Read below for where to stay, where to eat and what to do in Kuala Lumpur!
We spent 11 days in Kuala Lumpur and absolutely loved it. We are traveling long term, so used this as a base to re-set and get back into a routine. In my opinion, 11 days is overkill for the typical traveller, but I recommend at least staying for 3 nights/4 days to fully experience everything KL has to offer. It is a great spot to layover if traveling to other places in Asia. It is a big city with modern infrastructure, where most everyone speaks English. The value is unparalleled—you get a lot for your money here (if traveling on the USD). It is also a huge foodie scene, so come hungry!
Below is a breakdown of where we stayed, where we ate and what we did! If you are planning a trip there, I simply recommend book marking all these spots on Google Maps so it is easy to navigate once there. As always, reach out with any questions :)
**Items that have a star are my personal favorites!
Hotels:
*Hotel Stripe (Autograph Collection)
Favorite location in the city near Heritage Row
Beautiful rooftop with infinity pool and views of KLCC tower
The RuMa (higher end)
Restaurants/Food/Coffee Shops:
*Heritage Pizza KL (dinner)
*Limapulo: Baba Can Cook (lunch or dinner)
Michelin rated; get the Laksa soup
*Niko Neko Matcha 2.0 - Chinatown (matcha/pastries)
Matcha lovers (like me) heaven
Feeka Coffee Roasters (breakfast)
Tapesty (breakfast/lunch)
108 Coffee - Chow Kit
The Qing KL (dinner)
*Concubine KL (dinner)
Must do for dinner - their yuzu spinach salad is amazing
Make a reservation and try to sit upstairs; DJ comes on at 11 on the weekends and it turns into a huge party
*Olea (dinner)
*Biang Biang Hand Smacked Noodles
In REXKL - great for lunch/walking around
Shhhbuuuleee Resturant
In REXKL (hidden above the library) - great craft beers/ salads
Mee Tarik Restoran (late night food in Chinatown)
Licky Chan & The Poke Guy (ice cream)
CALIA @ Pavillion Mall (dinner)
Best Wagyu burger and fried chicken bites
backroom.coffee (coffee/lunch)
Great coffee, lunch and working space
Kusa Vegan (lunch or dinner)
Healthy re-set
Madame Kwan (dinner)
Great place to Grab from if having a lazy night (Grab is like Uber)
GUI GUI BBQ
There are a ton of Hawker stands/food truck parks!
Make sure to try Char Kway Teow (pan fried noodles)!
Bars:
*Penrose KL (sleek, vibey cocktail bar)
PS150 (speakeasy vibes, good music)
Jann (vibey hotel bar)
*Concubine KL (turns into a bar at 11pm when the DJ comes on)
Activities:
*REXKL (creative space for food, shopping, performances)
Don’t miss the library upstairs
Make sure to visit Biang Biang handsmacked noodle stand!
Shhhbuuuleee Resturant for craft beer and salad
*Pavillion Mall (big high end shopping mall)
Go to CALIA for dinner!
Suria KLCC (big shopping mall)
Walk around KLCC Park
*Stay for the light show in the evening in front of Lake Symphony
*National Art Gallery
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
*Bar hop in Chinatown
Don’t forget late night food at Mee Tarik Restoran
Kwai Chai Hong Alley
I recommend going at night and then bar hopping in Chinatown
Walk around the Botanical Garden park
Jin Alon (famous street food row; Wagyu Oppa was one of our favorite stands)
Changkat Bukit Bintang street for bar hopping
Titiwangsa Park - stroll alongside the lake
Go to Bangsar for Hawker stands
More residential/ local vibe to get out of the main downtown area
Massage/Spa:
*W Traditional Thai Therapeutic Wellness - Heritage Row, KL
I highly recommend the aromatherapy massage with Miso!
Things to Note:
Download the GRAB app before arriving (it is like Uber for Asia)
The city is not very walking friendly; we took GRAB’s most everywhere
They also have an efficient train system
If you are a big foodie, consider going to Penang for a few nights (quick flight from KL airport)
Although we did not go, we heard from multiple locals and friends that it is a beautiful island with delicious eateries and history.
It is considered a UNESCO sight
Enjoy!
Xx,
Natty Laine