kuala lumpur layover tour

Kuala Lumpur Layover – A Complete Guide

Updated February 13, 2024

// By Margherita

Are you planning to have a Kuala Lumpur layover and wondering what to do? We’ve had countless layovers in Kuala Lumpur over the years, and we know that finding your way around the airport and city can be confusing – check out this KL layover guide filled with all you need to know!

Would you like to make the most of your layover? Check out these Kuala Lumpur tours, tried and tested!

We love booking our tours with GetYourGuide – they offer a variety of activities, flexible booking, and 24/7 support!

• From Kuala Lumpur: Batu Caves Half-Day Tour – see the famous caves on your layover with this tour!
• Kuala Lumpur: Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings – THE BEST street food tour that will make you fall in love with Malaysian food!
• From Kuala Lumpur: Mamak Food Tour Away from Bustling City – get off the beaten track on this food tour
• Skip-the-Line: Kuala Lumpur Petronas Towers e-Tickets – optimize your layover with these skip-the-line tickets!
• KUL Kuala Lumpur International Airport: Premium Lounge Entry – would you just like to chill in the airport? Pre-book lounge access!

If you are travelling around Asia and taking lots of AirAsia flights, chances are you’ll be transiting through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) for a long or short layover. 

KLIA is one of South East Asia’s largest airports and the main AirAsia hub. Several more airlines fly through the airport, en route to Europe, Asia, and Australia/Pacific. The airport is not a bad place to be stuck on a Kuala Lumpur layover, since there are many things to see and do.

Yet, if you can, we recommend getting out – the city is one of the most interesting in South East Asia, with many sights and activities that can be enjoyed even on a short layover. 

Whether your layover in Kuala Lumpur is only a few hours long, or a day or more, don’t just sit in a lounge chair or get a room to crash for a few hours (unless you’re exhausted, of course).

Follow our Kuala Lumpur layover guide and get ready to have fun!

For a complete list of the places we like to visit on our KL layovers (as well as longer stays), have a look at our Kuala Lumpur diary on Wowanders!

Things to Know before a Kuala Lumpur Layover

KLIA airport has two terminals – KLIA Main , where ‘regular’ airlines operate, and klia2 , where you’ll find AirAsia and other low cost airlines.

The two terminals are about 2 km from one another, connected by a free shuttle bus . It’s easy to move between terminals, but try not to end up in the wrong terminal by mistake at the end of your KL layover!

Can I Leave the Airport During Transit in Kuala Lumpur?

The short answer is YES! Of course you can, provided you have a valid Malaysian visa or are eligible for visa on arrival.

Depending on how long your Kuala Lumpur layover is, you may decide to visit the large shopping mall right next to the airport, or head into the city. However, don’t forget that traffic in KL can be horrendous , so be sure to allow plenty of time to get to and from the city!

Immigration and Visas for Malaysia

Good news! Citizens of most countries can take advantage of visa-free access into Malaysia for a period ranging between 30 and 90 days, depending on nationality. This includes citizens of the US, UK, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Turkey, as well as several Latin American and Middle Eastern countries. 

This certainly makes a Kuala Lumpur layover a convenient and budget-friendly idea!

People from China, the Indian subcontinent, Serbia, Montenegro and Myanmar need an eVisa to enter Malaysia . Citizens from Israel, a number of West and Central African countries, Colombia, Iraq and North Korea need to apply for a visa in advance. Here’s an overview of Malaysia’s visa policy – check again before your trip as requirements may change.

Luggage Deposit at KLIA

If you want to enjoy your KL layover without carrying your luggage, fear not – there are lockers and luggage storage facilities available both at KLIA Main and klia2 near the Arrival gates, as well as at Level 2 of the Gateway@klia2 Mall. 

Charges start from RM18 for small pieces of luggage, up to RM48. Check this post for more info!

Transport to and from KLIA 

It is possible to get between the airport and the city by train , operating between 5 am to 12.30 am. There are two lines to choose from – the KLIA Ekspres , heading to Sentral station in about 28 minutes, and the KLIA Transit train, with 4 intermediate stops.

One way tickets for the KLIA Ekspres and Transit trains are RM55 one way/RM100 return (updated Feb 2019) .

Travelling by train between KL and the airport is the best way to beat the notorious traffic – however please note that the train only goes to KL Sentral , and you’ll have to take another train or taxi to head wherever you want to go. 

If you’ve been to South East Asia before, you’ll be familiar with Grab , the local version of Uber. Grab drivers charge a set fare of RM65 to the city centre, excluding toll charges – much cheaper than taking the train or a regular taxi.

The only downside is that you’ll need to have a Malaysian SIM card to be able to use Grab, so if you’re having a short layover in Kuala Lumpur, it may not be all that convenient.

KL taxi drivers have a terrible reputation – instances of overcharging, going ‘the long way’ and ‘forgetting’ to turn on the meter are very common. Luckily, though, KL Airport taxis operate on a coupon system, making cheating much harder. 

Once you reach Arrivals both at KLIA Main and klia2, you’ll see taxi booths where you can purchase coupons . You can choose between standard and executive cars, or opt for a minivan if you are a large group with lots of luggage. 

Charges start at RM100 inclusive of tolls charges. Night time rides are 50% extra.

Travelling to and from KLIA by bus is not ideal for those on a Kuala Lumpur layover – buses are notoriously slow, taking 70-90 minutes to reach KL Sentral, but they only cost RM10 one-way. 

So, if you’re travelling on a budget and your layover in KL is 12 hours or more, the bus could be an option. Otherwise, we highly recommend travelling by train or Grab between Kuala Lumpur and KLIA!

5 Hour Layover in Kuala Lumpur

If your Kuala Lumpur layover is 5 hours or fewer, we don’t recommend straying too far from KLIA. Consider that travel time is approximately 1 hour each way – with just 5 hours, you won’t be able to see much.

Luckily, there are plenty of things to do around KLIA – let’s have a look!

1) Chill in a Lounge 

Do you just want to relax, have a shower, some food and maybe catch up with some work on your KL layover? Head to an airport lounge.

There are plenty of options both in the main terminal and in klia2 – if you don’t have free access with your credit card or airline status, the Sama Sama Express lounge (at klia2) and Plaza Premium Lounge (located in both terminals) are two great options offering food and drinks, comfortable seating, Wi-Fi connection and showers to freshen up. 

2) Go Shopping

No, I’m not talking about the usual duty free airport shops! Just outside of KLIA you’ll find two excellent shopping centres – the massive  Gateway@klia2 Mall , with over 100 retail spaces and 80 food shops, and  Mitsui Outlet Park , where you can find discounted products from international brands.

Gateway is walking distance from klia2 and also includes lounges, a capsule hotel, food courts and more, whereas to get to Mitsui Outlet you’ll have to catch a free shuttle bus. Nothing like a bit of retail therapy to enjoy your stopover in Kuala Lumpur!

3) Try Local Food

Once again, we’re not recommending boring airport food from airside restaurants! One thing Malaysia is really famous for are food courts , amazing places with lots of stalls serving different food and seating in the middle, making it perfect for those who want to share lots of dishes. 

The best food court in the vicinity of KLIA is the  Quizinn by RASA food court in Gateway@klia2 Mall, serving Malay, Chinese, Korean and Middle Eastern specialties. Those who prefer Indian can head to NZ Curry House instead , another excellent place to grab a meal on your KL layover.

4) Catch up on Some Sleep

Are you exhausted and just want to sleep? Fear not, there are plenty of places to catch some z’s, both in KLIA and in the nearby mall. Here are some of the best hotels in and around KLIA!

• Capsule by Container Transit Hotel
• Sama Sama Hotel
• Sama Sama Express
• Aerotel Airport Hotel

5) See the Movies

If you only have a few hours to kill between flights, both terminals also have free movie lounges with reclining chairs, comfy couches, and movies on big screens. A really fun thing to do in KLIA!

6) Have a Massage

Can you think of a better way to relax between flights? In KLIA you can also spend your layover enjoying a relaxing massage!

