The Perfect 3-day Itinerary for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Perfect 3-day Itinerary for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Hey there! Whether you're itching to dive into culture and history, marvel at modern architecture, or satisfy your inner foodie, Kuala Lumpur is the city that serves up a buffet of diversity! While for many travellers KL often becomes a hotspot during a layover, with the sweet spot being a stay of 2-4 days. No matter the scenario, my three-day KL itinerary guide is your ticket to making the most of your first stint in Kuala Lumpur, with a detailed plan for each day. Highlights : ๐Ÿ—“๏ธDetailed daily schedule for 2 days in Kuala Lumpur + 1 day trip to Batu Caves & Genting Highlands ๐Ÿ›ŒHotel Recommendation in Kuala Lumpur City Centre ๐Ÿ›Food & Drinks Suggestions ๐Ÿ›๏ธShopping for local handicrafts & souvenirs
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What is the best time to Visit KL

Due to its proximity to the equator Kuala Lumpur (KL) enjoys a constant tropical rainforest climate, bringing warmth, sunshine, and regular rainfall throughout the year.

Where to stay in KL

KL offers a wide array of accommodation choices, catering to every budget โ€“ from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious 5-star hotels. You'll also discover numerous fantastic hotels in Kuala Lumpur featuring infinity pools, providing breathtaking views of the city skyline.

For this itinerary, I would recommend staying in the vicinity of Bukit Bintang or KLCC.

Saba Suites at platinum Klcc
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Its in the Bukit Bintang Area and quite close to famous attractions.
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Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre
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Great Location. Prices are mid range depending on the season. Air-conditioned rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a desk.
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I chose to stay at Novotel because of its convenient proximity to both the Petronas Twin Towers and the Bukit Bintang shopping district.

Incase you plan to stay in Genting for 1 night, you can stay atย Resorts World Genting - Genting SkyWorlds Hotel which is quite close to the Theme park

Genting SkyWorlds Hotel
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Quite close to the Theme Parks, Great location
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How to get around KL

The most efficient means of transportation in Kuala Lumpur is either the MRT or a taxi. Once you familiarize yourself with the various routes, navigating the MRT lines becomes quite straightforward.ย 

Alternatively, you can just use Grab which is an equivalent to Uber in KL.

Day 1

Once you land in Kuala Lumpur International Airport, book a Grab and head to your accommodation. The drive from KLIA to the city would take you approximately an hour.

After checking in and taking some time to rest, venture to Jalan Alor KL Street Art Lane 1, where vibrant murals await your discovery.

Jalan Alor Street Art & Night Food Market

Jalan Alor Street Art is situated at Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. It is right besideย Jalan Alor Food Street, known as the night food market destination in Kuala Lumpur.

The murals on Jalan Alor adorn the walls of high-rise apartments, shops, and buildings, transforming the street into a lively and colorful spectacle during the daylight hours.

Alor Backspace Street Art
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Jalan Alor Street Art is definitely must visit place if you happen to come around the neighborhood of Bukit Bintang
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Next head toย Jalan Alor food market, renowned as perhaps the most celebrated food street in Kuala Lumpur. It serves as the ideal destination to indulge in seafood, hawker delights, and authentic Malay cuisine.

The vibrancy of the area peaks during the evening, transforming the street into a bustling scene filled with hawker stalls offering a diverse array of culinary delights. The lively atmosphere is heightened as people navigate through the crowded street, contemplating their choices from the plethora of tempting food options available.

Jalan Alor Food Street
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Make sure you bring your appetite as there will be so much you will want to try.
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Petronas Twin Tower & Symphony Lake Water Show

Once you've satisfied your appetite, make your way to the Petronas Twin Towers to conclude your first day by visiting the city's most iconic landmark, the world's tallest twin towers.

Cap off your evening with the Symphony Lake Water show in KLCC Park, occurring daily at 8 pm, 9 pm, and 10 pm. This captivating light show animates the fountains to the rhythm of classical music, providing a mesmerizing experience.

Petronas Twin Towers
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Standing 451.9 meters tall, the Petronas Towers is truly an architectural wonder. Surrounded by skyscrapers, no matter which way you turn and the beautiful KLCC Park at its base, this is one KL attraction you cannot miss.
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Day 2

Batu Caves

No Kuala Lumpur itinerary is truly comprehensive without a visit to the magnificent Batu Caves.

Situated approximately 25 minutes' drive from the city center, Batu Caves holds significant religious importance, featuring 400 million-year-old caves, a vibrant rainbow staircase, playful monkeys, and a colossal statue of Lord Murugan at the entrance.

Batu Caves
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Best to come as early as possible to avoid the crowds and the heat. Make sure to dress appropriately, cover your shoulders and legs above the knees, and bring a scarf just in case.
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Genting Highlands

Next head to Genting Highlands, a charming hill resort situated merely an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur, the bustling capital city of Malaysia..

Among the prominent draws in Genting Highlands is its casino, luring thousands of visitors annually and earning the reputation as Malaysia's equivalent to Las Vegas.

Genting Highlands
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Home to Theme Parks, Shopping & Casino. You can spend your entire day here.
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Things to do in Genting Higlands

1. Start your visit to Genting Highlands at the Genting Premium Outlet (Awana).ย 

Genting Highlands Premium Outlets
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Genting Premium Outlet contains over 150 stores, multiple restaurants and cafes. Among the popular brands that can be found here are Nike, Adidas, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, Superdry Outlet, Tumi , Lululemon and many more.
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2. Take the cable car (Awana Skyway) to the top of Genting Highlands. The one way cable ride is RM 10 and two way is RM18.

