The Best 3 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary

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Last Updated on June 17, 2024 by sydabroad

Keep reading to discover the perfect 3 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary! 

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia known for its diverse culture, delicious cuisine, of course, the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. There’s actually quite a lot to see in this city. Whether you are visiting for a day or a week, this perfect 3 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary will be helpful for your trip. 

I spent some time in Kuala Lumpur during my Southeast Asia backpacking trip. After visiting Thailand and Bali, Kuala Lumpur was the next stop. If you are looking for an affordable and culturally diverse destination, Kuala Lumpur is a great place to add to your itinerary.    

In this jam-packed guide, I’ll cover all you need to know before visiting Kuala Lumpur. We’ll dive into the best things to do, how to get around Kuala Lumpur, where to eat, where to stay, and more to make the most out of your time in Kuala Lumpur! I’ve also included a map with all locations mentioned in this guide later in the article. Alright, let’s get into it! 

Looking for more Southeast Asia guides? 

• The Ultimate 3 Day Ubud Travel Itinerary
• How to Spend 2 Days in Singapore
• The Perfect 5 Day Bangkok Itinerary for First-Time Travelers
• 16 of The Best Things to Do in Uluwatu, Bali

This post is a perfect 3 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary. 

3 Days in Kuala Lumpur | The Basics 

Currency = Malaysian Ringgit

The currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

1 USD = 4.7 Malaysian Ringgit

Although some places in Kuala Lumpur accept credit card payments, not all do. You will need cash when traveling around Malaysia. You can find ATMs in the city center and the malls. 

Language = Malaysian 

The official language in Malaysia is Malaysian. You can get around fine with English but I suggest brushing up on basic Malaysian phrases to be polite. I love using the Duolingo app and Rosetta Stone for learning languages. 

Phone & Internet 

Phone and internet service in Kuala Lumpur was relatively easy to find all over the city. Many cafes, hotels, and restaurants will have wifi available. You’ll be able to easily navigate the city with Google Maps and or book a Grab. 

While traveling internationally, I suggest using an eSIM for affordable cellular data. Airalo makes it easy to purchase and install an eSIM suitable for the destination you are visiting. Purchase data with Airalo here.

Daily Budget 

Malaysia (and Southeast Asia in general) is an affordable region to visit. An average budget for Kuala Lumpur is about $60 – $70 USD (about 300 MYR) per day, including accommodation. 

Tipping in Malaysia 

Tipping is not a common practice in Malaysia and generally is not expected. Most restaurants will include a service charge, which means there is no need to tip. 

Tipping tour guides is more common. If you are on a city walking tour or private group tour it’s standard to tip around 10 to 20 MYR. 

Can You Drink the Tap Water? 

Generally, tap water is safe to drink in Kuala Lumpur if you are in a reputable establishment. If you have a weak stomach, you can drink bottled water just to be safe. 

3 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary Overview 

Day 1: Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC Park, Bukit Bintang | Day 2: Batu Caves, Temples, Perdana Botanical Garden | Day 3: KL Forest Eco Park, rooftop pool, KL Tower, and food!  

The Ultimate 3 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary

Here’s my suggested 3 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary to make the most out of your trip! Feel free to move these activities around depending on your preferences and your schedule.

Day 1 | 3 Days in Kuala Lumpur 

Petronas Twin Towers

The city’s most noticeable landmark is the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. You can go inside them and see them from afar (I recommend you do both). You can see these massive towers from just about anywhere in the city. They are huge, photos simply don’t do them justice.

They are even prettier at night in my opinion. I’ll share a few great places to view the towers at night later in this guide. As for visiting the towers, you can purchase tickets to access the sky bridge and observation deck and view them from the surrounding area like KLCC Park and various dining and shopping centers nearby. 

The towers symbolize Malaysia’s rapid economic growth and modernization. They are now the tallest twin buildings in the world. The towers are connected by the sky bridge between the 41st and 42nd floors. 

Admission | Free or if you want to visit the sky bridge or observation deck, you should purchase tickets online ahead of time. 

KLCC Park 

KLCC Park is a nice green space in the city. Here, you’ll find amazing views of the Twin Towers, a man-made lake where you can watch a light show in the evenings, and scenic jogging trails and lush greenery.  