In the airport building itself there are three wellness centres – Santai Reflexology, focusing on foot massages, Wellness Spa KLIA, and Thai Odyssey.

7) Explore the Jungle

What, are you kidding? We’re talking about what to do at KLIA, not in Malaysia in general! Well, you can indeed visit a mini-jungle inside the airport – just head to the KLIA Jungle Boardwalk, a greenhouse with trees, a walkway and even a waterfall located in the Main terminal.

A great way to get your nature fix, without leaving the airport!

Would you like to know nature in Malaysia? Read this post about the 13 best Malaysia hikes!

8/9 Hour Layover in Kuala Lumpur

If your KL layover is a bit longer, let’s say 8 or 9 hours , you’ll be able to get out and enjoy the city! Here are some ideas on what to see and do – on a 8/9 hour Kuala Lumpur layover you won’t have time to check them all out, but you can pick and choose a couple. 

Taste the City on a Food Tour

Food in KL is amazing – so, whether your layover in KL is 8 hours or 8 days, you simply HAVE to eat as much as possible! Malaysian food is actually the product of three cultures – Malay, Chinese, and Indian, all with their own flavours, dishes and preparations. 

There are plenty of places to eat in KL – from the famous ‘food streets’ of Jalan Alor and Jalan Petaling, to the food courts in the best shopping centres in Bukit Bintang (spoiler alert – Pavillion is my favourite!)

Yet, Kuala Lumpur is very much a case of so much to eat, so little time. This is why we recommend joining a food tour, especially if it’s your first time in town. We love Withlocals tours , first of all because all guides are KL locals, and also because tours are private and personalised – so if you want to taste a particular cuisine, or have dietary restrictions, you can simply let your guide know beforehand. 

There are also options for layover tours, including pick up/drop off from KLIA , and a private driver for the duration of the stay. This is probably the best way to enjoy your KL layover with total peace of mind , and a local to show you their favourite places to eat!

See the Petronas Towers

The twin Petronas Towers are KL’s most famous landmark , and a must visit on all layover tours. They’re located in the vicinity of the KLCC subway stop , and you can get great pictures of them from the nearby KLCC Park – definitely a good choice if you’re looking to find some nature in the middle of this busy city. 

You can get tickets to the Petronas Towers observation deck – they cost RM80 and sell out approximately two weeks in advance, so make sure to book them if you want to include this activity in your KL layover.

However, we think that the nearby KL Tower Skydeck is a much better option for views of the Petronas Towers, and only a little more expensive at RM99.

Get Lost in Little India

Brickfields aka Little India is one of my favourite places in Kuala Lumpur – and the fact that it’s located right next to KL Sentral makes it an ideal destination for a short KL layover. 

You can spend your time in Little India eating delicious banana leaf vegetarian meals, browsing colourful shops, and visiting Hindu temples – the Brickfields Shivan Temple and Sri Kandaswamy Kovil are right in the heart of the neighbourhood. You can also take a quick walk to the stunning Chinese  Thean Hou Temple , one of the best sunset spots in KL.

Have a Drink on a Helipad

Talking about sunset spots in KL , nothing beats the stunning views from the Heli Lounge Bar , which is exactly what it sounds – a bar located on a helipad in Bukit Bintang, the best place in town for nightlife!

Heli Lounge Bar opens daily at 5 pm , because during the day it’s a working helipad. It’s a good idea to visit for sunset, between 6/7 pm, to see the sun go down and the city lit up. Alcoholic drinks are RM30 and non-alcoholic are RM25, which sounds expensive, but the view makes it worthwhile!

See the Museum of Islamic Arts and National Mosque

Located right next to the Perdana Botanical Gardens, another wonderful green space in KL, the National Mosque and Museum of Islamic Arts combined are a great way to spend you layover in KL. 

The Museum showcases incredible examples of Islamic arts and craftsmanship throughout the centuries, with galleries housing textile, ceramics, armours and weapons, metalwork and more, as well as spotlights on individual countries.

Whether or not you have a specific interest for Islamic arts, this museum is worth a visit for its stunning architecture, with wide, bright exhibition spaces, and for the fact that it’s not overrun with tour groups. Entrance is a bargain at only RM14. 

Right next to the Museum you’ll find the National Mosque , built in 1965 and a true sight with its gleaming marble floor, colonnaded foyers and large prayer room. Entrance is free but it is not allowed during prayer times – visit in the morning from 9 am to 12 pm to be sure to find it open, and avoid Friday when it’s crowded with worshippers.

12 Hour Layover in Kuala Lumpur

With a 12 hour layover , you’ll be able to get out of the city centre to check out another one of KL’s big ticket attractions – the wonderful Batu Caves!

Visit Batu Caves

The famous Batu Caves are found in a limestone hill just outside KL – there are five caves in total, housing Hindu cave temples. They are dedicated to the Tamil deity Lord Murugan, and they are the location for KL’s incredible Thaipusam festival.

During our first visit to Malaysia 10 years ago, we attended the festival in Penang, and it was really incredible experience – check our Penang Thaipusam photo article to see what I mean!

The easiest and fastest way to reach Batu Caves from Sentral is via the KTM Komuter Train until Batu Caves, the final stop. This will take about 20 minutes and cost only RM2.50, or you can use Grab for about RM20. 

Most people only visit the Main Cave, the one located right between the giant statue of Lord Murugan. The 272 steps up to the cave have recently been painted rainbow and make for a great photo opportunity – provided you visit early, as the place is very crowded.

If you have time, you can have lunch at one of the delicious and filling banana leaf restaurants located at the bottom of the steps.

Explore a REAL Forest at FRIM!

On a 12 hour layover in Kuala Lumpur you will also have time to visit the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) after heading to Batu Caves, since the two sights are only 10 minutes drive away from one another.

There is no public transport to FRIM , so you’ll have to use Grab – don’t hop into one of the unmetered taxis hanging around Batu Caves, the likelihoods of being ripped off are very high. 

FRIM is a 500-acre government-based forest reserve, allowing visitors to experience the beauty and biodiversity of Malaysian rainforests without having to travel far from the city. This is not just a city park – you’ll find secular trees, a river, walking paths, an area with traditional houses and even a canopy walkway , the highlight of FRIM for most visitors. 

With 12 hours available on your KL layover , you can make your way to Batu Caves, have a dosa for lunch, hop on a Grab to FRIM and spend some hours in the forest, before making your way back to KLIA. One thing is certain – you’ll want to return to KL to explore more!

This article highlights all you need to make the most of your Kuala Lumpur layover and ensure you catch your connecting flight in time, but sometimes matters are out of your control. For instance, if you’re a frequent traveller, I am sure your travel plans have been slowed down at least once (if you’re lucky!) because of flight delays. A long delay may cause you to miss your connection or onward transport, which could put a serious dent in your travel budget.

Luckily, most of the times you’re actually eligible for compensation if your flight delay exceeds 3 hours – but since it’s hard to navigate the bureaucracy and paperwork required by airlines to process claims, we recommend Airhelp , an online service helping air passengers secure compensation for delayed, cancelled, or overbooked flights. Airhelp takes a percentage of your compensation as payment, meaning that you won’t have to pay anything in advance!

2 thoughts on “Kuala Lumpur Layover – A Complete Guide”

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing country, I love to be there. People are friendly and they have amazing foods. Everything is pretty much than in the US.

You wrote a good guide by the way and photos are mind-blowing.

Thanks so much!

Comments are closed.

Wander-Lush

KL Layover Guide: Essential Info, Plus 9 Alternative Things to Do on a Layover in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This KL layover guide covers everything you need to know about spending a layover in Kuala Lumpur — plus 9 alternative (and mostly free!) things to do with a few hours in Malaysia’s capital.

I f you fly with AirAsia, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself transiting through Malaysia’s KLIA2 airport. Depending on how your flight times line up, you may be facing a short or long layover in Kuala Lumpur.

Fail to plan ahead, and your KL layover can go downhill fast. As one of my readers, Rhiannon , put it after seeing this post— “I’ll definitely be saving this for next time. Last time I had a layover in KL it ended up a wasted day as I got SO lost in the maze of malls I couldn’t get out!”

