A mix of modern skyscrapers and old traditions, Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia is a very exciting city. We were always planning for it and one day, we finally decided to go ahead and explore Kuala Lumpur on our own without being a part of any tour group. Trust us, it was truly a great decision we took. Join us as we share with you details of our DIY adventure in Kuala Lumpur.
Planning Our Trip
So, here we were, planning our trip to Kuala Lumpur opting not to book any Malaysia tour package. Before hopping into the flight, we researched online for a while. We went through a few blogs, watched YouTube a lot and saved some of the popular locations on Google Maps. We only made a rough plan of what we wanted to see on each day of our adventure which while helping us stay organised still left enough room to explore some hidden gems.
It wasn’t difficult booking a hotel near Bukit Bintang, a locality in central Kuala Lumpur offering good access to public transport, food and shopping. We made sure that we could stay connected and use Google Maps by buying a local SIM card at the airport.
Getting Around the City
We found getting around Kuala Lumpur much easier than we expected it to be. With trains, buses and a monorail, the public transport system in the city is pretty good. We chose to use the MRT and LRT trains mostly. There were English instructions at most stations and the signs were clear.
We used a ride-hailing app, Grab quite often. When we would get tired of going somewhere far from the train stations, we would book a cab on Grab. It was very convenient and affordable.
In some areas like KLCC Park and Bukit Bintang, walking was also a great option. We wore light clothes and carried enough water since it was quite hot and humid.
Our 5-Day Itinerary of Exploring Kuala Lumpur
We spent 5 days in Kuala Lumpur and every day of our trip to the city was filled with fun and excitement. Here are the places we explored:
Day 1: Petronas Towers and KLCC
The famous Petronas Twin Towers was our first stop. A must-see in Kuala Lumpur, they are the tallest twin towers in the world. To avoid the crowds, we reached the place early and went to the KLCC Park which offers the best view to take photographs.
We also went to Suria KLCC, a shopping mall at the base of the twin towers. Apart from shops and cafes, there was a science centre as well. It was wonderful relaxing in the park as we watched the water fountain show in the evening.
Day 2: Exploring Culture in Chinatown and Merdeka Square
On the second day, we started with a visit to Chinatown. Full of small shops and street food stalls, Petaling Street was very colorful. The local snacks like fried noodles and sweet desserts were absolutely yummy!
Our next stop was Central Market nearby. Here, you can buy souvenirs, handmade items and local crafts. A nice break from the heat, the market is indoors and the air-conditioning is good.
We went to Merdeka Square in the afternoon. Malaysia declared its independence at this historical place. It was wonderful to see the old colonial buildings around the square. We also took many photos at the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Malaysia’s colonial history makes it a very interesting place to visit on international tour packages.
Day 3: Batu Caves and Local Temples
We visited Batu Caves, a short train ride from the city on our third day. We reached KL Sentral and took the KTM Komuter train. There are 272 colourful steps leading to the famous cave temple that has a huge golden statue of Lord Murugan.
While climbing the stairs was tiring, it was worth the effort. The cave was large and it was very peaceful inside. There were a lot of monkeys and so, we chose not to carry any food or any shiny items.
Later, we visited one of the oldest and largest temples in Southeast Asia, the Thean Hou Temple. Offering a great view of the city, the temple sits on a hill. With red lanterns and statues, it was calm and beautifully decorated.
Day 4: Modern Vibes at Bukit Bintang and Jalan Alor
We dedicated day four to exploring the shopping and entertainment zone of Bukit Bintang. The place has many plush malls like Lot 10, Pavilion KL and Fahrenheit88. A lot of international brands are sold at Pavilion KL which is particularly stylish.
We walked to Jalan Alor, a famous food street in the evening. With food stalls offering Malaysian, Chinese, Thai, and seafood dishes, it comes alive at night. It was a fun and lively atmosphere and we loved satay (grilled meat), char kway teow (fried noodles) and coconut ice cream.
Day 5: A Day at the Museums and Parks
We visited some museums and green spaces on day five since we wanted a slower day. We started our day at the Islamic Arts Museum which is home to beautiful displays of Islamic art, calligraphy, and architecture. The place is very quiet and visiting it is a great learning experience.
We visited the nearby National Mosque next. As long as they follow the dress code, visitors are welcome. You’ll be given robes at the entrance. The design of the peaceful museum is very modern.
Later, we took a walk through the Perdana Botanical Garden, a large park with flowers, trees and a small lake. It was wonderful seeing families enjoying picnics and couples taking photos. We loved ending our last day in Kuala Lumpur on a relaxing note.
Final Thoughts
It was a wonderful experience exploring Kuala Lumpur on our own. A blend of history, culture, food, shopping and nature make the city an exciting place to visit. Reach out to a travel agency in Dubai for more information.
Don’t be afraid to plan your own trip if you’re thinking of visiting Kuala Lumpur. You can enjoy the city at your own pace with a little research and a sense of adventure. We hope our blog will be a handy guide when you set out to explore Kuala Lumpur on your own.
Also Read: Spend Your Best Time- Malaysia, The Natural Beauty
