Kuala Lumpur in 24 hours

My first time travelling to Kuala Lumpur was quick (12 hours!) We missed our connecting flight from Tokyo the night before because of a Monsoon and got into KL the following morning by 8am. But, the problem was, we had a 8pm flight out that night to Singapore. We had been traveling 30 hours since we left Los Angeles and had barely managed to sleep. Even through all of the strife - we managed to make the most and see all the top sights in less than 24 hours!

CANT MISS SIGHTS

Batu Caves

An active Hindu temple built right inside the caves. The temple is up a steep 100m stair, which is not for the faint of heart! So be prepared to get your sweat on! To enter the temple, you must be wearing a sarong if your knees are exposed. There will be women who will rent them out to you for 5-10 Ringgit ($1-$2.5) It is required and respectful! Once you get up there, just be sure to look up because the top opening of the cave is exposed to the sky. The caves themselves are said to be 40 million years old. You can feel how magnificent and sacred the place is when standing inside.

Petronas Twin Towers

They were once known as the tallest buildings in the world (from 1998-2004) but I knew about the Petronas Twin Towers from the Movie Entrapment :) It was high on my list for that reason. Unfortunately the day we visited, the skybridge observation deck was closed (closed every Monday) but we settled for the upshot pics from outside. The towers sit in the KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Center) which is next to the biggest shopping center of KL. Just give yourself time to shop because its 6 floors of some of the most high end and name brand stores!

Central Market

Central Market began construction in 1888 back when England was still occupying Malaysia. It began as a wet market that sold fish, meats, and produce. Since then, it has evolved into a massive covered market with material goods from local artists with a food court on the upper level. The heritage site sits right next to Kasturi Walk. What better to sit next to a covered market than an open air flea market! The most notable site of Kasturi Walk is the impressive and ornate metal structure which is that of a pewter 'wau bulan' or Malaysian Kite.

China Town

Also known as Petaling Street, KL's China Town is massive. It is one of the most vibrant shopping centers of Kuala Lumpur. I loved walking under all the awnings and lanterns. There's an quality to Petaling street that makes the bustling street feel even more cozy. Be prepared to get greeted by every vendor to take a look at their wares. If I hadn't been so pressed for time, I would have loved to stroll up and town taking my time.

Heritage Park

The only landmark I was not able to visit but still recommend! Heritage Park is a 170 acres of green expanse with lots to do! Inside the park: there is the Perdana Botanical Garden, a sculpture garden, an orchid & hibiscus garden, a Butterfly Park, a Bird Park, a Deer Park, the Negara Planetarium... I could go on. I would want a full day to roam around this eco hub of KL. Next time!

STAY

Hotel Majestic

YOU. HAVE. TO. STAY. HERE. The Majestic is affordable without sacrificing quality. It is consistently ranked by consumers as one of the best in KL. When we landed, we headed straight to the Majestic even though we had missed our connecting flight the night before. We had just been travelling for 30 hours and were very sleep deprived, we were hoping we could make use of the last hour or two of our booking to shower and rest. It turns out they had considered us a no show and never charged for the hotel but reissued our booking and even upgraded our room! It gave us a home base for the day, one we sorely needed. The staff was amazing, the food was delicious, the pool was rejuvenating, and we will now be repeat customers next time we visit Kuala Lumpur!

Transportation

We took a mix of public transport and a cab. We used the KTM Komuter Rail to get out to the Batu Caves. It was so self explanatory and easy to use. Later in the day, we used a taxi that had been arranged for us by the Majestic and he chartered us all around the main city center to see all the sights. He was so wonderful about explaining all the history of Kuala Lumpur. When you are pressed for time, it really is the most convenient way to tour the city.