The park is a wonderful place to get a break from the busy city. You can bring a picnic, take a stroll through the trails, or just sit and people-watch. 

Optional | Visit the Mosques

Putrajaya Mosque 

The Putra Mosque is located a bit outside of the city and is a huge pink mosque situated on Putrajaya Lake. It took about 2 years to complete and was finished in 1999. The architecture style is a mix of Middle Eastern and traditional Malay touches creating the most stunning structure. 

Book a guided tour to Putrajaya here!

The mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors outside of prayer times. Make sure you cover appropriately if you plan to visit. Women will need to cover their head, arms, and legs and men should avoid wearing shorts. 

Admission | Free

Wilayah Mosque 

Wilayah Mosque was completed in 2000 and is a significant religious landmark in Kuala Lumpur. The style of this mosque was inspired by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. 

Tourists can visit the mosque from Saturdays to Thursdays and must dress modestly. There are guided tours available for visitors and robes are available for those who need them. 

Admission | Free 

KLCC Lake Symphony Water Fountain Show

Every day at 8 PM and 9 PM (and at 10 PM on weekends and holidays) there is a water fountain show here at KLCC Park. It’s a show on the large lake that includes lights, music, and jets! It’s located right in front of Suria KLCC shopping mall and is a fun attraction to see in Kuala Lumpur. The show lasts for about 10 minutes. 

Admission | Free 

If you are visiting Singapore as well, check out my guide here all about how to spend a weekend in Singapore!

Shopping and Eating in Bukit Bintang

Next, check out the bustling area of Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang. It’s known for its dynamic dining scene, amazing shopping, and many entertainment options. Tourists and locals alike enjoy spending time in Bukit Bintang. 

Here you can visit one of the largest shopping malls in the world, Berjaya Times Square, dine at the famous Jalon Alor, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene. I suggest spending a few hours wandering around here. 

Jalan Alor Street Market 

As mentioned above, Jalan Alor is situated within Bukit Bintang and is somewhere you cannot miss in Kuala Lumpur. Jalan Alor is famous for its incredible street food and local restaurants. 

You can’t leave the city without eating your way through Jalan Alor Street Market. You can try all sorts of authentic Malaysian cuisine such as nasi lemak, satay, and laksa. Oh, and make sure to stop at the fried ice cream stand. It’s so delicious! 

Day 2 | 3 Days in Kuala Lumpur

Batu Caves 

One of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur is visit the Batu Caves. I suggest visiting early in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds. Because this is a popular tourist attraction in Kuala Lumpur, it does get quite busy. 

The caves are located just outside of the city about 13 km away, you’ll need to take a taxi or ride share to get here. The Batu Caves is an enchanting attraction and a significant Hindu religious site dedicated to Lord Murugan. 

To reach the main cave, you’ll climb 272 colorful stairs. From the top you’ll get panoramic views of the city, it’s incredible! Because this is a religious site, you should dress modestly with your shoulders and knees covered. 

Admission | Free 

Pro-tip: There are TONS of monkeys and birds around so I wouldn’t bring food with you.

Thean Hou Temple

Next on this 3-day Kuala Lumpur itinerary, we’re going to Thean Hou Temple. This is one of the largest Chinese temples in Kuala Lumpur. The architecture is a mix of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism elements. 

The temple serves as a place of worship for the Chinese community and is dedicated to Tian Hou. The temple is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM and is absolutely stunning. The intricate details and beautifully done and it’s well worth visiting in Kuala Lumpur.

I suggest spending 30 or so minutes here, you don’t need much time and it will be quite hot in the afternoon. 

Admission | Free 

Lunch at Madam Kwan’s

One of the best restaurants for authentic Malaysian food is Madam Kwan’s. There are a few locations around the city, I went to the restaurant in Suria KLCC. There was literally a line out the door, that’s how popular it is. The food is incredible and very affordable as well! Def add it to the bucket list! 

Perdana Botanical Garden 

Next, take a stroll through Perdana Botanical Gardens before heading to Chinatown. Perdana Botanical Garden is a vast green space in Kuala Lumpur where visitors can enjoy serene lakes, beautiful walkways, and even pedal boats are available to rent. 

