Kuala Lumpur
KL is one of those cities where you eat nasi lemak for breakfast at a hawker stall for RM3, then look up and see the Petronas Towers right there. The food is the real reason to come — Malay, Chinese, Indian, all incredible, all cheap. Grab works perfectly and costs almost nothing. The monorail and LRT cover the center well, and the malls are enormous and air-conditioned, which matters when it's 33°C outside every single day. Good as a 2–3 day stop on a Southeast Asia trip, with Batu Caves just a short train ride away.
Create itineraryQuick Facts
Top things to see in Kuala Lumpur
Book your Kuala Lumpur trip
Hotels, flights, and activities — all in one place
Bookings handled by partner sites, not by TripPlan
Kuala Lumpur travel FAQ
How many days do I need in Kuala Lumpur?
2–3 days is plenty. Day 1: Petronas Towers (book skybridge tickets online in advance — they sell out), KLCC Park, then Jalan Alor for dinner. Day 2: Batu Caves early morning before the heat hits (wear modest clothing, it's a Hindu temple), Central Market, Chinatown. Day 3: Islamic Arts Museum, Bukit Bintang for shopping. KL works great as a stopover — tons of flights connect through KLIA.
What should I eat in Kuala Lumpur?
Nasi lemak — coconut rice with sambal, the national dish, RM2–5 at any stall. Roti canai at any mamak restaurant (open 24/7, RM1–2). Char kuey teow (fried flat noodles). Jalan Alor is the famous food street — go for the grilled chicken wings and satay. Banana leaf rice in Little India is a must. Teh tarik (pulled tea) everywhere, any time. Honestly, you'll spend more time eating than sightseeing.
Is Kuala Lumpur safe?
Generally yes, but petty theft — especially bag snatching from motorbikes — happens in tourist areas. Keep your phone and bag on the side away from the road. Grab is safer than random taxis. Some areas empty out after dark, so stick to busy streets at night. Bukit Bintang and KLCC are well-lit and busy late. Overall very manageable with basic street smarts — don't flash expensive stuff and you'll be fine.