2 Days In Kuala Lumpur: An Epic Itinerary That Covers The Most Popular Sights

Heading to Malaysia? You probably will pass through the capital city because that’s where the biggest international airport is. I always make it a point to spend at leas 2 days in Kuala Lumpur when I head to Malaysia. There is just something about the city that has captured my heart.

I think in a way it reminds me of Mumbai. The hustle and bustle, the way people are all heading their own ways and the character that the city has to offer are all really gets to me each time. 

Plus there are some great people in the area that we get a chance to meet. Let’s not forget the shopping. I mean, I’m a big fan of the Meeples European café which is probably the epitome of board games in Malaysia.

Every time we visit the store, we need a new suitcase to carry everything we buy! What can I say, we are addicted!

Anyways, back to the topic at hand. If you are looking for a detailed itinerary for 2 days in Kuala Lumpur then you have come to the right place.

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2 Days In Kuala Lumpur: Table Of Contents

• Are 2 Days Enough To See Kuala Lumpur?
• Transportation In Kuala Lumpur
• Where To Stay In Kuala Lumpur?
• Best Time To Visit Kuala Lumpur
• The Perfect 2 Days In Kuala Lumpur Itinerary
• Day Trips from Kuala Lumpur

Are 2 Days Enough To See Kuala Lumpur?

I don’t think even a month can do proper justice to Kuala Lumpur. I mean, I have visited the city three times over and I’m still craving to head back over. But if you intend on hitting the highlights then 2 days is probably enough to see Kuala Lumpur.

It does help that the city is very well connected and you can reach from point A to point B with ease. The downside is that sometimes traffic can get in your way. At those times it is best to use the metro. 

Transportation In Kuala Lumpur

One of the most important things that you should look into when planning your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur is with regards to transportation. The city has loads of options and we have probably used all of them at some point.

Walk

This is my favorite way to explore the city. Shawn does complain when I drag everyone (including our toddlers!) in the heat but it is the perfect way to see the city. Especially in crowded areas like Bukit Bintang.

We used a baby carrier and ditched the stroller for crowded areas. It is much easier to walk and easier to keep tabs on the kids. 

As a couple we had no qualms walking everywhere. So it really depends on you.

Light Rail Transit (LRT), Monorail and KTM Komuter trains

The LRT and the Monorail connect various destinations across the city. The KTM komuter trains mostly connect Klang valley. These are the trains that will take you to Batu caves!

Getting tickets to the LRT and Monorail are really easy. Just head to the station and punch in your destination along the line. It is usually around 2 MYR per person. You get a token which you need to tap as you go in and deposit when you are done. 

Alternatively you can choose to take one of the smart cards and reload it. Though for 2 days in Kuala Lumpur it doesn’t make much sense unless you are going to be using the transportation a lot.

Rapid KL Buses

These buses have many routes and you can check them out on Google maps. There are 5 main bus hubs namely Kl Sentral, KLCC, Maluri, Titiwangsa and Pudu Sentral.

Don’t worry about getting to the hubs. Remember how I mentioned that the city is quite well planned? Well, all the major bus hubs are connected to KTM and LRT stations.

Taxis

There are a lot of taxis in Kuala Lumpur but we preferred to install the Grab app. It helped us catch a cab at any time of the day or night, was safe and easy to use. Plus while we were there it was raining and with two toddlers we chose to stay dry when things got ultra wet around us.

2 Days In Kuala Lumpur: Where To Stay

Kuala Lumpur has a wide array of accommodation available. From serviced apartments which we adore to five star hotels with spectacular views.

If you have 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, staying somewhere central makes a whole lot of sense. You don’t want to spend extra time getting from place to place because time is crucial! Try and get accommodation next to a metro station.

The first two times that we stayed in the city we stayed at the Vortex suites. Absolutely loved everything about it except that it had a long but doable walk to Bukit Bintang. 

This time there were six of us and we booked late so we got an apartment at Robertson suites. It was  a nice apartment but it was an Airbnb. We checked out at 12 pm and had nowhere to dump our luggage for the rest of the day before our flight, which was a bummer.

The best areas are in Bukit Bintang and KLCC. KL Sentral and Chinatown are also recommended but honestly, I prefer the former two areas.

Best Time To Visit Kuala Lumpur

When people ask me this question I usually answer that there is no time like the present because rain or sun, the city has a lot to offer. 

I’m however going to enumerate a bit more based on our last trip. The rainy season in Kuala Lumpur can really get to you and derail your plans if you aren’t careful. Despite all their carefully laid out plans to manage the water, there are times when the city floods!

Even when it doesn’t flood, the rain does make the city difficult to navigate. Like this time, we planned on heading out to Batu caves. Something that keeps eluding me every time I visit the city! It poured buckets down and we had to cancel so it is left for Kuala Lumpur visit number 4. 

