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit.
1 Malaysian Ringgit = 0.34 Australian Dollar
3. The nightlife is amazing but it’s not your usual party destination.
The nightlife in Kuala Lumpur is all about pubs and rooftop bars. However, one can also enjoy the nightlife in a night market but it’s not the average backpacker-style night scene that you may see in Thailand and Laos. It’s more casual and well-behaved.
4. It’s better to use grab instead of taxis.
Taxi drivers in Kuala Lumpur can scam you if you are not being careful enough. Taxi drivers, especially outside airports are not willing to use the meter, and even if they will use the meter, they will take you on a roundabout route to get their desired fare.
Most of the time you are required to bargain the price beforehand but the taxi drivers have arranged an unreasonable fare for all the destinations as a union. A lot of people have had bad behavior and services so it’s better to use Grab service and book a cab. They work really well and are budget-friendly. Also, there are fewer chances that you will get a rude driver.
5. Kuala Lumpur can be done on a budget easily.
If you are looking for budget travel then Kuala Lumpur is the right destination. The food is cheap here and you can also get Airbnb’s at good and affordable prices. There are a lot of countries that don’t even need visas making the destination overall cost-effective.
6. It’s safe to eat street food.
7. The National Language is Malay.
Though Malay is the national language, English is widely spoken in Kuala Lumpur and you will have no communication barrier. The only people who are not fluent in English and can have a difficult time understanding you are the old generation of people.
8. Remember to Bargain
Whenever shopping at night markets in Kuala Lumpur, make sure to bargain well. You should quote more than half of the price you have been told. You will be surprised to see that you can actually get a good deal at much less value.
3 DAY KUALA LUMPUR ITINERARY
Now that you have all the important information about Kuala Lumpur, let’s see the itinerary of the places you can visit in 3 days.
DAY 1 – LANDING IN KUALA LUMPUR
Depending on the time you land and how much time you have on the first day, you can plan your 3 day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary accordingly.
Menara KL Tower
This is the 421m high telecommunications tower located in the city and has a lot of cool stuff to do. There are different tower experiences, tower attractions, and dining experiences inside the Menara tower.
You can buy a ticket online from their website to visit the tower which also gives you an option to buy a combo ticket where you get to choose the things you want to see and do from different combo options. Otherwise, you can buy tickets when you reach there.
Tower Experiences
1. Sky Deck
2. Sky Box
3. Observation Deck
4. Cultural Shows
5. Tower Lighting
6. Jelutong Tree
Tower Attractions
1. Mini Zoo KL Tower
2. Upside Down House
3. Blue Coral Aquarium
4. KL Forest Eco Park
5. XD Theater
Since there are a lot of things to do at Menara Tower so planning beforehand on what you are interested in doing and booking tickets online will save your time. If you are interested in seeing and doing everything then you require half a day.
Shopping
If you aren’t doing many activities at Menara Towers and have time left then you should explore the shopping scene in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur is a paradise for shoppers and if you are a tech geek then this 3 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary is not complete without exploring at least one shopping mall. Check out Pavilion KL, Lot 10, and Low Yat Plaza. Low Yat Plaza is heaven for people who love electronics.
Merdaka square
Merdeka Square is a huge open square with giant fields of green lawns where Malaysian independence was declared. It is the best-known landmark that is surrounded by heritage buildings including the beautiful Sultan Abdul Samad building.
There is a Free guided Walking Tour called Kuala Lumpur Heritage trail in which the guide will take you on a tour to 12 heritage buildings around the Merdeka square explaining the history and the stories that happened. Download this PDF.
Petaling Street market
End your first day by strolling at the Petaling Street market at night. It is located in Chinatown and a lot of tourists and locals come here for food scenes as well as shopping. It’s a busy market with dozens of restaurants and food stalls serving local cuisines.
After dark, it converts into a lively and vibrant night market with stalls selling fake branded items or better known as a first copy at cheap prices. The prices quoted are generally higher so bargaining is the way to go.
Opening Hours: Chinatown opens from 9 AM – 11:55 PM however Petaling street commences from 3 PM till late at around 1:00 AM.
How to reach Petaling Street Market: It is within walking distance from Merdeka Square, Central Market. If you are taking LRT then stop at Pasar Seni Station.
Suvarna’s Tip: Dress as casual as possible. If it looks like you have money then the shopkeeper will quote even higher prices.
