A week in Kuala Lumpur

As I stepped off the plane, I was immediately greeted by the warm tropical air of Kuala Lumpur. I had heard conflicting opinions about the city, and I was eager to explore it on my own. Over the years, my views about KL have evolved, and I’ve come to realize that the amount of time you spend here is crucial to how much you’ll enjoy your stay. Having visited KL every couple of years as a travel blogger, I can attest that a minimum of three days is a good starting point to experience the city’s diversity.

When it comes to accommodations, KL offers an impressive array of options, including budget-friendly boutique hotels, high-end luxury hotels, and apartments with incredible views. For the ultimate five-star experience, the heritage property The Majestic hotel is an excellent choice, while the brand new Four Seasons offers a luxurious stay guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. However, you don’t necessarily need to splurge on a five-star hotel to experience KL’s charm, and apartments or boutique hotels like Tian Jing Hotel in Chinatown offer exceptional stays with great attention to design detail.

No visit to KL is complete without indulging in one of its most iconic draws: its food. KL has an eclectic mix of Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Muslim cuisines, and it is known as one of Asia’s most underrated food cities. For a satisfying meal, head to Petaling Street in Chinatown, where you can find many stalls offering traditional Chinese dishes, including dark and salty Hokkien mee, peanut-y chee cheong fun, and other must-try delicacies.

One of my favorite destinations in KL is Central Market, with its art deco architecture and historical attractions, including the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station and the charming Masjid Jamek. It’s an ideal place to visit no matter how long your stay is. If time permits, head to KL Sentral and Little India’s Brickfields district to enjoy a tremendous Indian culinary experience. For a morning trip, hop on a train and visit Batu Cave, which has breathtaking colorful stairs, while an afternoon visit to Putrajaya’s enormous mosque is a must.

How many day trips you plan to take is a key part of deciding how long to spend in Kuala Lumpur. Most visitors head southwest to Malacca, where historical Jonker Street offers the perfect window into Malacca’s past. However, the Genting Highlands, known among locals as the “Las Vegas of Malaysia,” is also a great place to escape KL’s heat. Finally, while the Petronas Twin Towers might not be the tallest buildings in KL, they are stunningly beautiful, especially when lit up at night.

In conclusion, Kuala Lumpur is a diverse city that demands attention, and a minimum of three days is a good starting point for experiencing it all. Your visit to KL will surely kick off a more extensive exploration of Malaysia, and you should go to great lengths to set the right tone. Be sure to do your research and plan your itinerary ahead of time for an unforgettable visit to KL.