Day 1: Arriving in Kuala Lumpur & Bukit Bintang | Malaysia Purple Travel Guide
The first day of our Malaysia Purple Travel Guide itinerary starts with your arrival in Kuala Lumpur, the high-energy capital of Malaysia. Your arrival will likely be in the morning and your first impression of the country will likely be the heat and its sprawling, high-tech infrastructure. This city is a beautiful mix of colonial history, massive skyscrapers, and some of the best street food in the world.
Your first day is about settling into the rhythm of the city and experiencing the legendary culinary scene, vibrant street art, and world-class rooftop views of the Bukit Bintang district.
Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.
free GuruWalk tours
paid Viator tours
What to Know When Arriving at KLIA
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is massive and consists of two main terminals: KLIA1 (for most international full-service carriers) and KLIA2 (primarily for budget airlines like AirAsia).
- Immigration: You must ensure you have completed the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within three days before your arrival. This is now a mandatory requirement for almost all foreign visitors.
- Currency: While credit cards are widely accepted in malls, you will need Malaysian Ringgit (RM) for street food and small shops. There are numerous ATMs and currency exchange booths in the arrivals hall.
- SIM Cards: You can find several kiosks (such as Maxis/Hotlink or Celcom/Digi) right after you exit customs. A local SIM with plenty of data is very affordable and essential for using the Grab app.
How to Save 50% on the Airport Train
To reduce the cost from RM55 to approximately RM23, you should not buy a single ticket to KL Sentral. Instead, you can do the following:
- Stop 1: Buy a KLIA Transit ticket from the airport to Putrajaya & Cyberjaya station (RM9.40).
- The Transfer: Exit the station through the gantry and immediately turn around to buy a second ticket from Putrajaya & Cyberjaya to KL Sentral (RM14.00).
- Total Cost: You will pay roughly RM23.40, which is more than 50% cheaper than the direct RM55 fare.
Comparison: Ekspres vs. Transit (via Putrajaya)
Feature |
KLIA Ekspres (Red) |
KLIA Transit (Green - Split Ticket) |
|---|---|---|
Price |
RM55.00 |
Approx. RM23.40 |
Duration |
28–33 minutes |
Approx. 45–50 minutes (including transfer) |
Stops |
Non-stop |
3 stops (Salak Tinggi, Putrajaya, Bandar Tasik Selatan) |
Convenience |
Direct |
Requires exiting and re-entering the gantry. |
Is it worth it for you?
- If you have heavy luggage: The direct KLIA Ekspres or a Grab (usually RM65–RM80) may be better, as exiting the gantry with many bags can be a hassle.
- If you are on a budget: The KLIA Transit split-ticket method is the best middle ground between the expensive express train and the very slow airport bus (which costs RM15 but can take over an hour in traffic).
Important Note
You must physically exit the gantry at Putrajaya and tap back in with your second ticket. If you stay on the train without a valid ticket for the second leg, the exit gantry at KL Sentral will not open and you may be asked to pay the full RM55 fare.
Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a sprawling city, so choosing a central location is vital to avoid spending your trip stuck in the notorious KL traffic. For your itinerary, you should focus on these key areas:
- Bukit Bintang (The Golden Triangle): This is the retail and entertainment heart of the city. If you want to be within walking distance of massive malls, street food, and the monorail, this is the place to be.
- Accommodation Type: High-end international hotels and trendy boutique stays.
- KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre): This area surrounds the Petronas Towers and the park. It is more corporate and polished than Bukit Bintang.
- Accommodation Type: Ultra-luxury hotels and high-rise serviced apartments with infinity pools.
- Chinatown (Petaling Street): Perfect for travelers who prefer a more historic, gritty, and atmospheric vibe.
- Accommodation Type: Restored heritage shophouses and award-winning ‘flashpacker’ hostels.
Here you can find the accommodations that are available during your trip:
Afternoon & Evening: The Bukit Bintang Experience
Jalan Alor Food Street
Start your Malaysian food journey at the city's most famous culinary thoroughfare. While it is legendary for its neon-lit night market, many stalls open for lunch, offering a more relaxed way to soak in the atmosphere. The air here is thick with the aroma of "Wok Hei" (the breath of the wok) as vendors stir-fry flat rice noodles and grill seasoned meats. It is a sensory explosion where you can try anything from giant chili prawns to cooling coconut ice cream served in a shell.
Alor Backspace Street Art
Just a few steps behind the smoky grills of Jalan Alor lies a hidden world of vibrant color. These transformed alleys were once "dead" back lanes but are now covered in massive, floor-to-ceiling murals depicting lush tropical jungles, glowing clouds, and scenes of local Malaysian life. It is an open-air gallery that offers a quiet, creative escape from the city noise and serves as the perfect spot for photography enthusiasts looking for that "secret KL" shot.
Changkat Bukit Bintang
Take a stroll through this lively avenue, which serves as the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s upscale social scene. The street is lined with beautifully restored pre-war colonial shophouses that have been converted into trendy bars, Irish pubs, and international bistros. During the afternoon, it is a great place for a quiet coffee and to admire the architecture, but as the sun sets, the street transforms with live bands and some of the best happy hour deals in the city.
Pavilion KL
Visit one of Malaysia's premier shopping destinations, a massive complex that defines the luxury lifestyle of Bukit Bintang. Before entering, take a moment to admire the Liuli Crystal Fountain, a national landmark at the main entrance. Inside, you can explore 'Tokyo Street' on the upper levels for authentic Japanese treats or head to the gourmet 'Food Republic' in the basement. It is more than just a mall; it is a high-tech hub of retail therapy and international dining.
Lot 10 Hutong Food Market
For your final meal of the day, head to the basement of the Lot 10 shopping mall. Unlike a typical food court, Hutong is a "heritage" food hall where every stall was hand-picked from the most famous street food vendors across Malaysia. This allows you to try legendary, multi-generational dishes—like Kim Lian Kee’s Charcoal Fried Hokkien Mee—in air-conditioned comfort without having to track down the original stalls across the city.
Read our full review of Lot 10 Hutong to find out more about this foodie paradise.
Heli Lounge Bar
End your night with a truly breathtaking view. This bar is a fully operational helipad by day and transforms into an open-air lounge by night. There are no walls or glass fences—just a simple safety rope—offering a $360\text{-degree}$, unobstructed view of the Petronas Twin Towers and the KL Tower. Watching the city lights flicker to life from a helipad is an unforgettable experience that perfectly captures the "high-tech" spirit of Kuala Lumpur.
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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel
Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.
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