Essential reading: Where to do your souvenir shopping in Malaysia: Best independent retailers & boutiques.

While KL certainly isn’t my favourite city in the world, it does have excellent food and some cool tourist attractions. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find there’s a whole host of interesting and unusual things to do on a layover in Kuala Lumpur.

The KLIA2 airport terminal is attached to a big shopping mall, gateway@klia2, which is replete with cinemas and a food court. You could easily while away your layover in Kuala Lumpur without ever going outside—but where’s the fun in that?

The KLIA Ekspres train makes it easy and affordable to get to the city from the airport, and there are things you can see and do in KL in as little as 3 or 4 hours, including travel time.

Here’s everything you need to know when planning a layover in Kuala Lumpur—plus 9 alternative (and mostly free!) things to do in the city.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Essential reading: 30 incredible places to visit in Malaysia .

Malaysia essentials

Here are some of the resources I use when planning a trip to Malaysia.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Malaysia on Kiwi.com , a booking site that mixes and matches airlines to find the best route (if you miss your connection, you get your money back).

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Malaysia and apply for an expedited visa online.

AIRPORT TRANSFER: Pre-book a private transfer from Kuala Lumpur Airport to your hotel or pre-purchase your KLIA Airport Train tickets online and skip the queue.

SHORT ON TIME? Try this KL layover city tour to see the best of the city in a short period of time.

SIM CARD: Purchase an Airalo eSIM for Malaysia and get instant access to the net when you arrive.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best hotel deals in Malaysia on Agoda or book a Malaysia hostel .

BUS & TRAIN TICKETS: Buy your bus or train tickets online in advance using Bookaway .

MARKET TOURS & COOKING CLASSES: Find the best cooking classes and foodie experiences in Malaysia here on Cookly .

DAY TRIPS & CITY TOURS: Find the best city tours and day excursions in Malaysia here on Get Your Guide.

MALAYSIA GUIDEBOOK: Pick up a copy of the latest Lonely Planet guidebook for Malaysia .

Planning a layover in Kuala Lumpur

Follow these helpful tips to make your layover in Kuala Lumpur as smooth as possible.

Visa requirements for Malaysia

If you have a layover in Kuala Lumpur and you’re planning to leave the airport, you may need a visa . Please check here for a list of nationalities that currently require a visa for Malaysia. If in doubt, check with your nearest embassy or consulate.

Before you leave the airport…

Kuala Lumpur has two airport terminals—the original KLIA (sometimes called KLIA1), and the newer and shinier KLIA2 . (You’re probably wondering what KLIA stands for—it’s Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Creative, I know.)

The two terminals are located very close together, only about three minutes by train from door to door. Since you’ll probably be arriving at KLIA2 (the terminal for AirAsia, Jetstar, Tiger, Scoot and other budget airlines), I’m going to focus on KLIA2 only.

Withdrawing cash at KLIA2

Apart from the hawker food markets, KL isn’t really a cash economy anymore. (One important exception is if you’re checking into a hotel for the night.

Check the accommodation section for more information about the Tourism Tax and room deposit.) Most cafes and businesses in KL accept credit card, but it’s still a good idea to have some cash on you .

There are ATMs everywhere throughout the city, but for ease, I recommend withdrawing some Malaysian Ringgit (RM) before you leave the airport. I always use Maybank ATMs (they’re easy to spot because of their distinctive yellow colour) because they charge no ATM fee . (Check with your bank for conversion and transaction fees.)

There’s a Maybank ATM right after passport control at KLIA2—you can see it through the glass on the right when you’re queueing.

Buying a sim card at KLIA2

You’ll find that free WIFI is available in almost every mall, cafe, hotel and transport hub across KL. But If you want to use Grab to get around or you have an unhealthy dependency on Google Maps like I do, it’s a good idea to pick up a cheap sim card before you leave the airport.

You have two options: Buy a sim from one of the airport counters, or order a sim card online before you leave home and pick it up when you arrive.

There are plenty of mobile shops inside the KLIA2 terminal and the adjoining gateway@klia2 shopping mall . Be warned that the more obvious shops get swamped and often have long queues. I can’t endorse any particular company, so you’ll need to do your research ahead of time.

KLIA2 has a guide on prepaid mobile services for tourists , and this site has some good tips for buying a sim in Malaysia .

Tourist information at KLIA2

If you need some human help, there is a tourist information desk just before you exit through the glass doors into the mall. Here, you can pick up a map, access public transport timetables, or ask any burning questions.

I have personally approached staff at the desk on a number of occasions and always found them to be friendly and helpful.

Where to store luggage in Kuala Lumpur

If you have a layover in Kuala Lumpur, I suggest you travel as light as possible (especially if it’s hot and muggy which, let’s face it, it always is!).

There are a few options for storing your luggage in Kuala Lumpur. KLIA2 airport has at least two left luggage facilities. Prices start from 18 RM per locker per day. Click here for detailed information about storing luggage at KLIA2 .

There are also lockers available at KL Sentral Station—some with fancy facial recognition technology. This post provides more details about leaving luggage at Sentral . As always, use common sense and never leave any cash or valuables in a locker.

Pin this post for later —

Getting from KLIA2 airport to Kuala Lumpur

KLIA2 airport is located a long way from the city—about 60km south of downtown Kuala Lumpur . The journey into town is pretty unremarkable. You won’t see much apart from palm tree plantations.

There are a couple of options for getting into town from KLIA2, but the KLIA Ekspres train is by far the best way to go. Note that they really pump up the air conditioning on the train (and on most public transport in KL for that matter), so if you feel the cold, it’s a good idea to carry a light cardigan or scarf .

Private transfer by van

KL is one of those rare places where booking a private transfer from the airport to the city may actually work out better for you financially.

This private airport transfer by van includes a meet at greet at arrivals (either KLIA or KLIA2) and a transfer to the location of your choice – all in air-conditioned comfort.

The price is very competitive: Pay a flat rate of $34 for a group of up to three people (or just $17 each if you’re a couple – that’s only $4 more per person than the train ).

KL ‘Transit Tours’

If it’s your first time in KL or you just want your Kuala Lumpur layover to be as hassle-free as possible, consider booking a transit tour. There are two itineraries I recommend that include pick up at KLIA2 and a whip around the city to see the highlights before dropping you back at the airport for your next flight.

Think of them as KL’s version of an airport layover tour.

This comprehensive transit tour starts with an airport meet-and-greet. You’ll stop off at Batu Caves before venturing into KL city centre, where you’ll visit the Petronas Towers, the National Mosque , and a few other must-sees with a guide. When you need to get back for your flight, they will drop you back at the airport.

This abridged transit tour focuses on KL icon, the Petronas Towers. After being greeted at the arrivals hall and transferred to your vehicle, you’ll skip the line at Petronas Towers, catch the view, then be transferred back to the airport from the city. There is some flexibility with this itinerary, allowing you to add on some free time in the city centre if you wish.

KLIA Ekspres rail

KLIA Ekspres trains link the airport with KL Sentral , the main transport hub in town. In my opinion, the train is the best way to go, especially if you only have a short layover in Kuala Lumpur and you want to get into the city as quickly as possible.

At KLIA2, trains depart from inside the gateway@klia2 mall , so you don’t need to go outside at any point. Trains also stop at KLIA1, which is about three minutes from KLIA2 (make sure you get off at the right terminal on the way back).

There are two trains—an express service , which only makes a few stops, and a local service, which is more of a commuter train. Trains run regularly ( every 15 to 20 minutes ) between 5am and 1am, seven days a week .

Google Maps is a bit off—the express train will get you to KL Sentral Station in roughly 35 minutes . Tickets cost 55 RM one-way (25 RM for a child), and you can save by buying a return ticket for 100 RM (45 RM for a child).

Prices are the same whether you book online in advance or purchase in-person on the day of travel. From the train terminus at Sentral Station, it’s super easy to connect to the user-friendly MRT , which can take you just about anywhere in KL.

