I just spent a little over a week in Kuala Lumpur, here’s what I wish I knew before.

Before you go

Most travelers can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 90 days, but check current rules before you go.

Beginning 1 January 2024 all foreign citizens traveling to Malaysia are required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) three (3) days prior to arrival. - https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main

Getting there

You’ll most likely land in KLIA. To get to the city, you have a couple of options, but you need to take into consideration that KL can have horrible traffic especially during peak hours. You might want to make your choice with that in mind.

So, my recommended options:

  1. Take the KLIA Ekspres to KL Sentral.
    Ticket costs 55 MYR from the airport to KL Sentral, but I’ve read some people suggesting to go until Putrajaya, get off (costs around 25 MYR), and switch to another line which is much cheaper. I haven’t done this because I heard of it way too late. From KL Sentral you can go to your accommodation by bus/metro or Grab car.

    • Pros:
      • Traffic doesn’t affect you
      • Reliable
      • Mid-range prices (not cheapest, not the most expensive)
      • The fastest option during peak traffic

  2. Take a Grab Taxi (using the app).
    This is pretty self-explanatory, you download Grab and order a car. Naturally, if you can share the car with someone it’s gonna be cheaper per person. Usually, a trip to/from KLIA costs around 65–70 MYR. You’ll need to wait and traffic might be horrible. With low traffic it should take around 45 minutes.

    • Pros:
      • Convenient, door-to-door
    • Cons:
      • The most expensive of the options
      • Traffic might add an extra hour to the travel time

  3. Airport shuttle bus:
    There’s a bus that goes to KL Sentral.

    • Pros:
      • Cheapest – Costs 10–15 MYR
    • Cons:
      • Most likely your slowest option

First steps

Sim card: once you pass immigration you’ll be in a big mall. Many shops selling SIM cards at good prices, I recommend getting your SIM there.

Money: Most exchange offices offered pretty awful rates, so avoid those. ATMs however are usually free of any extra charge and there are is a hidden corner in the mall with 4-5 ATMs lined up next to each other. There are some others that are easier to find like Eurobank ATMs but those usually charge you extra, so I’d avoid them.

Things to do and see

  • Batu Caves: Nice Hindu temple in a cave with colorful steps leading up to the cave (I’m sure you’ve seen a picture). You can take public transport there or Grab as usual.
  • KLCC Park: Great, pretty big park not far from Petronas Towers. Combine those two together.
  • Petronas Towers: Amazing architecture, best time to see is before sunset, then head to KLCC Park. For great views of it in the evening you can also go to Saloma Bridge.
  • Chinatown: Bustling area with markets, temples, and street food. Good place for cheap eats and souvenirs.
  • Perdana Garden and nearby area
    • KL Bird Park: Really fun little park with birds and some monkeys roaming freely in some areas.
    • KL Butterfly Park: Small but beautiful park filled with butterflies, plants, and a relaxing vibe.
    • Islamic Arts Museum: Surprisingly interesting, with detailed exhibits and beautiful architecture.
    • National Mosque: I don’t know what it is but I really liked the architecture of it.
  • Klang Area: So I didn’t visit this place as it’s a little out from the city, but it looks like an interesting area. Apparently there are some boats that can transport you to the island where you can rent a bike and enjoy it at your own pace. No guarantees, but if I’m coming back at one point I’m gonna do more research on this.
  • Putrajaya: Planned city with futuristic architecture, lakes, and bridges. You can explore it by bike or boat.
  • Bukit Bintang: Major shopping and entertainment district. Great for nightlife, malls, and trendy cafes.
  • KL Forest Eco Park + Menara KL Tower: Nice little park with canopy walks, right in the middle of the city. KL Tower has panoramic views.
  • Petaling Street market: Busy street market in Chinatown, filled with knock-offs, souvenirs, and tasty snacks.
  • Little India Brickfields: Colorful neighborhood with Indian shops, restaurants, and cultural vibes.
  • Thean Hou Temple: Impressive Chinese temple on a hill with great views and ornate design.
  • Jalan Alor food street: Long street packed with hawker stalls and restaurants. Best experienced at night.

Things to eat

Oh god, so many diverse cuisines and the fusion of them all… You’ll have a blast, especially if you like Indian food.

Things to try:

  • Nasi Lemak: Their national dish – coconut rice, sambal, egg, anchovies, and peanuts.
  • Satay: Skewered grilled meat served with spicy peanut sauce.
  • Roti Canai: Flaky flatbread, usually served with dhal or curry.
  • Bak kut teh: Herbal pork rib soup – comforting and flavorful.
  • Rendang: Slow-cooked dry curry, usually beef, rich with spices.
  • Laksa: Spicy noodle soup, comes in several regional variations.
  • Banana Leaf: Indian-style meal served on a banana leaf – rice, curries, and side dishes.
  • Teh Tarik: Frothy milk tea – national favorite.
  • Rose Syrup: Sweet, floral pink drink – super refreshing on hot days.
  • Different versions of Kopi (coffee): To understand what’s going on, see: https://kopi.guide/