Kuala Lumpur itinerary
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Kuala Lumpur itinerary
I will be flying into Kuala Lumpur on November 2nd. I'm trying to plan how long to stay before flying back out. My tentative itinerary is the following:
November 2: Fly in (afternoon), Petronas Twin Tower (mostly wanting to see the building, not too concerned about going up), Jalan Alor at night for the night market.
November 3: KL Bird Park (also near the Butterfly Park, which I could visit if it's worth the trip), Central Market (mostly interested in looking around and not buying many things), and Chinatown evening/night to look around and see the night market
November 4: Aquaria KLCC and Little India (very interested in the Little India Night market on Saturday)
November 5: Day trip from Kuala Lumpur. I heard about waterfalls that sound interesting, or an elephant park, or Melaka (spelling?). I don't know which I prefer...
November 6: Batu Caves. I don't want to visit during the weekend, because many sites say it is very crowded then.
November 7: fly out
My questions are the following: is this itinerary too much? Should I extend my trip? What day trip would you recommend for November 5? How much should I plan on budgeting for the trip, excluding flights and accommodation? Also, if I wanted to see the Sultan Abdul Samad Building (I heard it looks best in the evening), which day should I try to go? Are there any recommendations for my trip, such as adding or subtracting some items from the list or advice about transportation?
About me: I like nature and history and culture, so I love seeing places with lots of culture. I'm not big on buying things, but I love window shopping (but not really posh places). I am in my early twenties (female), and will be traveling alone. I've lived in Korea and visited Japan and Taiwan, but this will be my first solo trip. I like night markets, but my family is also worried about my safety being alone in a foreign country, especially at night.
Thanks for the help!!
November 2: Fly in (afternoon), Petronas Twin Tower (mostly wanting to see the building, not too concerned about going up), Jalan Alor at night for the night market.
November 3: KL Bird Park (also near the Butterfly Park, which I could visit if it's worth the trip), Central Market (mostly interested in looking around and not buying many things), and Chinatown evening/night to look around and see the night market
November 4: Aquaria KLCC and Little India (very interested in the Little India Night market on Saturday)
November 5: Day trip from Kuala Lumpur. I heard about waterfalls that sound interesting, or an elephant park, or Melaka (spelling?). I don't know which I prefer...
November 6: Batu Caves. I don't want to visit during the weekend, because many sites say it is very crowded then.
November 7: fly out
My questions are the following: is this itinerary too much? Should I extend my trip? What day trip would you recommend for November 5? How much should I plan on budgeting for the trip, excluding flights and accommodation? Also, if I wanted to see the Sultan Abdul Samad Building (I heard it looks best in the evening), which day should I try to go? Are there any recommendations for my trip, such as adding or subtracting some items from the list or advice about transportation?
About me: I like nature and history and culture, so I love seeing places with lots of culture. I'm not big on buying things, but I love window shopping (but not really posh places). I am in my early twenties (female), and will be traveling alone. I've lived in Korea and visited Japan and Taiwan, but this will be my first solo trip. I like night markets, but my family is also worried about my safety being alone in a foreign country, especially at night.
Thanks for the help!!
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Hi,
If it were me, I'd extend my trip for another day (or two). This is for the day trip on November 5. Malacca (Melaka) has many to offer. You need at least 2 days to explore it. The main attractions located at 2 areas which are Bandar Hilir and Ayer Keroh. The former is more about the history part. You can see the ruins of old fort during the Portugese reign, replica of old Malacca Sultanate Palace, old churches, old town (Jonker) and traditional village (Morten Village) along the Malacca river. In Ayer Keroh, my favorite is the "Taman Mini Malaysia". Here you can see the replica of traditional houses for each states and ethnicity in Malaysia. Visiting here would be the best way to learn about the country's traditional architecture. There are also zoo and crocodile park that you can visit. You can ride elephant at the zoo too!
http://www.wonderfulmalaysia.com/mal...y-malaysia.htm
Sultan Abdul Samad building has nothing to see inside. But from outside, yes, it looks stunning. You can visit it any day you want. But, please avoid around 5-7 pm on weekdays since the traffic is really bad there because of the peak hour.
About your budget, it depends on which mode of transportation you prefer to take. Public transportation is very cheap here as compared to Seoul. You might want to buy the MyRapid Pass to travel around KL since it offers 20% discounted rate for your journey using Rapid LRT, Monorel and bus (google this). The express bus to Malacca will cost you around RM15. But, if you want to drive, you can hire car for RM100 to RM200 per day.
