It got me really excited to visit the melting pot of Asia. After visiting Singapore we spared a day for a cross-country trip to visit Malaysia. Just to give you a quick background about this 5D4N trip, on our first and second day, we’ll be in Singapore. The third day we’ll head to Kuala Lumpur via bus. The fourth day from Kuala Lumpur, we’ll head to Penang via bus again. And from Penang, we’ll take a plane to Singapore before heading back to Manila.
Backpacking in Singapore for 2 Days
Cross-border Commuting from Singapore
From Singapore, you can take a bus or a train. We opted for 5-hour bus ride since it has a direct route to Kuala Lumpur. We booked our tickets online via EasyBook, it’s similar on how you book a flight. You can choose your preferred time of departure, bus route (pick-up and drop-off point), and bus type. Bus tickets range from MYR 104.40 to 138.85 (PHP 1167 to 1553). Print your ticket and be there at the pick-up point at least 30 minutes before the time of departure.
We took the last trip at 11:59 PM pick-up point at Bugis and drop-off point at KL Sentral. It was kinda risky since it’s a 5-hour midnight bus ride but very strategic since you’ll arrive Kuala Lumpur at 5:00 AM and get to spend the whole day in the city.
Upon arriving at Woodlands Singapore checkpoint, you will be asked to take off the bus with your passport for validation. You’ll be asked to take off the bus for the second time, this time with your baggage for inspection when you reached the Malaysian Immigration checkpoint. They will ask about your trip details similar with the immigration procedure at the airport. Don’t lose the exit card you are given, you will need it when you leave Singapore. Once cleared you can proceed to ride your bus.
TIP: Don’t forget to exchange your SGDs to MYRs before leaving. Money Changers at Kuala Lumpur opens at 10:00 AM.
Getting Around
Bus dropped us at KL Sentral. KL Sentral is their main railway station, and also a huge shopping mall called NU Sentral. From here, you can take all the regional and suburban trains. If you’ll be coming from KLIA or KLIA2, there’s a shuttle bus that will take you there.
Since we’re just staying for a day, we opted for Single Journey Tokens instead of the prepaid cards when riding the trains. You can also hop on the free GoKL bus outside KL Sentral.
Where To Stay
You’ll never run out of accommodations in Kuala Lumpur, from hotels, hostels, and apartments. It’s best to pick a location near KL Sentral so it will be easier for us to get around the city. We chose to stay in PODs The Backpackers Hostel, just a few walks away from KL Sentral. It’s very cozy and the staff is very accommodating. For MYR 85 (PHP 950), we had a private room with two single beds, that comes with free breakfast also!
PODs The Backpackers Home & Cafe
G-6, No 30, Jalan Thambipillay, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Bunk Pods (Mixed or Female Dormitory)
• MYR 35 (PHP 391) per night, free breakfast
Single Pods (Private Room)
• MYR 65 (PHP 726) per night, free breakfast
Double Pods (Two Single Beds, Private Room)
• MYR 85 (PHP 950) per night, free breakfast
Trip Highlights
Muzium Negara
How To Get There:
From KL Sentral, hop on the free GoKL bus and get off at Jalan Namansara or Bus Stop No. 12
What To Do:
Before wandering the city, dropping by the National Museum is a must! Learn from Malaysia’s rich history from prehistoric to Colonial times. From there, you can get an idea which are the historic places that you’d like to visit. Entrance is just MYR 5 (PHP 55) per person.
Masjid Negara
How To Get There:
From Muzium Negara, it’s a few walks away from there
What To Do:
Visit the state mosque. It’s an open-air modernly designed mosque with 73 meters high minaret and the star-shaped roof. It’s free but you should be dressed properly.
Islamic Arts Museum
How To Get There:
From Masjid Negara, it’s a few walks up on the hill
What To Do:
One of the must-visit museums in Malaysia. For MYR 14 (PHP 156) you’ll get to know more about the Islam and all the Islamic architectures around the world. This place is so beautiful!
