My two-day visit to Kuala Lumpur was a whirlwind adventure that left me captivated by the vibrant energy, rich culture, and stunning landmarks of this bustling city. From marveling at the iconic Petronas Twin Towers to shopping in Chinatown, every moment was filled with excitement and wonder. I indulged in the delicious food at Tapak Urban Street Food Market and experienced the peacefulness of KLCC Park. Even with such a short timeframe, my visit to Kuala Lumpur left me with unforgettable memories and a longing to return and explore more of what this incredible city has to offer.

Here is a proposed itinerary for you based on my experience:

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

Prices of hotels in Kuala Lumpur turn out to be pretty cheap compared to what you’ll pay in the West or in cosmopolitan cities in Asia. So why not splurge with a 5* experience. Here are my favorite hotels in the heart of the city.

W Kuala Lumpur Hotel 5*

W Kuala Lumpur Hotel is a luxurious 5-star hotel that offers a stylish and contemporary accommodation experience in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It is located within walking distance to iconic landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC Park, and Suria KLCC Shopping Mall. The hotel boasts 365 guest rooms and suites that are elegantly designed and equipped with modern amenities. Guests can indulge in the hotel’s facilities such as the rooftop pool, fitness center, spa, and multiple dining options, including the popular Flock restaurant. The W Kuala Lumpur Hotel is a perfect choice for travelers seeking a high-end and vibrant stay in the city.

Mandarin Oriental 5*

Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur is a 5-star luxury hotel that combines contemporary style with traditional Malay influences. The hotel is located in the heart of the city, with easy access to Kuala Lumpur’s major attractions, including the Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC Park. The hotel features 632 elegantly designed rooms and suites, all equipped with modern amenities and stunning city views. Guests can enjoy a range of facilities including a state-of-the-art fitness center, outdoor infinity pool, spa, and multiple dining options, including the award-winning Mandarin Grill restaurant. With its impeccable service and exceptional amenities, Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur is an ideal destination for discerning travelers seeking a luxurious stay in Kuala Lumpur.

Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur 5*

Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur is a 5-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle. The hotel features 55 spacious rooms and suites, each elegantly designed with a contemporary Malaysian style and equipped with modern amenities. Guests can indulge in a range of facilities including an outdoor infinity pool, a fitness center, and a full-service spa offering a variety of treatments. Dining options at the hotel include a rooftop bar and grill, which offers stunning views of the Petronas Twin Towers, and an all-day dining restaurant serving Malaysian and international cuisine. With its exceptional service and unparalleled facilities, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a luxurious stay in Kuala Lumpur.

what to do in Kuala Lumpur in 2 days

Day 1

We woke up early on a gloomy day in Kuala Lumpur. November is the rainiest month in Kuala Lumpur after all. In spite of that, I planned to spend a part of my morning at KLCC Park. I wasn’t sure what to expect or if it was worth it. But as we were jet-lagged from the flight yesterday, I thought it was the perfect palace to spend the morning. 

We were staying just 10 minutes on foot.

Here are my recommendations for where to stay for your first visit to Kuala Lumpur. 

Morning

Breakfast at Flock, W Kuala Lumpur

It was truly an unforgettable experience. As soon as I entered the restaurant, I was struck by the chic and modern decor, with its sleek lines, stylish furniture, and stunning views of the city skyline. It was clear that I was in for a treat.

As I took my seat, I was greeted by the friendly and attentive staff, who immediately made me feel at home. The restaurant had a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, with guests from all over the world mingling and chatting over breakfast. Yet it was the perfect setting for a relaxing morning meal.

The breakfast menu at Flock was extensive and varied, offering a range of international and local dishes to suit every taste. I started my meal with a freshly brewed cup of tea, and fruit juice. I ordered from the a la carte menu – eggs benedict. I just love those and the Flock’s ones didn’t disappoint. 

There were so many buffet options to choose from, including fresh fruits, yogurts, cereals, pastries, and bread, as well as hot dishes such as scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, and grilled tomatoes. There were also local specialties, such as nasi lemak and roti canai, which I simply had to try. There was a cheese and cold meat stand with products of high quality. Lastly, I moved to the traditional desserts. They were colorful and had lovely textures but I can’t say what they were. 

