Planning a trip to Malaysia and wondering how to spend 2 days in Kuala Lumpur? You’ve arrived in the right place.
I’ve put together this 2 days in Kuala Lumpur itinerary packed with the best places to visit, things to do, and recommendations on where to stay. I have also included a few cheap street food and nightlife recommendations, plus other exciting tidbits.
Kuala Lumpur (commonly shortened to KL) is the Malaysian capital and is the gateway to exploring this magnificent country. It’s a bustling metropolitan city filled boasting delicious food, fantastic shopping, unique sights, stunning panoramic views and friendly locals.
Kuala Lumpur is one of my favorite cities in all of Asia, and I even lived there at one stage. Because the city is insanely vibrant, there are so many new and exciting things to do in Kuala Lumpur around every corner.
Kuala Lumpur Itinerary Overview
While only spending 2 days in Kuala Lumpur isn’t a whole lot of time to see the best of what this city has to offer, you’d be surprised at how much you’ll be able to see in 48 hours.
From walking up the colorful steps of the Batu Caves, sipping cocktails on top of helipads, and swimming in rooftop infinity pools – it’s safe to say that Kuala Lumpur is guaranteed to be filled with experiences you’ll never forget.
So without further ado, keep reading to journey with me through this Kuala Lumpur itinerary for 2 days, and start planning your trip to this magnificent city.
The Best Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur
If you keep reading, my itinerary is packed with recommendations on what to see in Kuala Lumpur, however, I thought I would shortlist the best things to do before we jump into the full itinerary. This will give you a taste of what to expect both in this amazing city and on my epic itinerary!
- Visit the glistening Petronas Towers.
- Explore the awe-inspiring Batu Caves.
- Shop up a storm at KLCC Mall.
- Take a break in KLCC Park.
- Wander through the magical Aquaria KLCC.
- Immerse yourself in the electric vibes of Downtown Kuala Lumpur.
- Pick up a bargain at the Japan Alor Night Market.
- Sight see at Merdeka Square.
- Tour the beautiful Masjid James Mosque.
- Discover the best street food in Chinatown.
- Experience the vibrant Little India.
- Head to the top of the Menara KL Tower.
- Visit the cities wildlife sanctuaries.
Plus so much more! Keep reading to get a glimpse into all of these experiences and more!
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
First things first, you’ll want to book accommodation for your 2 days in KL. While there are obviously plenty of different accommodation options all over Kuala Lumpur, I recommend you stay at the condominium where I lived for a short while.
It’s called Regalia Condominium, and it’s truly amazing. It’s the perfect place to stay for your Kuala Lumpur itinerary for 2 days.
It’s conveniently located within a few minutes walk to two different metro lines, has an awesome mall next door, and the condominium is clean, modern, and comfortable. But the best reason to book a stay at Regalia is to swim in the rooftop infinity pool. It offers an amazing view of the capital city, and enjoying a sunset swim while looking over at the iconic Petronas Towers will definitely be a highlight of your Kuala Lumpur 2-day itinerary.
Here are a few top-rated apartments for rent at the Regalia:
- Float in the Infinity Pool of a Gorgeous Apartment
- Spectacular Skyline views from a Chic, High Rise Apartment
- REGALIA SUITES ★ KUALA LUMPUR★ KLCC★ KL SENTRAL #1
I’ve recommended the Regalia Condominium to thousands of people in the past, and I’ve gotten lots of messages from people thanking me. So trust me – I know you’ll have a fantastic stay there.
How to get from Kuala Lumpur Airport To The City
The two main Kuala Lumpur Airports (KLIA & KLIA2) are located about an hour’s drive from the city center, which isn’t ideal. So you’ll definitely want to keep that in mind when making your travel plans. Fortunately, transport options are pretty easy to navigate and quite affordable. The three main options are bus, train, and taxi.
Bus
Taking a KL city bus is the most budget-friendly option, and it takes about one hour or more depending on traffic. It drops you off at KL Sentral. The buses leave frequently and are comfortable. Just be warned – you may get stuck in traffic which can be annoying after a long flight.
Train
Personally, I find the train to be the best option. It doesn’t cost too much more than the bus, and it takes you to KL Sentral in only 30 minutes. The train is easy to find at the airport (display signs are shown everywhere pointing you towards KLIA Express), and it’s just a much more pleasant experience. You can also book KLIA tickets in advance, which will save you money (and make sure you have the tickets on your phone).
Taxi or Rideshare
If you don’t feel like dealing with public transportation and want to be taken directly to your accommodation, then a taxi from KLIA Airport to the city center is an option. I personally don’t like the taxi drivers in KL, as they’re notorious for ripping off tourists. Instead, I always recommend visitors download GRAB, which is Malaysia’s main rideshare app. It works great, has fair prices, and is easy to use. Plus, if you’re a new customer, you should get some FREE credit as a sign-up bonus.
