48 hours in Kuala Lumpur: what to do & where to stay

An ultra-modern capital with one foot in the past, KL’s shiny skyscrapers loom over the old city, home to local enclaves, historic temples, and traditional Malay architecture. Specialist Claire suggests how to spend 48 hours in Malaysia's capital city.

Day 1

7am

Enjoy breakfast at the RuMa Hotel and Residences — an ideal base for exploring the city. It’s just around the corner from KLCC Park and the soaring Petronas Towers in central Kuala Lumpur.

8am

Start your day early with a short taxi ride to the “village within a city” that is Kampung Baru. This Malay enclave has managed to fend off the attention of local developers, who have transformed the surrounding area, and its low-rise buildings are a pleasing contrast to the many skyscrapers that now overlook them. Here you’ll find examples of Malay architecture and hawker stalls offering some of the best local delicacies.

10am

Head over to the 452 m (1,483 ft) high Petronas Towers — once the world's tallest buildings. I’ll arrange for you to get tickets in advance so you can avoid the queues. First, you’ll visit the Skybridge, a two-storey crossing that connects the two towers — the highest bridge of its kind. Then, ascend to the Observation Deck on the 86th floor to look out over the city and trace your steps from earlier in the morning.

12:30pm

Avoid the intense afternoon heat by seeking refuge in one of the nearby shopping precincts, such as Suria KLCC or Pavilion KL. If you’re not ready to stock up on souvenirs or luxury items, then the vast food courts, for which they’re known, make a great spot for lunch.

3pm

Kuala Lumpur is easy to navigate. It doesn’t take long to get your bearings or master the efficient public transportation system, but it often costs the same to take a taxi. Drive to attractive Merdeka Square, where Malaysian independence was once declared, to wander its restored colonial buildings.

5pm

A melting pot of cultures, the city enjoys an eclectic mix of street food. I can arrange for you to sample some with the help of a local food guide. You might try Malay satay (grilled meat with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce), Chinese stir-fried hokkien mee (yellow noodles in a tangy soy sauce), and Indian cendol (a coconut milk-based dessert). As you go from one food spot to the next, your guide will lead you through narrow lanes and pathways, stopping by heritage sites like the Jamek Mosque, Central Market, and Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.

If you’d prefer to learn how to make traditional Malay food instead, I can arrange for you to take a private class at a local cooking school. Using family recipes passed down from generation to generation, you’ll prepare a feast under the gentle guidance of your instructor. While you get to work, they’ll share tips on Malaysian cooking etiquette and teach you techniques that you can put into practice long after you return home.

10pm

Round off the day with a drink at the Banyan Tree’s Vertigo Restaurant and Bar. This popular rooftop nightspot has some of the best views of Kuala Lumpur’s glittering skyline, which you can take in while sipping a cocktail and enjoying the live DJ set.

Day 2

8am

After breakfast, journey over to Brickfields to experience a different side of the city. Often called Little India due to its large Indian community, you can navigate through narrow markets, along brightly painted archways, and into shops filled with silks, fabrics, and spices. If you like, I can pair you with a private guide who’ll shed light on the area’s history as they take you to its many temples and churches. And, if your feet get tired, stop for a reflexology massage — popular in this part of town. It’s also a good area to grab an early lunch.

12:30pm

Not too far from Brickfields is the city’s Perdana Botanical Garden and KL Bird Park, which makes for a relaxing place to spend the afternoon. Many different types of birds, including hornbills, flamingos, and ostriches, call this vast area home and stalk its free-to-roam aviaries in huge numbers.

3pm

After a day of exploring, take a load off your feet and return to RuMa Hotel and Residences to relax by the pool or sink into a massage at the spa.

6pm

Head to KL Tower to watch the sun set over the city skyline. After, enjoy dinner in one of the city's many restaurants — I recommend THIRTY8 at the Grand Hyatt.

Or, for an entirely different nightscape, take a boat ride into Kampung Kuantan’s mangrove swamp, where you can see thousands of fireflies illuminating the trees like strings of twinkling fairy lights.

More advice on how to enjoy Kuala Lumpur

“Once a red light district, Jalan Alor has now reinvented itself as a culinary haven. Nicknamed 'food street', this area off Bukit Bintang is home to countless street vendors and roadside restaurants, serving up some of the best local food in Kuala Lumpur. Try the 'chicken fish', roti canai (Indian-style flatbread) or, if you’re feeling adventurous, the pungent durian fruit.” — Southeast Asia specialist Jack.

“Find yourself a bargain deep within the warrens of Chinatown's bustling markets. By day, you can also soak up the area’s vibrant café culture, stroll past historic shophouses, and peruse the intricate murals that adorn its side streets. Or go at night to experience one of the low-lit speakeasies for cocktails.” — Southeast Asia specialist Rob.

“Visit Merdeka Square in the evening, when there are fewer crowds and many of the historical buildings are illuminated.” — Southeast Asia specialist Shannon.