48 hours in Kuala Lumpur: the perfect two-day itinerary

From towering skyscrapers and ornate temples to flavourful stir-fried noodles and verdant rainforests, there’s no shortage of things to keep you entertained in Kuala Lumpur. If you only have a couple of days to see it all, you’ll want to plan ahead. So,  we’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your fleeting visit. 

Day one

Morning

Begin your trip with some cultural sight-seeing. The Thean Hou Temple is a magnificent six-tiered Buddhist temple with strings of vibrant red lanterns hanging from the roofs and lower-level courtyard.   

From there, head north to the National Mosque . Built to commemorate the country’s independence in the ‘60s, it sports a striking blue roof with folds that almost resemble those of origami. If you plan to visit the prayer hall or join the free guided tour (which you can book through the information centre once you arrive), be respectful with your clothing by covering your shoulders and legs – though the mosque will provide free robes to those who forget. Make sure to plan ahead, as non-worshippers can only visit at designated times during the day.

Afternoon

Head to Central Market and trawl through shops filled with artisanal goods like batik artworks and small crafts. Once you’ve purchased your souvenirs, make your way up to the second floor food court for an array of Malay, Chinese and Indian food. If nothing here strikes your fancy, no problem – your next stop has plenty in store. 

Squeeze through Chinatown’s bustling Petaling Street for trinkets, bars and great street food. Don’t miss Kwai Chai Hong (or Little Demon Lane), a recently restored alleyway where you’ll find murals of life in Chinatown during the ‘60s painted onto the walls by local artists. 

After lunch, head north to Merdeka Square . Meaning “Independence Square”, this is where the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building – a fusion of English and Indian architectural styles – is located.  

If you have a bit more energy left in you, check out the KL Bird Park at the nearby Perdana Botanical Garden, a large free-flight aviary teeming with birds of all shapes and sizes. 

Evening 

Before dark, head to KLCC Park to snap a photo of the Petronas Twin Towers from ground level. Alternatively, head up to the observation deck for a bird’s-eye view of the city – just be sure to book your tickets in advance. Complete your evening with the water fountain show in park, which runs at 8, 9 and 10pm. 

Day two

Morning

Start your second day at the Batu Caves , a 20-minute car journey from the city centre. Admire the golden statue of Hindu god Murugan at the base of a colourful stairway that leads up to the caves before starting your ascent up the 272 steps (keeping an eye out for monkeys on the way) to a temple embedded inside a dimly lit limestone cavern. 

Afternoon 

Make your way back to the city and stop by KL Forest Eco Park , a slice of protected rainforest wedged into the cityscape. Explore the canopy walk’s suspended bridge for a glimpse of wildlife among the dense treetops as skyscrapers peek through the leaves. 

Ready for afternoon tea and your retail therapy fix? Head down to Bukit Bintang, a neighbourhood known for its lively culture and entertainment. Take your time mall-hopping (drop by Pavilion for a wide variety of designer, apparel and lifestyle brands, and Lot 10 for its Japanese department store, Isetan) and meandering through brightly coloured lanes for street art, cool cafes and bars.  

Evening

Head to the nearby Jalan Alor food market for dinner. Weave between diners as you take in the spiced aroma of nasi goreng, satay, laksa and more wafting from food stalls crammed shoulder to shoulder on the street.  

Not ready to call it a night just yet? Ascend to SkyBar on the 33rd floor of the Traders Hotel for an evening cocktail and a sweeping view of the glistening twin towers.

Before you set off 

As always, make sure to first check what travel documents you’ll need to enter Malaysia. 

Getting around 

The metro system will get you to most places, but there are other forms of transport available, too. The hop-on hop-off bus is an open-roof shuttle offering 24- or 48-hour passes that stops at major points of interest – and is a great introduction to the city’s sights, especially if you decide to stay on for the whole ride. 

On a budget? The Go KL city bus is a free service with several routes, including one that’ll bring you around popular attractions from Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) to Bukit Bintang. 

Alternatively, you can get a taxi or use Grab taxi , a ride-share app commonly used in Malaysia and the around Southeast Asia. 

Where to stay 

Stay in the lively neighbourhood of Bukit Bintang for great access to shopping malls and restaurants. Mercure Kuala Lumpur Shaw Parade and Capri by Fraser both boast rooftop infinity pools with far-reaching views of the city, while the latter also has a sleek 24-hour gym if you want to squeeze a workout in. 

For a more sophisticated stay close to the city centre, book the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur – yet another hotel that boasts a breathtaking infinity pool. Set amidst the lush treetops of KLCC Park, guests are transported away from the skyscrapers and into a tropical jungle. Looking for something a little livelier? Stay in one of the W Hotel’s vibrant rooms and suites, located next to the Petronas Twin Towers.