Kuala Lumpur is the bustling capital of Malaysia and is a great destination for your next city trip. Of course, it’s quite a long flight, averaging about 12 hours from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. It’s not ideal for a shorter city trip, but perfect for a longer one!
Southeast Asia consists of many tropical countries and islands where a real ‘sun, sea, and beach’ atmosphere prevails. This is not the case in the capital of Malaysia. In Kuala Lumpur, it’s all about the city, Petronas Towers, the skyline, the many attractions, and the hustle and bustle. And how you can escape this hustle, sometimes even by bike. Are you also planning to visit this vibrant city during your city trip? Then read on.
Flights to Kuala Lumpur
The capital of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is very easy to reach from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. There are daily direct flights that fly you to this gem in Southeast Asia in about 12 hours. Don’t live near Schiphol? No worries, it’s also very easy to fly via airports like Brussels and Düsseldorf.
Flight prices to Kuala Lumpur
On average, a ticket for your city trip round trip to Kuala Lumpur costs between €480 and €630 per person. These are the ongoing prices in the high season. In the low season, you can sometimes even score plane tickets for just €389 from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. You can book your plane tickets via large online search engines, but it is advisable to book your flight directly through the airline itself. Here you will find the most favorable deals and can always count on good customer service to assist you in case of a delay.
City trip during the low season
Are you very flexible and not tied to a specific timeframe? Then it is advisable to go in the low season. The low season in Kuala Lumpur is between October and March. The temperatures are not lower than during the high season. However, there is just a bit more chance of precipitation. But if this can save you a few hundred euros and the tourist attractions are much less crowded during this period, it’s secretly worth it.
The Twin Towers of the East
In the center of Kuala Lumpur, you can find the famous Petronas Towers. The Petronas Towers are also known as the Twin Towers of the East. The towers house various offices and companies and were the tallest buildings in the world until October 2003.
Fun fact: The towers were completed in 1998. This was the first time in centuries that the tallest building in the world was found in the East.
The Twin Towers were able to call themselves the tallest towers in the world for over 15 years. In 2003, this title was transferred to a tower in Taipei. However, the Petronas Towers remain the tallest identical buildings worldwide. The towers are 452 meters high and both have 88 floors.
Cool neighborhoods to visit in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is incredibly large and has many different cool neighborhoods. In total, there are just under 2 million inhabitants. It is also a very popular destination among travelers, backpackers, and honeymooners. It is the perfect city trip destination if you are traveling through Asia.
Do you want to get a good impression of the city? Then visit the different neighborhoods. This way you can really get a feel for the city’s atmosphere and discover why this city is so special. A little hint: It is a very nice city that is truly a melting pot of various cultures. You can find Buddhist influences, Islamic influences, and Christian influences in the architecture, culture, and neighborhoods. Very special to experience.
Bukit Bintang:
Bukit Bintang is considered the heart of the tourist center. Here you can find many international travelers and expats. It is the neighborhood where everything happens. Nightlife, food markets, and many shopping malls, something for everyone. This neighborhood is a bit reminiscent of Times Square. There is always a lot happening, both during the day and at night.
KLCC:
This neighborhood is just a stone’s throw away from Bukit Bintang. This is the place where you can find the Petronas Towers. You can also enjoy shopping in the KLCC Shopping Mall, which is located directly under the Petronas Towers.
Chinatown:
Like many countries in Asia, Kuala Lumpur also has its own version of Chinatown. Chinatown is a very cozy neighborhood where you can find many local Chinese eateries. No fancy restaurants but plastic tables and very cheap food. In return, you get authentic Chinese food. You can get a whole meal for just two euros.
Here you also have the covered shopping center, Central Market. On the ground floor, you have many shops where you can buy traditional clothing and souvenirs. The entire second floor consists of a food court. With more than 30 different stalls, you will certainly find something you crave! There is also a secret third floor, where you usually find some locals enjoying a delicious local meal.
Brickfields:
Brickfields is also known as Little India. Here you can find many colorful Buddhist temples. There are also hundreds of Indian restaurants. Enjoy delicious local dishes between temple visits.
Bangsar:
Bangsar is a real expat neighborhood. This neighborhood is aimed at international residents of Kuala Lumpur but also at the wealthier local residents of the city. It is a very vibrant neighborhood with many international restaurants and clubs. The best Italian, the best Lebanese, the best Greek, you can find it all in Bangsar. In addition, there are also many trendy clothing boutiques in this hip neighborhood.
Shop till you drop
This city is also known for its shopping malls. Do you love shopping? Then you definitely shouldn’t miss these malls!
- Berjaya Times Square Mall; the famous mall with its own roller coaster. A very special experience.
- KLCC Mall; this mall has more expensive boutiques and designer brands like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton. You can also find international supermarkets here for all your favorite products that you can’t always easily find in Asia.
- Pavilion Mall; Are you going to Kuala Lumpur around the Christmas holidays? This mall always has the most spectacular Christmas tree, no less than 10 meters high. The rest of the mall is also festively decorated. This is also a luxury mall.
- Mid Valley Mall; This is a fun mall for everyone. There are more expensive brands to be found but also many cheaper retail chains like Zara, H&M, and Forever21.
Cycling in Kuala Lumpur
Would you like to be active during your city trip? A bike tour is the perfect activity for this! It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when visiting this bustling city, but it is a city that lends itself perfectly to undertaking a bike tour.
However, you can’t cycle safely everywhere so it’s handy to cycle with a guided bike tour via Baja Bikes.
During the Kuala Lumpur Highlights Tour you cycle in 4 hours past all popular sights. Together with an English-speaking or Dutch-speaking guide, you will explore the city.
Do you want to do a bike tour with the whole family? Child seats and children’s bikes are also available.
Are you ready to book your city trip to this vibrant city? Don’t wait any longer! Also, read here what to do in Kuala Lumpur