As I sat down with my plate of delicious food, I couldn’t help but admire the stunning view of the Petronas Twin Towers and the surrounding skyline, which were just a stone’s throw away. The ambiance was truly unbeatable, with the perfect combination of great food, great company, and a breathtaking view.

Overall, my experience at Flock at the W Hotel was nothing short of spectacular. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was lively and fun, and the service was impeccable. It was the perfect way to start my day in Kuala Lumpur, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-notch breakfast experience in the heart of the city.

The KLCC PARK

With bellies full we were eager to explore what this urban park had. 

As I arrived at the park, I was struck by its sheer size and the lush greenery that surrounded me. The park is located in the heart of the city, right next to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, and it was an oasis of calm in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city.

The walking paths were surrounded by beautifully landscaped plants and trees.  

I made my way to a cute little swimming pool for children. It was a delight to see the joy on the children’s faces as they enjoyed their morning and were rescued from the heat by the fresh water. 

There is a path in the middle of the swimming pool that takes you behind an artificial waterfall. It was a very relaxing experience.

When I returned from the waterfall I sat down with my feet in the cold water and felt the stress of the 15-hour trip and the city slip away, and I was completely immersed in the tranquility of the park.

As I left the park, I felt refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to face whatever the day had in store for me. The KLCC park was a true gem in the city, and I knew I would be back again soon to bask in its tranquility and beauty.

Unfortunately, jet lag fatigue was slowly crowing to our minds and we had to do something or otherwise, we would want to sleep and it was only 11 AM.

So we decided to do something radical.

Afternoon

WINDLAB at Utama Shopping Center 

WINDLAB is an indoor skydiving center located at the Utama shopping center, a 20-minute Grab from KLCC without transit. It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. As someone who has always been fascinated by the idea of skydiving but was on the fence, indoor skydiving at WINDLAB Utama was the perfect compromise.

Upon arriving at the center, I was impressed by the state-of-the-art facility, which featured a large glass wind tunnel that would simulate the experience of skydiving. The staff were friendly and professional, and they took the time to explain the process to everybody in the group (around 10 people).

After suiting up in a jumpsuit and helmet, we were led to the wind tunnel where the instructor gave us a brief tutorial on the correct body positioning and hand signals. I was a bit nervous at first, but as soon as I stepped into the wind tunnel and felt the rush of air against my body, I knew I was in for a thrilling experience.

The feeling of weightlessness and the sensation of flying were indescribable, and I felt as though I was soaring through the air like a bird. 

The entire experience lasted for about two minutes, but it felt much longer, as time seemed to stand still during the adrenaline-fueled ride. I felt an immense sense of happiness after the high flight experience – a special instructor will take you to the highest point of the tunnel and let you free fall. My heart accelerates to this day only remembering the sensation in my body.

My experience at WINDLAB Utama was one that I will never forget. It was a perfect blend of excitement, fun, and adventure, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and thrilling experience in Kuala Lumpur. 

Evening

Dine at Suria KLCC as a local

at DIN by Din Tai Fung at Suria KLCC [NO PORK]

There are many restaurants to choose from in the shopping mall. If you’d like something ridiculously cheap but delicious go to the food court. But if you’re in for a real treat, Din by Din Tai Fung (level 4) should be your choice.

DIN by Din Tai Fung is an exceptional addition to the Malaysian food scene, as it is the first non-pork restaurant by Din Tai Fung in the country. CNN has voted it as the Top 2 franchise for travelers, while The New York Times has voted it as one of the world’s top 10 restaurants. It offers exquisite Taiwanese cuisine guaranteed to awaken your taste buds.

We ordered several types of dumplings and they tasted exquisite and sublime.

Some of the dumplings we ordered were:

Crab Roe & Chicken Xiao Long Bao

Shrimp & Chicken Shaomai

The dessert was a lava custard bun with a kind of egg cream which tasted very different than the Portuguese version. More fragrant. My guess is they use coconut sugar.

DIN’s dishes are to die for. Can’t recommend this restaurant enough.

Note: We tried the original restaurant as well with pork but found the non-pork version to offer lighter dishes.

Lights show at KLCC park

After dinner, we were able to catch the end of the lights show – the culmination which was still pretty amazing and the best part was that the rain had stopped so we could watch from the park towards the towers.  