For transportation, I'd like to suggest you to hop on the GoKL bus for sightseeing around KL. It is free and run through almost all KL main attractions. Please check here for the places it will stop at: http://www.gokl.com.my/ . To go to Batu Caves, you can take KTM Komuter from KL Sentral to Batu Caves. Then, just follow the crowd or ask the officer at the station on how to go there (avoid asking strangers since it's quite dangerous there). To go to Malacca, if you don't want to drive, you can take bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) which is easily accessible by LRT (Bandar Tasik Selatan) to go to Malacca. From there, you can take Uber, or taxi to your accommodation. The attractions in Ayer Keroh and Bandar Hilir are all within walking distance to each other. So, you can ask the Uber or taxi driver to bring you to that area, and you can walk to the attractions you want to go.
And, the best night market, apart from the one at Petaling Street would be in Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. You can taste local street foods here. It is always open on Saturday. It is located very near to the Dataran Merdeka (maybe you can combine Central Market, Petaling Street, Dataran Merdeka and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman together. They're quite close to each other). You can go here by taking LRT to Bandaraya station. Then, from there, you need to walk towards Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. You can easily see the crowd and stalls selling variety of foods there. The area is also quite interesting if you want to see the traditional clothes and the local fashion.
About safety, I lie if I say Malaysia is a safe country. No, we're not. There are a lot of things happen here. But, I do think it is the same for other countries too. Just remember to be careful. Do your homework prior to leave your hotel, remember which train or bus you should take, which station you should hop off and all. Act like a local, and you'll be safe.
If you've any further question, feel free to ask me. I'm a Malaysian, born and live in KL (and also in Pahang, Perlis and Perak). I'm very familiar with the city and the whole country too since I love to travel a lot here!
If it were me, I'd extend my trip for another day (or two). This is for the day trip on November 5. Malacca (Melaka) has many to offer. You need at least 2 days to explore it. The main attractions located at 2 areas which are Bandar Hilir and Ayer Keroh. The former is more about the history part. You can see the ruins of old fort during the Portugese reign, replica of old Malacca Sultanate Palace, old churches, old town (Jonker) and traditional village (Morten Village) along the Malacca river. In Ayer Keroh, my favorite is the "Taman Mini Malaysia". Here you can see the replica of traditional houses for each states and ethnicity in Malaysia. Visiting here would be the best way to learn about the country's traditional architecture. There are also zoo and crocodile park that you can visit. You can ride elephant at the zoo too!
http://www.wonderfulmalaysia.com/mal...y-malaysia.htm
Sultan Abdul Samad building has nothing to see inside. But from outside, yes, it looks stunning. You can visit it any day you want. But, please avoid around 5-7 pm on weekdays since the traffic is really bad there because of the peak hour.
About your budget, it depends on which mode of transportation you prefer to take. Public transportation is very cheap here as compared to Seoul. You might want to buy the MyRapid Pass to travel around KL since it offers 20% discounted rate for your journey using Rapid LRT, Monorel and bus (google this). The express bus to Malacca will cost you around RM15. But, if you want to drive, you can hire car for RM100 to RM200 per day.
For transportation, I'd like to suggest you to hop on the GoKL bus for sightseeing around KL. It is free and run through almost all KL main attractions. Please check here for the places it will stop at: http://www.gokl.com.my/ . To go to Batu Caves, you can take KTM Komuter from KL Sentral to Batu Caves. Then, just follow the crowd or ask the officer at the station on how to go there (avoid asking strangers since it's quite dangerous there). To go to Malacca, if you don't want to drive, you can take bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) which is easily accessible by LRT (Bandar Tasik Selatan) to go to Malacca. From there, you can take Uber, or taxi to your accommodation. The attractions in Ayer Keroh and Bandar Hilir are all within walking distance to each other. So, you can ask the Uber or taxi driver to bring you to that area, and you can walk to the attractions you want to go.
And, the best night market, apart from the one at Petaling Street would be in Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. You can taste local street foods here. It is always open on Saturday. It is located very near to the Dataran Merdeka (maybe you can combine Central Market, Petaling Street, Dataran Merdeka and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman together. They're quite close to each other). You can go here by taking LRT to Bandaraya station. Then, from there, you need to walk towards Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. You can easily see the crowd and stalls selling variety of foods there. The area is also quite interesting if you want to see the traditional clothes and the local fashion.
