With a bazillion things to do, eat, and see, 2 days in Kuala Lumpur (KL) doesn’t seem enough. But if 2 days are all you’ve got, and you’d like to make the absolute most out of your time, then the 2-day KL itinerary below might just do the trick.
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If you have a car and are traveling with a friend or two, consider driving. But if you don’t, then there are a few options to go from Singapore to KL.
Travel by plane if time’s of the essence and you don’t mind coughing up nearly $100; it’ll take you just an hour to get there. Hop on a 5-hour bus ride if you’d like to keep the cost low and skip the airport security check. Or opt for train if taking the scenic route is what you’re after although you’d need to switch trains at JB Sentral.
Once you’re in KL, Grab should be your go-to mode of transportation that’s cheap, quick, and safe. You’ve only got 2 days. Don’t waste it on waiting around for public transport.
Swing a purse and you’ll hit a hotel in KL. There’s everything: hotels for families with kid-friendly facilities, boutique hotels that are full of flairs and flavours, and 5-star hotels so luxe you won’t believe you’re in KL.
Book a place in popular neighbourhoods such as Bangsar, Bukit Bintang, Demansara, and Petaling Jaya. They’re popular for a reason.
The move is to arrive in KL the night before so you can be out and about bright and early the next morning. So, either get on one of the 35 direct flights from Singapore, hop on an overnight bus, or brave the causeway traffic and drive yourself – the choice is yours.
Get your day started early and hit up KL Forest Eco Park to take in a stunning sunrise view at 7am. The park houses 3 nature trails and a 200m-tall kid-friendly aerial bridge. Think McRitchie Walk minus the monkeys.
A pipping hot plate of chee chong fun from Yooi Kee speaks to everyone’s soul – including yours. Swing by for breakfast at this 81-year-old stall for the juicies steam rice noodle rolls soaked in sauce and walk it off afterwards along the streets of Chinatown where you’ll find a mega market.
On the stretch of Petaling Street, another gem you should pay a visit to is REXKL. Previously an old theatre, the space was transformed into a multipurpose hub that houses the maze-like BookXcess bookstore, a food court with vegan options, handcrafted gift shops, and weekend markets and workshops.
If you’re in the mood for brunch food, look no further. At Pokok KL Cafe, the local fusion main courses such as Avo Stack (RM28, S$8.27), Smoked Salmon Benedict (RM39, S$11.52), and Grilled Triple Cheese Sandwich (RM25, S$7.39) are delish. It’s a glasshouse cafe so you’ll get airy and breezy vibes.
Image credit: Mid Valley Megamall
Beat the midday slump at Mid Valley Megamall. There’s Holiday Planet arcade with VR games and karaoke rooms, Family Mart Japanese convenience store selling the fluffiest pastries, Ta-Daa Box bubble tea stand with refreshing drinks that come with a surprise gift, and Antipodean Australian cafe with legit lattes.
It’s right next to another mall in KL – The Gardens Mall.
Image credit: @ariafahritza_montgomery via Instagram
For a boujee rooftop experience, head up to Heli Lounge Bar. Once a helipad, the space is now a chill bar with great drinks that are served with a side of stunning sunset. Classic cocktails like Mojito and Martini start from RM55 (~S$16.25) and munchies such as pizzas and chicken wings will ensure you won’t be leaving feeling hungry.
Image credit: @nasilemakwanjokgbaru via Instagram
The vibe at Nasi Lemak Wanjo Kg Baru is casual, and the food is authentically local. Dishes like nasi lemak and chicken rendang at this cafeteria are probably some of the best you’ll ever taste. Expect long queues but pretty quick service. Plus, the fact that it opens till midnight means your supper sitch is sorted.
Arguably one of the best nightclubs in KL, kyo is synonymous with a good time. Over here, DJs spin a good mix of HipHop, RnB, House, and Techno, and the dance floor sees a constant crowd fist bumping and grooving to the beats every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday until 3.30am.
A dim sum brunch at Jin Xuan Hong Kong in Sri Hartamas guarantees to hit the spot. At this hotspot, Hong Kong-style dim sum classics like steamed buns, dumplings, siew mais, and rice rolls are made fresh daily. The dim sum menu lasts daily till 11pm so if you need a second round of dim sum for dinner, by all means.
If you’re not hungover from the night before, a hike up the rainbow stairs of Batu Caves is highly recommended. Located a 40-minute drive from the city centre, the Hindu temple consists of 3 caves and a giant golden statue of the Hindu God. Entry is free for most of it except Cave Villa, and you’re required to dress conservatively by covering your legs and shoulders.
Grab a set lunch (from RM49, ~S$13.90) at the gram worthy Moroccan-inspired cafe Fly Me To KL before checking out the new Notes By YGM K-Pop album cafe with a Barbie pink lounge. Or do some shopping at the 4-storey KKV shopping centre in Bukit Bintang where items start from RM2.90 (~S$0.82).
Granted, a trip to the KL Tower is touristy. But if you’re after one of the best views of the Twin Towers and KL’s city skyline, the observation deck, sky deck, and sky box at the top of this spot should do the trick. There’s also the scenic but scary Tower Walk 100 acitivity that lets you step out on a metal platform while being strapped onto a harness.
If you find yourself at KL Tower and have time to kill before going back to Singapore, check out Aras Restaurant. Known as Malaysia’s highest revolving restaurant, the vibey buffet spot serves a selection of local and international dishes. On the menu are dim sum, roasted meat and seafood, pizza, pasta, satay, and an array of desserts from gelato to chocolate fountain.
Jetstar offers a late evening flight that departs KL at 9.20pm which gets you back to Singapore around 10.30pm. Since you’re probably going to travel light and with barely any luggage, you should be back home and in bed by midnight.
Several buses operate between KL and SG throughout the day till 11.45pm. However, it takes roughly 5 hours by bus to get back to Singapore so you’d arrive in the wee hours if you were to take a late evening bus.
If you only have 48 hours to cram every must-see, must-eat, and must-do in KL, then take a leaf out of our trusty guide and have fun. And trust that you’ll still have time to breathe and enjoy yourself.
For more KL guides, check out:
Cover image adapted from: @tatumphotoaday, @grace.swanzillaa, @flymeto_kl via Instagram
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