Kuala Lumpur

Things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Compare tickets, tours, transfers, hotels and flights for Kuala Lumpur in one place, and see who provides each one before you book.

Photo: Chainwit., CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

AirportsKuala Lumpur International (KUL)
Getting aroundLight rail, metro, monorail and ride-hailing apps
CurrencyMalaysian ringgit (MYR)
Best monthsMay to July

Kuala Lumpur in brief

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia, a green and modern city best known for the Petronas Twin Towers.

Malay, Chinese and Indian communities share the city, and you see it in the mosques, temples and food. Eating out is cheap and very good.

The centre is spread out, so use the trains and ride-hailing apps. The Batu Caves are a short trip north.

Top attractions in Kuala Lumpur

Tickets and guided visits for the city’s best-known sights.

Batu CavesBatu Caves
Attraction

Batu Caves

Limestone caves with Hindu shrines, reached by a long flight of steps beside a tall golden statue.
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KL TowerKL Tower
Attraction

KL Tower

A telecommunications tower on a forested hill, with an observation deck above the skyline.
Guide and ticket optionsView

Photo: Petronas Twin Towers — CEphoto, Uwe Aranas (CC BY-SA 3.0); Batu Caves — Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand (CC0); KL Tower — CEphoto, Uwe Aranas (CC BY-SA 3.0); Merdeka Square — Philip Nalangan (CC BY 4.0); Jalan Alor — Alexander Synaptic (CC BY-SA 4.0); Thean Hou Temple — Alexey Komarov (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons

Tours and day trips

Guided tours, day trips and experiences, with photos, reviews and prices.

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Getting there and around

Airport transfer from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)A pre-booked car from arrivals to your hotel. Alternatives are the express train, airport buses or a ride-hailing app.
Trains from Kuala LumpurElectric trains reach Ipoh in about two and a half hours and Butterworth, for Penang, in about four hours.
Car rentalNot needed in the city, where ride-hailing is cheap. Driving is on the left.

Flights

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Where to stay

Pick a neighbourhood first, then compare hotels.

1

Bukit Bintang

The main shopping and dining district, next to Jalan Alor.
2

KLCC

Around the Petronas Towers, with large hotels, a park and a shopping mall.
3

Petaling Street

The old Chinese quarter, with markets, temples and lower prices.
4

KL Sentral

The main transport hub, with direct trains to the airport.
Hotels in Kuala Lumpur with live prices

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Kuala Lumpur day by day

  1. Day 1: The towersThe Petronas Towers in the morning, the park below at midday, KL Tower for sunset, then dinner on Jalan Alor.
  2. Day 2: Batu Caves and the old centreThe caves early, before the heat, then Merdeka Square and Petaling Street in the afternoon.
  3. Day 3: MalaccaA full day in the old port city, by tour or by bus.
  4. With a fourth dayVisit Thean Hou Temple, the Islamic Arts Museum and the botanical gardens.

Local tips

  • Book Petronas Towers tickets online in advance. Numbers are limited each day.
  • Cover your knees at the Batu Caves, and go early to avoid the heat.
  • Use ride-hailing apps. They are cheap and the price is fixed before you ride.
  • Carry an umbrella. Heavy showers are common in the afternoon.
  • Dress modestly at mosques. Robes are lent to visitors, and mosques close to them at prayer times.

Before you go

eSIMMobile data for Malaysia. Buy and install it before you travel.
Travel insuranceCover for medical costs and cancellations.
Luggage storageLeave bags near the station or the sights.
Flight delay compensationCheck whether a delayed or cancelled flight qualifies.

Everything for Kuala Lumpur

Ten services for the trip, all in one place.

Attraction ticketsMuseums and landmarks, with timed entry explained
Airport transfersA driver waiting at arrivals
HotelsLive prices, book in a few steps
FlightsFind the cheapest route
eSIMMobile data, bought before you travel
Travel insuranceCover for the whole tripHow it works
Cruises & boatsSightseeing and dinner cruises

Travel guide

Kuala Lumpur is warm and humid all year, with June to August slightly drier, and 3 days covers the main sights. The KLIA Ekspres train reaches KL Sentral in about 30 minutes.

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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur?

It is hot and humid all year, and rain can fall in any month. May to July is usually drier.

How many days do I need in Kuala Lumpur?

Two to three days cover the city and the Batu Caves. Add a day for Malacca.

Do I need to book the Petronas Towers in advance?

Yes. Tickets are timed and often sell out, and the towers are closed on Mondays.

How do I get from the airport to the centre?

The express train reaches KL Sentral in about half an hour. Airport buses are cheaper and take about an hour. Taxis, ride-hailing apps and pre-booked transfers are also available.

Is Kuala Lumpur expensive?

No. Food, transport and hotels cost less than in Singapore or Hong Kong.