Every night, the towers come alive with a dazzling display of lights and colors that illuminates the night sky and creates a mesmerizing spectacle for onlookers.

The light show typically starts around sunset and runs for a few hours, with different colors and patterns being displayed throughout the night. The towers themselves are fitted with over 33,000 LED lights, which are used to create an endless variety of patterns and colors.

The light show is synchronized with music, which adds to the immersive experience. The music is played through loudspeakers around the towers, and it’s a mix of traditional Malaysian music, modern pop songs, and classical pieces.

The best spot to view the light show is from the KLCC park located at the base of the towers, where you can see the entire display from a distance. The park is also a great place to take photos and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I know these aren’t the pictures of the light show. As we appeared only for the last 5-10 minutes and the lights weren’t suitable for taking pictures, we made some videos to later post on my Instagram page.

As bonus photos, I uploaded the pictures from the pool from the W residences where we stayed.

Taking pictures at night with the Petronas Towers

Visiting the Petronas Towers at night is an experience like no other. As the sun goes down and the city lights up, the towers come alive with a dazzling display of lights and colors. 

When I caught my first glimpse of the towers at night, I was struck by their sheer size and beauty. They loomed over me like giants, their twin spires reaching up toward the night sky. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at their magnificent presence.

I made my way toward the base of the towers and found the perfect spot to take some pictures. The towers were lit up with a variety of colors, from bright reds and oranges to cool blues and greens, creating a mesmerizing display of light and color. It was the perfect backdrop for some amazing photos.

As I posed in front of the towers, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and joy. This was a moment that I had been waiting for, and I was determined to capture it perfectly. I struck different poses, trying to find the perfect angle and expression to capture the magic of the moment.

Other visitors were also taking pictures in front of the towers, and it was fun to see the different poses and expressions they came up with. Some people were jumping in the air, while others were making funny faces or posing with their friends and family.

There are many locals that will offer to take your picture for RM10 (about 2 USD) and I think it’s worth it. 

Visiting the Petronas Towers at night and taking pictures in front of them was a truly magical experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Kuala Lumpur. It’s a sight that will stay with you forever, and the pictures you take will be treasured memories for years to come.

Tapak Urban Street Food Trucks

After taking pictures you might get hungry or like us just want to enjoy the warm nights of Kuala Lumpur a little bit more. 

From KLCC head to the Tapak Urban Street Food Trucks. We found it to be much more to our liking than the famous Kampung Baru which was noisy and cramped maybe due to the construction going on at the time. 

There were so many food trucks to delight from, it was hard to choose. We got a pancake and coconut ice juice. With the live music and views of the Petronas, it was an amazing experience. 

Day 2

Morning

Batu Caves 

one of the highlights of my trip to Kuala Lumpur was visiting the Batu Caves, which are a series of limestone caves located just outside of the city. The caves are home to a number of Hindu shrines and temples, and they are a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

The first thing that strikes your attention when you arrive at Batu Caves is the Lord Murugan Statue, which is considered to be the tallest statue of a Hindu deity in Malaysia and one of the tallest in the world. It stands at a height of 140 feet (42.7 meters) and is made of concrete and steel. The statue was unveiled in 2006 and is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Murugan, who is revered as the god of war and victory in Hindu mythology. It’s kind of impressive, I admit. 

To reach the main cave, you have to climb 272 steep steps that lead up to the cave entrance. Although the climb can be challenging, the stunning views from the top make it well worth the effort.

On the steps, you’ll find loads of monkeys. Be careful with your belongings as they’re really interested in human stuff, especially snacks. Don’t feed them unhealthy food, please. 

Inside the main cave, I was immediately struck by the sheer size of the space. The cave was enormous, with high ceilings and intricate carvings covering every surface. The smell of incense filled the air, and the sound of chanting and prayer added to the mystical atmosphere of the cave.

Throughout the cave, there were a number of Hindu shrines and temples, each adorned with beautiful statues and offerings of flowers and fruit. The energy of the place was palpable, and I felt a sense of reverence and respect for the deep spiritual significance of the Batu Caves.

Outside of the main cave, there are other smaller caves and shrines to explore, as well as a series of shops and vendors selling souvenirs and snacks. I really enjoyed visiting a side cave. It was very quiet and the sculptures are so realistic, almost scary. 

