If you have a long layover in Kuala Lumpur, consider yourself lucky! It’s an amazing city with way more to do than most people think!

Recently I decided to stay in Kuala Lumpur for five days to check it out, since I normally just layover there and never leave the airport. Trust me, adjust your flight, and leave the airport!

Here’s a super easy guide to plan a long layover in Kuala Lumpur:

And here’s some other posts to help plan your trip: 14 Genius Carry On Items, How to Pack Using Only a Carry On

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

I found the most incredible apartment on Booking for about $70 per night. It’s in a brand new, chic, fifty story building, with an incredible rooftop pool with a prime view of the Patronas Towers!

It’s called Star Sky Park, and you can easily book it online. The location is also prime, with many things within walking distance!

How to Get to and From the Airport

Download the Grab app before you arrive and use it to get to and from the airport for the best price. I didn’t have it when I arrived, and used a taxi, which was almost double the cost!

Don’t forget to get TRAVEL INSURANCE for quick trips like this! Especially if you lose luggage or have any flight delays or cancellations!

How to Spend the Day on a Long Layover in Kuala Lumpur

If you have one full day in Kuala Lumpur, here’s what I’d recommend:

Patronas Towers Photos

Take your photos at the imposing Patronas Towers, and go up to the top of them if you’d like! If you’re staying at Star Sky Park though, the best view of them is from the rooftop pool! (First photo of this post)

If you’re not staying at Star Sky Park, you can try to ask the front desk if you can go up to the cafe that’s at the pool so you can take some photos and enjoy the view!

Lunch at Shangri La

The pool at Shangri La is said to be one of the best views in Kuala Lumpur as well. Their pricing for lunch isn’t terrible either! Cool down after walking around outside with a bite to eat by the pool here!

Sunset at Heli Lounge Bar

This is the secret spot I posted on IG about that’s a bar on a helicopter pad. To get to it you have to go up the elevators of an old office building (there’s no signs out front so you need to use google maps), which takes you to a funky space-themed cafe at the top.

You then pay first for a minimum of two drinks, then they bring you up to the rooftop. It’s an actual helicopter pad, which means there’s no railings, which is kind of crazy, but super cool!

If you want one of the cool tables at the edge, make a reservation in advance! You also get a great view of the Patronas Towers from up there.

Drinks at Bar Trigona

Bar Trigona is named one of the top bars in the world, so if you’re into that sort of thing, check it out! It was definitely on the pricier side, but the cocktails and ambience were both very good!

Bucketlist Day Trip for a Long Layover in Kuala Lumpur: Batu Caves

I’d highly recommend planning to have at least two full days in Kuala Lumpur, so that you can go check out the Batu Caves. I’m sure you’ve seen them all over social media, and yes, it’s as cool as it looks in photos.

Like any place that’s Insta-famous, it does get very crowded, so the earlier you can go the better. I went at 9am before heading to my flight and it was already starting to get crowded.

Take a Grab to get there, it’s only about an hour and costs $10 or less for one way. My Grab driver was super cool and actually hiked up the steps with me!

Batu Caves is free entry, and takes about 1 hour total. Be sure to go all the way up to the caves though! Don’t just stop at the colorful stairs! Oh and be very careful with the monkeys! Close your bag and don’t bring any food; they WILL take it from you!

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xx, Alyssa