DAY 2 – From Religious Sites to Rooftop Bars
Batu Caves
Start off your second day bright and early to see a beautiful and colorful site called Batu caves. It’s a must-visit for everyone who is coming to Kuala Lumpur for the first time. The Batu Caves are one of Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic and popular places to visit, with beautiful limestone caves and temples.
Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the caves are very popular Hindu shrines. Be warned of the naughty monkeys here and please don’t feed them. Batu caves offer fantastic photo opportunities since it has a statue of Lord Murugan which is 42.7 meters (140 ft) in height and colorful stairs.
Once dull and boring, the whole place is now fun and colorful because of the makeover it got. While climbing the stairs, you can see the skyline of Kuala Lumpur from a distance. Even if you are not a religious person or don’t like to visit the religious site, Batu caves are worth putting in your 3 Day Kuala Lumpur itinerary because of the cave experience.
Opening Hours: Daily: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Entrance fee for Batu caves: To visit the main temple, there is no entrance fee. However, there are 2 more caves in the same vicinity and they have an entrance fee.
Best time to visit Batu caves: Since it’s a popular destination amongst both locals and tourists, if you are someone who loves taking pictures then definitely visit early morning. The advantage of being there first or super early is that you will have the place almost to yourself before the crowd swarms in.
Also, it will save you from the humidity and heat of Kuala Lumpur since climbing 272 steps is no joke.
How to reach Batu Caves: Since the site is a bit far from the city center, Grab is the best and most popular option that will drop you right at the entrance. If you are in the vicinity of Kuala Lumpur city center then booking a private tour to Batu Caves is a good option so that you don’t have to wait for transportation.
Suvarna’s Tip: Please dress modestly as it’s a religious site. Cover your knees and shoulders to be respectful.
Wilayah Mosque
Federal Territory Mosque also known as Wilayah Mosque is a large mosque in Kuala Lumpur built to house up to 17,000 worshipers at a time. It is located in the west of the city center and is an operational mosque. The mosque welcomes both Muslim and non-muslim visitors but since it is a place of worship so dress appropriately.
There are robes available to rent for women whether you are dressed properly or not. Architecturally, the mosque is built in a mix of several styles including Turkish, Malay, and Mughal. It is not usually crowded and to visit the main hall you need to take a guided tour which is completely free. It is an enlightening experience to take that tour and learn more about the mosque.
Opening Hours: Daily: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (timings may differ on Friday)
Entrance fee for Wilayah Mosque: Free
How to reach Wilayah Mosque: Since there is no public transport available, Grab is the only option.
Suvarna’s Tip: The entry to visitors is allowed at 10 am from Gate B.
Central Market
Central Market is Kuala Lumpur’s most familiar landmark and a popular tourist destination. It is a 120-year-old market that has gone through several renovations to attract younger generations and tourists.
Today, it is a one-stop destination and a must-visit for Malaysian culture, art, and craft located in the heart of the city. It offers a unique experience to visitors where one can find 300 shops featuring local handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs, and restaurants.
It’s a fun place for some window shopping, a fish spa, buying souvenirs, and eating tasty culinary food. Also, the fact that is located close to major public transportation links, makes it easy to access all major KL destinations.
Kasturi Walk is located alongside the main building which is the newly transformed covered walkway. Opened in 2011, it features an exciting variety of stalls selling tantalizing local snacks and exquisite souvenirs.
Opening Hours: Daily: 09:00am – 06:00pm
How to reach Central Market: If you are taking the LRT then stop at the Pasar Seni LRT station. Central Market is just a short walk from the LRT.
Petronas Twin Towers
The first thing that comes to anybody’s mind when the name Kuala Lumpur pops up is Petronas Twin Tower. Almost every one of us has gone through the pictures of these amazing twin towers and let me confirm that these towers do look magnificent, not only at night but in the daytime as well.
These iconic twin towers are located inside the Suria KLCC shopping mall. Petronas Twin Towers were once the tallest buildings in the world, now that title is held by Burj Khalifa in Dubai. This 88-floor building is joined at the 41st and 42nd floors (175m above street level) by a 58 meter-long, double-decker Sky Bridge. One can take a tour of the Petronas twin tower to see the view of KL from this bridge. Get your tickets delivered to your hotel and skip the line when you book from here.
