Traveling to Kuala Lumpur this 2024? Check out this Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Blog 202 with sample itinerary to help you plan a memorable Malaysia adventure!
I've been to Malaysia last year when we cruised from Singapore to Penang and Langkawi via Star Cruises' Superstar Gemini. I didn't expect that I'll be back in Malaysia in just less than a year. This time, we got to explore the city of Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. Yey! It's my first time here! Finally, makikita ko na rin ang Petronas Towers! Hahaha!
2024 Travel Guide to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for First-timers
Together with other bloggers, we were invited by Air Asia to experience the culture, see the architectural landmarks, and taste the flavors of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With this, let me share you some of the highlights of our 4-days/3-nights trip with a travel guide that will provide you with useful information on how to get there, where to stay, things to do in Kuala Lumpur, where to eat, itinerary, and more. I hope this would help you in planning your trip to Kuala Lumpur.
How to Get There?
Budget airlines such as Air Asia Philippines has several daily flights from Manila to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Flights are schedule to depart Manila at 06:40 AM, 12:55 PM and 05:05 PM daily. These flights depart from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 and arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA2). Travel time from Manila to Kuala Lumpur is about 3.5 hours.
AirAsia also operates Cebu-KL and Davao-KL routes. They have regular flights from Cebu and Davao to Kuala Lumpur which also arrive at KLIA2.
You may visit www.airasia.com to book your flights.
SINGAPORE TO KUALA LUMPUR
If you're coming from Singapore, you can comfortably travel to Kuala Lumpur by taking a bus or renting a private car.
For other transportation options on how to get to Kuala Lumpur or to book a bus, train, private transfer or flights from or to Kuala Lumpur, check out this link.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIP: Getting a travel insurance is highly-recommended when traveling abroad. Travel with confidence anytime, anywhere you go! Get a travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage for your peace of mind!
KLIA2 to Kuala Lumpur City Center
To get to Kuala Lumpur City Center from KLIA2, you have 3 options: bus, train, or taxi. Travel takes about one hour from KLIA2 to Kuala Lumpur City Center.
Taking the train is the fastest way to get to the city center. You may book your tickets in advance to skip the lines. Travel from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to KL Sentral Station in less than 30 minutes! Click here to book KLIA Ekspres Airport Train Tickets (QR Code Direct Entry) One Way/Round Trip trains transfer from the airport to Kuala Lumpur city center.
If you're in a group, or traveling with senior citizens or kids, you may opt to hire a private airport transfer. This is the most convenient way to get to Kuala Lumpur from the KLIA, especially if you have luggage with you or when arriving in KLIA late at night.
BOOK AND RESERVE HERE: Kuala Lumpur Airport Transfers (KUL) for Kuala Lumpur
Visa Requirements
Visa is not required for Filipinos to enter Malaysia. You just need to have a valid passport with 6 months validity left. Philippine passport holders can stay visa free in Malaysia for up to 30 days. To avoid any inconvenience, be sure to have a return/onward ticket, booked hotel accommodation and tour/ticket/activity vouchers when clearing the Malaysian immigration. Be ready with these in case the immigration officer asks for it.
How to stay connected in Kuala Lumpur?
Before leaving the Philippines, be sure to activate your mobile carrier's roaming service, so you could still receive calls and text messages, make a call and send SMS, and use mobile data. But that could be very expensive.
To save on travel expenses, you can either rent a portable travel WiFi or buy a local sim card. You can buy a local 4G sim card via Klook.com before leaving the Philippines and just pick it up upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur (either KLIA or KLIA2). Stay connected in Malaysia with nationwide coverage on a traveler SIM card. You can choose 15GB or 20GB data allocation to suit your travel need for as low as ₱ 293 pesos.
If traveling with a group, you may opt to rent a travel pocket wifi that you can share the connection with your group, as well as the cost. You can rent it for as low as ₱ 150 per day. You can pick it up at Ninoy Aquino International Aiport (NAIA) in Manila and use it upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur.
BOOK AND RESERVE A TRAVEL WIFI HERE: 4G LTE WiFi (MNL Airport Pick Up) for Malaysia
Tune Hotels KLIA2
Where to Stay?
If you're looking for a budget hotel that's near Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2, I recommend Tune Hotels KLIA2 which is located just across the airport.
Tune Hotels' guest rooms are very basic but complete with amenties needed for a comfortable and relaxing stay. The beds are comfortable and are complemented with clean white sheets, fluffy pillows and soft comforters.
Tune Hotels KLIA2
It has basic amenities such as an en suite toilet and bath with hot and cold shower, television set with cable channels, work desk, clothes hanging area, mirror, and a luggage rack.
What I love most about our stay at Tune Hotel KLIA2 are the fast complimentary WiFi access, accommodating and pleasant staff, and the breakfast buffet.
