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Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide

A city that is known for its skyscrapers and amazing food, Kuala Lumpur is well known as a melting pot of Southeast Asia where many different races and cultures make the city a must-see destination. Since Kuala Lumpur has such a big mix of cultures it has managed to bring in the best of food, drinks, and shopping all in one. Learn everything about Kuala Lumpur down below in Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide!

Kuala Lumpur travel guide

What to expect in Kuala Lumpur

Food and skyscrapers aren’t the only interesting things in Kuala Lumpur, there are a lot of hidden places that are worth the visit down below.

Language in Kuala Lumpur

Since Kuala Lumpur has so many different cultures in one city you can image the amount of languages that are being talked there. English, Chinese, Mandarin you can hear anything and everything.

Girl sitting on stairs at entrance to Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur

Currency used in Kuala Lumpur

Currency in Malaysia is Malaysian Ringgit and 10 MYR is around 2 Euros.

Keep in mind that Kuala Lumpur is similar in many ways to Singapore, but the prices aren’t one, it is a lot cheaper to travel to Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur that it is to Singapore.

Credit cards and ATMs

In most stores, you can pay by card, but keep in mind that there are some fees that may apply. Also if you are going to local shops and food stands you need cash because they don’t accept cards.

Climate in Kuala Lumpur

I visited Kuala Lumpur at the beginning of September and there was a mist season so the skies weren’t clear as in Singapore (they are located around 3 hours from one another by car). Besides the mist, the humidity and everything else is very similar to Singapore.

Cost of food in Kuala Lumpur

In whole Asia food prices are pretty cheap (of course it depends on where you eat), but you can have some amazing food at food stands and in restaurants.

Hindi temple inside Batu caves in Kuala Lumpur
Girl posing at Kuala Lumpur city center

Food stands that offer great authentic Malaysian food are often priced from 1 to 10 Euros depending on where you eat.

Mid-range restaurant prices are similar to ones in Europe capital cities and range from 5 to 25 Euros.

Getting around Kuala Lumpur

Similar to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur isn’t that big of a city, so you can easily go to all major attractions on foot or if you prefer by car you can easily go by Grab or Uber.

Taxi: I mostly used Grab since I was in Asia for 3 weeks and Grab has collecting points feature where you can redeem awards if you use it (and it is easier and better to use than Uber).

Walking: If you are located in the city center there are a lot of walking tours around that you can schedule or just join.

Girl having a swim at rooftop pool at Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a lot cheaper to stay in than Singapore, there is a lot of apartments and hotels that you can book either on Booking or Airbnb, and keep in mind that most of them have a rooftop pool which is a benefit if you wish to have a swim before bed. So let us dive in some of them.

Lanson Place Bukit Ceylon Serviced Residences

This modern apartment is fully equipped with everything that you need for a long stay, with a kitchen and appliances. It also has a huge pool that can be used always and a gym that is excellent! But the main benefit is that it is located only 10 minutes walking from the city center, and for the price that you are paying that is a steal. Check out the amazing Lanson Place Bukit Ceylon Serviced Residences.

Outside pool at Lanson lace bukit ceylon serviced residences
Lanson Place Bukit Ceylon Serviced Residences, photo from: booking.com

Mercure Kuala Lumpur Shaw Parade

This hotel has a great location. You can easily walk to the Pavilion shopping mall and all the action of Bukit Bintang in less than 15 minutes. Also, it is really new (built-in 2016) so you can expect it to be well designed with modern appliances. Check out Mercure Kuala Lumpur Shaw Parade.

Fraser Place Kuala Lumpur

A 5-minute walk from the famous Petronas Twin Towers, design hotel Fraser Place Kuala Lumpur features a rooftop pool and serviced apartments with free WiFi. Check out Fraser Place Kuala Lumpur.

Upper view of Oasia Hotel in Kuala Lumpur
Night view of hotel in Kuala Lumpur

GTower Hotel

Located right next to Petronas Twin Towers, it is a perfect location if you wish to be next to the main attractions of the city. G Tower Hotel offers a bit of elegance at an affordable price. Check out the GTower Hotel.

