3-Day Friends Getaway: Shopping, Cuisine & Nightlife in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

3 days

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

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.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Iconic Petronas Twin Towers and Vibrant Nightlife

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. These towers are the tallest twin towers in the world and offer a breathtaking view of the city from the Skybridge and the observation deck.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Malaysian lunch at a local eatery. Try the famous Nasi Lemak, a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon shopping at the Suria KLCC, a premier shopping destination in Kuala Lumpur. It offers a wide range of international brands and local boutiques.

Dinner

Experience the vibrant street food scene in Kuala Lumpur. Try the Satay, a popular Malaysian dish of skewered and grilled meat, served with a peanut sauce.

Evening

Explore the nightlife at Changkat Bukit Bintang, known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a wide range of entertainment options.

Morning

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

Lunch

Have a hearty lunch at a local restaurant. Try the Roti Canai, a type of Indian-influenced flatbread found in Malaysia.

Afternoon

Explore the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the history and craftsmanship of pewter making. You can even try your hand at creating your own pewter dish.

Dinner

Enjoy a seafood dinner at a local restaurant. Don't miss the Chili Crab, a hot favourite among locals and tourists.

Evening

Experience the nightlife at the Heli Lounge Bar, a helicopter pad turned rooftop bar. It offers a 360-degree view of the city.

Morning

Visit the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, home to more than 3000 birds from 200 species. It's one of the world's largest covered bird parks.

Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Lake Gardens, a 91.6-hectare park located in the heart of the city. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon at the Central Market, a centre for Malaysian culture, art and craft. You can find a wide range of products from traditional handicrafts to fashionable clothes.

Dinner

Have a traditional Malaysian dinner at a local restaurant. Try the Beef Rendang, a spicy meat dish which originated from the Minangkabau ethnic group of Indonesia.

Evening

End your day with a visit to the SkyBar, one of the city's best rooftop bars. It offers a stunning view of the city skyline.

Attractions in Itinerary (10)

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
Suria KLCC

2
Suria KLCC

Suria KLCC is a high-end shopping mall located at the feet of the Petronas Towers. It features a wide range of international brands and designer boutiques. The mall also houses a science discovery centre, an art gallery, and an orchestra hall.

Shopping
Landmarks
Changkat Bukit Bintang

3
Changkat Bukit Bintang

Changkat Bukit Bintang is often described as the city’s most happening nightlife venue. A bustling street that’s lined with plenty of international two-storey restobars, snazzy nightclubs, posh cocktail lounges, and vibrant pubs.

Neighborhoods
Entertainment
Food and Drink
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
Royal Selangor Visitor Centre

5
Royal Selangor Visitor Centre

A museum and factory tour showcasing the history and craftsmanship of Royal Selangor, the world's largest pewter manufacturer.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Heli Lounge Bar

6
Heli Lounge Bar

Heli Lounge Bar is a helicopter pad by day and a rooftop bar by night. It offers a 360-degree view of the city skyline and serves a variety of cocktails and bar snacks. It's a popular spot for watching the sunset.

Entertainment
Food and Drink
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

7
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
Lake Gardens

8
Lake Gardens

Lake Gardens, also known as Perdana Botanical Gardens, is Kuala Lumpur's first large-scale recreational park. It contains large sculpted and manicured gardens and a host of attractions.

Parks
Gardens
Central Market

9
Central Market

Central Market is a shopping area established in 1888 and it features local boutiques and souvenir stores. It's also a venue for the annual Hari Kebangsaan parade.

Shopping
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
SkyBar

10
SkyBar

SkyBar is one of the city's most popular rooftop bars, located on the 33rd floor of Traders Hotel. It offers a wide range of cocktails, wines, and beers, along with a stunning view of the Petronas Towers.

Entertainment
Food and Drink

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

  • Hat or cap

  • Sunglasses

  • Rain jacket or umbrella

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • 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 transportation reservation confirmations

  • Emergency contacts and addresses

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger and power bank

  • Universal travel adapter

  • Camera

  • Headphones or earbuds

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Snacks

  • Water bottle

  • Books or e-reader

  • Travel guide and map

  • Notebook and pen

  • Reusable shopping bag

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

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