Click here to pre-purchase your Ekspres Airport Train tickets through Klook and skip the line with a QR code ticket you can download to your phone.

‘Grab’ from KLIA2 airport to Kuala Lumpur

If you’re really on a time crunch or you want to go straight from the airport to somewhere specific that’s not on the MRT line, it might be an idea to jump in a Grab . (If you’re unfamiliar with Grab, it’s Southeast Asia’s answer to Uber .)

Malaysia is the home of Grab, which might explain why KLIA2 is set up much better for Grab than other airports. (For example, you can nominate which door you’ll be exiting through to make coordinating the pick up easier.)

According to my app, the 60km, 50-minute trip to KL Sentral costs 65 RM in a Grab (probably more during peak time). There is also an airport toll of between 3.5 and 4.5 RM that will be added onto your fare. Remember, you’ll need a local sim card to be able to use Grab in Malaysia.

Taxi from KLIA2 airport to Kuala Lumpur

Taxis in Malaysia carry a 50% midnight surcharge and a bunch of other fees. Drivers are also notorious for refusing to turn on their metres (although this might be different for airport taxis).

Taxi Fare Finder puts the KLIA2-to-Sentral fare at 75 RM . I know many travellers prefer to use taxis instead of Grab, which undercuts its drivers—but I personally try to steer clear of taxis in Malaysia whenever possible.

Where to stay on a long layover in Kuala Lumpur

If your layover in Kuala Lumpur is actually a ‘stayover’ and you need accommodation for the night, here are a few hotels I have used at in the past and can personally recommend.

Accommodation near KLIA2 airport

If your flight gets in to Kuala Lumpur late at night, or if you have an early flight the next morning, you might want to stay close to the airport. Capsule Transit Hotel is located inside the terminal and has ‘sleeping pods’ you can rent by the hour.

Another option is Orange Hotel Kota Warisan , a comfortable, no-frills hotel located 15 minutes’ drive from KLIA2. This is our preferred option when we transit through KL.

Accommodation in Sentral

If you have a decent amount of time between flights and you want to stay in the city, Sentral is an ideal location. As the name suggests, it’s very central—close to cafes, shops and public transport, including the KLIA Ekspres airport train.

Hotel Sentral isn’t anything special, but it’s budget-friendly and located just a few steps from the entrance to KL Sentral Station.

Staying longer? Check out these top Kuala Lumpur hotels .

KL hotel tax

In September 2017, Malaysia introduced a hotel tax for foreign tourists —a standard 10 RM per room per night flat fee . The tax isn’t typically included in advertised room rates, nor is it added on by third-party booking sites. Rather, you have to pay the tax directly to the hotel.

Many hotels in Malaysia also require a cash deposit , usually between 50 RM and 100 RM , which is refundable upon checkout.

In my experience, both the Tourism Tax and the deposit must be paid when you check in and can only be paid in cash . Do make sure you have enough Ringgit on you if you’re checking into a hotel for the night.

The best alternative things to do on a layover in Kuala Lumpur

There’s a classic KL itinerary that most tourists on a layover in Kuala Lumpur like to take. It typically includes the Petronas Towers, the National Mosque and the Islamic Arts Museum , the old train station, Petaling Street, Central Market, Sri Mahamariamman temple, and maybe even KL Bird Park, with any extra days used for a KL day trip .

I’m not suggesting there’s anything wrong with these activities—in fact, this is exactly the itinerary we followed on our first layover in Kuala Lumpur. I’d still recommend an itinerary like this for first time visitors who want to tick off the major KL tourist sights.

First time in KL? Check out my classic itinerary for 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur .

But if you’ve been to KL a few times and you’ve already seen the sights, or maybe you’re just after something a little more unusual or offbeat, I recommend trying these nine alternative things to do in Kuala Lumpur instead.

  A post shared by CARLA↠❥Travel ❥Dream❥GoPro (@mychickenworld) on Apr 10, 2018 at 7:24am PDT

1. Experience Kuala Lumpur’s lesser-known religious sites

The blending of ethnicities, cultures, cuisines and religions is what makes KL (and the whole of Malaysia) so interesting and enjoyable. There is a plethora of Islamic , Buddhist, Christian and Hindu sites of worship in Kuala Lumpur, each one more extravagantly decorated and photogenic than the last.

KL’s National Mosque and Sri Mahamariamman temple can get overcrowded—try some of the lesser-known spots instead, such as Thean Hou Temple , Church of the Holy Rosary and Jamek Mosque.

  A post shared by Chloe (@yientingg) on Mar 26, 2018 at 8:56pm PDT

2. Hop between Kuala Lumpur’s best cafes

Kuala Lumpur is absolutely packed with chic cafes . From Melbourne-style brunch to Malaysia’s famous white coffee , there are literally hundreds of cafe eats and drinks to sample. KL’s Brickfields and Bukit Bintang neighbourhoods are known for their hip cafes and old-style coffee houses. My favourites include Leaf & Co. , Merchant’s Lane , and Pulp by Papa Palheta .

Guided option: If your layover is in the evening hours or you’re staying overnight, try a KL ‘Off The Eaten Track’ tour to discover the city’s best non-touristy cafes and street food.

  A post shared by fid (@fiddth) on Mar 8, 2018 at 6:06am PST

3. Go urbexing

Think of KL, and you probably think of the uber-modern, bright and shiny Petronas Towers. But there is a gritty side to Kuala Lumpur as well. There are heritage blocks and abandoned buildings scattered throughout the inner city—provided you know where to look.

The abandoned factory in Sentul West—a gorgeous red-brick number—and the old row houses at Jalan Raja Chulan are two of the most popular urbexing sites in KL. There’s no telling how long these buildings will stand before ‘progress’ finally gets its way.

If photography and urban exploration is your thing, try joining a KL Instameet while you’re in town. The group often leads photo trips to some of the city’s coolest heritage and modernist buildings.

  A post shared by RV Manabat (@rvmanabat) on Mar 14, 2017 at 2:36am PDT

4. Try a Malaysian cooking class

I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a layover in Kuala Lumpur than by experiencing two of Malaysia’s greatest joys: A local wet market, and a generous spread of food. LaZat runs a daily cooking class beginning at 7am that includes a tour of a local market, and With Locals organises 4-hour tours that can be customised to fit your layover schedule.

After breakfast, participants are taken to the gorgeous LaZat House—a leafy property on the outskirts of KL—to learn how to prepare three signature Malaysian dishes.

  A post shared by MOHD SHAFIQ (@mikhail_shafiq) on May 10, 2018 at 10:35pm PDT

5. Go green

If you’re on a long flight schedule, you might like to spend your layover in Kuala Lumpur getting some fresh air and Vitamin D. On first impressions, KL is the definition of a concrete jungle. But there is a surprising large number of green spaces in the city.

KLCC Park , a massive 20-hectare parkland in the heart of KL, is the most famous of them all. Next door to the Sultan Abdul Samad Mosque, The River of Life is a relatively new public space breathing life back into KL’s river district. Featuring bike paths, cafes, and jets that continuously spray a light mist, it’s a great place to cool off!

Reminiscent of Taipei’s creative parks, A Place Where (APW) is one of the coolest civic spaces in the city. Housed in a repurposed printing factory, it includes co-working spaces, cafes and ‘pocket parks’—little slices of green space that are perfect for people watching.

Platinum Sentral and D7 Sentul East both have tranquil gardens, and the Jalan P Ramlee ‘city forest’ is a little-known grove of birch trees right next door to the Petronas Towers.

The Orchid Conservatory at The Majestic Hotel is a breathtaking botanical display in the heart of the city. You can even enjoy a high tea inside the atrium.

Further afield, the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia is located 20km north of Sentral (close to Batu Caves) and is a lovely spot for bike riding and picnicking.

Or you could go all out and do the canopy walk at KL Forest Eco Park , the  the only patch of virgin tropical rain forest left in Kuala Lumpur.

