It’s a nice little transit point, yes, but Kuala Lumpur is in itself a destination worth exploring. So if you happen to be stopping over the Malaysian capital for a single day, don’t hesitate to take a quick trip around the city. You just might be surprised by how much you can cover in such limited time. Here’s our Skyscanner list of what to do in KL in 24 hours:
1. Make your way up the Petronas Twin Towers
Once the world’s tallest building at 452 meters, the Petronas Twin Towers is a definite must-see. Don’t settle for the mandatory tourist shot in front of the 88-storey structure. Sign up for a tour of the building to enjoy sweeping skyline views. The tour’s first stop will take you to the Skybridge, which connects the towers at the 41st and 42nd floors. Then you’ll be brought to the observation deck on level 86.
If you want to avoid the long queues, visit the towers first thing in the morning (if you line up by 7 a.m., you can get free passes to the Skybridge viewing gallery). You can also squeeze it in later during the day for spectacular nighttime vistas.
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2. Check out the Kuala Lumpur Tower
Rising 421 meters, the Kuala Lumpur Tower is another of the city’s tallest and most iconic structures. Here, you can take an elevator ride to its 276-meter-high observation deck, dine at its innovative revolving restaurant, and watch traditional dance performances.
Before you leave, take a stroll around the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, where you’ll get to see an array of flora and fauna that can’t be found elsewhere. Yes, you read that right. The tower is actually set in a forest, standing atop Bukit Nanas (Pineapple Hill).
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3. Climb and explore the Batu Caves
Located in the northern suburbs, Batu Caves is a Hindu temple that’s located inside limestone hill caves believed to be more than 400 million years old! To reach the actual cave systems, you’ll need to climb 272 steps. Don’t worry. It promises to be a tiring but rewarding climb. So what awaits you? A number of fascinating shrines in the main cave, and deep caverns that you can explore via guided tours. You might also get to watch devotees performing the Hindu prayer ritual called puja. Oh and brace for some playful monkeys wandering in the area.
If you’re concerned about its distance, skip the bus or taxi and hop on the commuter train instead. You’ll get there in just 30 minutes!
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4. Indulge in street food
Some of the best eats in Kuala Lumpur can’t be found in posh restaurants but on the streets, specifically Jalan Alor. On both sides of this road, you’ll find food stalls and eateries with chairs and tables set up next to them. A variety of delicacies are on offer in daytime and at night, although our favorites are the mouth-watering barbecued chicken wings, nasi lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk and with a pandan leaf), lor mee (noodle dish with thick flat yellow noodles and gravy), and kueh tutu (steamed cake filled with grated coconut or ground peanuts). Only have time for a quick snack? Try pisang goreng (deep-fried banana).
5. Go on a shopping spree
At Bukit Bintang, shoppers are in for a treat. From luxury stores to specialty outlets, this dynamic retail hub has almost everything you’re looking for. One of the most popular malls in the area is Pavilion KL and its nice mix of shops. Opposite this is Fahrenheit 88, which includes a huge electronics and gadgets store. Or you can check out the wide selection at Berjaya Times Square, the largest mall in the country. It has more than 600 shops plus an indoor roller coaster! Just a 10-minute walk from here are two other tourist favorites, Lot 10 and Plaza Low Yat.
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6. Hunt for bargains
The other half of Kuala Lumpur’s shopping scene: its colorful and vibrant street markets. The night markets, called pasar malam, are especially popular. Topping the list is Petaling Street in Chinatown. A main thoroughfare that transforms into a bazaar at night, Petaling Street hosts hundreds of stalls selling an assortment of goods—from clothes and accessories to home decor and souvenir items—at bargain prices.
For art-and-craft finds, walk over to Central Market. It’s an Art-Deco-style building in pink and blue, so you’re not going to miss it. If you’d like to bring home authentic batik prints, pots, baskets, wood-carved items, a kebaya (traditional Malaysian blouse) or a piece of local contemporary art, this is your go-to spot.
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7. Experience KL’s pulsating nightlife
After a long day of sightseeing, culinary and shopping adventures, go on a night out. You can spend the evening partying at the nightclubs of Changkat Bukit Bintang or unwinding at one of the city’s rooftop bars. In case watching live musical performances with a beer in hand is more of your thing, head to Jalan Sultan Ismail. There’s also Jalan P. Ramlee for eccentric hotspots and Asian Heritage Row for trendy dining and entertainment establishments. If you don’t mind traveling four kilometers out of town, you could hang out and relax at the cocktail bars, eateries or cafés of Bangsar, an affluent suburb.
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