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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
For most, Kuala Lumpur is a stopover to other places within Malaysia or South East Asia. Generally, you only have a day or two to explore this eclectic, richly diverse city. It is busy every day of the year, and at any time of the day, with traffic most days at a standstill and scooters everywhere you look. This is due to its estimated population of 1.76 million people. So here is the best of Kuala Lumpur in 1 day.
Things to know before you go to Kuala Lumpur in 1 day
Visa
If you are unsure whether you need a visa, you should check ivisa as it takes the stress out of searching the embassy information. It is a one-stop shop for all visa enquiries.
Weather
The weather is hot and humid all year-round. Monsoon seasons are Apr–May and Oct–Nov, but rain is possible anytime and can come when you least expect it.
Transport
Grab/Cab – Transport in Kuala Lumpur is affordable, but do not be caught out during peak hours when grab prices can double, and traffic can be horrendous. Try only to use the blue taxi service as they are more reliable; they are a little more pricey.
MRT – Fast, affordable and dependable, and more importantly, it has air conditioning.
Buses – Buses outside of the CBD I wouldn’t even consider. The free bus system (Go KL) within the CBD is a great, free way to get from A to B.
Airconditioning – Kuala Lumpur in 1 day
Always bring along something to protect you from the force of the air conditioning; this is because there is only one temperature setting here – freezing.
KLCC PARK
This park has a 1.3km jogging track that is great for jogging or walks around the grounds. This park is best done early in the morning, before the humidity and the heat from the sun make it unbearable, so remember to bring lots of water, a hat and some sunscreen. However, for most, the highlight of visiting this park is the Lake Symphony, which includes the water fountains and cascading pools.
Shopping in Kuala Lumpur in 1 day
KLCC- tourist discount
Present your passport at the Concierge counter in KLCC and receive discounts to several stores within the complex. Remember to present the card at the point of purchase. Check the store list because not all stores are listed in the discounted directory, so check before shopping.
PETRONAS TOWERS – sky bridge
You may book online or on the day to purchase a ticket. Visiting hours are Tuesday to Sunday between 9-9 pm with a 1-230pm closure on Fridays. Remember, though, if there is too much fog, you won’t see anything from the observation deck, so maybe booking on the day if you aren’t sure might be the best option. The ticketing Counter can be found on the ‘CONCOURSE’ Level of the PETRONAS Twin Towers.
AQUARIA KLCC
A short stroll away, you will find the Aquarium, which is open every day from 10 am to 8 pm. If thunderstorms in the afternoon or the weather gets too hot, this is a great place to spend your afternoon. Check out the feeding times on entry and map your way around from there.
Cool places to eat and drink – Kuala Lumpur in 1 day
Breakfast
The Mandarin Oriental (Mosaic)
Whether you are staying here or not, this place has an excellent breakfast buffet. Breakfast is between 6 am, and 10.30 am, with an array of beautifully presented delicious foods on offer. I am sure that there is something for everyone. The Mandarin Oriental is next door to KLCC, so you won’t be going far to the following location.
Lunch – Kuala Lumpur in 1 day
BENS
Ben’s has been a favourite of mine for a while. So it is a great place to eat for your time in Kuala Lumpur in 1 day, Whether to I am there to grab a coffee or stay for a long lunch. Bens ticks all the boxes on all occasions, and for that reason, it is always busy. I highly recommend The Balsamico Chicken Salad (but ask for the dressing on the side); I love this dish and order it every time.
Dinner and drinks -Kuala Lumpur in 1 day
Mr Chew’s Chino Latino Bar and restaurant
With only within walking distance of this restaurant, this is an ideal location for a day out in and around KLCC. This fusion restaurant has delicious food and fantastic cocktails. It may not be Malaysian food, but it is everything Malaysia stands for “eclectic fusion”, a melting pot of delightful flavours. I highly recommend the Nori taco with sushi rice, salmon belly & salmon roe with tobiko mayo, and Tiger prawn dumplings with water chestnuts, curry vinaigrette & Vietnamese mint to share. They are divine. Do not forget to order the takeaway G & T. It’s my favourite.
Evening Drinks – Kuala Lumpur in 1 day
Sky Bar (Traders Hotel)
The Sky Bar is an excellent place for a nightcap, but it does get pretty busy. Whether you are staying here or not, this place is ideal for a nightcap with such amazing views. Reservations aren’t essential but are recommended to get that perfect seat. If cocktails are your thing, then I recommend the Basil Smash.
Accommodation for Kuala Lumpur in 1 day
The Mandarin Oriental
Great location as everything I recommended is within walking distance from the hotel. I would highly recommend The Mandarin Oriental for a little bit of a splurge for exploring Kuala Lumpur in 1 day, as it has all of the 5 Star qualities a hotel should have; from the pool to the service, this hotel hits it out of the ballpark.
Traders
The location of  Traders Hotel is within walking distance of all of the activities I have recommended on this itinerary. As an added bonus, ask the concierge to pick up your shopping from the designated “buggy” stop! No need to lug all your shopping around when you can have it sent straight to your room from the shopping centre – now that is service!
Thanks for taking the time to read the blog. I hope this post has given you the necessary information before travelling to Kuala Lumpur. If you have any recommendations, tips or travel advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!
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