I’m back from my very first trip to Malaysia—and what a beautiful whirlwind it was! ✨
Spending 4 days and 5 nights in Kuala Lumpur gave me the perfect balance of sightseeing, food-tripping, cultural discovery, and a bit of rest (just a bit 😄). This post is not just a travel diary—it’s also a beginner-friendly guide for anyone planning their first visit to Malaysia.
From navigating local transport to discovering Instagram-worthy places and understanding how much cash you really need to carry, I’ve packed this post with tips and insights that would’ve made my planning a lot easier.
Where I Stayed
I stayed at ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre, a modern hotel tucked in the heart of the city. Super accessible, clean, and with the iconic Petronas Towers just a short walk away, it was a comfortable and convenient base for everything I wanted to explore.
Quick Overview: My 4 Days 5 Nights Itinerary
Here’s a quick glimpse of what I did—I’ll be posting detailed day-wise breakdowns soon!
Day 1: Arrival + Evening Walk
- Landed at KLIA, checked into ibis KL City Centre
- Explored Skybox & Sky deck at KL Tower, KLCC Park, Suria Mall and viewed Petronas Towers by night
Day 2: Culture & Landmarks
- Batu Caves
- Thean Hou Temple
- King’s Palace
- Merdeka Square & Masjid Negara
- Chinatown + Petaling Street
Day 3: Modern KL
- National Museum
- National Library
- Indepence Ground
- Pavilion Mall
- Central Market
- Bukit Bintang street food
- Saloma Link Bridge (night visit)
Day 4: Putrajaya & some more shopping
- Putra Mosque at Putrajaya
- Brickfields, Chinatown & Avenue mall
Day 5: Checkout & Fly Back
Travel Essentials to Know
Visa for Indians:
Malaysia is currently visa-free for Indian but you still need to have a digital arrival card which will be asked at the time of immigration. Be sure to fill it before you start your trip and keep it handy.
Link to Malaysia Digital Arrival card
Currency:
The local currency is Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
1 MYR ≈ ₹20 to ₹21 (as per my travel dates in April 2025).
Pro tip: Carry some cash, but card payments (especially contactless) are widely accepted / for street shopping have some cash handy otherwise they charge 10% extra on the quote (which seems like a useless thing, especially after bargaining)
Transport:
Grab (their version of Uber) is a lifesaver! Super affordable and reliable. The MRT/LRT trains are also efficient for getting around but I prefer (and love) GRAB.
Language:
English is widely spoken, especially in touristy areas. You’ll be just fine navigating around.
First Impressions
Kuala Lumpur has this unique blend of modernity and deep-rooted culture. You’ll find towering skyscrapers standing right beside colorful temples and colonial architecture. What surprised me most was how peaceful and green the city feels, even in the middle of buzzing areas like Bukit Bintang.
What’s Coming Up
I’ll be sharing:
- Top Places to Visit in Kuala Lumpur
- Where to Eat (Especially if You’re a Vegetarian!)
- How Much a Trip Like This Really Costs
- And a few fun moments from the trip, of course 😉
…and lots more!
If you’re planning a short escape to Malaysia or thinking of traveling solo or with friends, stay tuned!