  A post shared by Alex D. (@caillou.inthesky) on May 20, 2018 at 7:26am PDT

6. Explore Kuala Lumpur’s character-filled inner suburbs

While most of Kuala Lumpur has succumbed to concrete and steel, there are still a few inner-city residential areas where memories of the ‘old KL’ are kept alive. Lucky Garden, Pudu and Kampung Baru are three neighbourhoods that have held onto their character.

Those who stroll around these areas will be rewarded with beautiful heritage architecture, cheap local food, and a chance to observe the everyday pace of life in Malaysia’s biggest city.

Stretch those legs! This 4-hour KL bike tour will take you down some of the city’s most fascinating back streets.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Batik Boutique (@thebatikboutique) on Feb 17, 2020 at 5:02pm PST

7. Get crafty

If you want to get creative during your layover in Kuala Lumpur, try a batik and shibori workshop hosted by social enterprise The Batik Boutique and offered through Backstreet Academy .

In a four-hour session, you’ll learn the basics of Japanese shibori dyeing or Malaysian wax-resist batik, while creating your own beautiful textiles to take home as a souvenir.

Keep reading: Discover Malaysia’s best souvenirs.

Another option is to visit KL’s craft factories. This 4-hour tour includes a guided walk through a pewter factory (the largest in the world!) and a Malaysian batik facility before visiting Batu Caves.

            View this post on Instagram                     Ever the PS150 classic (and a fan favourite), it’s the delicious Lychee No. 3! What’s in the name? It’s made of 3 ingredients: gin, lychee and torch ginger. Have you tried the Lychee No. 3 yet? #ps150kl #chinatownkl #petalingstreet ・・・ #Repost @pamelappm with @get_repost You make me a believer | 🍷 A post shared by PS150 (@ps150kl) on Feb 12, 2019 at 1:51am PST

8. Discover Kuala Lumpur’s secret speakeasy bars

KL’s hawker night markets and Alor Food Street are among the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur after dark—but did you know that KL also has an excellent bar scene? Rooftop bars, secret bars, street bars, KL has them all!

There are several speakeasy bars in KL —including the popular PS150 . If you’re on a late flight or your layover in Kuala Lumpur includes an overnight stay, this is a great way to spend an evening on the town.

  A post shared by TRAVELERS | Marta & Jandirk (@in_search_of_umami) on Aug 22, 2017 at 12:30pm PDT

9. Or, do nothing

I’m the first to admit that I’m sometimes too lazy to do too much of anything on a layover! A great way to spend a layover in Kuala Lumpur is by doing… nothing.

Find a pool to sit by and kick back while you wait for your next flight. If this sounds more like you, the Sky Pool Suite at Regalia Residence might be just the ticket.

Travelling elsewhere in Malaysia? Check out my guides to Kuching , Ipoh and Penang , plus my top photos of Ipoh !

Layover in Kuala Lumpur: Pin it!

Instagram images all used with permission.

29 Comments

Don’t layover only for few hours. Make it one night or two! xD Australian might be surprised to see the Melbourne’s cafe scene here in KL!

I have been living in KL for a little bit and really miss the city! The food, the vibe, a mixture of cultures, nature around the city.. it definitely should be on the list for every traveler! And the airport is one of my favorite in the world 🙂

I agree, Anya! Malaysia is so underrated 🙂

Ahhh, I so wanna go to Kuala Lumpur! There are so many things to do, so many yummy foods to try out. Malaysia is on my bucket list so will park this to refer to it in the future. Your guide is what I need to start planning. Thanks

Oh yes, the food is definitely a highlight! Glad to hear that, Mayi!

Very organized post! Love that you clearly give the different options, it’s just what a planner like me needs. And the pictures are stunning! We’ll have to plan ahead and make sure we have a layover at KLIA when we travel to Asia!

Sounds like a plan, Lindsay! If it’s your first time visiting, don’t miss some of the big tourist sights either. The mosque, Islamic Arts Museum and Petronas Towers at night are three of my favourite spots. Enjoy your trip planning!

Great tips here! I have never been to Aisa or anywhere abroad. That airport sounds pretty exciting, would love to visit this country!

Hope you get there soon, Valerie! I always say Malaysia is a great introduction to SE Asia for first-time visitors.

I’ve been thinking of visiting Kuala Lumpu on a layover so this post is super helpful! Full of such great information and tips, thanks for sharing them 🙂

Glad to hear that, Rachel! Enjoy KL 🙂

Oh, so many things to do in KL. Thanks for this alternative attractions and activities, I always see the same recommendations and would love to hear something new. You hit the spot.

Glad to hear that! I’m looking forward to unearthing more treasures on future visits!

Great comprehensive post. I didnt know it was so easy to get into Kuala Lumpur from the airport. Definetly something to keep in mind when I have a long lay over there.

Thanks, Ellis! Super easy! No excuse not to go for a little explore—especially if you don’t need a visa. Enjoy!

Thanks for this detailed guide! We have a layover coming up soon, and its good to know there are so many cool things at our fingertips!

Perfect timing! I hope you enjoy KL! Safe travels.

Wow what a detailed guide!! I had a layover in KL about a year ago and I went to visit the Batu Caves! It was not too difficult to get to and really cool. I would love to check out some of these other attractions next time.

I’ve heard good things about Batu Caves, but I still haven’t been! I guess that’s the good thing about KL—always plenty of opportunities to return 🙂

This guide is so useful! I never would have known about the hotel tax or deposit and I definitely would have been caught without cash. Also,I probably also wouldn’t have picked that Kuala Lumpur isn’t much of a cash economy either.

Glad I good help! It’s definitely handy to have some cash on you—especially for those hotel charges.

I loved KL. What a great city for a mini break. The towers were a must for me!

For sure! They are spectacular, especially at night!

Such a useful post! I’ve found myself on a layover in KL a few times. Unfortunately it’s always been overnight or just a little too short though! I would actually love to have a long layover sometime to take advantage of it.

Thanks, Holly! Try for a slightly longer layover next time so you can squeeze in one or two activities! KL has a lot to offer.

Great suggestions! I frequently see AirAsia’s flights through Kuala Lumpur at an affordable price. I’m always tempted to book, but I’m nervous about taking AirAsia since two big accidents a couple of years ago. I’m curious about your experience with AirAsia. Any other suggestions for low airfare flights to Malaysia within Asia?

Thanks, Chloe! I know what you mean—I was nervous the first few times we flew with them. My partner and I have been based in SE Asia for the past three years, and there’s really no alternative for us in terms of price.

I can only speak to our personal experience, but we’ve never had any trouble. Staff are always friendly. Minor delays occasionally (although nothing compared to local airlines in Vietnam)—but nothing more. I usually prefer to go with an alternative for long hauls, although I have many friends who happily travel with AirAsia between KL and Australia.

You could try looking at other budget airlines like Jetstar and Scoot!

Thank you for sharing this detailed itinerary. I know you can do so much even on a quick layover, as long as you plan and are up for a great adventure! Thanks for keeping that spirit!

That’s it! Plan ahead and make sure you have enough energy to tackle KL. It’s so easy to get into the city from the airport, which is a huge factor.

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How to Spend an 8-hour Layover in Kuala Lumpur

• August 17, 2018

After managing this blog for such a long time, I realised that I have never written about Kuala Lumpur!

Kuala Lumpur is the gateway to many Asian destinations. As I travel in Asia extensively, I definitely have had many layovers in Kuala Lumpur. Besides the fact that Kuala Lumpur is a wondrous city full of surprises, I also find that layover in Kuala Lumpur is more convenient for me — it’s home for me! Moreover, layover in Kuala Lumpur is cheaper (because KLIA and KLIA2 are two major transport hubs in Asia) and less touristy as compared to cities like Bangkok and Singapore!

There are just so many things that you can do during a layover in Kuala Lumpur so I am gonna squeeze it all in into 8 hours! You can check the extra things out that I’ve also included if you have more time!

Money changer

As always, the rates in both KLIA and KLIA2 suck. My advice is to change just enough for you to get out of the airport. If you do need more, you can change it at KL sentral. There’s a massive shopping mall attached to KL sentral where you can find many money changers.

