Since there are practically no direct flights to Bali, making a stop in Kuala Lumpur is much more economical and also a great surprise.
That’s why I suggest you to make a stop in this colourful city, with lots of diversity and a mix of modernity and tradition. Its unmistakable tropical feel, combined with colourful markets, ancient temples and skyscrapers, makes it completely enchanting. Stay for a full day, from early morning until night, or if your flight doesn’t arrive early, stay for two days.
Since there are practically no direct flights to Bali, making a stop in Kuala Lumpur is much more economical and also a great surprise.
That’s why I suggest you to make a stop in this colourful city, with lots of diversity and a mix of modernity and tradition. Its unmistakable tropical feel, combined with colourful markets, ancient temples and skyscrapers, makes it completely enchanting. Stay for a full day, from early morning until night, or if your flight doesn’t arrive early, stay for two days.
Quality Price: Santa Grand Signature Kuala Lumpur, excellent value for money, very well located and with an incredible view of the Twin Towers. You can easily walk everywhere, however, if you prefer to go by public transports, there is a train station very close by. The rooms are not very spacious, but they are super ok. Breakfast is included and costs €51 per night in low season and €62 in the high one.
There is a direct train from the airport to the city centre. The journey takes around 30 minutes and there are trains every 15 minutes. Tickets cost €12 (one way, per person), but keep in mind that the machines only accept cash or local cards.
Most places can be visited on foot. However, for longer distances, use the metro. The journeys are cheap (I paid 3.5 MYR – 0.75€ for one ticket) and the metro is very intuitive.
1. Twin Towers (Petronas Towers): with 88 floors, it is the 14th tallest building in the world, a symbol of modern architecture and Malaysia's achievements. It combines Eastern and Western aesthetics and is surrounded by a beautiful and very pleasant garden (KLCC Park). If you want to take photos with the best perspective of the towers, this is where you should head.
It is possible to climb the towers and be 452 metres above the ground, but if you want to do so, make a reservation in advance, as it is always full. Entry is 98MYR (€21);
2. Petaling Street: Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown. Full of restaurants, shops and stalls selling food, fruit, vegetables, clothes, souvenirs, among many other things. It is an area with an electrifying energy and a lot of movement. It is open every day from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 20:00, except Saturday when it closes at 22:00;
3. Sri Maha Mariamman Temple: one of the oldest and most important Hindu temples in the city. Dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, who symbolizes protection and health, it is located right in the center of Chinatown;
4. Central Market: the main market in Kuala Lumpur, where you can find a bit of everything. Sometimes there are events and activities, such as painting, art and craft exhibitions. It is open from 10am to 10pm;
5. Old Market Square: a market with street food, crafts and souvenirs where the Clock Tower is located. Although I haven't tried it, experts say it is the best place to try the typical Satay and Nasi Lemak;
6. Guan di Temple: one of the oldest temples in Malaysia. It is small, free, and you will be surprised by the number of people praying there;
7. Batu Caves: a complex of 3 caves which houses one of the most important Hindu temples for its people. The immensity of the Hindu statues will leave anyone speechless. I would like to highlight the statue of Lord Murugan, which is around 42 metres high and is therefore considered the largest Hindu statue in Malaysia and the second largest in the world. Also, the famous 272 colourful steps that lead to the main cave. Be careful in this area, as there are always monkeys ready to attack and steal your belongings.
Transportation to Batu Caves is super practical and quick. The station is right inside the complex and the journey takes around 25 minutes from the centre (Chinatown) and costs 2.5MYR (€0.54).
- Twin Towers (14th tallest building in the world. Go to KLCC Park for the best view of the towers);
- Petaling Street (Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown);
- Sri Maha Mariamman Temple (one of the oldest and most important hindu temples in the city);
- Central Market (Kuala Lumpur's main market);
- Old Market Square (a market with street food, crafts and souvenirs where the Clock Tower is located);
- Guan di Temple (a small, free temple, always full of people praying);
- Batu Caves (a complex of 3 caves that are home to one of the most important Hindu temples for its people).