Map of Kuala Lumpur

Aside from being the hub of Southeast Asia’s best budget airline AirAsia, Kuala Lumpur is a hidden gem that many tourists often skip over. Kuala Lumpur has a fascinating culture and tourism sites that are worth a stop over or even a few days of vacation to experience. Here are recommended tips on how to successfully spend three days in Kuala Lumpur:

Day 1: Batu Caves:

The Batu Caves are a very meaningful daytrip that is still accessible from public transportation within Kuala Lumpur. If you are staying downtown, it is highly recommended that you take the commuter rail from KL Sentral until nearly the last stop. On the train, you will see signs indicating to get off for the caves and do not have to take a tour group there. One of the main aspects of the Batu Caves that tourists enjoy are the monkeys that steal the show. Be careful of the monkeys stealing your water bottles and food. The Batu Caves are formed from limestone that is said to be even older than 400 million years in age. The caves were said to be a place where the Temuan indigenous people took shelter. The caves were used as a place of worship by K. Thamboosamy Pillai in the 1800’s, which is how they became the religious shrine that they are today. The caves have a sacred energy about them due to the rock formations and natural water that drips from the stones. Taking a daytrip out to the Batu Caves is a very meaningful way to spend a day in Kuala Lumpur.

Day 2: Islamic Arts Museums and Mosques:

One of the most important aspects to observe about Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia in general is that there is a Muslim part that is also surrounded by other cultures and religions. Within the Muslim part of the local culture is a spectacular modern art museum. Having visited this museum, it is a gorgeous white walled building that showcases gorgeous Islam texts and artworks that are in paintings, calligraphy, and ceramic tiles. The museum has a gorgeous fountain in the center with clear glass windows for reflection and is a sacred space in its own right. After seeing the modern art museum, take the time to enter a mosque respectfully. If you are a woman, dress how they ask you to. Entering into these structures shows you another dimension of the culture in Kuala Lumpur and is a necessary way to spend one of your days.

Day 3: Little India and the PETRONAS Towers:

Little India is a wonderful way to spend a day eating delicious food in Kuala Lumpur. There is a wonderful local market where souvenirs can be purchased. What is also special about Little India is that you will be able to see another dimension to the Malaysian culture and that is the Hindu influence. This part of the city is very distinct and is worth exploring and dining during your stay. If this does not take you all day, go visit the PETRONAS Towers, which was one of the world’s tallest buildings for many years before Dubai won.

Overview

Kuala Lumpur is a remarkable city to explore and represents a fascinating epicenter of global culture between the various histories, languages, and religions that coexist within one culture. Be sure to pay Kuala Lumpur a visit and also take the time to explore other parts of Malaysia such as Penang. Doing so will provide you with an amazing traveling experience in which you will be able to learn about a culture that is vastly different than your own.