Many places in Kuala Lumpur accept cards — good news for those who don’t prefer holding much cash! Places that wouldn’t normally accept cards: Jalan Alor (the amazing street to sample Malaysian street food) and Petaling street (Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur).

Luggage storage

In case you need temporary luggage storage, both KLIA and KLIA2 have got amazing luggage storage space for you. I have used the one in KLIA2 and was very satisfied with the service and the price! Check out the official websites for KLIA and KLIA2 if you need one for your layover in Kuala Lumpur.

Heading out of the airport: 0.5-1.5 hour

There are three major ways to head out of the airport really quickly depending on your budget. Both KLIA and KLIA2 are around 60 km away from the city.

Taking the bus is the most economical options of all.

Price (Adult and children): RM 12 (~3 USD)

Journey time: 1 – 1.5 hour to KL sentral

Frequency: every 15 minutes

If you have limited time, take the KLIA ekspres train.

Price: Adult RM 55 (~14 USD) Child RM 25 (~6 USD)

Journey time: 28 minutes to KL sentral

Frequency: every 20 minutes

There are many taxis and Grab (Uber) around.

Price: Depending on where you wanna go

Journey time: 1 hour to the city without jam

Frequency: always there

I normally take the bus because it’s the cheapest and I have time to spare. The bus is very comfortable and has AC. Both KLIA and KLIA2 have their own bus stations and they are both located in the terminal. Just follow the signs of the airport to get to the bus station. You’ll arrive in KL sentral in 1 – 1.5 hour depending on traffic.

I use KLIA ekspres only if I have a short layover. Check out the official page as they have amazing family package sometimes. It’s convenient for me to have a quick meet with friends. It’s the fastest way to get to KL sentral, which is the hub of KL. From KL sentral, it’s really easy to get to your destinations by public transport.

I have never used taxis in KLIA and KLIA2. It’s too expensive simply because of the distance covered! However, if this is your preferred mode of transport, make sure you take official, metered taxi that is found at the entrance of both KLIA and KLIA2. Ignore all those pushy hustlers.

KLCC: 1-1.5 hour

This has got to be the biggest reason why you are heading out of the airport during your layover in Kuala Lumpur. They are the tallest twin buildings in the world. I have friends who literally go like “Oh I know KLCC” but they had no idea that it’s in Malaysia!

It’s pretty easy to get from KL sentral to KLCC.

1. If you are using the bus, you need to enter the KL sentral building. Look for the escalator as the building is not on ground level. If you are using KLIA ekspres, the LRT (metro) entrance is just right opposite to the exit of KLIA ekspres.

2. Get a token from the machine to go to KLCC on the red line. KLCC itself is a metro station. There is no interchange and it costs RM 1.60 (~0.40 USD). For more details, check this website .

3. KLCC station is not located inside of the actual KLCC building. Leave the LRT station and follow the sign. I’m sure you’ll find it — it’s too tall to miss it.

KLCC itself is a shopping mall — it’s called Suria KLCC. It’s very geared towards tourists so prices are not cheap. If you don’t have much time to go anywhere else and you wanna sample something truly Malaysian, you can go to Madam Kwan at the top floors of KLCC. After that, have a slice of the glorious Nadeje crepe cake, which is also in KLCC. Nadeje is actually from Malacca and they incorporate many local flavours into their crepe cakes. They are not cheap but I’m sure you’ll like them.

Bukit Bintang: 1-2 hours

Bukit Bintang is the main shopping district in Kuala Lumpur. Many people come here to shop during their layover in Kuala Lumpur. However, what I find most appealing to me is Jalan Alor ! Jalan Alor is an infamous street that’s saturated with cuisines all around Malaysia. If you don’t have much time in Malaysia to sample our food, this is the best you can get as you get everything!

From KLCC to Bukit Bintang, you can take one of the GOKL free shuttle bus. The Malaysian official tourism website has specific info about the shuttle here . Both green and purple line will get you to Bukit Bintang.

Prices at Bukit Bintang are cheaper than those you get at KLCC. Make sure you stop by Jalan Alor. I have brought many friends here and they all loved it! There are many food stalls here and everything tastes amazing. My favourite is Char Kuay Teow and carrot cake! I forgot the stall number for the carrot cake so comment down below if you can find it!

Pavilion , which is one of the major malls in KL, has the best decorations. If you go during a festive season, which there are four of them (Chinese New Year, Eid, Diwali, Christmas) in Malaysia, the in-mall decorations are even crazier.

Petaling street: 1-1.5 hour

Petaling street is the Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur. Although it’s not like what it used to be anymore (it was much more charming when I was younger), there are still lots to do and see there!

From KLCC to Petaling street, you can also take the GOKL free shuttle bus. Just go back to the bus stop where you were and take the purple line. Journey time is around 15 minutes when the traffic is cooperative.

One of my childhood memories in Petaling street is getting a packet of roasted chestnuts. You’ll see them everywhere, they smell fantastic, you buy them, you eat them, your tummy will thank you.

Another place to visit is Madras Lane . This is heaven for foodie out there who want to sample authentic Malaysian street food. It’s cheap, the portion is small, you will get the most out of your buck! I love the yong tau fu stall. Yong taufu means marinated tofu but actually, there’s more than just tofu at this place. You can pick as many pieces as you want and pay accordingly. You can also find assam laksa (sour and spicy fish soup with vermicelli) and juyok fun (pork noodle) here! Omg I’m drooling.

If you wanna buy anything at the outdoor market at Petaling Street, make sure you bargain HARD. Like if they offer RM100, go RM30. See what you get. I once bought a wallet here for RM15, where the original price was RM85.

There is another market called Central Market at Petaling Street. It’s indoor so it’s a bit more pleasant compared to the one outside. They sell many cultural items and some of them really highlight the time needed in producing them.

Get back to the airport and don't miss your flight!

So now, get back to KL sentral. From Petaling Street, you can walk to Pasar Seni LRT station and take the train to KL sentral. From KL sentral, take the bus/ KLIA ekspres back to the airport where you intended to go.

If you have more time...

There are so many other things that I haven’t included above. These are the extra things that you can do if you have more time!

Batu Caves is magnificent! I haven’t included it in because it’s simply too far away from the city. If you can, try to go with Grabcar (Uber equivalent in Malaysia) because it’s so much quicker. There is also public transport (KTM) that goes from KL sentral to Batu Caves but it is ALWAYS LATE. The journey is also super long so using Grabcar would be worth it. I would advise you to go to Batu Caves first before KLCC and so on just because it’s at the furthest end of the city. Allow at least 2 hours at Batu Caves before you move on to KLCC.

If you love food markets, you have to go to Chow Kit Market. It’s one of the oldest markets in KL and it’s lovely. It’s within the city proper and also very accessible (I’d walk there if it’s not too hot). Compared to other major markets in KL, this is more local and you can see many locals actually get their produce from here. There are also many small cafes and restaurants around. I love the ikan bakar (grilled fish) but I don’t know if it’s still here! 

Update: 1/4/2020 : Unfortunately the Jalan-Jalan @ Kampong Baru tour no longer runs! If your layover in Kuala Lumpur coincides with 4-7pm, take the free guided tour by Jalan-Jalan @ Kampong Baru — Let’s walk around Kampung Baru (meaning New Town)! Kampung Baru is easily accessible by train. Just take the LRT from KL sentral to station Kampung Baru (KJ11). To join this tour, you need to book 24 hours in advance. Check the  official website  to see if it’s running on the day that you intend to visit. 

Merdeka Square is one of the most historical landmarks in Malaysia. If you have never seen a Neo Mughal-styled building, you need to head to Merdeka Square. It’s actually not too far away from Petaling Street so you can walk/ take a short Grabcar ride there!

Tun Sambanthan is Little India of KL. It’s a small neighbourhood with many traditional Indian shops selling items that are catered to their own community. Tun Sambanthan is literally next to KL Sentral so if you have some time to spare, make sure you come here! The Malaysian Indian food here is really authentic.