Awana SkyWay, Genting Highlands, Pahang.
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This 3.38-kilometer-long cable car ride holds the record for being the fastest and the longest gondola lift in Southeast Asia
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3. Make a free stop at the stunning Chin Swee Caves Temple.ย Devoted to the Chinese deity Chin Swee, this temple showcases a masterpiece of traditional Chinese architecture, embellished with elaborate sculptures, vibrant murals, and intricate carvings.

Chin Swee Caves Temple
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Make sure to keep your cable car ticket with you, you can simply use it again to go to the top of the mountain with the cable car.
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4.ย Gamble at Genting Highlands.ย Test your luck in games like blackjack, baccarat, roulette, or explore the plethora of slot machines, immersing yourself in the exhilarating atmosphere that the casino provides.

Casino De Genting
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The casino is open every day of the year. Note, however, that you need to be older than 21 to enter the premises. Youโ€™ll also need to wear decent clothes, meaning no shorts or flip-flops etc
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5. Get lost in childhood at the Indoor & Outdoor Theme park in Genting

Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park
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Great indoor theme park within the sky avenue mall with different levels of rides suitable for all different ages
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Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park
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Experience an exciting adventure in the all new Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park which houses 9 uniquely themed world for you to explore.
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Where to eat

Make your way to the Malaysian Food Street on Level 4 of Sky Avenue for a taste of local hawker food at reasonable prices.

Malaysian Food Street
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Local Malaysian Food with affordable price
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Day 3

Wilayah Mosque (Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan)

After breakfast at your hotel, start your day with a visit to the Wilayah Mosque, also recognized as the Federal Territory Mosque. This symmetrical complex features a central dome flanked by two towering minarets.

Monday through Friday, you can participate in daily tours starting at 10 am, allowing you to explore the symbolism of the mosque. These tours are complimentary, and there is no entry fee to access the mosque.

Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan (The Federal Territory Mosque)
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Women are required to wear a robe and headscarf before entering the premises, these are provided free of charge.
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Thean Hou Temple

This is undeniably one of the most beautiful Chinese temples I've ever encountered. Constructed in 1987, Thean Hou Temple is a stunning six-tiered Buddhist temple devoted to the sea goddess Mazu.

Thean Hou Temple
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The temple is known for its impressive architecture and vibrant decorations.
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Kampong Baru

When it comes to a dish that Malaysians simply can't resist, it has to be Nasi Lemakโ€”the national dish of Malaysia. Its pervasive flavors are something many cherish, and you can indulge in it at any time of the day.

Our next destination is to savor some delicious Nasi Lemak!

Nasi Lemak Wanjo Kg Baru
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Nasi Lemak Wanjo has been around for decades as one of the most popular restaurants for Nasi Lemak in Kampung Baru
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Central Market

Following a satisfying lunch, we head to Central Market for some souvenir shopping. It's an excellent location for a leisurely stroll and the ideal spot to discover a diverse array of artisan goods, batik artworks, handicrafts, souvenirs, and charming boutique stores.

Central Market
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Make sure to also take a stroll along Kasturi Walk, which is right outside the Central Market. Itโ€™s a cool open-air flea market, and the whole lane is lined with little cafes, tea shops, and loads of stalls selling all kinds of snacks, souvenirs, and handiworks.
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Kwai Chai Hong

Located a mere 10 minutes from Central Market, this spot is a small alley behind Petaling Street adorned with numerous murals portraying the daily life of this place in the bygone era.

Kwai Chai Hong
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The pre-war building at Kwai Chai Hong is the best-kept secret of the Chinatown area in Kuala Lumpur. You can easily miss it because it is a hidden alley.
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Heli Lounge Bar

On the final evening of your Kuala Lumpur trip, visit the most unique bar in all of Southeast Asia. Positioned on the 34th floor of Menara KH, it's a helipad transformed into a lounge bar, offering the finest panoramic view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline.

Heli Lounge Bar - Menara KH
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The entry fees is MYR 100 which includes 2 cocktails from their menu. Recommend visiting just before sunset for a sundowner.
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Other Activities & Attractions

If you have more time and want to see more of KL, you can add more things to the itinerary from below.ย 

1. National Museum of Malaysia

The National Museum of Malaysia
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The Malaysian Museum provides an overview of Malaysian history and culture.
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2. Merdeka Square

Merdeka Square
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This is the place where the Malaysian flag has been raised for the first time on the Independence Day (31 August 1957) from the British.
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3. National Mosque of Malaysia

National Mosque of Malaysia
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Beautiful mosque with a stunning piece of architecture .
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4. The Pavilion

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
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Make your way to Tokyo Street at Level 6 to indulge in some Japanese delights.
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We've reached to the end of The Perfect 3-day trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoy your trip to KL !

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hello Wanderlust Buddies ! Welcome to my travel world ๐ŸŒŽ I am Anshu, an expat living in Singapore and Iโ€™m so stoked to share a bit of my travel-loving heart with you. With over a decade of traversing the globe and exploring more than 30+ countries. I've poured my heart and soul into meticulously researching and concocting truly extraordinary personalised itineraries. And now, the thrill is in sharing this treasure trove of expertise to craft YOUR dream voyage! From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, join me as we traverse cultures, savor flavors, and capture the essence of each destination. Let's wanderlust together and inspire the adventurer in you. Welcome to a world of limitless horizons and unforgettable experiences !
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