You can visit the deer park, bamboo garden, and hibiscus garden. It’s a serene area in Kuala Lumpur. 

Chinatown 

Chinatown has wonderful street food, markets, and temples. Here you can try traditional cuisines and shop for handmade souvenirs. You can see temples such as Chan See Shu Yuen Temple, Guan Di Temple, Kuan Yim Temple, and Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. 

Make sure you also visit Central Market and Petaling Market where you can find all sorts of fun things.  

Traders Hotel for drinks and a view 

For the best view of the towers during sunset or at night, head to the top of Traders Hotel for drinks with a view! I was a bit confused when I arrived because there were just a bunch of children playing in the pool (not the vibe). But right around sunset they kick the kids out and the place turns into a bar. 

The Traders Hotel bar has seating right near the windows for the best view of the towers. You can even see the light show from here and I suggest staying until dark to see the towers at night. I loved sitting with a glass of wine and enjoying the view! 

Day 3 | 3 Days in Kuala Lumpur

KL Forest Eco Park 

In the middle of the city, you’ll find a hidden oasis of hanging walkways in the canopy tree tops – KL Forest Eco Park. It costs 40 MYR to enter and you can explore diverse plants, flowers, birds, butterflies, and other animals. 

KL Forest Eco Park is one of the last remaining tropical rainforest patches in the city and offers stunning views of the city. It’s a popular sport for photographers and nature lovers. The park is open every day. 

Relax at a Rooftop Pool 

Because of Kuala Lumpur’s renowned skyline, you have to find a rooftop pool to relax at and enjoy the view. I stayed at Face Suites and they had an amazing view of the skyline from their rooftop pool. This was such a nice way to spend the afternoon. 

If you are looking for a hostel, check out Sky Society. They have a wonderful pool with an amazing view as well! 

Kuala Lumpur Food Tour

An amazing way to get to know a city’s culture is by eating your way through the city. A food tour in Kuala Lumpur is a great way to learn about the country’s culinary delights; they are so much fun! 

Book a food tour in Kuala Lumpur here! 

Little India 

Also known as Brickfields, Little India is a vibrant neighborhood offering a glimpse into the Indian community in Kuala Lumpur. Little India is located south of the city center and here you can go shopping, visit temples, and indulge in delicious Indian cuisine! 

KL Tower

For a unique city perspective, head to Sky Deck KL Tower. This is a viewing deck 300 meters above the city. On a clear day, you’ll find panoramic, 360-degree views of Kuala Lumpur. 

This is a wonderful photography spot and a great place to visit during sunset. Typically the Sky Deck is open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM but check their website for the latest info. You can purchase your tickets on-site or ahead of time online. 

You’ll be able to purchase a combo ticket for entrance to the Sky Deck, Observation Deck, and other attractions if you’d like. 

Admission | 55 MYR (Purchase tickets ahead of time online here)

Helipad Lounge 

Looking to have a cocktail with a city view? Visit Helipad Lounge. This is a swanky bar on a helicopter pad that’s transformed into a massive rooftop bar. This is an amazing sunset spot in Kuala Lumpur.

3 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary FAQS

How to get to Kuala Lumpur? 

You can easily reach the city of Kuala Lumpur by train for a flight to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KL). If you are coming from nearby countries or cities there are direct trains to Kuala Lumpur, including from neighboring countries such as Thailand and Singapore. 

How to get around Kuala Lumpur?

Public Transportation 

The public transportation in Kuala Lumpur makes it easy to get around the city. And once you are in the city center, it’s relatively easy to walk to many places. 

In terms of public transport in Kuala Lumpur, there is the Light Rail Transit (LRT), the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), the Monorail, the KTM Komuter, and the KL Buses. You can purchase tickets at stations and the Go KL City Bus is free to use! 

Google Maps works great here, I suggest downloading maps to use offline so that you can easily navigate the city and search different routes. 

Ride Share 

Another convenient way to get around the city is by rideshare. I suggest downloading Grab, this is a popular rideshare app in Southeast Asia. Similar to Uber. I used Grab in Kuala Lumpur and it was great! It’s very affordable here too. 

Is 3 days in Kuala Lumpur enough?