Thean Hou Temple  has got to be one of the most instagrammable temples in the whole of Malaysia. The red lanterns are always there to make a captivating shot. It’s a 10-minute Grabcar ride from KL Sentral and it’ll be worth it

If you are staying for a night in KL, I highly recommend Gold 3 Boutique Hotel . I have stayed there many times with my mum — it’s right in the heart of Bukit Bintang and you are literally a stone throw away to everything! It’s also very affordable.

Those with a tight budget, opt to stay with Sunshine Bedz Kuala Lumpur , which is also located in Bukit Bintang.

If you prefer to stay at the airport area (which is really far away from downtown), you can stay with Tune Hotel KLIA2 . I don’t recommend staying so far away (60km!!) so it’s better to opt for those two above!

Better safe than sorry

I never leave home without getting a travel insurance. Not everything can happen according to to your plan. It’s not unusual for unfortunate events to happen at times. That’s why, I always go with World Nomads before leaving! They have been wonderful to help with my mishaps when I lost my wallet in South Korea and lost my baggage in Bangkok!

The plus side, it’s quite cheap as well – considering the service and the benefit that you’d get. Reimbursement comes in quick and they’ve always got your back!

Like it? Pin it!

Born and raised in Malaysia, Aaron is a medical student that is deeply in love with travelling. He loves to inebriate all his readers with the crazy travel stories and personal travel tips that he has gathered throughout years of travelling experience. Learn more about him h ere !

This post contains affiliate link(s). An affiliate link means I may earn advertising/ referral fees if you make a purchase through my link, without any extra cost to you. It helps to keep this little website afloat. Thank you for your support! Hugs and kisses from Melbourne!

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5 Ways To Spend A 12-Hour Kuala Lumpur Layover

This was not my first visit to Kuala Lumpur (KL). And with less than 12 hours for my Kuala Lumpur layover, I knew it wasn’t going to be wasting it at KLIA2. Hell no, I was going to go exploring. Because that’s what I do best!

When my partner and I decided to visit Vietnam for 2 weeks our flight options from Melbourne were a stopover in Singapore or a stopover in Kuala Lumpur. Ultimately we let the price do the deciding and ended up on an Air Asia X flight with an overnight in KL on the way to Vietnam and similar on the way back.

On the way to Vietnam, we got a luxurious 4 pm arrival into KL, but a horrid 6 am departure time the next day. On the way back we didn’t arrive until 8 pm, but thankfully we didn’t have to leave until 10 am the next morning. So we had around 12 hours, excluding all the time we would need to spend getting in and out of the airport .

The Kuala Lumpur International Airport is approximately 45 minutes south of KL city centre so I knew we would have to make the most of the few hours we had to enjoy the city and get some zzzz’s. Out came my phone notes and I wrote down my favourite things to do in KL to introduce my partner to the best parts in just a few hours. Figured, you could use my handy list. Because if you ever fly Air Asia, 99.9% chance you end up flying into Kuala Lumpur.

So without further ado here is 5 ways to spend a Kuala Lumpur layover.

Stay In luxury

I’m not as young as I use to be and half the reason I chose a layover in Kuala Lumpur is to avoid a midnight flight and actually sleep so that I could hit the ground running in Vietnam. I wanted somewhere close to the city to avoid any more travel time, somewhere close to food and somewhere with amazing views would be a bonus.

Check, check, check.

Ambassador Row Hotel Suites by Lanson Place

Our first night we spent at Ambassador Row Hotel Suites by Lanson Place . Right in the heart of the diplomatic corner, only ten minutes from the Petronas Twin Towers.

The staff was super friendly when we arrived and even organised breakfast boxes to go the next morning since we had to head to the airport so early.

Not wanting to waste time we grabbed a very short cab ride to the Petronas Towers to watch the water and light show, wander the enormous KLCC park grounds and snap some pretty impressive shots of the sparkling Twin Towers.

The room was a one-bedroom apartment with kitchen, living and separate bedroom and some pretty impressive views of the city. There was also a private lounge serving drinks and snacks throughout the day.

Check prices for  Ambassador Row Hotel Suites by Lanson Place here.

Lanson Place Bukit Ceylon Serviced Residences

On our second night in Kuala Lumpur, we were invited to try the sister hotel, Lanson Place Bukit Ceylon Serviced Residences , smack bang in the heart of the Golden Triangle. This building oozed luxury and elegance and class.

We stayed in a three-bedroom apartment, which was bigger than my townhouse back in Melbourne and had views to die for.

I’m moving in. With Mum, with Dad, with the kids. Space is premium in a city, but that didn’t stop Lanson Place.

Walk out the door and a short walk you find yourself on a busy street surrounded by restaurants and nightclubs. And the famous Jalan Alor food night market.

Wi-Fi worked great and did I mention they have a gym, kid’s playground, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool?

All of this was just divine, but nothing will ever beat having breakfast on the 48 th floor in the club lounge, overlooking the entire city. I could see all the way to the mountains. And with another early departure ahead of us, it was our absolute delight to watch the sunrise from our cosy cube in the sky. Wow.

Check prices for  Lanson Place Bukit Ceylon Serviced Residences here.

Don’t stay at an airport hotel. Not when you can stay here.

Visit The Petronas towers

On the way to Vietnam, we spent our first night in KL strolling through KLCC Park, a 50-acre garden set at the foot of the Petronas Towers. It’s not many who have a Kuala Lumpur layover and miss the famous, sparkling Petronas Twin Towers.

The evening light and sound water show is a must and don’t forget all those amazing shots of the Twin Towers. I recommend heading over to the bridge in the park for great snaps.

If you really want to try something different then head up 170m to the Skybridge and Observation Deck , which connects the two towers. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 9 pm, and tickets cost $28 (MYR85) for adults. Book online, because the tour desk at the Towers usually has a long line and sells out early.

Also while here at the base of the Towers, you will find Suria KLCC, a large shopping mall with more than 300 shops. In addition to retail therapy if you have kids you can enjoy an art gallery, an underwater aquarium, cinemas, bowling or the science center.

Eat Some Local Food

I have been lucky enough to live in Malaysia on two separate occasions. I have also been delighted to attend a food tour to learn more about the deliciousness that is Malaysian food. So while in Kuala Lumpur let me encourage you to eat.

Kuala Lumpur is rich in food culture and teeming with flavour. If you arrive in the evening like we did then head to lively Jalan Alor street for a major dose of Malaysian food culture.

Slurp on  asam laksa , a spicy noodle soup that’s one of Malaysia’s most iconic dishes. Eat your weight in chicken satay sticks or garlic bok choy.

And, for dessert, snag a few  goreng pisang  (banana fritters) from a street vendor. Or find a restaurant serving Roti Tissue, the bigger the better!

Don’t forget characteristic Malaysian dishes like Roti Canai , a simple, Indian-inspired flatbread made of flour, butter, and water. Best dipped in a curry sauce. Going for usually $0.40 to $1.50 (RM1.20 – RM4.50) per serving.

Also try Nasi Lemak, A coconut rice with sides. Expect to find it serves with rich sambal and rendang sauces, peanuts, cucumber and fried anchovies. This one will set you back about $0.65 and $3.20 for a serve (RM2.00 to RM10.00).

Explore The Batu Caves

Looking to get out of the city on your Kuala Lumpur layover and see something amazing? About 15-minute train ride between 6 am and 9 pm you can visit the Batu Caves.

When you get there, you’ll find it hard not to miss the 42m-high, gold statue of Murugan, a Hindu deity. After you try every angle to get a photo of its enormous stature, climb the 272 steps up the limestone hill and into the caves. The caves are free, so be wary of scammers trying to sell you fake tickets.

Oh, and look out for the monkeys – they are addicted to human food and can be quite downright nasty about it. Hold out your hands to show you have no food and walk away.

Stay At The Airport

If you have less than 5 hours to spend in Kuala Lumpur, then perhaps you won’t have time to head into the city.

But never fear because if you flew into KLIA2, the home of Air Asia, the 350,000 square feet across four levels will keep you busy. That’s shopping heaven. And if you are so over shopping and just need to sleep, never fear. The first capsule transit hotel in Asia,  Capsule by Container Hotel , is located at Gateway@klia2.