About safety, I lie if I say Malaysia is a safe country. No, we're not. There are a lot of things happen here. But, I do think it is the same for other countries too. Just remember to be careful. Do your homework prior to leave your hotel, remember which train or bus you should take, which station you should hop off and all. Act like a local, and you'll be safe.
If you've any further question, feel free to ask me. I'm a Malaysian, born and live in KL (and also in Pahang, Perlis and Perak). I'm very familiar with the city and the whole country too since I love to travel a lot here!
#3
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To be honest with you, I wouldn't spend that much time in KL. There are more interesting places to visit in Malaysia. I'd recommend Georgetown, Penang. I've visited KL a number of times and while I can always find things to interest me, it's harder in KL than in ,any other places. What made you choose KL as your stop in Malaysia?
I recommend not visiting any elephant park unless you know for certain that the elephants are humanely treated.
I recommend not visiting any elephant park unless you know for certain that the elephants are humanely treated.
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@billsein thanks so much for all the info! So Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman is only open on Saturdays? Also, I heard that taxis aren't safe and I should call to reserve one instead of getting in one from the street...would you say that's true or is it safe?
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@Kathy I wanted to see Malaysia, but many people I talked to advised me to stay in the Kuala Lumpur area. Maybe they are paranoid, but they told me that it was the safest area for solo travel. And yes, that's why I'm hesitant about the elephant park. I don't want to encourage animal mistreatment in any way..
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Personally I wouldn't recommend a single woman to take taxis in KL, I have very little trust in the drivers
They are also a nightmare to deal with as they won't go on the meter, for example last Saturday they tried to charge me 60 ringgit for a 10 km trip, instead I used Grab for 20 RM
Their driving ability is appalling and it's a white knuckle ride. I would suggest using public transport, trains and buses but I wouldn't use them later in the evening.
For a single woman, I would recommend Singapore or HK way above somewhere like Malaysia
They are also a nightmare to deal with as they won't go on the meter, for example last Saturday they tried to charge me 60 ringgit for a 10 km trip, instead I used Grab for 20 RM
Their driving ability is appalling and it's a white knuckle ride. I would suggest using public transport, trains and buses but I wouldn't use them later in the evening.
For a single woman, I would recommend Singapore or HK way above somewhere like Malaysia
#7
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@ellisbell12, the Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman open all day, but the night market will be there only on Saturday, starting from 2pm onwards.
Regarding the taxis, it is safe, but the fares can be very high especially if they know you're tourist. You should take Uber instead. Do download the apps prior leaving for KL. With Uber, you'll be riding a private car drive by local people. They're normally super nice, super friendly and very informative too. My brother drives one. The fares also are fixed by the company.You can pay them by credit card when making your reservation for the car ride, or by cash to the driver.
Don't worry too much about the safety in Malaysia. You just need to be careful. I'd recommend you to carry backpack instead of handbag or slingbag. Don't hold your phone when crossing the street, put it in your pocket.
Oh, btw, about the elephant park. Don't worry too much. In Malaysia, the only elephant park is located at Pahang, and operated by the Malaysian Department of Wildlife and National Parks. It is actually a sanctuary for the elephant. It aims to relocate the elephants who lose their habitat due to deforestation and all. It is basically to conserve them, not for entertainment purposes. So, do rest assure about any animal parks in Malaysia. Most of them aims to save and rescue the animals. They aims to educate people about this, not to harm the animals.
Regarding the taxis, it is safe, but the fares can be very high especially if they know you're tourist. You should take Uber instead. Do download the apps prior leaving for KL. With Uber, you'll be riding a private car drive by local people. They're normally super nice, super friendly and very informative too. My brother drives one. The fares also are fixed by the company.You can pay them by credit card when making your reservation for the car ride, or by cash to the driver.
Don't worry too much about the safety in Malaysia. You just need to be careful. I'd recommend you to carry backpack instead of handbag or slingbag. Don't hold your phone when crossing the street, put it in your pocket.
Oh, btw, about the elephant park. Don't worry too much. In Malaysia, the only elephant park is located at Pahang, and operated by the Malaysian Department of Wildlife and National Parks. It is actually a sanctuary for the elephant. It aims to relocate the elephants who lose their habitat due to deforestation and all. It is basically to conserve them, not for entertainment purposes. So, do rest assure about any animal parks in Malaysia. Most of them aims to save and rescue the animals. They aims to educate people about this, not to harm the animals.
