2-Day Family Adventure: Kuala Lumpur Nightlife & Relaxation Trip

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2 days

Colorful entrance to Batu caves
City skyline featuring Petronas Towers
Thean Hou Buddhist temple
Sultan Abdul Samad building
Masjid Jamek mosque

About Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Experience the vibrant cultural blend of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's bustling capital. Marvel at the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, explore the lush greenery of Lake Gardens, and immerse yourself in history at the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Dive into the bustling street markets of Chinatown and indulge in a culinary adventure with a diverse mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisines. Visit the Batu Caves, a sacred Hindu site, or relax in the tranquil surroundings of the National Mosque. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Kuala Lumpur offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition that caters to all.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the City Centre and Enjoying the Nightlife

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the Skybridge and the observation deck. It's a great way to get an overview of Kuala Lumpur.

Lunch

Enjoy a local lunch at a family-friendly restaurant. Try the famous Nasi Lemak, a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk, served with a variety of side dishes.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, home to more than 3000 birds. It's a great place for kids to learn about different bird species in a natural and semi-free environment.

Dinner

Have dinner at a restaurant offering a variety of cuisines. Try the Satay, a popular Malaysian dish of skewered and grilled meat, served with a peanut sauce.

Evening

End your day with a relaxing stroll around the vibrant Bukit Bintang area, known for its bustling nightlife. Enjoy the street performances and the colorful lights.

Morning

Start your second day with a visit to the Batu Caves, a series of cave temples and a popular tourist attraction. Don't forget to take pictures of the giant golden statue at the entrance.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local restaurant. Try the Roti Canai, a type of Indian-influenced flatbread, served with a variety of curries.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at the Aquaria KLCC, an oceanarium showcasing over 5000 exhibits of aquatic and land-bound creatures. It's a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

Dinner

Enjoy a dinner at a restaurant offering a variety of local and international cuisines. Try the Char Kway Teow, a popular noodle dish in Malaysia.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to the Kuala Lumpur Tower's observation deck. Enjoy the breathtaking night view of the city. It's a perfect way to wrap up your Kuala Lumpur experience.

Attractions in Itinerary (6)

Petronas Twin Towers

1
Petronas Twin Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, are the tallest twin towers in the world. They offer a skybridge and observation deck for stunning city views.

Attractions
Landmarks
Architecture
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

2
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

One of the world's largest covered bird parks. It is home to more than 3000 birds from 200 species all over the world.

Attractions
Parks
Bukit Bintang

3
Bukit Bintang

Known as the shopping and entertainment hub of Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang offers a mix of high-end malls, specialty shops, and night markets. It's also home to trendy nightclubs, pubs, and themed venues.

Attractions
Shopping
Entertainment
Neighborhoods
Batu Caves

4
Batu Caves

Batu Caves is a limestone hill that has a series of caves and cave temples. It's one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, dedicated to Lord Murugan.

Attractions
Religious Sites
Aquaria KLCC

5
Aquaria KLCC

Aquaria KLCC is a state-of-the-art oceanarium showcasing over 5000 exhibits of aquatic and land-bound creatures over a sprawling 60,000 square-foot space in the Concourse Level of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Attractions
Museums
Kuala Lumpur Tower

6
Kuala Lumpur Tower

The Kuala Lumpur Tower is a communications tower that also features an observation deck with panoramic views of the city. It's the 7th tallest freestanding tower in the world.

Attractions
Landmarks
Tours

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak

A traditional Malay dish that is considered the national dish of Malaysia. It consists of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf, served with a variety of side dishes such as hard-boiled egg, cucumber slices, tiny fried anchovies, peanuts, and a spicy chili paste known as sambal.

Roti Canai

Roti Canai

A type of Indian-influenced flatbread that's popular in Malaysia. It's often served with dhal (lentil curry) or other types of curry for dipping.

Satay

Satay

A popular Malay dish of skewered and grilled meat, served with a peanut sauce. It's a common street food in Kuala Lumpur.