Not sleepy, don’t need retail therapy then try The  Plaza Premium Lounge  which offers executive business facilities, food and beverages, Internet access, movies, massage chairs, oxygen therapy and more. I always love a lounge at an airport, somewhere to park yourself and watch the hour’s tick over and charge all your devices! Try one of these, my favourite charging device.

If you are spending your layover at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport then do not fear, the facilities are just as good, if not better. KLIA is the largest and busiest airport in Malaysia, handling 58,554,627 passengers in 2017 alone. It is the world’s 23rd-busiest airport by total passenger traffic. Which means you’ll never be bored. Especially if you head to the Reflexology and Massage Centre located by gates C1-C5.

The kids won’t be jaded either because at Level 5 of the Main Terminal building you’ll find games, slides, and activities to keep them busy.

KLIA also has a transit hotel located at the Satellite Building, next to Gate C5, which offers 6-hour blocks for room reservations, as well as a gym and sauna. Another great way to spend your Kuala Lumpur layover.

Explore With Erin Wrap Up

Malaysia is a beautiful country so let me encourage you. If you have the time, get out and explore during your Kuala Lumpur layover. Don’t wish away the time in an airport. Enjoy all this beautiful, clean, safe, metropolitan city has to offer. Or at the very least stay in a luxury hotel and get some proper food and sleep.

But I must warn you before you go. Try and avoid my arch nemesis. The squat toilet. Malaysia’s favourite way to toilet seems to be in a soaking wet bathroom with a hole in the ground that will eat your sunglasses if perched on your head or tucked into your shirt. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

What do you do during your KL layover? I’d love to know in the comments below.

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Travelocity  has over 1,787 properties along the Great Ocean Road including hotels, apartments, and hostels. You get free cancellation on most rooms and the best price guaranteed.

Want to take an organised tour of the Great Ocean Road ? Then I recommend these ones through Viator.

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Thank u for the advice! I also had a layover in KL recently and I did a video about it after googling on what to do! At least you went on to explore KL and it seems so fun!

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Kuala Lumpur International Airport Layover Tour

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• English-speaking driver
• Hotels pick-up and drop-off
• Entry/Admission - National Monument
• Entry/Admission - Merdeka Square
• Entry/Admission - Sultan Abdul Samad Building
• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Admission Fee will be $25.00
• Entry/Admission - Petronas Twin Towers
• Please be ready in the lobby. The driver will pick you up.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Pushchair accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travellers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Merdeka Square
• Sultan Abdul Samad Building
• National Monument
• Petronas Twin Towers
• National Mosque (Masjid Negara)

Similar experiences

• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Petronas Twin Towers Stop: 20 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 2 KL Tower Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 3 Istana Negara Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 4 National Monument Stop: 15 minutes - Admission included See details
• 5 Merdeka Square Stop: 15 minutes - Admission included See details
• 6 Sultan Abdul Samad Building Stop: 15 minutes - Admission included See details
• 7 National Mosque (Masjid Negara) Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 8 Batu Caves Stop: 45 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• wisebird 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great whistle stop tour This is a great way to make the most of limited time in KL. Our driver/guide was Vishnu. He was very good. Efficient, friendly and knowledgeable with great English. Having spent the afternoon with him we know far more about KL than we did arriving and have seen most of the cities iconic sights along with some of the country’s history. We would definitely recommend. Barbara & Paul - Ireland. Read more Written 17 April 2024
• Companion264517 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles High level city tour with a few extras I took 2 city tours while in KL. This one had more specific stops that were not included on the other such as entry into the national mosque and the war memorial. Read more Written 15 April 2024
• smurf23254 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Trip as described when booked. KL city tourist spots and Petronas Twin Towers/KL Tower. Our driver was good and early. Sivakumar was informative and gave us a good insight into the main tourist spots of Kuala Lumpur. Enough time to visit the Petronas towers and KL tower. Nothing negative to say. Read more Written 5 April 2024
• LucilleR218 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Confused Confused, it’s not what we expected. We did not get to the Central market or Beryls chocolate, but we were taken to the kings palace, which was not on our itinerary. The tour was not even 2 hours and our entrance ticket to the twin towers is only later in the day. We were offered a visit to the batik factory to make up the time, but we have arranged to go there tomorrow. Read more Written 2 April 2024
• jumbobelle 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Will get you into the towers last minute, trade off is putting up with a bunch of tourist tat shops. Saw most of the bigger sights though did get dragged through 3 tourist stops which were there just to sell you stuff and gave no experience back (sigh). What this tour did do well was get us last minute tickets to the Petronas towers, which we really wanted to do. Read more Written 30 March 2024
• Ashfluffy 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Main attraction The choice of attractions was great. The written information in the summary was very interesting. Mostly, My guide only gave information when asked, and dropped me at sites then stayed in his car. My guide was friendly and a safe driver. Read more Written 23 March 2024
• Silver7246 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great trip! Our guide, Visnu, did a fantastic job for us. He was a good driver, he knew where he was going, he told us about the city, and his car was in great condition. We saw all the highlights of Kuala Lumpur, including the top of the Petronas twin towers! It was a great day with absolutely no issues. Great job! Read more Written 20 March 2024
• N7525EWgaryf 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Tour and Views From Petronas Towers The views from the Petronas Towers were fantastic. If you are in KL its a must!. Our tour guide Fauzi was really informative and nothing was too much trouble, plus he was an Arsenal fan....so that put him in good stead with us Gooners!!. i highly recommend this tour, you will be left with some great memories and plenty of photos. Read more Written 11 March 2024
• Sightseer46430550790 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome stunning views from the twin towers The views were truly amazing Our driver Ashikin picked us up on time and the tour went through seamlessly. He was interactive friendly and guided us through the tour quite well. Although the tour was only for the twin towers. He went out of this way taking us through a couple more places at our request. Would definitely recommend him for a tour if you’re in Kuala Lumpur Read more Written 22 February 2024
• Rahi_96 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour especially since it is private! This was a great trip, lovely views, fast tour, appreciate the effort. Driver was really friendly and explained all the spots to us. Read more Written 17 February 2024
• Mumtazjords 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Good tour if you have limited time Short stay on the city so this was a good tour to see some f the main attractions. Vicky our driver was friendly and knowledgeable and shared lots of interesting facts. Definitely worth it Read more Written 16 February 2024
• Shamim B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent guide. Our guide Ramzan , was very informative. As we had done Kl by night the day before. Ramzan took us to the Pewter Factory which was very interesting and a great place to buy gifts for my family . Petrino Towers was good. Amazing views of the city. Read more Written 14 February 2024
• chrisdI7840HM 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful City Tour of Kuala Lumpur This is actually one of a handful of tours that we arranged with Skyline Holidays for our visit to Kuala Lumpur and they did not disappoint us. Total we had arranged 3 different tours and the airport transfers. They were very easy to communicate with and addressed all our questions during the planning period. They provided a flexible, fun and interesting trip for each tour that we booked with them. On this tour we had the privilege of having the owner and boss to take us around this Kuala Lumpur City tour. He was very flexible and accommodating adapting to the many needs of our group size of 6 friends and family members. It was always tough to have all members of the party adhere to the time schedules but the owner/driver/tour guide had no problems with it. It was almost like a custom tour as he drove us around the city to where we wanted to go and visit and deviated somewhat from the planned itinerary but we the customers had a fun-filled day. Read more Written 12 February 2024
• I2920MWpaulm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour of KL Great tour my guide and driver Salman communicated with me the day before introducing himself confirmed time and pick up. Friendly chap very knowledgeable got me around explaining points of interest along the way visited all sites all in all good day. Read more Written 4 February 2024
• 856angusc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Overview of Kuala Lumpa and the twin towers Prior to arriving had a note from our driver introducing himself. He arrived early, was friendly, informative and made our trip go very quickly. Good way to see the city and the twin towers. KL isn’t the most beautiful city in the world but the trip is well worth doing. Read more Written 27 January 2024

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