2022
Malaysia is one of the popular travel destinations in South East Asia. The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur, where the iconic Petronas Twin Towers is located. Ever wanted to come visit here, but aren't sure about which main places to go to. Or doing a very short trip and trying to figure where and how to cover these locations? This short article will help.
Early August 2019, 2 friends: 1 first time visitor @bininishere and 1 local @myself, both Local Guides, took 36 hours and visited over 40 interesting places in Kuala Lumpur and nearby. Join us in this amazing non-stop marathon, Aug 3 - Aug 4th, 2019.
Binin is a close friend and brother from Kerala India, currently working in Delhi, India. Flying in from New Delhi, overnight flight, his inbound flight landed in the main KLIA International Airport (Terminal 1) early in the morning. A quick pick-up, and our marathon tour got started. Binin was here for a short meeting and he had only 36 hours of free time. What could one do in 36 hours in Kuala Lumpur. All places are visited in sequence below. Travelling by car, so if one plans to follow this path, a rented car is needed.
The photos below are just a very small snapshot to give an idea of the places we visited. Each actual place has many more interesting things to see and experience. Hence, it's not possible to share the close to 1000 photos we took in less than 36 hours.🙂
1) KLIA1 Arrival Hall
Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA main terminal 1, is where Binin had landed early in the morning at 730am. A quick pickup and off we went.
2) Seri Wawasan Bridge, Putrajaya
First stop of the day was to head to Putrajaya, and to visit one of the most iconic bridges in the area. One can also come later in the evening for the colorful lights that light up the bridge.
3) Putra Mosque
This is one of the main attractions in Putrajaya. A very beautiful and serene mosque.
4) Dataran Putra
Around the area, dataran Putra holds all the flags of the states and federal territories in the country, and also holds the large Putrajaya sign board. Great place for photos.
5) Seri Perdana (Prime Minister's Office)
We obviously could not go inside, the main gate is a very picturesque spot for photos and very popular among visitors.
6) Putrajaya Ministry Drive
One of the best places to see unique architectural designs of modern Malaysia. Every ministry building has a very unique and beautiful design.
7) Putrajaya Lake View
Most serene view in Putrajaya, overlooking the lake
😎 Putrajaya Convention Center
A quick drive around the spaceship-like structure at the end of the ministry drive, before leaving Putrajaya.
9) Brickfields Little India
One place that should not be missed. Little India right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. A fairly long 45 min drive from Putrajaya here. Sights and sounds brings us back right to feeling of being in India.
10) Thean Hou Chinese Temple
Not too far from Brickfields, one of the most beautiful Chinese temples in town. Free entrance. Don't forget to visit the rock statue garden behind the temple.
11) Central Market KL & Central Market Annexe
The best place for souvenir shopping in town. Central Market is in the heart of the city, connected via buses and metro. A must visit.
12) KL City Gallery
My best recommendation for anyone who wants to know about the history of Kuala Lumpur. Currently free entrance until end of 2019.
13) Flag Tower
Holding the tallest flag pole in the country, and proudly displaying the Malaysian flag.
14) Dataran Merdeka (National Square)
This was the old cricket grounds of the British rule.
15) Victoria Fountain
Built by the British in the early 1900s. A picturesque spot for photos. Just located at the corner of Dataran Merdeka.
16) Sultan Abdul Samad Building
The old administrative building of the British rule as well as serving as the High Court previously for Malaysia. Now it's a beautiful historical iconic building in Kuala Lumpur.
17) Masjid Jamek Lookout point
One of the best places to take photos at night. We were here during the day time, and the view overlooks the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur. Masjid Jamek.
18) Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
The oldest Hindu temple in Malaysia, located in the heart of the city.
19) Guan Di Taoist Temple
A beautiful Chinese temple located very near to the Mariamman temple.
20) Chinatown Petaling Street
Another very important shopping places not to be missed, as with all Chinatowns around the world. One must be prepared to bargain hard here for the best price. A great walking experience for visitors. Also one of the best food places in town also.
