My friends and I went to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KL) for a spontaneous long weekend trip without any plans — no itinerary, no list of foods to try. Just packed our bags and passport and headed on straight to discover the city.
We didn’t even realize that it was Chinese New Year! The good thing about celebrating it there was that there were only a few people in KL. Most of the locals went back home to their provinces but the downside is, when we went to Plaza Low Yat, most of the stalls were closed.
Though our trip was short, our real plan was to have a relaxed weekend, visit our friend who is working there, and catch up while stuffing ourselves with the good stuff.
You might also want to check these places especially if you only have limited time.
Petronas Twin Tower
You didn’t go to Malaysia if you did not come here. I mean, why miss such a beautiful sight?
The Petronas Twin Tower are twin skyscrapers that were named as the tallest buildings in the world until 2004 but still remain as the tallest twin building. It is located beside the Suria KLCC Mall.
Before heading to the tower’s famous photo spot, we have decided to visit the mall and watch the amazing Lake Symphony Show.
Never thought that this building would be this beautiful up close! Its architectural structure was just amazing!
The famous building stands 452 meters tall with 88 floors and 5 underground levels for the car park and mechanical services. Its structure is a combination of stainless steel and glass, forming beautiful Islamic patterns that represent important Islamic principles of unity, harmony, stability, and rationality.
Truly, a majestic sight by day, and dazzling at night.
By the way, aside from taking your photos outside the building, you can actually have a tour inside (which we did not do).
Admission Rates:
Infant (Below 3 years): FREE
Child (Age 3-12 years): RM33
Adult (Age 13-60 years): RM80
Senior Citizen (61 years and above): RM42
Location: Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
9:00 am to 9:00 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
Closed between 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm every Fridays
Website: www.petronastwintowers.com.my
How to get there: Ride the LRT Kelana Jaya Line and stop at KLCC Station.
Jalan Alor
There is a shuttle bus from the Petronas Twin Tower going to Bukit Bintang but there are a lot of people lined-up so, we have decided to walk instead (approximately 20 min.) Good thing there is a passage inside the mall going to the covered walkway which will lead you straight to the Pavilion.
Going to Jalan Alor, we passed by Jalan Bukit Bintang which is known for upscale malls and luxe fashion boutiques including the Pavilion. We also passed by Changkat Bukit Bintang where the music clubs and al fresco bars are located.
And finally, the Jalan Alor which is known for its hawker stalls and seafood restaurants. A famous place in KL where you can get inexpensive, fresh, and delicious food.
A lot of locals and foreigners alike dine here to experience different dishes and cuisine ranging from seafood, Thai food, Vietnamese food, and Chinese variety which is basically everything.
We just stroll around the area and stopped by a random restaurant to eat. Click here to check our Jalan Alor food trip.
Location: Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
How to get there:
Option 1: Ride the Green and Purple line of Go KL City Buses to Bukit Bintang area.
Option 2: Ride the KL Monorail and stop at the Imbi station, Bukit Bintang station or Raja Chulan station and walk to Jalan Alor.
Bird Park
One of Kuala Lumpur’s famous tourist spots.
I have always been in love with zoos and parks that’s why we chose to go here.
The KL Bird Park is a 20.9 acres park that is divided into 4 zones. Zone 1 and 2 is the free-flight zone where birds are let free in the aviary resembling their natural habitat. Zone 3 is the Hornbill Park which is also a free-flight zone. While Zone 4 is where the birds are placed in separate cages and mini aviaries.
One of the main attractions here is the Peacocks. Yes, I know that we also have it here in the Philippines but aside from that, we also get to see a lot of different types of birds.
My favorite? The flamingos!!! I have been seeing it in books and have always been amazed at how they look. Well, here’s the real one!
Ticker Prices:
Adult (Standard): RM 63.00
Child (Standard): RM 42.00
Location: KL Bird Park, 920, Jalan Cenderawasih, Perdana Botanical Gardens, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (including Public and School Holidays)
Website: www.klbirdpark.com
How to get there:
Option 1: Ride the KL Hop-On-Hop-Off Double Decker Tour Bus Service and disembark at Station No. 20 in front of KL Bird Park Main Entrance.
Option 2: Ride the metered taxi or use GrabCar.
We chose option 2 since we only have limited time and it is easier since it is near the city centre of Kuala Lumpur. Add into that the price of Grab is almost the same especially if you are a group of 3 or 4.
If you have more time to spare, you might also want to visit the Perdana Botanical Garden which is nearby (approx. 10 min. away).
Plaza Low Yat
The oldest shopping centre in KL where you can buy affordable electronics and IT products. It was also named as “Malaysia’s Largest IT Lifestyle Centre” by the Malaysia Book of Records.
We just went here to buy some electronic stuff and eat.
If you are going to buy something, make sure to haggle with the price to get the best price!
Also, you can stroll around the famous Berjaya Times Square since it was located just across the street.
Location: 7, Jalan Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
How to get there: Ride the KL Monorail and drop-off at Imbi station.
Jalan Petaling
The Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur. This is the place where you should buy your pasalubong i.e. t-shirts, ref magnets, keychains, and everything you want to take home because it is cheaper here.
We’re lucky that there were only a few shoppers when we went here and got really good deals!
Also, after shopping, we ate at Restoran Kim Lian Kee.
Location: 7, Jalan Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
How to get there: Take the LRT PUTRA line and drop-off at Pasar Seni station and walk to Petaling Street.
Central Market
Before entering the Central Market, we passed by the Katsuri Walk which is an open-air flea market set along Jalan Kasturi.
If you are looking for hand-woven crafts, bamboo handicrafts, and songket you should visit the Central Market.
There’s a lot of good stuff here but make sure to bring cash.
Just like in other shops, you can haggle the price to get the best deals.
But if you are looking for affordable stuff that you can take home, you can actually skip going to this place and head on straight to Chinatown.
Location: 32, Jalan Hang Kasturi, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
How to get there: Take the LRT PUTRA line and drop-off at Pasar Seni station and walk to Katsuri Walk.
There are still a lot of good places where you can go to KL but for us, these are the places that you should not miss.