In my opinion, yes. 3 days in Kuala Lumpur gives you enough time to see all the popular sites and you’ll get a great feel for the city. 

Is Malaysia as cheap as Thailand? 

Although Malaysia and Thailand are both very affordable countries to travel to, Malaysia tends to be slightly cheaper. Of course, this will depend on your travel style and the activities you want to do, but Malaysia is a very budget-friendly destination. 

Do I need a visa for Malaysia? 

I suggest checking your government’s website. As an American citizen, if you are visiting for 90 days or less you do not need a visa. You can find visa information for US citizens on the US Department of State’s website. 

Which is the best month to visit Malaysia? 

Because of Malaysia’s tropical climate, it’s a great destination to visit year-round. The best time to visit depends on what you’d like to experience on your trip. 

Kuala Lumpur has two peak tourist seasons which are December to February and from May to July. These times will be more crowded but the weather will be warm and dry. 

Shoulder Season 

The shoulder seasons are always the best time to visit a destination to avoid large crowds and still enjoy pleasant weather. This is right around peak season and for Kuala Lumpur this is from March to April and August to October. During this time, you’ll see less rain and fewer crowds. 

Monsoon Season

If you want to avoid the rain, keep Malaysia’s monsoon season in mind, there are two monsoons in Malaysia. The Northeast Monsoon is from November to February and the Southwest Monsoon is from May to Septemeber. The Southwest Monsoon is not as intense as the Northeast Monsoon.  

I visited Kuala Lumpur in July and had a wonderful experience. It was very hot and it did rain a few times during the night but all and all it was great! I didn’t find the crowds too large either. 

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur 

There are plenty of amazing places to stay in Kuala Lumpur. And hotels are extremely affordable if you are visiting from the west! As I mentioned above, Kuala Lumpur is a very budget-friendly city. 

The Face Suites | This is a 5-star hotel and is where I stayed during my trip. I split it with 2 others and we paid less than 30 USD per night split between us. Our room was massive with an office, a living room, a washing machine, a dining table, and a kitchenette. This hotel even has multiple rooftop pools for the most amazing views of the city. I couldn’t recommend it more! 

Sky Society | If you are looking for a hostel with a view, Sky Society has a rooftop infinity pool with amazing views of the skyline. They also have free dinner and cocktails every evening. This hostel is located near Chow Kit. 

KLoé Hotel | This is a 3-star boutique hotel located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur just a short walk away from the Bukit Bintang shopping area. They offer a coworking space, a swimming pool, a cafe, and much more! 

MoMo’s Kuala Lumpur | This is a wonderful budget-friendly hotel located right in the center of Chow Kit. This is a social hotel with micro rooms and they often host exciting events. They have a creative event space where you’ll find a weekly roster of events as well as a daily happy hour!

Foods to try in Kuala Lumpur 

Here are some delicious local dishes to try in Kuala Lumpur: 

• Nasi Lemak | This is the national dish of Malaysia (you have to try it!) It is coconut milk rice with sambal, anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, cucumber, and (typically) spicy chicken. 
• Satay | Skewered grilled meat served with peanut sauce (so good!). 
• Rendang | A coconut beef stew simmered with lemongrass, ginger, and other spices.  
• Laksa | A spicy noodle dish with toppings such as chicken or shrimp. 

Where to eat in Kuala Lumpur 

• Madam Kwan’s | Authentic Malaysian 
• Jalan Alor | Street market 
• Chinatown Kuala Lumpur 
• Elephant Republic | A great cafe 
• Feeka Coffee Roasters 
• LOKL Coffee Co

Safety in Kuala Lumpur 

Just like many other cities in Southeast Asia, Kuala Lumpur is a safe destination to visit. Obviously, be smart, keep an eye on your belongings, and follow the local laws and customs. As a female traveler, I never once felt unsafe in Kuala Lumpur. Also, I typically travel with Safety Wing travel insurance and I do recommend them! 

3 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary Map

Below is a map of Kuala Lumpur with all the spots mentioned in this guide included for you to use for your trip.

I hope you enjoyed this 3 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary! If you have any questions about visiting Kuala Lumpur comment before or DM me on Instagram. Happy travels! 

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