How to get around Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a pretty big city, and while there are loads of attractions within walking distance, you’re going to want to get comfortable using the Metro. Like most major cities in Southeast Asia, traffic is a huge concern. So unless you want to spend a good chunk of your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur itinerary in the backseat of a taxi or GRAB, you’ll want to use the metro to get around Kuala Lumpur. Fortunately, the Kuala Lumpur metro system works really well, has stops near all the major tourist attractions, and is incredibly affordable.
With that being said, Kuala Lumpur is amazing to see on foot as well. A lot of the main hotspots on this Kuala Lumpur itinerary are within walking distance of each other. So you’ll definitely have some fun getting lost along its streets and popping into random local eateries for a quick bite to eat
As I previously mentioned, GRAB is Southeast Asia’s #1 ride-hailing app, and it is definitely worthwhile to have installed it on your phone during your 2 days in Malaysia. This will come in handy for longer trips as well when you don’t want to transfer metro lines or are heading out for dinner or drinks somewhere in the Kuala Lumpur city center.
Save the below map to your phone.
Kuala Lumpur Itinerary Day 1: Batu Caves, Petronas Towers, Shopping + More!
Now that we’ve gone over some of the basics of any trip to KL, let’s get into the best things to do during your trip. Day 1 will see you take in some of the most famous landmarks in town, and picking yourself up a souvenir. KL is renowned for its shopping, so get excited!
Batu Caves
Wake-up bright and early and hop on the train out to the gorgeous Batu Caves. I put this as the first stop on my 2 days in Kuala Lumpur itinerary because visiting Batu Caves is absolutely a must-visit for any first-time visitor to the city. You’ll want to get there early to avoid climbing the steep 272 steps during the intense Kuala Lumpur humidity.
The famous Batu Caves are one of Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic places to visit. It boasts beautiful limestone cliffs, frolicking monkeys and three main caves filled with unique Hindu temples and statues. Just be warned, the monkeys at Batu Caves are quite infamous for being a bit more evil than the average monkey in Southeast Asia. The site offers a fantastic photo opportunity in front of the large statue of the Hindu God at the bottom of the stairs. It also provides an even more beautiful view of the gorgeous KL skyline in the distance.
Since it’s such a popular tourist destination, I recommend you visit Batu Caves as early as possible to avoid massive swarms of crowds. That way, you can have a more enjoyable and peaceful experience at this important religious landmark. The Batu Caves are open every day from 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM, and they’re easy to access as the last stop on the KTM Komuter line.
You can also join a day tour to Batu Caves to get the most out of your trip and learn some insider information.
The Petronas Twin Towers & Suria KLCC
Next up, it’s time to cross off the other main tourist attraction in KL, and certainly the most iconic – Petronas Twin Towers.
They are actually located inside the Suria KLCC shopping mall, which is definitely one of the best shopping destinations in the city. Complete with elegant decor, hundreds of stores, and a fantastic food court, it’s a great place to wander around for an hour or two and enjoy some air-conditioning before heading up the Petronas Twin Towers.
The Petronas Towers Skybridge & Observation Deck
Standing at 1,483 feet tall, the Petronas Towers are the world’s tallest twin towers and are certainly a landmark you need to see up close. They’re absolutely magnificent, especially at night, and no visit to Kuala Lumpur would be complete without heading up and taking a walk along the Skybridge and a visit to the observation deck.
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KLCC Park
At the base of the Petronas Towers, you’ll find KLCC Park, which is a beautiful 50-acre garden set in the middle of the city. So after you’ve completed your journey to the top of the towers, spend some time strolling through KLCC Park along its well-paved paths and enjoy different viewpoints of the towers.
It’s an incredible urban sanctuary with over 1,900 trees and 74 different species of plants. There’s also a massive two-square-mile children’s playground, making it a must-visit for people visiting Kuala Lumpur with kids. The 141-foot high bridge here offers a fantastic vantage point of the park with the Petronas Towers as a backdrop.
Aquaria KLCC
While you’re in KLCC Park, why not head inside the Aquaria KLCC, a state-of-the-art aquarium with over 5,000 species of underwater and land creatures?
This huge aquarium has lots of exciting areas to explore. The main highlight is walking through the 295-foot transparent underwater tunnel where hundreds of fishes, sharks, stingrays and other marine life surround you. With interactive adventures, signature feedings, friendly staff, and immersive exhibits, a visit to the Aquaria KLCC is a favorite among families and marine wildlife enthusiasts visiting Kuala Lumpur.
Shopping & Exploring In The Golden Triangle / Bukit Bintang
“The Golden Triangle” is a popular downtown district in Kuala Lumpur that’s home to the city’s highlights, best hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and plenty of fantastic malls. Even if you’re not in the mood for shopping, it’s a wonderful area to explore on foot and soak up the cosmopolitan vibes it exudes.