21) Batu Caves
A must visit when coming to Kuala Lumpur. 30 min drive from the heart of the city. Holds the tallest Murugan statue in the world. And steps climbing up to the upper temple in a natural limestone cave. Do not miss visiting here when coming to Kuala Lumpur.
22) First World Hotel, Genting Highlands
After Batu Caves, we started our slow drive up to Genting Highlands hill station. Technically, Genting Highlands is located in the state of Pahang, but one must try not to miss visiting this beautiful and cool location.
23) Sky Avenue, Genting Highlands
The best place for visiting, shopping, entertainment and food in Genting Highlands.
24) Sky Casino
In Sky Avenue, the Sky Casino is the newest casino in Genting Highlands. Come and see (even if not taking chances) and see how people are spending money for entertainment and chance.
25) Skytropolis Indoor park, Genting Highlands.
For younger family members, this is a great place to be entertained for the entire day.
26) Genting Hotel Fountain
One of the most serene and beautiful places at night in Genting. Cool place to experience fresh mountain air.
27) Awana Skyway Skyavenue station
We tried not to miss the cable car ride as Binin hadn't been on a cable car before. It was inexpensive RM 14 (about USD 3.50) for a return trip.
28) Awana Skyway Mid Station
This is where we stop to visit the Chin Swee Temple, a good walk to experience the fresh cool air.
29) Chin Swee Temple and surroundings
Many visitors to Genting may miss this temple. This is an absolute gem of a place, and is a must visit. Many attractions and one can spend hours here.
30) Chin Swee Pagoda Climb
Incredibly tired to climb up 9 high flight of steps to the tip of the Pagoda, and certainly well worth the effort.
31) Malaysia Food Street, Genting Highlands
Visit and experience Malaysian food, our last stop before leaving Genting Highlands back to Kuala Lumpur.
32) Lulu Hypermarket Capsquare
Lulu Hypermarket is one of the largest shopping chain and brand in the Middle East. It's also the place we feel most close to Kerala in India, so we had to drop by for a quick shopping. Great bargains for highest quality products.
33) Haniffa's Supermarket
One of the other main shopping havens in town especially for tourist to buy cheap chocolates and sweets and all forms of spices.
34) Petronas Twin Towers / KLCC
One must never ever miss visiting the Petronas Twin Towers when in Malaysia. The most iconic place. Best time to come as we did was about 6pm in the evening, when the day turns to dusk. We get best of both views of day time, evening time, and night time. We didn't manage however to take the chargeable tour up since it needed to be booked in advanced. We spent a lot of time taking photos and poses in the evening and night view. A must.
35) KLCC Symphony Lake
Located at the back entrance of Suria KLCC. The musical fountain at night is a great place to relax and enjoy the night scene.
36) Kinokuniya Book Store
The largest book store in Malaysia. Being avid readers ourselves, we needed to visit this place. Top floor, center court of Suria KLCC.
37) KL Tower
Another tourist attraction nearby, a quick drive and photo taking in the evening.
38) Pavillion Mall & Bukit Bintang
We are coming towards the end of the day, a quick drive by Bukit Bintang (Star Hill) the fashion and night life center of Kuala Lumpur. Accompanied by the heaviest traffic. We didn't stop as we were just so really tired at this point of time. Just a slow drive and seeing the area. If one has more time, do take a few hours to explore Bukit Bintang.
39) Pak Punjab Pakistan / Punjabi Restaurant
We finally stopped by to have dinner at one of my favorite food places in town. And sipping chai right after dinner just to relax.
40) KLIA2 Budget Terminal
Finally headed back to KLIA2, where Binin was to take his flight back to Delhi. KLIA2 is the budget terminal where all budget airlines travel from.
The 36 hours of non-stop travel and visit was just amazing. Special thanks for Binin @bininishere for making this possible. Thanks for the amazing time spent exploring together.
And now anyone can also follow in our footsteps and see most of Kuala Lumpur in less than 48 hours.
#TeamMalaysia #TeamIndia
Wow! This is a great post!!!
Thank you for sharing @StephenAbraham and @bininishere
This is a very beautiful and informative post. I will definitely utilize this information when I go to Kuala Lumpur:-)
JAPAN LOCAL GUIDES