Girl drinking ice coffee at Kuala Lumpur park

One of the hottest places for Malaysian street food. From 17.00 onwards, food stands are lined on both sides of the street selling snacks and cheap meals on the small roadside tables and plastic stools.

Considered as one of the best restaurants in Kuala Lumpur with authentic food. Bakti Woodlands near Masjid Jamek offers a variety of North and South Indian food. Featuring a vegetarian and Halal menu, customers can choose between set meals, uttapam, thali, and naan.

People cooking food at street market in Kuala Lumpur

Irish pub in Kuala Lumpur city center. Do I need to say more? Amazing Irish atmosphere that you have to experience with giant portions and beer, you can eat and drink until you explode.

This cafe/restaurant offers an amazing cafe and you can go here for breakfast and lunch if you like it. The aesthetic here is cozy with lots of natural light and rustic wooden furniture. Definity recommending to visit.

Coffee and cake at Vcr Kuala Lumpur
VCR Cafe, photo from: vcr.my

Grella is known for its Western dishes and homesick experience when it comes to tourists. From burgers and grilled chicken and lamb chops to the mixed grilled platter with a selection of meat and sausages, you can find anything.

Girl standing at Batu caves stairs in Kuala Lumpur

Batu caves - Rainbow stairs

Located around 15 minutes by car from city center, Batu Caves are one of the must-visits when in Kuala Lumpur. Enter an enormous Batu Caves via a 272-step rainbow-colored stair up to the limestone hill. 

Girl standing in front of Petronas twin towers in Kuala Lumpur

In front of the caves is a large gold-colored statue that was finished in 2013. You will have a hard time going alone to Batu Caves, therefore I recommend booking a quick tour where you will visit a little bit more than just Batu Caves.

Note: There is a lot of monkeys in Batu Caves and they will steal everything and anything that is shiny or food, so keep everything in your purse or backpack.

Petronas Towers

The most famous attraction in the whole Kuala Lumpur and maybe Malaysia are these two giants. The second-highest twin towers of the world span 452-meter high. The amazing part is in the evening when this amazing tower lits up in bright colors and captivates the whole city. The KLCC Park on the backside of the towers offers a beautiful view of the Petronas Towers. You can also go to the top of the tower and view the whole city.

Chinatown

One of the most popular Chinatowns in the World, here you can find the most authentic copies of your favorite shoes or clothing for a cheap price, and you can lower them more if you do a little bargaining. Chinatown is not only famous for shoes and clothes but also for its colorful market and the amazing food that you can eat there.

Girl posing at China market in Kuala Lumpur
Girl posing in Kuala Lumpur Eco park

EcoForest

Even if there are a lot of skyscrapers and cars there is a peaceful little spot in the city center that you will enjoy if you like nature. The relatively short and fun eco-walk is a great thing to do in Kuala Lumpur and free to enter.

Girl posing at Eco forest Park Kuala Lumpur

Pavilion shopping center

Tired of walking around Kuala Lumpur? No problem, here you can eat, drink and shop till you drop. The Pavilion shopping center is in the city center of Kuala Lumpur and there is always a lot of people there. The most amazing part is at night when lights are lit on this amazing shopping center and the fountain in front of the center shines bright in amazing colors.

Girl standing at entrance to Pavillion Kuala Lumpur shopping mall

Jalan Alor Night Market

Jalan Alor Night Market opens up right after the sunsets. There you can taste the most authentic Malaysian cuisine and culture.

Note: Be aware of pickpoceters.

Girl standing in front of entrance at Central market in Kuala Lumpur

Centar Market in Kuala Lumpur

If you are looking to buy some souvenirs this is the destination that you have to visit. Located just around the Chinatown market this is the main Market in whole Kuala Lumpur and you can find any type of souvenir that you want. The shirts only cost around 10 MYR which is about 4 Euros.

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