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Kuala Lumpur Itinerary | 3 Days Best Traveling Guide
Of the many metropolitan cities I have visited, I found KL to be the most surprising. With the strong blend of Chinese, Malay, and Indian cultures, you’ll find several points of interest. There ended up being so much to see in the city that I felt like I could have spent another day in the city! This itinerary will take you on a three-day journey through KL dishing out where to eat, where to stay, and what to see.
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Day 1: Arrival in KL
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur? Check into the Element Kuala Lumpur by Westin
One of the things I love about KL is the fact that you can end up staying at these completely modern, slick new hotels for less than $100 a night. And if you’re loyal to Marriott, then you’re in for a treat. The Element property somehow is a CATEGORY 1 HOTEL! Meaning the least amount of points needed for a stay are accepted here (7500!). Complete STEAL!
Lunch: Limapulo – Baba Can Cook for some Malaysia style food.
10 minutes from Element Hotel
Definitely order the okra dish and Pai Tee at Limapulo. This restaurant is located on a short street with various cafes and dining spots. Take your pick if Malaysian isn’t for you 😉
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Activity: Visit the Batu Caves
20 minutes from Limapulo
This colorful Hindu shrine is molded on a cave in Kuala Lumpur and is a sight you can’t miss while in KL. It is said that the limestone composing the cave is 400 million years old! The caves are bustling with tourists from all over the world and with plenty of neighboring vendors selling food and drinks.
Dinner: Babe Restaurant
20 minutes from the Element Hotel
Babe Restaurant by Michelin-starred Chef Jeff Ramsey is THE MOVE. Not only is the view from the restaurant pristine with the viability of the entire KL City Skyline, but Ramsey’s Japanese Tapas-style cuisine is exquisite. We divulged in a nine-course meal prepared by Chef Ramsey and would do it all over again if we could!
Night life: Ce La Vie
If you end up staying at the The Element Hotel as suggested, then you’ll be happy to know that Ce La Vie Lounge/Club happens to be in the same building! Ce La Vie gives you the flexibility to lounge around outside, next to a pool and fire dancers, while the DJ is dropping hot hits. You can also have a more exclusive experience and head to their club inside, where we found they played more house/electronic music.
Day 2: KL Culture
Breakfast: The Breakfast setup at the Element Hotel is incredible. It truly baffles me how far the dollar stretches at some Asian hotel properties. Get into the Malaysian cuisine and ask the chefs to cook you a fresh roti!
Activity #1: Federal Territory Mosque
Approximately 12 minutes from the hotel to the Mosque
The Federal Territory Mosque, also known as Wilayah Mosque, was built in the year 2000. Upon arriving to the front of the mosque, you will be requested to wear a teal colored robe to cover your body and head. The mosque has volunteers on staff that will provide you with a guided tour and answer any questions you may have. There is no need to tip the guides but donations to the Mosque are welcomed!
Activity #2: Thean Hou Temple
Approximately 14 minutes from the mosque you’ll find this gorgeous Chinese temple. This is one of the largest Buddhist temples in SE Asia. You’ll find devotees and visitors alike kneeling inside for prayer. Checkout a Chinese festival calendar before you go! The Temple is an especially pristine place to be during one of these joyous times of year.
Activity #3: Merdeka Square
Approximately 10 minutes from the Thean Hou Temple, Merdeka Square is considered to be the heart of KL. There are several sites to visit here such as the Masjid Jame Mosque (the oldest mosque in KL) and the Klang River. If you’re starting to get an appetite at this point, head over to Petaling Street (Chinatown) nearby to eat some local food and shop.
Activity #4: Petronas Towers/KLCC Park
No trip to KL is justifiable without a visit to the famous Petronas Towers! You’ll find the area covered with locals selling wide-angle lenses and offering to take your photo. If you want a solid shot, take a vendor up on this offer! Just make sure to have some cash to tip them 😉
You can purchase tickets in advance if you are keen to visit the Observation deck in the Petronas Towers.
The Petronas Towers are in a highly commercial area and next to the Towers you’ll find a high-end luxury mall. If you’re interested in shopping some during this trip, this is your spot for purchasing luxury goods.
Dinner: Nobu KL
Because…why not?! The Nobu in KL has the same vibe and style as its locations in Malibu, Monte Carlo, and other chique destinations. Prices are also on par with Nobu back in the US. One thing that is unique, though, is going through security to get inside!
If you go to Nobu, don’t miss out on the Wagyu Steak! Talk about #butter!
Night Life: Bar Trigona at the Four Seasons KL
A beautiful high-rise bar with a great view of the Petronas Towers.
Day 3: Putrajaya
On the third day, I decided to move to another city in Malaysia called Putrajaya, which happened to conveniently be closer to the airport. There are several points of interest worth seeing in Putrajaya and all can be done in one days time.
Where to stay in Putrajaya? Marriott Putrajaya
Quite an elegant Marriott property. Within this large property, you’ll find the rooms to be spacious and comfortable. I booked this hotel because I wanted easy access to the airport for a smooth early-morning exit.
Activity #1: Federal Court of Malaysia
Take a Grab (rideshare app) over to the Federal Court of Malaysia – also known as Istana Kehakiman. This is where the day will begin. From this point forward, you will only need another ride to head back to the hotel.
Putrajaya is a part of Malaysia where one can enjoy the architecture. On a nice sunny day, I found the area to be quite calm. You can go inside the Federal Court and check out the museum or cafe. Or just admire it from the outside.
Activity #2: Putrajaya Mosque
As you walk away from the Federal Court of Malaysia and towards the bridge, you’ll see a pink dome gleaming in the distance. This pink dome belongs to the Putrajaya Mosque. Visitors are welcome to this mosque. Upon entering, females will be asked to wear a robe, provided by the mosque. You can walk around this mosque to your own rhythm and enjoy the views over the river.
Activity #3: Perdana Putra
This beautiful palace sits on a hill next to a river. This is where the Prime Minister of Malaysia sits, along with several other government agencies. Visitors are welcomed inside but must be dressed professionally/conservatively as this is a national office building.
Dinner: Marriott Lounge – Oops! These lounges in Asia serve enough variety of food for you to get stuffed just in time for an (earlier) dinner hour. To have lounge access, you must request it upon arrival for a fee or you may receive it depending on your loyalty status with Marriott.
For more on Kuala Lumpur – Check out:
- Top 10 Free Instagram-Worthy Spots in Kuala Lumpur 2019
- 12 Things to Know Before Visiting Kuala Lumpur
- How to do NYE in Kuala Lumpur? Night Life & Fine Dining