Kuala Lumpur is one of the coolest cities in Asia. It’s cosmopolitan, vibrant, and a bit of a hidden gem in comparison with other big Asian cities like Hong Kong and Bangkok. Its skyline is dominated by the iconic Petronas Towers and cultural buildings like Thean Hou Temple. It’s also the perfect city to visit if you’re a foodie, like me.
And because the busy Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is located here, it’s a popular stopping-off point for travelers transiting between continents. From KLIA, you can easily catch a flight to most other Asian destinations as well as 120 destinations across the world. So, it makes sense that Kuala Lumpur is such a popular layover destination!
If you’re planning a layover in Kuala Lumpur, this blog post has got you covered. We’ve done a couple of layovers in KL (we frequently flew to Europe from our home in Australia). With a layover, you’ll need to have a plan in place because you’re tight on time, and that’s where I come in. Below, I’ve listed the best things to do if you have up to 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur.
Is Kuala Lumpur worth visiting?
Yes, Kuala Lumpur is 100% worth visiting!
It’s all hustle and bustle, so many people squashed onto its narrow footpaths, and everyone going a different direction.
Street food stalls, that hot, humid air smell, and honking horns. You can eat and drink like a King here for next to nothing. There’s so much choice from Balinese, Japanese, Indian, and even Irish restaurants.
Obviously, a visit to the Petronas Towers is a must while here, and you should definitely check out Jalan Alor (a long street filled with food stalls) for the atmosphere and food.
Best Things to Do With 24 Hours in Kuala Lumpur
If you have less than 24 hours to spend here, just cross off the attractions that don’t appeal to you and focus on the ones that you’re keen to do with the time you have.
Petronas Towers
Standing at a staggering height of 451 meters, these iconic twin skyscrapers are a testament to Malaysia’s progress and ambition.
Designed by Argentine architect César Pelli, the towers boast an Islamic-inspired architectural style, featuring motifs and elements that reflect Malaysia’s rich heritage. You can visit the skybridge on the 41st and 42nd floors, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and beyond. It can be a little nerve-wracking up here if you’re nervous of heights, though.
P.S. The observation deck on the 86th floor provides an even more spectacular vantage point. But there’s an additional fee for that.
We also spent some time strolling around the surrounding KLCC Park, which I’d describe as a serene escape in the city. It’s pretty as a picture here with lush greenery, water features, and walking paths.
Thean Hou Temple
This six-tiered Chinese temple stands as a cultural and architectural marvel in the city.
It’s dedicated to Thean Hou, the Heavenly Queen, and is known as an emblem of Malaysia’s vibrant Chinese community. It was completed in 1987 and combines elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
When we visited, we were captivated by its intricate carvings, grand pagoda roofs, and I was surprised by the stunning views it offered of KL’s skyline.
Batu Caves
These steep, colorful steps (there are 272 of them!) on a limestone hill are easily one of the most famous tourist sites in Kuala Lumpur. Well, in fact, they are around a 20-minute drive from downtown. We got here on the KTM Komuter train on the Port Klang Line. We boarded at KL Sentral, and the stop you must get off at is Batu Caves station.
Besides the rainbow steps, the hill houses a series of caves and cave temples, and it is regarded as one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India and is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war.
We were tired after climbing the 272 steps that led to the Temple Cave, but within the cave, we were awed by the intricate Hindu shrines and the breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
✅You can book a private half-day guided tour of Batu Caves here for $35 USD (150 MYR).
KL Forest Eco Park
This nine-hectare forest reserve is home to over 200 trees and heaps of wildlife like long-tailed macaques and silver leaf monkeys.
It is one of the oldest permanent forest reserves in the country, preserving a rich diversity of flora and fauna. This eco park features a series of walking trails and a canopy walkway that allows visitors to explore the treetops and enjoy stunning views of the KL Tower and city skyline. We spent around 3 hours here when we visited, but if you’re tight on time you could easily do it in an hour (although it will be rushed).
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
This is one of the oldest and most revered Hindu temples in the country. Founded in 1873, this temple serves as a significant cultural and spiritual hub for the Tamil community and Hindu devotees. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, who is loved for her ability to ward off diseases and protect her followers.
Architecturally, the temple is a stunning example of Dravidian style, featuring a magnificent gopuram (tower) adorned with intricate sculptures of Hindu deities, legendary figures, and mythological creatures.
✅ You can book a private Instagram tour of the city here, which includes visits to the city’s most photogenic sights like Batu Caves, Petronas Towers, and Thean Hou Temple. It will cost you $107 USD (450 MYR).
Jalan Alor
This bustling street food haven is home to some of the best food in KL.
From sizzling satay skewers and aromatic noodles to exotic fruits and freshly grilled seafood, Jalan Alor offers a sensory feast that showcases the rich flavors of Malaysian cuisine. The street is also dotted with open-air restaurants and food stalls, each serving its own specialties and adding to the area’s dynamic atmosphere.
Another great spot for street food is Taman Connaught.
Sunset drinks at a rooftop bar
My top top recommendation for Kuala Lumpur is to have a drink at Heli Lounge Bar at sunset, just get here before 6 pm to get a good seat.
I try to catch the sunset every evening of my vacation, and that didn’t change while I was in KL. Sure, a city sunset is a tad different from a beach sunset. But, honestly, one of my favorite parts of my 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur was catching the sunset at a rooftop bar with an ice-cold drink in my hand.
Other favorite rooftop bars here in KL include Canopy Lounge Rooftop Bar and SkyBar at the Traders Hotel.
Can you leave KL airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) during a layover, provided you have enough time and meet the necessary requirements. Here are some things you should consider before heading into KL.
Your layover should be long enough to allow you to leave the airport, explore, and return in time for your next flight. A layover of at least six to eight hours is what we advise.
You should also factor in the time it will take to clear immigration upon leaving and re-entering the airport. This can vary depending on the time of day and how busy the airport is.
So if you have around 8 hours to spare, taking a short trip into Kuala Lumpur can be a great way to make the most of your layover and experience a taste of the city’s vibrant culture and attractions.
Do you need a visa for a layover in Kuala Lumpur?
Many nationalities can enter Malaysia visa-free for short visits, but it’s important to confirm the specific requirements for your country.
How to get into the city from the airport?
Your options include the KLIA Ekspres train, which takes about 30 minutes to reach the city center, taxis, or ride-sharing services.
As for exploring the city itself, we suggest doing it on foot instead of using public transport. Top tourist sites like Chinatown and Little India are next to each other, so they are easily explored on foot.
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
We stayed at Mercu Signature Suites KLCC for our time here and we really rate it. We had a large one-bedroom apartment with city views and all amenities (washer/dryer, cooker, etc), which was handy. There’s also a lovely outdoor pool and hot tub. We paid around $40 USD (around 168 MYR) per night.
INNSiDE by Melia is another great place to stay in KL – this modern and stylish 4-star hotel features a cool outdoor pool and rooms with city views. Expect to pay around $50 USD (200 MYR) per night.
And if you’re on a budget – Sunshine Bedz KL is a brilliant hostel option with a bed in a dorm averaging $7 USD per night.
Thanks for Reading!
In short, Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant city that combines a unique blend of modernity and tradition. We loved exploring the bustling streets of Bukit Bintang, indulging in the diverse culinary scene that reflects Malaysia’s multicultural heritage, and wandering through the historic streets of Chinatown. Overall, it is well worth spending 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur.
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Last Updated on November 20, 2025 by snaphappytravel