Kuala Lumpur Railway Station Restaurant
How To Get There:
From Islamic Arts Museum, walk back to the Kuala Lumpur Station, in front of KTM Building
What To Do:
Have a taste of their local cuisine in this cafeteria -ish restaurant. We tried their Nasi Lemak which surely is a must-try. It’s rice with various toppings or add-ons, served with sambal sauce (spicy sauce). We also had a taste of Ayam Goreng (fried chicken) and their famous Teh Tarik (Milk Tea) which is best served with ice. If you’ll be taking your drink with you, they’ll pour it into a plastic bag that has a string that will allow you to hang it on your wrist!
Batu Caves
How To Get There:
From Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, ride a train to Batu Caves Station
What To Do:
The Batu Caves is the home to various Hindu shrines and one of the top destinations to visit located at the edge of Kuala Lumpur. Upon reaching the entrance you’ll see a big golden statue of Lord Murugan and at the entrance of the Ramayana Cave is a towering statue of Hanuman, the devotee of Lord Rama, Climb up the 272 steps of this carved limestone hill. You’ll see a lot of wild monkeys ready to mingle with you and steal your food. Better watch out for your belongings!
Masjid Jamek
How To Get There:
From Batu Caves Station, ride a train going to Masjid Jamek Station
What To Do:
After alighting at Masjid Jamek station we took a walk to Masjid Jamek, the biggest and one of the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur. We weren’t able to take photos since it’s raining plus some of the parts were on construction. It’s said to be the first brick mosque to be built in the city.
Side Trips:
On the way to Merdeka Square, you can do a walking trip and take photos with the interesting buildings along the way. Here are some of the buildings: Sultan Abdul Samad, National Textile Museum, National City Gallery.
Merdeka Square
How To Get There:
From Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, it’s a few walks away from there
What To Do:
If you were able to visit Muzium Negara, then you know a bit of the history of Merdeka Square. It is also known as their independence square where the Malaysian flag was raised for the first time to commemorate the end of British colonization over their country.
Little India
How To Get There:
From Merdeka Square, take a long walk to Little India
What To Do:
If you’re into shopping and Indian cuisine, taking a walk here is the place to be! I must admit my feet hurts from walking but it’s worth it. The pavement is full of expats and locals, especially on weekends.
The Petronas Twin Towers
How To Get There:
From KL Sentral, ride a train to Batu Caves Station Kelana Jaya Rail Line
From Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, ride a train to Batu Caves Station
What To Do:
The famous landmark in Kuala Lumpur, The Petronas Towers! It’s best to come here in the afternoon so you can take photos while there’s sunlight and wait for the sunset so you can see its beauty at night. You can go up and see Kuala Lumpur’s beauty and walk at sky bridge that connects the two towers. As for us, I just went inside the malls to shop!
Bukit Bintang
How To Get There:
From The Petronas Twin Towers, hop on a GoKL bus going to Bukit Bintang
What To Do:
This is one of the most popular shopping districts with all the designer labels. We went here in the evening and so you can see tourists and locals enjoying a walk at this glamorous district. Some of them are bustling for the nightlife. Oh, there’s a big Sephora store here!
Jalan Alor Food Street
How To Get There:
From Bukit Bintang, it’s a few walks going to Jalan Alor
What To Do:
Dinner time and ending the day at one of the famous hawker centers. The Jalan Food Street is also a tourist destination. You’ll find a lot of food stalls serving chili crabs, BBQ, noodles, and dim sum!
In less than 24 hours, we were able to tour around Kuala Lumpur. I must admit this was very tiring and a day isn’t enough to immerse yourself and learn about Kuala Lumpur. The next day continues with our trip to Penang, Malaysia. Hope you learned from this travel guide for a first-timer! If you have questions let me know if the comments area. ????
Next Up:
Backpacking in Penang for 2 Days
This is an all-expense paid DIY backpacking trip. All thoughts and experience stated in this post are entirely my own.
Is it safe having the night trip to Kuala Lumpur? What bus company?
Based on this experience the trip was totally fine and arrived there safe and sound! We booked the KKKL Bus line to KL Sentral. ????
Hello! I was just wondering, where did you get your tourist and train maps upon arriving in KL early in the morning? Please and thank you!
Hi there! We have with us the Lonely Planet book during our trip, definitely a travel must-have!