Char Kway Teow

Char Kway Teow

A popular noodle dish in Malaysia. It's made from flat rice noodles stir-fried with soy sauce, chili, prawns, cockles, bean sprouts, and Chinese chives.

Laksa

Laksa

A spicy noodle soup that's a fusion of Malay and Chinese cuisine. There are several types, but the most popular in Kuala Lumpur is the curry laksa, which has a coconut milk base.

Teh Tarik

Teh Tarik

A hot milk tea beverage which can be commonly found in restaurants, outdoor stalls and kopi tiams. Its name is derived from the pouring process of 'pulling' the drink during preparation.

Durian

Durian

Known as the 'King of Fruits', Durian is a must-try for adventurous food lovers. It's known for its strong smell, large size, and thorn-covered husk.

Bak Kut Teh

Bak Kut Teh

A pork rib dish cooked in broth popularly served in Malaysia where there is a predominant Hoklo and Teochew community.

Cendol

Cendol

A traditional dessert that consists of shaved ice, coconut milk, green starched noodles with pandan flavoring, and palm sugar syrup.

Otak-Otak

A grilled fish cake made of ground fish meat mixed with tapioca starch and spices. It is widely known across Southeast Asia, where it is traditionally served fresh, wrapped inside a banana leaf.

Rendang

Rendang

A spicy meat dish which originated from the Minangkabau ethnic group of Indonesia, and is now commonly served across Malaysia. It is traditionally prepared by slow cooking meat in coconut milk and spices until it becomes tender.

Ais Kacang

Ais Kacang

A colorful Malaysian dessert made of shaved ice, red beans, sweet corn, grass jelly and cubes of agar agar as the base, then topped with evaporated milk, palm sugar syrup, and bright red rose syrup.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is from May to July or December to February. These periods are considered the dry season when rainfall is relatively less frequent, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city's tropical climate means it's warm all year round, but these months offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring. However, it's worth noting that even during these months, short tropical showers are common in the afternoon, but they rarely last long.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day (regional holiday)

January 14

Sun

Birthday of Yang di-Pertuan Besar (Negeri Sembilan)

January 15

Mon

Birthday of Yang di-Pertuan Besar observed (Negeri Sembilan)

January 25

Thu

Thaipusam (regional holiday)

February 1

Thu

Federal Territory Day (regional holiday)

February 8

Thu

Isra and Mi'raj (regional holiday)

February 10

Sat

Lunar New Year's Day

February 11

Sun

Lunar New Year Holiday (regional holiday)

February 11

Sun

Second Day of Lunar New Year (regional holiday)

March 4

Mon

Anniversary of the Coronation of the Sultan of Terengganu (Terengganu)

March 12

Tue

First Day of Ramadan (regional holiday)

March 23

Sat

Birthday of the Sultan of Johor (Johor)

March 28

Thu

Nuzul Al-Quran (regional holiday)

March 29

Fri

Good Friday (regional holiday)

April 10

Wed

Hari Raya Puasa

April 11

Thu

Hari Raya Puasa Day 2

April 15

Mon

Declaration of Malacca as Historical City (Malacca)

April 26

Fri

Birthday of the Sultan of Terengganu (Terengganu)

May 1

Wed

Labour Day

May 17

Fri

Birthday of the Raja of Perlis (Perlis)

May 22

Wed

Wesak Day

May 22

Wed

Pahang State Holiday (Pahang)

May 30

Thu

Harvest Festival (regional holiday)

May 31

Fri

Second Day of Harvest Festival (regional holiday)

June 1

Sat

Gawai Dayak (Sarawak)

June 2

Sun

Gawai Dayak Holiday (Sarawak)

June 3

Mon

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday

June 3

Mon

Gawai Dayak Holiday observed (Sarawak)

June 16

Sun

Day of Arafat (regional holiday)