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I have been traveling in SE Asia for more years than you have been alive. I have traveled solo, with a man and wth another woman. One does need to be alert and careful of one's possessions, as mentioned above, just as you do anywhere in the world. Especially in VN there are "grab and go" thieves. I'm not so sure you are better off with a backpack. But I've not had problems with taxi drivers, perhaps because I am very clear where I am going and I insist that the meter be turned on before we go anywhere. In all of my years of travel in SE Asia, only once have I had to get out of a taxi because the driver won't turn on the meter.
Also, it is safer (in terms of not being overcharged) to get a taxi at a hotel or at a taxi line at a shopping center.
I can't imagine why your friends would tell you only to go to KL. Georgetown in smaller, friendlier, and taxi drivers are less likely to try to scam you. Kuching is also a lovely place. And I don't think that going to KL gives you a sense of the whole country.
Also, it is safer (in terms of not being overcharged) to get a taxi at a hotel or at a taxi line at a shopping center.
I can't imagine why your friends would tell you only to go to KL. Georgetown in smaller, friendlier, and taxi drivers are less likely to try to scam you. Kuching is also a lovely place. And I don't think that going to KL gives you a sense of the whole country.
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I suggest you buy yourself a cheap local sim card. Top up RM20-RM30.
Download Grab and Uber apps. When you want to go anywhere, you can compare the prices. But they are both so much cheaper than taxis.
Lots of traffic in KL. The meters on taxis will still run even in a traffic jam!
Grabs and Ubers are fixed price. You know what youre paying BEFORE you even jump in the ride.
After midnight, taxi fares are DOUBLE. Grabs and Uber are the same even after midnight.
But fares for Grab and Uber will rise slightly during peak times.
KL is notorious for grab and run thieves. They usually operate on motorbikes. So just be vigilant.
Download Grab and Uber apps. When you want to go anywhere, you can compare the prices. But they are both so much cheaper than taxis.
Lots of traffic in KL. The meters on taxis will still run even in a traffic jam!
Grabs and Ubers are fixed price. You know what youre paying BEFORE you even jump in the ride.
After midnight, taxi fares are DOUBLE. Grabs and Uber are the same even after midnight.
But fares for Grab and Uber will rise slightly during peak times.
KL is notorious for grab and run thieves. They usually operate on motorbikes. So just be vigilant.
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Okay, how about this for the tentative itinerary? Is it doable/good?
November 2: Fly in (afternoon), Petronas Twin Tower (mostly wanting to see the building, not too concerned about going up), Jalan Alor at night for the night market.
November 3: KL Bird Park (also near the Butterfly Park, which I could visit if it's worth the trip), Central Market (mostly interested in looking around and not buying many things), and Chinatown evening/night to look around and see the night market
November 4: Aquaria KLCC and Little India (very interested in the Little India Night market on Saturday)
November 5: early morning travel to Melaka, Melaka
November 6: Melaka
November 7: travel back to Kuala Lumpur, rest, maybe see the Sultan Abdul Samad Building
November 8: Batu Caves
November 9:fly out
November 2: Fly in (afternoon), Petronas Twin Tower (mostly wanting to see the building, not too concerned about going up), Jalan Alor at night for the night market.
November 3: KL Bird Park (also near the Butterfly Park, which I could visit if it's worth the trip), Central Market (mostly interested in looking around and not buying many things), and Chinatown evening/night to look around and see the night market
November 4: Aquaria KLCC and Little India (very interested in the Little India Night market on Saturday)
November 5: early morning travel to Melaka, Melaka
November 6: Melaka
November 7: travel back to Kuala Lumpur, rest, maybe see the Sultan Abdul Samad Building
November 8: Batu Caves
November 9:fly out
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Hi @ellisbell1,
Your plan look ok, but why must you travel to same area in different day? Here's my suggestion:
Nov 2:
Go to Bukit Bintang area. There's nothing much to see. Just malls here and there. But, assuming you'll start in late afternoon, I suggest you to check out this place after settling down in your hotel. End your day by going to Jalan Alor.
Nov 3:
Why don't you combine the Aquaria with the twin tower? They're located in the same area. KLCC is very big! It stands for Kuala Lumpur City Centre. There are even public park there and a mall named Suria KLCC. Why not start your day by walking around the park (you can take great picture of Twin Tower from the park). Then, make your way to the KL Convention Centre where the Aquaria is located (it is located beside the mall). Take your lunch in the mall. Then, take the LRT (which the station is accessible by the mall) to KL Sentral, then, take monorel to Tun Sambanthan to see the Litte India.