ALSO READ MY REVIEW: Tune Hotels KLIA2 Review
But if you want to stay near KL's tourist spots and attractions, there are many hotels and hostels in Kuala Lumpur City Center. CLICK HERE to see other Hotels in Kuala Lumpur. Or you may search below:
What to do in Kuala Lumpur?
For our KL City Tour, we visited different tourist spots and attractions in Kuala Lumpur. This includes historical sites, architectural landmarks, places of worship, and a lot more.
For convenience, you may also avail a Kuala Lumpur Half Day City Tour for as low as ₱420 pesos per person. The tour includes visit to some of Kuala Lumpur's top tourist spots and attractions.
Top 10 Things to do in Kuala Lumpur for first-timers
- Visit Istana Negara (National Palace)
- Relieve history at Tugu Negara (National Monument)
- Take a photo of the National Mosque of Malaysia
- Learn more about KL at Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
- Get a piece of history at Merdeka Square
- Be Amazed by the KL Tower (Buy discounted admission tickets here)
- Visit Batu Caves
- Go up the Petronas Twin Towers Observation deck (Buy discounted admission tickets + one-way transfer here)
- Watch a Cultural Show
- Food Trip and Shopping
FULL DETAILS HERE: 10 Things To Do, Tourist Spots and Attractions for First-timers
If you're on a tight budget, you may also try these 8 awesome FREE things to do in Kuala Lumpur.
- Visit Batu Caves
- Take a historical walking tour of colonial British buildings
- Take a photo of Petronas Towers (Buy discounted admission tickets + one-way transfer here)
- Gaze at art works at Galeri Petronas
- Visit Houses of worship
- Enjoy the Parks
- Visit the Central Market
- Explore Little India in Brickfields
FULL DETAILS HERE: 8 Awesome Free Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
TOP TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS IN KUALA LUMPUR
Here are the top tourist spots and attractions you should not miss when visiting Kuala Lumpur. Click on the photos below for more details.
Photo from Klook.com
PETRONAS Twin Towers
Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaOpening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9:00am-9:00pm / Closed on Mondays and between 1:00pm-2:30pm on Fridays
Photo from Klook.com
KL Tower
Address: No. 2 Jalan Punchak Off Jalan P.Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 50250.Opening Hours: 9:00am - 10:00pm, daily. Last admission time is 9:30pm.
Photo from Klook.com
Sunway Lagoon Water Theme Park
Address: 3, Level 4, Sky Avenue Genting Highlands, 69000, Pahang, MalaysiaOpening Hours: 10:00am - 06:00pm, daily
Photo from Klook.com
Ripley's Adventureland, Jurassic Research Center, 4D Trick Art Museum & Zombie Outbreak
Address: 3, Jalan PJS 11/11, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, MalaysiaOpening Hours: Thursday-Sunday: 10:00am-10:00pm / Friday-Saturday: 10:00am-11:00pm
Photo from Klook.com
KidZania Kuala Lumpur
Address: Curve NX Shopping Mall at 18, Jalan PJU 7/5, Mutiara Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, MalaysiaOpening Hours: Sundays-Fridays: 10:00am-5:00pm / Saturdays, public holidays, and school holidays: 10:00am-7:00pm / Closed on Mondays (except on public and school holidays)
Photo from Klook.com
Genting Highlands
Address: Grand Ion Delemen Hotel, 1, Jalan Ion Delemen, 69000 Genting Highlands, PahangOpening Hours: 10:00am-10:00pm, daily
Where to Eat in KL?
The cuisines in Malaysia are mostly composed of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences. Of all the restaurants we've dined during our trip, here are the top 3 of my favorites that I highly recommend.
1. Saloma Theater Restaurant
We dined here during their dinner buffet. Saloma Theater Restaurant offers buffet dining experience while you enjoy some Malay cultural dances. The buffet spread is quite good and I tried almost every Malaysian, Chinese and Indian cuisines at the buffet table. The cultural presentation showcasing Malaysia's cultural dances are feasts to the eyes while you enjoy your food. What not to miss? At the end of the show, guests will be asked to participate and try the cultural dances of Malaysia. Also, don't forget to have souvenir photos with the dancers.
Address: 109, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hours: Open daily from 11:00 AM–10:30 PM
Phone: +60 3-2161 0122
2. Restoran Oversea
A widely known restaurant in Kuala Lumpur offering exquisite contemporary Chinese Cuisines, Restoran Oversea is definitely a must-try! Before going here, our guide told us that this is one of the best Chinese Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, and he is definitely right. Food here are really great! They have many branches, but the one we visited is the restaurant in Jalan Imbi.