June 17

Mon

Hari Raya Haji

June 18

Tue

Hari Raya Haji (Day 2) (regional holiday)

June 30

Sun

Sultan of Kedah's Birthday (Kedah)

July 7

Sun

George Town World Heritage City Day (Penang)

July 7

Sun

Muharram/New Year

July 13

Sat

Penang Governor's Birthday (Penang)

July 22

Mon

Sarawak Independence Day (Sarawak)

July 30

Tue

Birthday of the Sultan of Pahang (Pahang)

August 11

Sun

Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Hol Day (Johor)

August 24

Sat

Birthday of the Governor of Malacca (Malacca)

August 31

Sat

Malaysia's National Day

September 16

Mon

The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

September 16

Mon

Malaysia Day

September 29

Sun

Birthday of the Sultan of Kelantan (Kelantan)

September 30

Mon

Birthday of the Sultan of Kelantan (Day 2) (Kelantan)

October 5

Sat

Birthday of the Governor of Sabah (Sabah)

October 12

Sat

Birthday of the Governor of Sarawak (Sarawak)

October 31

Thu

Diwali/Deepavali (regional holiday)

November 1

Fri

Birthday of the Sultan of Perak (Perak)

December 11

Wed

Birthday of the Sultan of Selangor (Selangor)

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Kuala Lumpur's LRT system is a reliable and convenient way to navigate the city. It consists of three lines: the Kelana Jaya Line, the Ampang Line, and the Sri Petaling Line. The LRT operates from 6am to midnight.

The KL Monorail is a great way to get around the city, especially for sightseeing. It runs through key districts and popular tourist spots, including Bukit Bintang, Chinatown, and KL Sentral.

This commuter train service connects Kuala Lumpur with the surrounding suburban areas and is a good option for reaching destinations outside the city center.

Buses in Kuala Lumpur are plentiful and cover extensive routes throughout the city and its outskirts. The RapidKL buses are the main operators, and there are also free Go KL City buses that cover popular tourist routes.

Taxis are widely available in Kuala Lumpur. They can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or through a mobile app. Always ensure the meter is running to avoid overcharging.

Ridesharing services like Grab are popular in Kuala Lumpur. They offer a convenient and often cheaper alternative to taxis. You can book a ride using the app, which also provides an estimated fare.

Kuala Lumpur has a bike sharing system called oBike. It's a healthy and eco-friendly way to get around, especially in the city center where the traffic can be heavy.

Renting a car can be a good option if you're comfortable driving in Kuala Lumpur's busy traffic. Most international car rental companies have branches in the city.

Walking can be a pleasant way to explore Kuala Lumpur, especially in areas like the Golden Triangle where attractions are close together. However, be aware that pedestrian infrastructure may be lacking in some areas.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

CurrencyRM MYR

Time zoneUTC+8

Driving sideLeft

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 999; Fire: 994; Police: 999

Drinking waterOpt for bottled water

Power sockets

Power socket type G

Voltage240 V

Things to know about Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as a first time visitor

1

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and is a bustling metropolis with a diverse population.

2

The official language is Bahasa Malaysia, but English is widely spoken and understood.

3

The currency used is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's also useful to carry some cash for smaller establishments or street food.

4

Kuala Lumpur is located in a tropical rainforest climate, which means it's hot and humid throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C).

5

Rainfall is common throughout the year, but the wettest periods are usually between March to April and September to November. It's advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat.

6

Tipping is not customary in Malaysia. However, some high-end restaurants and hotels may include a 10% service charge in the bill.

7

Kuala Lumpur is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

8

Public transportation in Kuala Lumpur is reliable and includes the Light Rail Transit (LRT), monorail, commuter trains, and buses. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are also available.

9

The city is known for its street food, which reflects the multicultural makeup of the country. Don't miss trying local dishes like Nasi Lemak, Char Kuey Teow, and Satay.

10

Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country, so it's important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.

11

The standard voltage in Malaysia is 240V and the frequency is 50Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type G (British three-pin rectangular blade plug).