Nov 4:
There are also quite a number of places you can visit around the Bird Park. But, I recommend you to visit the National Mosque (Masjid Negara) which is within walking distance from the Bird Park. The architecture is amazing! There are also Butterfly Park and National Monument (which built as a remembrance of national heroes before independence). This area is quite near to the Dataran Merdeka which is opposite to the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Check the google maps to plan your route. But, I suggest you to take Uber to National Monument, then to Butterfly Park. You can walk to Bird Park, then to National Mosque. From there, you can walk for 15 minutes to reach Dataran Merdeka.
Nov 7:
You might want to combine Central Market and Chinatown together for a day. I suggest you to do this on the November 7. You can start your day in afternoon. Take LRT to Pasar Seni. Central Market is located just outside of the station. Take your time walking inside it. Then, walk towards Petaling Street (Chinatown).
The rest of the day is fine. But, may I know where you'll be staying? I suggest you to stay very near to LRT station.
Your plan look ok, but why must you travel to same area in different day? Here's my suggestion:
Nov 2:
Go to Bukit Bintang area. There's nothing much to see. Just malls here and there. But, assuming you'll start in late afternoon, I suggest you to check out this place after settling down in your hotel. End your day by going to Jalan Alor.
Nov 3:
Why don't you combine the Aquaria with the twin tower? They're located in the same area. KLCC is very big! It stands for Kuala Lumpur City Centre. There are even public park there and a mall named Suria KLCC. Why not start your day by walking around the park (you can take great picture of Twin Tower from the park). Then, make your way to the KL Convention Centre where the Aquaria is located (it is located beside the mall). Take your lunch in the mall. Then, take the LRT (which the station is accessible by the mall) to KL Sentral, then, take monorel to Tun Sambanthan to see the Litte India.
Nov 4:
There are also quite a number of places you can visit around the Bird Park. But, I recommend you to visit the National Mosque (Masjid Negara) which is within walking distance from the Bird Park. The architecture is amazing! There are also Butterfly Park and National Monument (which built as a remembrance of national heroes before independence). This area is quite near to the Dataran Merdeka which is opposite to the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Check the google maps to plan your route. But, I suggest you to take Uber to National Monument, then to Butterfly Park. You can walk to Bird Park, then to National Mosque. From there, you can walk for 15 minutes to reach Dataran Merdeka.
Nov 7:
You might want to combine Central Market and Chinatown together for a day. I suggest you to do this on the November 7. You can start your day in afternoon. Take LRT to Pasar Seni. Central Market is located just outside of the station. Take your time walking inside it. Then, walk towards Petaling Street (Chinatown).
The rest of the day is fine. But, may I know where you'll be staying? I suggest you to stay very near to LRT station.
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Thanks so much for the advice! My friend in Singapore told me there is a bus to Singapore from Melaka. Would it be too difficult to try to take a day trip to Singapore to see her? Maybe leave early one morning, arrive in the afternoon, stay overnight,then go back to Melaka in the afternoon?
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I'd cut a day from Kuala Lumpur. You can get to the airport via the train, about 30 minutes. Your hotel can help you with which train to catch, how much time to allow. You'll want to allow plenty of time, since this is an international flight.
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The KLIA Transit Train is the easiest and quickest way to the airport. It takes around 40 mins. A taxi can easily be double that. http://www.klia2.info/rail-train-services/klia-transit
You could save a lot of time that morning by staying somewhere close to KL Sentral from where the trains leave for the airport. Allow some time to check out where to get the train as KLS can be a little confusing. Also, be aware that KLIA is not the quickest or most efficient airport and queues can be long for immigration checks. Do a low plenty of time. If your actual departure is at 8am I would aim to get one of the earliest trains out.
Where to lose a day? As Kathie suggested, take it from KL , I would probably combine, Nov 7 & 8.
You could save a lot of time that morning by staying somewhere close to KL Sentral from where the trains leave for the airport. Allow some time to check out where to get the train as KLS can be a little confusing. Also, be aware that KLIA is not the quickest or most efficient airport and queues can be long for immigration checks. Do a low plenty of time. If your actual departure is at 8am I would aim to get one of the earliest trains out.
Where to lose a day? As Kathie suggested, take it from KL , I would probably combine, Nov 7 & 8.
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