As the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur sits at the heart of Malaysia, both geographically and culturally. The name "Kuala Lumpur" actually translates to "Muddy Confluence" in Malay, referring to the spot where the Klang and Gombak rivers merge. There are more than just skyscrapers and luxury shopping malls, it's also a melting pot where Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cultures meet.
Just a short trip from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur is the best weekend getaway. In under an hour, you can be in the heart of KL, enjoying skyscrapers, top attractions, and of course, delicious food!
Getting to and getting around Kuala Lumpur
Getting to Kuala Lumpur
Now that you’re excited to explore the best of Kuala Lumpur, let’s take a look at how to get to KL from Singapore and how to get around the city. Kuala Lumpur is just a hop, skip, and jump away from Singapore!
There are two main airports in KL - Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) & Subang International Airport. Most travellers will likely arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. From there, you can take the KLIA Ekspres or KLIA Transit trains to downtown Kuala Lumpur in 30 minutes. Many hotels also offer convenient airport shuttle services to head straight to your accommodation. It's also a good choice!
| Hotel Name | Location | Distance from KUL | Airport Shuttle |
| Movenpick Hotel & Convention Centre KLIA | Kompleks TH Sepang, Jalan Masjid KLIA, Sepang, Selangor 64000, Malaysia | 7.4km | Airport shuttle pick-up and drop-off for free (at least 1 day in advance to make a reservation) |
| Ibis Styles Sepang KLIA | Jalan KLIA 1/60, Sepang, Selangor 43900, Malaysia | 4.0km | Airport shuttle pick-up and drop-off, shuttle bus service (please contact the hotel for more details) |
If you prefer land travel, you can also take a bus or train, both of which offer budget-friendly options. Express buses run regularly and take around 5 to 6 hours to get to KL, with buses departing from various points in Singapore. Alternatively, trains run on the ETS line, taking about 6 hours and offering comfortable seating along the way.
If you prefer land travel, you can also take a bus. Express buses run regularly from Singapore and take approximately 5 to 6 hours to reach Kuala Lumpur. Buses depart from major terminals such as Golden Mile Complex and Queen Street Bus Terminal.
Getting around Kuala Lumpur
For getting around KL, KL's public transportation is commendable with MRTs, LRTs, and taxis available at your convenience.
- LRT & MRT: The LRT (Light Rail Transit) and MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) are two of the most convenient ways to get around. Both cover major areas in the city, including Chinatown, Bukit Bintang, and KLCC. The price starts from MYR1. You can also use a Touch 'n Go card for easy access.
- KL Monorail: This is another great option, especially if you're heading to Bukit Bintang or Chinatown. It’s a fun way to see the city from above and.
- Taxi: Traditional taxis are also available. Always make sure the driver uses the metre, or agree on a price before you start your journey. E-hailing on Grab is convenient, easy to use, and affordable.
Which part of Kuala Lumpur is best to stay in?
After your arrival in KL, you’ll likely want to find a convenient place to stay. So choosing the right hotel in Kuala Lumpur is important. For proximity to attractions, consider hotels near the Petronas Towers. Chinatown (Petaling Street) offers a more cultural vibe with plenty of street food, markets, and proximity to the LRT. KL Sentral is great if you want to stay close to the main transport hub, where you’ll have easy connections to KLIA Ekspres and the LRT. If you prefer stating near the KL airport, it will be a good choice to catch the flights.
Top attractions in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a city that never sleeps. Ready to explore the top attractions? Check these out.
- Petronas Twin Towers: The tallest twin towers in the world, is an absolute must-see. Don't miss the chance to take in views from the observation deck! You will find you are out of reality there.
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park: There are thrilling rides for all ages to enjoy the joyful world of six theme parks. It's a perfect spot for families.
- Petaling Street Market: Petaling Street is Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, famous for selling handicrafts, clothing and delicious local specialities. You will find all the uniques in KL here.
- Merdeka Square: This is where the Malaysian flag was first raised to symbolise independence from British Rule. It's an essential stop if you are interested in culture and heritage.
- KL Hop-On Hop-Off: Want to explore Kuala Lumpur in an interesting way? You can hop on and off at any time to spin around Kuala Lumpur by sightseeing bus.
- Jalan Alor: It's a food street with numerous local dishes. As a foodies, do remember to explore delicious food here.
Essentials for travelling in Kuala Lumpur
When planning your trip to Kuala Lumpur, it’s important to be equipped with essential information! Find the tips below to make your trip smoother.
| Essential | Details |
| Time Zone | GMT +8, which is the same as Singapore |
| Currency | Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) |
| Language | Malay (Bahasa Malaysia), English |
| Emergency Numbers | Police: 999 |
| Plugs | Type G, which is the same as Singapore |
| Connectivity | Local SIM card or Malaysia eSIM |
Kuala Lumpur's weather and what to wear
Kuala Lumpur has a tropical rainforest climate. The sunshine and showers can happen on the same day here. Temperatures in KL usually range from 22°C to 33°C. The best times are from May to July and December to February when rainfall is minimal. It's recommended to pack lightweight clothing, a raincoat or umbrella, and comfortable shoes for city walk.
What to eat in Kuala Lumpur?
- Nasi Lemak: Malaysia’s national dish! Creamy, fragrant rice cooked in rich coconut milk and pandan leaves, with a spicy sambal, crispy anchovies, and egg. One bite and you’ll be hooked!
- Char Kway Teow: Picture this: stir-fried flat rice noodles, prawns, cockles, Chinese sausage, eggs, and crunchy bean sprouts all tossed together in a savoury dark soy sauce. A flavour explosion in every bite!
- Roti Canai: A crispy, flaky flatbread that’s irresistibly addictive! Dipped into dhal or curry, it’s a Malaysian breakfast favourite.
- Satay: Skewered, grilled meat coated in a smoky, charred glaze and served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce, pair it with crunchy cucumber and rice cakes.
- Laksa: Spicy noodles with a coconut-based curry broth, with prawns, chicken, tofu puffs, and bean sprouts. It’s the perfect balance of rich, spicy, and refreshing all in one bowl.
Excellent
1040 Reviews