12

Tap water in Kuala Lumpur is generally safe to drink, but most locals and tourists prefer to drink bottled water.

13

The country's healthcare system is well-developed, with numerous public and private hospitals and clinics in Kuala Lumpur. Pharmacies are also widely available.

14

Internet access is widely available in Kuala Lumpur, with many hotels, restaurants, and cafes offering free Wi-Fi. Prepaid SIM cards for mobile data are also easily available.

15

Shopping is a popular activity in Kuala Lumpur, with a range of options from high-end malls to street markets. Bargaining is common in markets.

16

Kuala Lumpur is in the Malaysia Standard Time zone, which is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +8).

17

The city is known for its nightlife, with a range of options from rooftop bars to night markets. However, it's advisable to check the local laws and customs regarding alcohol consumption.

18

Smoking is banned in many public areas in Kuala Lumpur, including restaurants, bus stops, and open-air eateries.

19

Kuala Lumpur is a multicultural city, with Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities. Respect for local customs and traditions is appreciated.

20

The emergency numbers in Malaysia are 999 for general emergencies and 112 from mobile phones.

Basic Malay to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Hai

Hi

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Selamat tinggal

Se-la-mat tin-gal

Leaving someone

Please

Sila

See-la

Making a request

Thank you

Terima kasih

Teh-ri-ma ka-sih

Expressing gratitude

You're welcome

Sama-sama

Sa-ma sa-ma

Responding to 'Thank you'

Excuse me

Maaf

Ma-af

Getting someone's attention

Yes

Ya

Ya

Affirming

No

Tidak

Ti-dak

Negating

I don't understand

Saya tidak faham

Sa-ya ti-dak fa-ham

When you don't understand something

Do you speak English?

Bolehkah anda bercakap bahasa Inggeris?

Bo-leh-kah an-da ber-cha-kap ba-ha-sa Ing-ge-ris

Asking if someone speaks English

I'm sorry

Maaf

Ma-af

Apologizing

Where is the bathroom?

Di mana tandas?

Di ma-na tan-das

Asking for the bathroom

How much does this cost?

Berapa harga ini?

Be-ra-pa har-ga i-ni

Asking for the price of something

I need help

Saya perlukan bantuan

Sa-ya per-lu-kan ban-tu-an

When you need help

Can I have the menu, please?

Boleh saya lihat menu, sila?

Bo-leh sa-ya li-hat me-nu, see-la

Asking for the menu in a restaurant

Water

Air

Ai-r

Asking for water

Food

Makanan

Ma-ka-nan

Talking about food

Taxi

Teksi

Tek-si

Asking for a taxi

Hotel

Hotel

Ho-tel

Talking about a hotel

Airport

Lapangan terbang

La-pan-gan ter-bang

Talking about the airport

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • Swimwear

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Flip flops

  • Light jacket or sweater

  • Raincoat or umbrella

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • Prescription medications

  • First aid kit

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or ID card

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash and coins

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel and tour reservation confirmations

  • Emergency contacts and addresses

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger and power bank

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Memory cards

  • Travel adapter

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks

  • Bottled water

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Books or e-reader

  • Travel guide and map

  • Reusable shopping bag

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat

Weather Conditions

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is located near the equator and has a tropical rainforest climate which is warm and sunny, along with abundant rainfall, especially during the northeast monsoon season from October to March. The city experiences high humidity throughout the year, often exceeding 80%. The average temperature ranges from 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C). It's important to stay hydrated and wear breathable clothing to stay comfortable. Rainfall is a common occurrence in Kuala Lumpur, even outside of the monsoon season. It's advisable to always carry an umbrella or a raincoat. The rain showers are usually heavy but short, so don't let this deter you from exploring the city. Despite the frequent rain, Kuala Lumpur gets plenty of sunshine, with an average of about 6 hours of bright sunshine per day. Sunscreen is a must to protect your skin from the strong UV rays. The city's indoor and public transportation are well air-conditioned. A light jacket might come in handy when you're indoors or traveling on public transport. In conclusion, when visiting Kuala Lumpur, prepare for warm, humid weather with a chance of rain. Pack light, breathable clothing, a good sunscreen, an umbrella or raincoat, and a light jacket for cooler indoor environments.