I’ve spent a lot of time in this area, mall hopping and food court exploring. If you can, I’d recommend checking out these four malls:
- Berjaya Times Square
- Low Yat Plaza
- Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
- Lot 10
Sunset At Heli Lounge Bar
A visit to Heli Lounge Bar is one of my favorite things to do in Kuala Lumpur. It really is an awesome experience to see how this helicopter pad transforms into a popular rooftop bar! Whenever people would visit Kuala Lumpur to see me, I’d always take them here. The lounge offers 360-degree views of the modern city and delicious drinks. It is also one of the best places to watch the sunset during your two days in Kuala Lumpur.
I’ve written about my experiences at the Heli Lounge Bar Kuala Lumpur, so give that blog a read for more info. It’s located right in the Kuala Lumpur city center (in Bukit Bintang, and is a great place to start your nighttime adventures across the city.
Pro Tip: Head there about 20 minutes before sunset, and stay for 30-40 minutes after to experience the views both by day and night.
Jalan Alor Night Market
To conclude the first day of your Kuala Lumpur itinerary, make the short walk over to the Jalan Alor Street Food Market.
The word “Jalan” means “street”, and Jalan Alor is a long passage filled with delicious street food stalls serving up a wide variety of local cuisine, as well as Indian, Chinese, and Thai food. This amazing night market has this indescribable ambiance that must be experienced to understand, and the street food is truly spectacular. I’ve eaten at four or five different restaurants along Jalan Alor, and every single one of them has been second to none.
Kuala Lumpur Itinerary Day 2: Chinatown, Little India + Lots of Culture
For the second day of your Kuala Lumpur itinerary, I’ve focused a bit more on important cultural attractions and exciting religious landmarks. Let’s get into it!
Merdeka Square
Start off by visiting Merdeka Square, the main “Independence Square” in town, where Malaysia declared its independence in 1957. Complete with a large grass field and surrounded by beautiful buildings and architecture, this is the perfect place to begin your second day in Kuala Lumpur.
Take in the sights of the wondrous Sultan Abdul Samad Building, wander through the Royal Selangor Club, visit St. Mary’s Church, and check out the National Textile Museum.
Masjid Jamek
Opened in 1909, this airy mosque is the city’s oldest and welcomes visitors every day. With its intricate white domes and jaw-dropping architecture, it’s a fantastic place to learn all about the Islamic culture of the city.
If you plan on visiting Masjid Jamek Mosque, make sure you are dressed appropriately. If you aren’t, you are able to borrow robes and headscarves at the main entrance.
Chinatown & Petaling Street
Next up, take the quick eight-minute walk over to Chinatown to enjoy some street food, shopping and culture. While there’s a whole lot to explore in Chinatown, the clear favorite among travelers is to take a stroll up and down Petaling Street.
The Petaling Street Market is a bustling shopping market that’s packed with personality. It’s similar to a lot of Southeast Asian markets I’ve come across, and you can definitely find some great deals here. From kitschy souvenirs to affordable clothing and delicious food, Petaling Street in Chinatown is a Kuala Lumpur itinerary must-do.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
Located on the outskirts of Chinatown, you’ll find the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, which is the oldest Hindu Temple in the city, dating back to 1873. It’s filled with colorful Hindu deities, incredibly unique architecture and spectacular photography opportunities. The temple is an awesome place to stop in for a quick visit. Trust me, it’s worth the visit, and it will be great to learn and observe Hindu culture.
Central Market
For your last stop in Chinatown, just up the street from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, you’ll find the Central Market. It boasts locallymade traditional Malaysia crafts and artisan handmade products. The Central Market is a decently sized emporium, and fun to window shop in, and to buy some smaller items. Central Market also provides some pretty tasty culinary eateries, so this would be a great place to grab a bite to eat (a second lunch is always a good idea in Kuala Lumpur).
Little India
Located just a few minutes from KL Sentral is the next spot on your Kuala Lumpur itinerary. You’ll probably want to hop in a cab or take bus number 821 a few stops, which will drop you off in Little India.
While at first, it may seem a little less exciting after visiting Chinatown, it’s worth a visit to explore its shops filled with aromatic spices, colorful textiles, flowers, jewelry and plenty of low-key restaurants serving up amazing Indian curries. Walk along the main street that’s packed with personality, and enjoy the sound of Bollywood tunes blaring from the surrounding speakers.
Menara KL Tower
On the first day of my Kuala Lumpur itinerary, you crossed off the Skybridge and Observation Deck at the Petronas Towers. Today, you’ll head up to the top of the Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower.
This landmark was completed back in 1995 and stands at 1381 feet high. This makes the KL Tower the seventh tallest freestanding tower in the world. My advice would be to book yourself a KL Tower Admission Ticket online in order to save some money.