Located in the KL city center, the architecture of these towers is amazing. They are not solely glass and you can actually see a lot of steel which makes the architecture stands out and different.
Don’t forget to watch the light and sound water fountain show in the evening behind the Suria KLCC shopping mall. The timings are:
KLCC Lake Symphony Light and Sound Water Fountain: The showtimes are 8 pm, 9 pm, and 10 pm daily.
KLCC Lake Symphony Water Fountain showtimes (Light only): The showtimes are 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, and 9:30 pm daily.
Best time to visit Petronas Twin Tower: If you are looking for a clean shot then visit early in the morning otherwise the towers look amazing at night but it’s a serious challenge to take a touristy picture.
Tickets: To visit the tower, tickets can be purchased online from here or from the Petronas Twin Towers Ticketing Counter located on the concourse level. The price for adults is RM56.
How to reach Petronas Twin Towers: Grab is the best and most popular option that will drop you off at Suria KLCC’s main entrance or Petronas twin towers entrance. More info here.
Suvarna’s Tip: If you have time, you can visit KLCC park for a great view of the towers and the park is beautiful as well.
Heli Lounge Bar
One of the absolute best things to do in Kuala Lumpur and a must to include in your Kuala Lumpur itinerary is to visit a helipad that turns into a bar in the evening. Sounds cool, right?
It is really an awesome experience to see a helipad transforming into a rooftop bar with an amazing view of Petronas Twin Tower along with the view of the city. It is one of the best places to watch the sun go down and see the city shining with lights.
It’s best to arrive before sunset if you want free entry. Order a drink from the lounge and you can go to the rooftop. There is a more relaxed crowd till 7 pm where you see people wearing shorts but after sunset, there is a dress code and an entry fee depending on the headcount.
The service is slow and you may have to wait for the seats if you don’t come here as soon as it opens. Also, the attendants roam around and may ask you to order more in case you have finished your drink and food.
Opening Hours: Daily: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Entrance fee for Heli Lounge Bar: Free before sunset. After that, it depends on the headcount.
DAY 3 – Visit the attractions on the way to the KLIA Airport
As this is the last day, I will suggest taking it a little easy. You can book a nice hotel with a rooftop pool for all 3 days or just for the last day to relax for a while before heading to Thean Hou Temple. Leave early for the airport and on the way, visit the Putrajaya mosque and Astaka Morocco.
Relax and Swim at a rooftop pool with a view of Petronas Tower
A 3 day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary is incomplete if you are not staying at one of the hotels with infinity pools. It’s a must-do when in Kuala Lumpur. With the views of Petronas twin tower, Menara Tower, or any other skyscrapers, it will be an unforgettable swim in the morning or night.
There are quite a number of hotels that boast amazing views. Some of them are luxury but there are few that are budget hotels so they won’t break your bank. Try booking Face suites, Regalia Suites and Hotels, Somerset Ampang, and Hotel Stripes for budget options. Check out all the other accommodations with the latest prices in Kuala Lumpur here.
Thean Hou Temple
Thean Hou Temple is the largest and oldest six-tiered Buddhist temple dedicated to the goddess Mazu. This temple sits on a hilltop and offers a great view of the city. Even if visiting the religious site is not for you, I highly suggest putting this place in your 3 Day Kuala Lumpur itinerary as it is extraordinarily beautiful from every corner.
The temple looks a lot bigger from the outside but it’s surprisingly small from the inside. It can be easily explored in an hour or two if you are keen on taking pictures. You will see devotees burning incense sticks and praying.
This temple has become hugely popular amongst tourists for a few years so expect tour buses to come in around 9 am – 9:30 am. It is also a popular place for weddings and there’s a marriage registration office on the premises.
The decoration with lanterns that may change in color depending on the time of the year you visit is the best part. It makes the whole temple look even more fascinating.
Opening Hours: Daily: 09:00 – 18:00
Entrance Fee: Free
Dress Code: Though it’s a temple, there is no dress code.
How to reach Thean Hou temple: The best is to take a grab as it’s not centrally located in the city.
Suvarna’s Tip: If you can find some time to visit it in the evening after dark, it’s a sight to see.
Astaka Morocco
Is finding Morocco in Kuala Lumpur possible? Yes, it is. Astaka Morocco or Moroccan Pavilion Putrajaya was built as a cultural exchange between Malaysia and Morocco and is located in Putrajaya which is a 30-40 drive from the city center. It’s a gem that makes you feel like you are transported to Morocco.
