Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | DIY Travel Guide for First-timers

From time to time, I do travel out-of-the country. Been to Bali, Seoul, Dubai and Hong Kong. This time we went just southwest of Philippines. A multi-cultural country famous for its halal food. It is Malaysia, more specifically its capital city Kuala Lumpur.

The first thing that comes to mind is Petronas Twin Tower. But to be honest, I know little about the place. So this was the opportune moment to see what Malaysia has to offer.

Our plan was to fly direct to Malaysia and meet at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). Wynne was based in Dubai while I’m from Manila. We aligned our schedule and booked the closest arrival time. We didn’t bother checking the difference of the terminal codes. We both arrived in Kuala Lumpur International Airport late afternoon. Then spent several minutes before we realized that we were in different terminals :D

So Wynne took a short train ride from KLIA1 to KLIA2. Then we booked a grab to Travelodge in Bukit Bintang. We checked in and went outside to experience the famous Jalan Alor Night Market (This Street is just in front of Travelodge).

Jalan Alor night market was a treat to the senses. The quiet street during daytime turns into something chaotic at night. The stretch of Jalan Alor, packed with hawker stalls, tables and chairs. Hundreds of tourist and locals converge in the street. Mouthwatering dishes displayed on stalls and carts. A perfect place for authentic local delicacies.

A visit to Kuala Lumpur (KL) won't be complete without Batu caves. So for our 2nd day, we woke up early and started our DIY tour to Batu Caves. Walked to Bukit Bintang Station and rode a train to KL Sentral. Then had a light breakfast and coffee at the station before transferring to another train to Batu Caves.

After 2 train rides, we saw the grand statue of Lord Murugan standing 140ft tall at the entrance of Batu Caves. The area was packed with tourists. There’s also flock of Doves flying around the clearing. Getting a clear shot of the statue, stairs and the caves was a struggle.

After a short photo session, we walked up the 272 steep steps to the Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave. Monkeys guarded the stairway looking for something to snatch or easy snacks from tourists. Wynne felt dizzy on our way up. She went back to the waiting area while I explored the caves. The Cathedral Cave was well-lit because it has a high ceiling and several wide openings. Also it is huge enough to house several Hindu Shrines inside. I hurriedly explored Cathedral Cave and skipped the Dark cave because Wynne was not feeling well.

We went back to KL Sentral and transferred to another train to see the world's tallest twin structure - Petronas Twin Tower. We arrived around noontime. I remember that even if it was a scorching hot day, we went outside and did some photo shoot of Petronas Twin Tower.

Then we went inside KLCC Mall and had lunch at Din Tai Fung. This Taiwanese restaurant specializes in Xiao Long Bao. We explored a little bit of KLCC Mall before heading to KL Tower.

Took the LRT to Dang Wangi Station and walked to KL Tower. We arrived at KL Tower around 3PM. We wanted to try the Glassbox but this experience is better at night. We still have enough time to freshen up (Will do anything for IG hahaha), so we wasted no time and booked a grab to Travelodge. Took a quick shower, changed outfit and went back to KL Tower.

We arrived around 6PM. Went straight to the Skydeck for the Glassbox Experience. Timing was perfect until we saw a long queue of people waiting for their Glassbox experience. We waited for more than 2 hours.

When our turn came, we made sure to quickly setup our GoPro and phone for the photos. Tried my best to look normal but actually my knees were trembling during the whole experience. We went to the 2nd Glassbox situated at the other side of Skydeck. The line there was shorter because people prefers the one with Petronas Twin Tower view.

After the doing the 2 glassbox attractions, it was already closing so we didn’t have the chance to try the restaurants in KL Tower. What we did was a quick side trip to KLCC Mall because I wanted to take a photo of Petronas Twin Tower at night.

For Day 3, we wanted to get out of the big city and experience more of Malaysia. So we went to Melaka, a Historical City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On our last day, we decided to go on a food trip around Bukit Bintang. At the end of Jalan Alor Street, we saw one hawker stall operating early morning. There were quite a number of people buying so we gave it a try. The owner pulled 2 plastic chairs and graciously offered that we sit on his table. While eating the owner told a little bit of history about his stall and why it doesn’t have any signage. This is Nasi Lemak Alor Corner.

After the quick chat and a superb meal, we continue to walk around Bukit Bintang. Then, had our lunch in one of the restaurants in Jalan Alor before going to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Before we went our separate ways, we had an early dinner. We decided to try Malaysian dish and coffee one last time at Ipoh Vintage. This Malaysian restaurant specializes in Ipoh delicacies with an 80’s ambiance.

Since it was a short stay in Kuala Lumpur, we tried to compress the itinerary and cover as much as we can. Had a wonderful experience but what struck me the most are; the authentic Malaysian dishes. The hassle-free train system. Lastly, Batu Caves - a must visit in KL.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO KUALA LUMPUR

Kuala Lumpur is tropical, humid and hot almost all year round. For me, the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur is May to July which is the dry season or December to February when the climate is cold. I prefer the latter because cold season will make the exploration a lot pleasant in a tropical country.

But if you are looking for a sunny clear day with a summer feel, schedule it on May to July. Avoid March because it is the hottest month for Kuala Lumpur.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO KUALA LUMPUR

• Comfortable outfit

• Sneakers / Sandals

• Protection from the sun

• Tumbler

• Camera / Action Cam

• Universal Adaptor

• Powerbank

• Extra batteries / memory cards

HOW TO GET TO KUALA LUMPUR FROM MANILA

The best way to get to Kuala Lumpur from Manila is a direct flight. Local and international carries offer a direct flight. But we opted to go with  AirAsia due to the price and flight schedule. Travel time from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA2) is 3 hours and 45 minutes.

HOW TO GET TO BATU CAVES FROM BUKIT BINTANG

Take the MRT Station in Bukit Bintang. Exit at Muzium Negara. Walk to KL Sentral and transfer to KTM Komuter Train to Batu Caves. Train leaves KL Sentral every 30 minutes. The ride from KL Sentral to Batu Caves is around 25 minutes.

KUALA LUMPUR BUDGET AND ITINERARY

The estimated budget for a 3 days, 2 nights trip to Kuala Lumpur is around PHP8,000.00 per person. Airfare is not included. See breakdown and itinerary below:

NOTE: Rates indicated above may change.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING KUALA LUMPUR

• Airport

  • There are 2 Terminals in Kuala Lumpur International Airport. KLIA1 is for Malaysian Airlines and other international carries. While KLIA2 is for AirAsia.

  • You can transfer from one terminal to another via KLIA Express train ride. Travel time is 3 minutes.

• Accommodation

  • Travelodge

    • Affordable

    • Accessibility - Situated right in Jalan Alor Street. Walking distance to MRT and local tourist spots.

• Food

  • Nasi Lemak at the corner of Jalan Alor - Must Try!

• If you are visiting temples, wear appropriate clothing.

• Credit card is widely accepted but do bring cash just to be sure.

• Signal is not a problem.

KUALA LUMPUR TRAVEL TIPS

• Use the Train System for efficient and hassle-free commute around KL. If you’re on a budget, you can also ride the train coming to and from the airport.

• Grab is another method of going around the city.

• Sim Card

  • Detailed comparison here.

• Book your accommodation in advance.

• If you plan on trying the Glassbox at Skydeck in KL Tower, go earlier than 6pm to avoid the long queue.

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE

WHAT’S IN MY BAG?

If you want to know more about the cameras, gadgets and travel essentials I use, check out “MY GEAR”

See you on my next adventure…. Peace!