The Perfect 2 Days In Kuala Lumpur Itinerary

With all the important information out of the way, let’s get into the nitty gritty of what you came here to see. What’s the best way to spend 2 days in Kuala Lumpur? How can you pack as much as you can into the 2 days and yet not feel too drained at the end of it?

It does seem like a herculean task and yet we had fun planning our two days. Mind you, be flexible. If you stick to a hard and fast routine you may be disappointed. It is a lesson that we have learned and embraced over the years we have traveled. More so now with two kids than before.

Kuala Lumpur Itinerary: Day 1

The first day of the 2 days in Kuala Lumpur itinerary is spent with a mix of both the outdoors and the iconic buildings in the city. This is probably my favorite part of the whole trip but I love birds and for me the KL Bird park is always a highlight.

Thean Hou Temple

Thean Hou temple is a beautiful temple to visit during your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur.

The Thean Hou Temple is a little away from the main city. At first I was a bit hesitant when it came to spending so much time heading that way. Turns out the temple did not disappoint me. In retrospect, I’m glad that we made the trip. Plus, you get a chance to combine it with Little India which is not too far away.

The Thean Hou Temple is a Taoist temple that is dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess named Mazu. Mazu is also known as the Queen of Heaven and the protector of all those who venture out to sea. It may not look it at first glance but the temple is really six tiered!

Little India

Little India is not far from the iconic Thean Hou temple. The name tells you almost everything that you need to know. Kuala Lumpur, like Penang, has a large Indian community. This part of the city is where you will find loads of things that you will associate with India. So think of colorful textiles, iconic jewelry and loads of food.

The food is one of the things that draws people to this part of the town. Banana leaves serve as plates here. The curries are packed with flavor and you’ll even catch a bite of the Indian street food called dosa.

Don’t be fooled into thinking this area doesn’t have its own set of upscale dining. Classy cocktail bars and upscale bistros also beckon the hungry stomach to their doors. It is definitely a great stop to make during your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur.

KL Bird Park

KL Bird park is an awesome spot to visit during your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur especially if you have kids.

One of my favorite places in Kuala Lumpur is the KL Bird park. This huge enclosure houses numerous different species of birds and it is a great stop with and without kids. I’ve done it both ways and I’ve had fun both times. 

The big difference is that if you have kids in tow, budget for extra time since they will not want to leave.

From flamingos and peacocks to kites and owls, there are loads of different types of birds that you will see at close range. The popular favorites are the macaws and the lories. I know a lot of people love posing with the colorful macaws. My favorite however was the friendly loris that you could feed and spend unlimited time with.

Don’t forget to catch the bird show too!

KL Butterfly Park

If you still have time after the KL bird park, try to head to the KL butterfly garden which isn’t’ very far off. Here you will be able to see different species of butterflies moving about in the enclosure. It is an activity that comes highly recommended. Unfortunately we haven’t had a chance to visit it on any of our visits.

Aquaria KLCC

The Aquaria KLCC is another great place to stop at when you are in the area. It houses many different species of marine life. With over 5000 different exhibits, prepare to spend some time in the area. 

Much like the Underwater world in Langkawi, Aquaria KLCC is a great place to head to if you are interested in marine life. It is also a great spot for kids. I highly recommend visiting it in the afternoon. That way you can stay nice and cool indoors despite the hot sun outdoors. 

Head to Suria KLCC for a quick snack at one of the numerous cafes and then head outside to take in the Petronas twin towers. Alternatively head to one of the cafes that overlook KLCC park to catch a meal with a view.

KLCC Park

KLCC Park is a great place to stroll through both in the evening or at night. A lot of people head here early in the morning. The park is usually packed with people enjoying a stroll, children enjoying the slides and other activities.

With 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, you will definitely be able to snatch a quiet stroll here. It is highly recommended and is such a great break from the city buzz.

2 Days In Kuala Lumpur Itinerary: Day 2

After covering the bird park, Thean Thou temple and the iconic Petronas towers, you will find that there is still lots to cover in the city. 2 days in Kuala Lumpur barely scratches the surface. Let’s not forget about all the day trips that you can take out of the city.

On your second day in Kuala Lumpur, we will cover some of the iconic buildings, the central market and Bukit Bintang. Yes, we also head out for a great sunset view of the city.

Dataran Merdeka

Dataran Merdeka is the iconic city square of Kuala Lumpur that houses a lot of important buildings. It is also a historical landmark. This was the exact spot where the Malaysian flag was hoisted for the first time. In fact, it is also the place where the Merdeka day parade is held every year. 

The square is home to some government buildings which have iconic British architecture that are associated with the colonial era. These buildings have stood the test of time and are pretty to look at.