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

33° / 23°

January is the start of the year and is usually quite wet with frequent rain showers. Despite the rain, temperatures remain high, averaging between 23°C and 33°C.

February

33° / 23°

February sees a slight decrease in rainfall but remains relatively wet. The temperature is similar to January, with averages between 23°C and 33°C.

March

34° / 24°

March is the start of the dry season, with less rainfall and slightly higher temperatures, ranging from 24°C to 34°C. It's a great time to explore outdoor attractions.

April

34° / 24°

April continues the dry season with similar temperatures to March, ranging from 24°C to 34°C. It's one of the best months to visit Kuala Lumpur.

May

34° / 24°

May sees a slight increase in rainfall but remains relatively dry. The temperature is consistent, with averages between 24°C and 34°C.

June

34° / 24°

June is the start of the wet season, with increased rainfall but temperatures remain high, averaging between 24°C and 34°C. It's a good time for indoor activities.

July

34° / 24°

July is one of the wettest months of the year, with frequent rain showers. Despite the rain, temperatures remain high, averaging between 24°C and 34°C.

August

34° / 24°

August continues the wet season with high rainfall and temperatures ranging from 24°C to 34°C. It's a good time to visit indoor attractions.

September

34° / 24°

September sees a slight decrease in rainfall but remains relatively wet. The temperature is consistent, with averages between 24°C and 34°C.

October

34° / 24°

October is the start of the dry season, with less rainfall and temperatures ranging from 24°C to 34°C. It's a great time to explore outdoor attractions.

November

34° / 24°

November continues the dry season with similar temperatures to October, ranging from 24°C to 34°C. It's one of the best months to visit Kuala Lumpur.

December

33° / 24°

December sees a slight increase in rainfall but remains relatively dry. The temperature is slightly lower, with averages between 24°C and 33°C.

Did you know?

Did you know that Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and its largest city in terms of population?

1 of 10

Places near by Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Putrajaya

Putrajaya

The federal administrative centre of Malaysia, known for its late-20th-century architecture including the Putra Mosque, made from rose-colored granite.

30m
26 km / 16.2 mi
How to get there
Port Dickson

Port Dickson

A popular beach destination with a 18 km stretch of beaches, historical sites and nature parks.

1.5h
90 km / 55.9 mi
How to get there
Melaka

Melaka

A historical city with rich heritage, ancient landmarks and colonial structures.

2h
144 km / 89.5 mi
How to get there
Genting Highlands

Genting Highlands

A high-altitude hill resort with a cool climate, theme parks, casinos, and concerts.

1h
56 km / 34.8 mi
How to get there
Kuala Selangor

Kuala Selangor

Known for its firefly colonies, seafood, and historic buildings.

1.3h
67 km / 41.6 mi
How to get there
Fraser's Hill

Fraser's Hill

A colonial-era hill station with a reputation for bird-watching.

2h
103 km / 64.0 mi
How to get there
Klang

Klang

The royal city of Selangor, known for its seafood like crab, and traditional Indian Muslim food.

1h
42 km / 26.1 mi
How to get there
Seremban

Seremban

A city known for its local cuisines, historical Minangkabau architecture and the Seremban Lake Garden.

1h
64 km / 39.8 mi
How to get there
Kuantan

Kuantan

The state capital of Pahang, known for its local delicacies, beautiful beaches and rainforests.

3h
259 km / 160.9 mi
How to get there
Taiping

Taiping

A charming old tin-mining town, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, its beautiful lake gardens and its zoo and night safari.

3h
265 km / 164.7 mi
How to get there

Other Destinations in Malaysia