How to Experience KL in Two Days - A detailed guide for your 48 hours!

 Is it possible to spend two days in Kuala Lumpur and cover the main highlights? If you have to spend 48 hours in KL on your layover in Malaysia, you will have plenty of time to explore most of the city's must-see sites and arrange a day trip to the city's wooded outskirts, where you'll get up close with the most cherished animals in Malaysia. We've put together a list of the city's monuments, iconic architecture, eateries, entertainment spots, and also serene temples and wildlife sanctuaries.

Dudva, The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), CC BY-SA 3.0

Day 1

Morning: Iconic Landmarks

Your very first day in KL should be spent visiting the city centre, which is home to numerous beautiful sites. Make a point of seeing the city's prominent landmarks, like the Petronas Twin Towers, Menara KL Tower, Aquaria KLCC, National Museum and Sultan Abdul Samad Building.  

Afternoon: Haggling in Street Markets

KL's shopping environment is known for being a giant "one-stop souvenir store for just about everything," with Central Market being among the city's most renowned flea markets. Diverse art galleries, boutiques and handicraft and souvenir shops, offering original local batik prints and artwork, are housed in the blue-hued structure, which was built back in 1928. The ever-busy Petaling Street in Chinatown is just a 3-minute walk from Central Market.

Evening: Enjoying the Restaurant Scene

Find your way to the ever famous Jalan Alor located in Bukit Bintang when the sun goes down for a culinary feast of Asian cuisines and local hawker fares. Lines and lines of air-conditioned eateries and stalls line this 5-feet boardwalk, with lots of plastic chairs and tables spreading out into the road. There are also several chic restaurants as well as bistros offering amazing local, Asian, European and Western cuisines, as well as a wide range of alcoholic beverages. Also, if you are looking for a hotel near Bukit Bintang, you can check out properties like The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel.

Night: Partying with the Locals

Changkat Bukit Bintang is the city's most prominent nightlife boulevard, and no vacation to KL is complete without enjoying its bustling nighttime scene. Expect lots of foreign two-storey restaurants, swanky nightclubs, hookah lounges, whiskey bars, and vibrant Irish pubs that are located only a short walk away from Jalan Alor. Havana Bar & Grill, Pisco Bar, and Healy Mac's Irish Pub are some of the best places to visit.

Day 2

Day Trip: Covering Temples and Sanctuaries

Visit Batu Caves and spend the rest of the day enjoying the vibrant Indian temples and their architecture. The main temple that is located within a driving distance from the city centre is housed within a huge limestone cave that requires a maximum of 272 stairs to reach. A gigantic gold statue of Lord Muruga stands near the entryway. 

Animal enthusiasts can also consider taking a day trip to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, which is an animal conservation centre (approximately 1.5 hours from KL) where tourists can feed rescued elephants and enjoy amusing elephant acts. If you'd rather stay in the city, the KL Bird Park is an enclosed bird park with approximately 3,000 birds representing 200 different species from across the world.

Evening: Enjoying Drinks and Beverages with a View from FancyRooftop Bars 

Lastly, toast your two-day stay in KL at Sky Bar, Heli Lounge Bar or Troika Sky Dining, which are among the city's glamorous rooftop clubs. Such nightlife places include an amazing line-up of renowned DJs, entertaining crowds, and stunning night panoramas of the Petronas Twin Towers as well as the KL city centre. It is a good place to relax and unwind before heading to your next destination.