Kuala Lumpur – The streets
Kuala Lumpur, the bustling capital of Malaysia, is well-known for its vibrant nature and countless shopping centres. Yet this cosmopolitan metropolis offers far more than an abundance of retail outlets – it also boasts culture tourism attractions; from architecture tours to culinary excursions! There’s certainly a lot to discover in Kuala Lumpur – so don’t hesitate to explore its diverse offerings! Here is my list of things to do in Kuala Lumpur on a budget.
Transport to Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is accessible by bus, with a journey from Penang taking only 4 hours or so on well-maintained roads and an unparalleled public transport service. It is likewise feasible to travel overnight on the East Asia Train Travel Map which illustrates all passenger trains as well as connecting bus services in Malaysia and its surrounding nations – for instance, one may even make it to Singapore (search online for any relevant East Asia train route map).
To embark on such an arduous journey across several hours of bus travel and arrive in Kuala Lumpur with relative ease was a true feat for me. The trip lasted only four hours, and there were two stops along the way; Pudu Sentral Station where we alighted from our respective buses before trekking into China Town’s bustling metropolis.
China Town in Kuala Lumpur (Petaling Street)
China Town is the place to be for all adventurers! bustling streets populated with shops, convenience stores, guesthouses and hotels dotting the area – creating an atmosphere of economic activity but providing ample opportunity for budget travelers seeking bargain prices. This district is also a hotspot for backpackers and partiers looking to sample market shopping or captivating nightlife.
Bukit Bintang
This region is home to the greatest concentration of shopping malls that I have ever seen. There are plentiful outdoor plazas filled with eateries; indoor-outdoor spaces packed with high-end attire for all budgets; vast luxury malls and everything in between! In this area, you can find bargain meals for as little as US$1 to sit down at a fine dining establishment that would cost over US$100 if purchased on its own – even upmarket stalls offering market pashminas retailing at only US$2 alongside products from renowned fashion houses such as LV, Gucci or Valentino don’t come cheap! Truly diverse and accommodating whatever your financial status may be – this part of town is sure worth exploring!
The side alleys of the city are prime spots for revelry and street cuisine (though not typically open during daytime hours). Take advantage of Jalan Alor or Jalan Doraisamy in the evening for everything from coffee to refreshments, as well as scrumptious street food options on a budget!
Petronas Twin Towers
This is a popular area for tourists to come and take photos of the huge towers. It is possible to enter the towers, and gain a good view of the city from one of the top floors. You can also have a meal up in the tower with great views, although both of these activities are expensive for the budget traveller. Tickets can be purchased at the towers or booked at many hostels, guesthouses and hotels in Kuala Lumpur.
City centre architecture
On the surface, Kuala Lumpur boasts a rich trove of architectural delights. From opulent colonial edifices to resplendent residences of royalty and mosques adorned with ornate domes, there are many beautiful sights in this cosmopolitan urban centre. Not only that but nestled within its environs lies an enchanting cricket pitch!
By engaging in a leisurely stroll through the city centre, one can appreciate its sights and sounds with map in hand as well as snapping photos of their surroundings. My visits to various spots around town have yielded some noteworthy discoveries – like the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, an abandoned railway station or even a mosque along the river that bears its moniker Masjid Negara.
Visitors to Kuala Lumpur City Centre will find an outstanding museum tucked away in the area. It houses a stunning collection of artworks and photographs from once bustling metropolis, providing visitors with unparalleled insight into Kuala Lumpur’s rich culture. The museum also boasts air conditioning; spotless toilets; as well as an opportunity for souvenirs! Admission is free – making it one of the best places to stop for refreshment when wandering about exploring this beautiful city!
Accommodation
There are accommodation options for all budgets in Kuala Lumpur. Some of the higher-end motels can be found in the Butik Bintang area, and if you’re looking for accommodation that’s more Khao San Road style, then Chinatown is where you should look. Chinatown’s market atmosphere, good-time vibes, street food stalls and cheap guesthouses and hostels make it the backpacker epicentre of the city.
Kuala Lumpur is a lively metropolis boasting a juxtaposition of the ancient and modern, with sights of its peoples’ distinct cultures and traditions as well as an abundance of history visible throughout the cityscape. From its bustling streets teeming with people hurrying about in contemporary attire alongside more traditional garb, to vibrant restaurants serving up tantalizing cuisines for all palates; this cosmopolitan city oozes diversity!
Kuala Lumpur, modern new-age culture meets the urban city life, meets traditional cultures, meets a rich religious culture, meets you.
