Kuala Lumpur or KL as it’s called, is Malaysia’s rapidly changing capital city. It is very eclectic with massive skyscrappers, excellent shopping, diverse ethnic groups and contrasting sights. I am personally not interested in the ultra touristy spots, so here is how I would spend 48 hours.

Day 1

AM Explore the many attractions in the green space of the Perdana Botanical Garden. You’ll find many different gardens (orchid, hibiscus, sunken, sculptures and more), a butterfly park, a beautiful lake, a planetarium, monuments and more.

PM Get a sense of the diverse architecture in the city by walking through Merdeka Square. Keep an eye out for the cooper domed Sultan Abdul Samad Building (government building) and the colorful Jamek Mosque. As you walk, enjoy a stroll through Pasar Seni (Central Market) for a look at local handicrafts and cuisine. Then, Walk down the pedestrian Petaling Street in Chinatown for some shopping. While you’re in the area check out the Sri Mahamariamman Temple. In the evening, head to Jalan Alor when the hawkers come out for some delicious street food.

Day 2

AM Start your morning at Thean Hou Temple, the ornate and colorful 6-tiered Chinese temple. Then stroll through the colorful streets of Little India and enjoy delicious smells, textile shops and Bollywood music.
PM Step into a tropical rainforest at KL Forest Eco Park, and walk the path among the tree tops. After, take a break at the Traders Hotel and have a drink with a view at the SkyBar for amazing views of the Petronas Towers (21+ after 7pm). Then go to KLCC Park and take in the green space, eventually making your way to Symphony Lake for a fountain light show right in front of the towers.

Something doesn’t interest you, or have more time? Here are some more ideas

Add on Activities in Kuala Lumpur

• Ride up the most iconic landmarks in KL, the Petronas Twin Towers for panoramic views of the city.
• See over 3,000 birds in free flight at the KL Bird Park
• Go up into the KL Tower for views of the city
• Spend some time with animals at the National Zoo
• Get some shopping time in at Bintang Walk
• Enter the land of bizarre at the KL Upside Down House

Add on Day Trips from Kuala Lumpur

• Climb 272 steps into the limestone Batu Caves for the most popular Hindu temple outside of India
• Head to the nearby port town of Malacca for colorful art lined streets jammed full of history
• Take an evening boat tour in Selangor for a look at a colony of fireflies in the mangroves.
• Learn about the rain forest and plan/animal species and hike through a park with a trip to the FIRM Forest Reserve
• Get up close to elephants at the Kiala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary
• Tour through the planned city of Putrajaya with many bridges, parks, malls and monuments
• Take a cool mounting getaway to the Genting Highlands or Colmar Tropicale