Here, you will find intricate details on the walls, mosaic tiles at the fountain, and the most amazing part is that no 2 rooms are the same. Each thing will remind you of the distinctive features of Morocco’s oldest cities.
Opening Hours: Daily: 09:00 – 18:00
Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee to visit the main courtyard but after the courtyard, there is a hall with rooms that has a fee of RM 3, and no pictures are allowed inside not even with the phone. Also, there is a free parking spot in case you have your own transport.
How to reach Astaka Morocco: Since it is located in Putrajaya, it could take up to 1.5 hours to get there if you take the public bus from the KL city center. The easiest and most convenient way to get here is by car, grab, or taxi.
Putra Mosque
Can you believe Kuala Lumpur has its very own pink mosque? Yes, the Putra Mosque in Putrajaya is a beautiful pink mosque that is also a principal mosque. The mosque is constructed in Persian Islamic architecture and is made with rose-tinted granite which gives it the pink hue.
Surrounded by the Putrajaya lake, the whole setting of this mosque looks magical, especially at sunset. You can also take a traditional boat cruise along with a Putrajaya tour that lets you discover 7 different locations which cover all the major attractions in the area.
Non-Muslim visitors are allowed to visit outside of prayer times and even if you are dressed modestly, particularly women, may be required to wear one of the mosque’s maroon robes. It can accommodate 15000 people at a time and even if you know nothing about Islam, you will be impressed by the mosque’s interior and its architecture.
Opening Hours: Daily: 09:00 – 17:00
Entrance Fee: No Charges
How to reach Putrajaya Mosque: It is better to reach here by Taxi and the visit to Putra Mosque can be combined with Astaka Morocco since they are both located in the Putrajaya region.
Alternate 2 days Kuala Lumpur Itinerary
If you are wondering what can be put in 2 days Kuala Lumpur itinerary then don’t worry, 2 days in Kuala Lumpur are sufficient to see the main attractions and enjoy what the city has to offer. All of the places mentioned below are different from each other so you get to see the variety that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Also, these are some of the most Instagrammable places in Kuala Lumpur.
So, if social media is your thing and you are after some major Instagram spots then book a private Instagram tour for day 1 that includes hotel pick up/drop off and a pink latte or cold-pressed juice at KettleBell cafe. On day 2 you can see the remaining spots from the mentioned list below.
1. Petronas Twin Towers
2. Thean Hou Temple
3. Astaka Morocco Pavillion
4. Putrajaya Mosque
5. Batu caves
6. Petaling street market or Central Market
7. Relax and swim in a rooftop pool one morning
Alternate 1 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary
If you are short on time and only have 1 day to see Kuala Lumpur then don’t worry. You can still have the essence of Kuala Lumpur in a short time or during your 1-day layover. I suggest visiting these 4 places that are unique and beautiful.
Visiting only these 4 places will give you enough time to see each location properly without being in a rush. Renting a private vehicle for the whole day with a driver will save you time than booking grabs each time you leave a location. It also gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace while your driver will wait for you at every stop.
TIP: If you are planning to do a taxi for the whole day then do not forget to bargain a fixed price for the day so that you don’t get scammed.
1. Petronas Twin Tower – A visit to Kuala Lumpur is not complete till you see Petronas Twin Tower so consider it a mandatory visit. Though I must say they look the best at night but since we have less time so a visit during any time of the day would do.
2. Putrajaya Mosque
3. Astaka Morocco Pavillion
4. Thean Hou Temple – Even if you have a few hours in KL and can only see one place, I would suggest this temple. No matter day or night, with lanterns as decoration this temple looks amazing.
5. Heli Lounge Bar or Petaling street Market
FINAL THOUGHTS
Kuala Lumpur has a lot to see and it is also a good place to spend layovers. I hope this Kuala Lumpur itinerary helps you plan a great trip. If you find yourself at Kuala Lumpur airport more often then you can see all the places mentioned here during multiple layovers too.
If you are interested in venturing further and exploring more of what Malaysia has to offer then Cameron Highlands and Penang are some of the places that aren’t very far from Kuala Lumpur. Also, both of these places are different from Kuala Lumpur and will provide you with unique experiences.
Happy Travels!
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