Offering spectacular panoramic views of the city skyline, the Petronas Towers, and its notorious skyscrapers, you simply can’t leave Kuala Lumpur without heading up here at least once.
The Best Rooftop Bars In Kuala Lumpur
To conclude this ultimate Kuala Lumpur itinerary, I thought you’d like a few recommendations on where to enjoy an end-of-trip cocktail in the city. I think KL is one of the world’s finest for rooftop cocktails and fine dining.
There are so many top locations to choose from in different parts of the city, but here are just a few bars I’d recommend checking out before you leave Kuala Lumpur:
- Troika Sky Dining: “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
- Traders Hotel SkyBar: “If you haven’t been to SkyBar, then you haven’t really been to Kuala Lumpur.”
- Marini’s on 57: “Malaysia’s most iconic rooftop bar, Italian restaurant, and whiskey & cigar lounge”
- Vertigo & Horizon at Banyan Tree: “Relax on bar seating while enjoying the stunning views of Kuala Lumpur from above. Mixologists are on hand to create personalized drinks, while the South East Asian inspired tapas and DJ music helps create an unforgettable night out.”
- Canopy Lounge Rooftop Bar KL: “We have the perfect setting to come and relax with friends and watch live sports or to enjoy one of many of our live events including belly dancers and snake charmers.”
- Mantra Rooftop Bar & Lounge: “Mantra is Kuala Lumpur’s premier rooftop bar and lounge, offering a serene yet vibrant spot to enjoy sunsets with crafted cocktails. Inside, a modern-tropical design with plush seating and Asian elements leads to an outdoor deck with couches, daybeds, and private cabanas.”
- Deep Blue: “DEEP BLUE is a rooftop tapas restaurant and bar. Located next to our Level 51 infinity pool, the restaurant offers a breathtaking view of Kuala Lumpur unparalleled skyline.”
More Fun Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur
This Kuala Lumpur itinerary is already jam-packed with great activities and the majority of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, which will probably be difficult to fit it all in 48 hours.
But I love writing in-depth travel guides and providing value to my readers, so here are some more fun things to do that you can add to your Kuala Lumpur itinerary.
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
A world full of spectacular birds and a tropical paradise awaits you. If you’re traveling with kids or just want to visit this renowned eco-tourism destination, the KL Bird Park certainly will not disappoint. Located just 10 minutes outside KLCC, the KL Bird Park has more than 3,000 local and foreign birds of approximately 200 different species.
What makes this place so special and different from other bird parks is the concept of free flight. Which is when the birds are let free in the aviary, which closely resembles their natural habitat.
KL Forest Eco Park
If you have some time to spare during your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, spend it at KL Forest Eco Park. This lush nine-hectare park sits right in the city center, just a hop, skin and jump away from shopping malls and the KL Tower.
KL Forest Eco Park is home to over 200 plant species and wildlife. This is a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle that is Kuala Lumpur.
Sunway Lagoon Water Theme Park
W I lived in Kuala Lumpur, it was one of my biggest regrets not checking out Sunway Lagoon Water Theme Park for myself as it’s regularly listed as one of the best things to do in KL.
Located about a 45-minute drive from the city center, the Sunway Lagoon Water Theme Park is the perfect destination for families or anyone just looking to escape the Malaysian heat and humidity and splash about for a while. You’ll have access to six exhilarating experiences, including the world’s largest and highest water ride and the colorful Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon.
Regalia Condominium Infinity Pool Swimming
Finally, I know I already explained this, but I wanted to reiterate how much I love swimming in this pool at the Regalia Condominiums! It’s one of the most iconic rooftop pools in Kuala Lumpur, and I know everyone will love it. Security is tight there though, and it’s strictly for guests only, so I’d definitely recommend spending at least one night at the Regalia Condominium.
Extra 2 Days in Kuala Lumpur Travel Tips
- Try the iconic Malaysian dish Nasi Kandar, meaning ‘mixed rice’, which is a favorite among locals and travelers
- Buy a Local SIM card at the airport so you can stay connected while you’re getting from A to B.
- Don’t ride in taxis. They are notorious for ripping off tourists. Use GRAB instead.
- Eat as much as possible. The street food in Kuala Lumpur is a highlight of visiting this vibrant city.
- Always make sure you have travel insurance. This will come in handy when something unforeseeable happens, like you fall sick, your bags go missing or you have something stolen.
Am I missing anything from my Kuala Lumpur 2 Day Itinerary?
Having spent so much time exploring KL myself, I think I’ve put together a pretty amazing Kuala Lumpur itinerary in 2 days, especially for first-time visitors.
But if you visit Kuala Lumpur and discover some hidden gems you think should be included on this list, please do let me know. I’m always planning return visits to Kuala Lumpur and Southeast Asia, and would love to add some new items to my Kuala Lumpur itinerary.
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