Address: 84 - 88 , Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Phone: 603 - 2144 9911 / 03 - 2148 7567
Hours: Open daily from 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5:30 PM–10:30 PM
3. Canai 15 Café
Located at KLIA2, Canai 15 Café is famous for its extensive fusion menu that guarantees a hearty meal. From Indian, Chinese, to Malaysian cuisines, they will surely satisfy your cravings. This is one of the best places to eat upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur or before your flight.
Address: L3-56 & 57, Level 3, gateway@klia2 43900, Selangor, Malaysia
Hours: Open 24 hours daily
Sample Kuala Lumpur Itinerary?
Here's our original 4D/3N KL Itinerary:
DAY 1: Arrival + Check-in at the hotel
05:00 PM - Depart MNL via Z2-940
09:00 PM - Arrival in KL
09:30 PM - Check in at Tune Hotels KLIA2
DAY 2: RedQ Tour + KL City Tour Part 1
09:00 AM - Depart from Hotel
10:00 AM - RedQ Tour (c/o AirAsia)
12:00 NN - Lunch at RedQ
01:00 PM - Leave hotel and go straight to the city
02:00 PM - Stroll around Bukit Bintang (Shopping Area)
06:00 PM onwards - Petronas Twin Tower then dinner at KLCC
09:00 PM - Head back to Tune Hotels KLIA2
DAY 3: KL City Tour Part 2
10:00 AM - Leave Hotel & Go to Menara (KL Gallery)
12:00 NN - Lunch
01:00 PM - Go to Batu Caves
04:00 PM onwards - Free & Easy
DAY 4: Pack Up + Departure
08:30 AM - Check out at Tune Hotels
11:00 AM - Fly back to MNL via Z2-943
Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2
Here's what really happened...
DAY 1: Arrival + Check-in at the hotel
05:00 PM - Depart MNL via Z2-940
09:00 PM - Arrival in KL
09:30 PM - Dinner at KLIA2
10:30 PM - Check in at Tune Hotels KLIA2
DAY 2: RedQ Tour + KL City Tour Part 1
07:00 AM - Breakfast
09:00 AM - Depart from Tune Hotels KLIA2
10:00 AM - RedQ Tour (c/o AirAsia)
12:00 NN - Lunch at RedQ
01:00 PM - Leave hotel and go straight to the city
02:00 PM - Arrival in the City / Start KL City Tour Part 1
- Istana Negara (National Palace)
- Tugu Negara (National Monument)
- National Mosque of Malaysia
- Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
- Merdeka Square
- KL Tower (Buy discounted admission tickets here)
07:00 PM - Dinner at Saloma Theather Restaurant
10:00 PM - Petronas Twin Towers (night shots)
11:00 PM - Head back to Tune Hotels KLIA2
DAY 3: KL City Tour Part 2
08:00 AM - Breakfast
10:00 AM - Depart from Tune Hotels KLIA2 to Kuala Lumpur
11:30 AM - Arrive in Batu Caves
02:00 PM - Lunch at Restoran Oversea
03:30 PM - Arrive at Petronas Twin Towers (Buy discounted admission tickets + one-way transfer here)
03:30 PM - 04:30 PM - Free time / Shopping at Suria KLCC
04:30 PM - Climb Petronas Towers
05:30 PM - Descend / Take photos from the outside of Petronas Towers
06:00 PM - Head back to Tune Hotels KLIA2
07:30 PM - Dinner at Canai 15 Café KLIA2
DAY 4: Pack Up + Departure
08:30 AM - Check out at Tune Hotels KLIA2 and Walk to the airport
11:00 AM - Fly back to MNL via Z2-943
Petronas Twin Towers at Night
Travel Tips and Reminders?
- Travel time from KLIA2 to KL City Center is about 1 hour. Plan your trip accordingly.
- You can exchange your Philippine Peso or US Dollars in the money changers at the airport or at the city center. When I changed my PHP to MYR at the airport, exchange rate is about 0.078; but at the city center, exchange rate is 0.081. So, it's better to change your money at the city center.
- For electricity, most establishments use 3-pin square plugs and sockets at 220–240 V. Don't forget to bring a universal adapter.
- Some public toilets asks for a payment of 0.50 MYR, so be sure to always have 0.50 cents coins with you.
- Dress appropriately when visiting mosques, temples, and other houses of worship.
- To save on travel expenses, join group tours, walk if you can, stay in hostels or budget hotels, and take advantage of PAL, AirAsia and Cebu Pacific promos and flight seat sale.
I hope this Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Blog for First-timers helped you in planning an awesome KL adventure. Please don't forget to SHARE this to your friends. Enjoy your trip to Malaysia!
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Hi. Im planning to visit KL for 4 days and 3 nights. Is 10,000 php is okay for my pocket money. Im travelling alone. Hear your reply thanks
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