Overall, my experience at the Batu Caves was truly unforgettable. The natural beauty of the caves, combined with the rich cultural and spiritual significance of the Hindu shrines, made it one of the highlights of my trip to Kuala Lumpur. I would highly recommend a visit to anyone traveling to Kuala Lumpur.

 

Afternoon

Petaling Street and Central Market

Shopping at Petaling Street was definitely fun. We arrived early so most of the vendors were still opening their stands but this also gives you some bargaining power. Some of them believe in the good luck of the first client which is nice if you want to ask for a discount. 

Petaling Street is one of the most famous shopping destinations in Kuala Lumpur, and it’s not hard to see why. The street is lined with hundreds of stalls selling everything from clothing and accessories to jewelry and souvenirs. The vendors are friendly and enthusiastic, and they will often try to bargain with you to get the best price for their products.

I was on the hunt for some bags to bring back home, t-shirts, sunglasses, and sneakers to bring back home for presents or for personal use. 

The bargaining process was a lot of fun, and I quickly learned that the key was to be confident and friendly while negotiating. The vendors were almost always willing to negotiate, and I managed to score some great deals.

One of the highlights of my shopping experience was trying out the street food. Petaling Street is known for its delicious street food, and I couldn’t resist trying some of the local delicacies. My favorite was the mochi.

While Petaling Street is known for its brand replicas if you want to eat in a local restaurant sit down and bye some authentic Malaysian gifts you can’t miss the central market. I loved their selection of batik fabrics, skirts, and flowy pants. You’ll find beautiful pearls, rattan bags, and many more local goods to bring home.

I wish I had a bigger bag. Oh wait, I got one from Petaling Street. 

Evening

Night Bus Tour

With the night bus, you get to experience Kuala Lumpur after dark. I wanted to take the bus and admire the light of the city and the monuments I had no time to visit during the day.

We got to see the city’s highlights that’s for sure. Note that there’s only one pick-up and drop-off point at Sg Wang Plaza. 

Important tips: Buy your tickets in advance online.

Or at the office at the Sg Wang Plaza. 

Arrive 1 hour before the departure time to get yourself a place outside. 

Enjoy the ride and take a lot of pictures. 

Many Malaysians also take the bus so don’t be afraid to ask them for a picture. They’re very friendly and won’t mind taking some for you. 

Bayan Tree Rooftop

Your tour will finish close to the Banyan Tree Hotel. The Banyan Tree hotels are famous for their stunning rooftop views and this one doesn’t disappoint. Whether you’d like to eat a late dinner after the night bus tour or just a cocktail. I can’t recommend the experience enough.

The Banyan Tree Rooftop is an iconic rooftop bar located on the 58th floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. It offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline, including the famous Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower.

The bar itself is stylish and modern, with comfortable seating and a sophisticated atmosphere. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the cocktails are expertly crafted with premium ingredients. The rooftop bar also offers a selection of wines and spirits, as well as light bites for those who want to enjoy a snack with their drink.

One of the main draws of the Banyan Tree Rooftop is its stunning views of Kuala Lumpur. The bar has floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a 360-degree view of the city, making it an ideal spot for both day and night visits. The view is especially impressive, I admit.

With its stunning views, sophisticated atmosphere, and expertly crafted cocktails, The Banyan Tree, Kuala Lumpur is an ideal spot for a romantic evening, a special occasion, or simply a night out in style.

Final Thoughts of the What to Do in Kuala Lumpur in 2 Days

In conclusion, my two-day visit to Kuala Lumpur was an unforgettable experience. Despite the limited time, I was able to explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, indulge in its delicious food, experience the vibrant culture and atmosphere, and do some shopping.

From marveling at the impressive Petronas Twin Towers to visiting the colorful Batu Caves, every moment was filled with excitement and wonder. The breathtaking views from the Banyan Tree Rooftop and the peacefulness of KLCC Park were the perfect contrasts to the city’s vibrant energy. And the Windalb flight was the cherry on top.

 

This is a simple take-it-kind-of-slow Kuala Lumpur itinerary that is based on my experience. It reflects my work and philosophy as a travel designer that you don’t have to see everything in order to truly experience what a place has to offer. 

Overall, my visit to Kuala Lumpur was an unforgettable experience that left me wanting more. 

What about you?