3 Day Itinerary in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is where we learned two very important lessons: never underestimate how much you can sweat in a single afternoon, and just how many noodles two people can eat in a single sitting. In three days in Kuala Lumpur we managed towers, temples, monkeys, markets and malls, along with a healthy dose of wallowing in our rooftop pool near KLCC.

If you’re planning a 3 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary (or more!), this guide covers exactly what we did, the order we’d actually recommend, and the one big change we’d make if we had our time again. Think of it as the unfiltered version of the city: the food, the chaos, the climbs, the cool-downs, and a couple of tips on the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur to make your trip smoother.

Day 1 - Petronas Towers, KL Tower and Chinatown

We began our Kuala Lumpur itinerary at the city’s most famous landmark, the Petronas Twin Towers. Instead of heading straight to the Petronas Towers observation deck, we wandered into Suria KLCC Mall, grabbed something cold to drink, and took a leisurely lap through the shops. 

We chose not to go up to the KL Tower Sky Deck or the Petronas Skybridge since we knew our hotel’s rooftop pool had skyline views waiting for us. That said, both are among the most popular things to do in Kuala Lumpur city centre – and if you’re visiting for the first time, it’s worth booking tickets in advance for the Petronas Towers observation deck and the KL Tower viewing platform.

From there we strolled out into KLCC Park, one of the best green spaces in the city centre, with fountains, shaded paths and perfect views of the towers. There’s a small pool here with great views of the towers; we dipped our feet and took some photos. 

Next we made our way towards Merdeka Square Kuala Lumpur, detouring past the KL Tower on the way. The walk was a lot longer and sweatier than we imagined, so we’d recommend booking a Grab taxi instead. 

At Merdeka Square, we admired the colonial buildings and the giant parade ground where Malaysia declared independence in 1957. It’s a striking contrast to the modern skyline, and a great way to break up the day before heading into the chaos of Chinatown Kuala Lumpur.

While we explored Jalan Petaling Street, the city’s most famous market, we didn’t buy anything - exploring was enough. Between the neon lights, market stalls and sizzling street food, just wandering through gave us a full taste of the atmosphere. If bargaining for souvenirs or trying hawker food is on your list, this is the place to do it.

By evening, hunger had set in and we found ourselves in a tiny café eating plates of dim sum. We couldn’t tell you the name, but if you’re wondering where to eat in Kuala Lumpur, following your nose to a busy little café is often the best answer.

We ended the night back at Scarletz Suites near KLCC, floating in the rooftop pool with the Petronas Towers glowing in front of us. While we skipped the official sky decks, watching the skyline light up from our pool felt like the perfect way to close out our first day.

Day 2 - Batu Caves and the heat meltdown

Our second day in Kuala Lumpur began with a taxi ride to the famous Batu Caves Kuala Lumpur, one of the most popular day trips and easily one of the best places to visit in the city. At the entrance we were greeted by the massive golden Lord Murugan statue, standing watch over the 272 rainbow-coloured steps that climb into the limestone cliffs. The steps are steep and the humidity makes them feel twice as long, but reaching the top rewards you with vast caverns, colourful Hindu shrines and the occasional monkey determined to steal your snack.

We explored the Batu Caves on our own, which gave us a good taste of the site, but in hindsight we’d book a Batu Caves guided tour next time. Having a guide would add context about the temples, the history of the caves, and their role in Hindu festivals like Thaipusam. It’s one of the most famous things to do in Kuala Lumpur, and a bit of cultural insight would make the visit even more memorable.

Afterwards we headed back into the city to the Perdana Botanical Gardens, also known as the Botanic Gardens Kuala Lumpur. This huge green space is home to an orchid garden, bamboo groves and lakeside trails, and it’s one of the most peaceful escapes in the city centre. Unfortunately, we hit it in the middle of the afternoon heat, and after about 45 minutes of wilting we gave up and called it a day.

The good news was that we’d saved half the gardens for tomorrow morning, when the cooler air would make them much easier to explore.

Day 3 - Gardens, Bukit Bintang and what we should have done

We started our final day back at the Perdana Botanical Gardens, determined to finish what the heat had stopped us doing yesterday. Exploring in the morning made all the difference. We actually got to enjoy the orchid garden, shaded walkways and lakes without feeling like we were about to evaporate. It is one of the best green escapes in Kuala Lumpur and a great way to slow the pace before diving back into the city.

Later, we headed to Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur, the city’s shopping and nightlife district. The flashing billboards, giant malls and rooftop bars are all part of the experience, and it is easy to see why so many people put it high on their list of things to do in Kuala Lumpur. That said, it did not need a full day. After a couple of hours of browsing shops and watching the chaos unfold, we felt we had seen enough.

If we had our time again, we would have squeezed Bukit Bintang into Day 1 after Chinatown and used today for one of the many day trips from Kuala Lumpur. The Cameron Highlands are a bit of a trek, but offer cooler air, rolling tea plantations and strawberry farms. Another easy option is Malacca, a UNESCO-listed old town famous for its colourful streets, riverside walks and fascinating mix of cultures. Both would have been the perfect counterpoint to KL’s malls and skyscrapers.

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

Budget – Chinatown has plenty of hostels and guesthouses if you want cheap beds and street food right on your doorstep.

Mid range – We stayed at Scarletz Suites KLCC and loved it. Big rooms, a rooftop pool with Petronas Tower views, and a central location that made taxis super easy.

Luxury – For a splurge, the Mandarin Oriental sits right by the towers with all the five star touches you would expect.

Final Thoughts

Three days in Kuala Lumpur gave us towers, temples, markets and gardens, and while we would tweak the order a little next time, it was the perfect start to our Malaysia adventure. If you are planning a longer trip, check out our other Malaysia articles for guides to the Perhentian Islands, Taman Negara, and the Cameron Highlands.

Kuala Lumpur Itinerary FAQ

Is 3 days enough for Kuala Lumpur?

Yes. Three days in Kuala Lumpur is enough to see the major sights like the Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, Chinatown and the Botanical Gardens. If you have longer, it is worth adding a day trip to the Cameron Highlands or Malacca.

What is the best way to get around Kuala Lumpur?

We used taxis throughout our trip. They are cheap, reliable and easy to book with Grab. The train and monorail system covers a lot of the city too, but taxis saved us energy in the heat.

What should I not miss in Kuala Lumpur?

The Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, and Chinatown’s Jalan Petaling Street are must-sees. For a calmer side of the city, the Perdana Botanical Gardens is worth a visit.

Where is the best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur?

KLCC is ideal for first-time visitors thanks to its central location and tower views. Scarletz Suites worked perfectly for us with its rooftop pool overlooking the skyline. For budget stays, Chinatown is a good choice, while luxury travellers will love the Mandarin Oriental right by the towers.

What are the best day trips from Kuala Lumpur?

Two of the most popular are the Cameron Highlands and Malacca. The Cameron Highlands takes around 3 to 4 hours by car and offers cool mountain air, tea plantations and strawberry farms. Malacca is about 2 hours away and is known for its colourful old town, riverfront and UNESCO World Heritage status.