Central Market

Central market is an interesting stop to visit during your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur.

The Central market is a curious place to stop at during your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur. Like the structures in Dataran Merdeka, teh Central market is also a heritage building which was constructed way back in 1888.

Originally the central market was meant to be a wet market. Today however, the market draws tourists from all over because it offers them an interesting opportunity to buy unique goods. From food to souvenirs, this market houses almost everything under the sun. It is definitely an interesting place to visit during your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, even if you don’t want to buy anything.

Chinatown And Petaling Street Market

Petaling street is a perfect stop during your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur.

Just a stone’s throw away from Central market is Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown and Petaling street market. The roads here are usually packed with hawkers. Expect to see souvenirs of all kinds. It was here that we managed to snag a suitcase for a steal deal. Yes we went to the Meeples café and shopped till we dropped. 

Bukit Bintang

If you truly want to shop during your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, you should head to Bukit Bintang. This bustling part of the city holds a part of my heart. Despite the huge crowds, the constant buzz and the sensory overload, Bukit Bintang draws both locals and tourists to it every single day.

With all kinds of shopping (both luxury and budget), you can find everything you want here. You just have to search. Plus there are loads of places to catch a bite to eat. The food here is amazing.

KL Forest Eco Park

The KL forest eco park is another location that comes highly recommended and unfortunately, I haven’t been able to visit yet. The eco park is a little sanctuary in the city that takes you away from the bustling noisy city life. The canopy walk is one of the iconic things to do here. Most people spend about an hour here but you can also stick around longer should you like the place.

Menara Kuala Lumpur

The Menara in Kuala Lumpur is a great place to add to your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur itinerary.

If you are a person that loves to catch a bird’s eye view of the city, then end your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur by heading to the Menara just before sunset. This will give you a view of the city in full daylight, at sunset and after dark. 

Alternatively you can head to one of the rooftop bars/restaurants in the city for a similar experience. You’ll probably find it more comfortable.

Day Trips from Kuala Lumpur

There are loads of day trips that can be taken outside the city. If this is not your first time in the city, you can rearrange your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur so that you don’t revisit everything you’ve already done. That’s where the day trips from Kuala Lumpur come in handy.

Batu Caves

Batu caves is the most popular day trip from Kuala Lumpur.

Batu caves are an iconic experience. This cave temple draws visitors from all over the world. You can head to this temple on your own by taking the public transport or a Grab. Alternatively you can book a tour online. 

You’ll recognize Batu caves immediately. The iconic photographs of this site feature numerous colorful steps and the towering golden statue of Lord Murugan. Make sure to pack comfortable shoes because there are a lot of steps to climb.

Ipoh

Ipoh is a long but epic trip from Kuala Lumpur.

Ipoh is another day trip that you can include in your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur. People love to book tours to this iconic part of Malaysia. It is a bit far so it means starting early and a whole packed day of activities which may or may not do justice to the location.

Ipoh is famous for its tin mining industry and the Hakka community. It is also a hill station so expect milder weather compared to other parts of Malaysia. Iconic things to see here are Kellie’s castle, Sam Poh Tong temple and Gua Tempurung Cave.

Taman Negara National Park

A short visit to Taman Negara national park can be squeezed into your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur.

Taman Negara national park is one of the most beautiful places to spend time in. Shawn and I have always aimed to visit this place and spend a week here. Unfortunately it hasn’t materialized yet. 

Many people choose to head here as part of a day trip. If you do not mind the short duration, you should consider spending one of your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur here. This park is older than the Amazon and has loads of species of both flora and fauna that are not found in other parts of the world.

Did I mention that it is gorgeous, peaceful and highly recommended?

Melaka

Melaka is the perfect day trip from Kuala Lumpur.

Melaka is another fun place to head to. This is much easier if you have a car rented but like us you can also catch a bus. You can also book a tour to Melaka from Kuala Lumpur.

Many people choose to head to Melaka for a weekend. We spent five days there and most of the time we chilled. There aren’t loads of activities to do here.

The Church of St. Paul in Melaka took us back to the churches of Old Goa. The Portuguese and St. Francis Xavier being the common entities. In addition to this, there is a replica of an iconic Portuguese ship that you can visit. Jonker street beckons everyone to it. Pus let’s not forget the iconic night markets.

If you have time in your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, this is one more spot to add to your list. As you can see, the choice is not easy!

Selangor Fireflies

Selangor is a great place to see fireflies. This has been on my bucket list for a long time and hopefully the next time we head to Malaysia, I will be able to check it off my list.

One easy way to do the Selangor fireflies is to combine it with Batu caves. There are tours that organize these trips and it is a great way to make sure you don’t waste time. Alternatively, you could book a tour that takes you to Selangor to see the fireflies and have dinner.