Back in June 2015, I bought a one way ticket to Cambodia for Php 1,300 (bought a return ticket 2 weeks before I left! Haha! Remember, we are not allowed to fly without a return ticket guys!) Almost a year later, the airline sent me the flight details with 23 hours layover in Malaysia!

My boyfriend flew a day ahead of me to Cambodia, so I flew alone. It’s a good thing that I couchsurfed in the Philippines a few times, so I knew that there would be a place for me to spend the night in, and I was lucky that I have found an awesome host in Malaysia who also showed me around.

Traveling out of the country for the first time was a mix of nervousness and excitement. I was completely naive of what’s outside the Philippines, but still trying to travel spontaneously. Hence, I did not do any research about Kuala Lumpur.

GETTING OFF THE AIRPORT

I arrived in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (klia2) at around 4:50pm. There are buses from the airport going to KL Sentral (the main train station) which only costs 11 MYR, it will take you about an hour to get to the train station. 

For Philippine Passport holders: We are visa-free on arrival in Malaysia for 30 days, so we are allowed to get out from the airport. Instead of heading to the flight connection gate, head to the immigration to get an arrival stamp.

You could also take a 33-minute express train from KLIA (2.2km form KLIA2) going to KL Sentral, which costs 55 MYR. But since I got more time than money, I chose the bus!

My couchsurfing host actually picked me up in KL Sentral, but from KL Sentral take a train going to KLCC Terminal, which would only costs 1.60 MYR. And getting out of the KLCC terminal you will immediately see the…

PETRONAS TWIN TOWER

My eyes were wide open as the height of this massive tower, it was really fascinating! Now I understood why everyone was trying to take a selfie with this magnificent tower. Then, at the back of the tower, you’ll see…

SURIA KLCC SHOPPING MALL

Since I was trying to save money for my travels, I got no interest in roaming around the mall (and it was too damn fancy! Haha!)  We just pass through it from the towers to get to the…

LAKE SYMPHONY WATER FOUNTAIN SHOW

It was awesome and satisfying to watch the water dancing with the nice classical music. The water fountain show starts every 7:00pm, then plays 2 musical  arrangements every half hour until 10:00pm.

HAVE DINNER ALONG THE STREETS OF JALAN ALOR

The ultimate food destination in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Oh yes! 20 MYR for a good local food and a bottle of beer! That sweet feeling of saving money from eating awesome cheap local street food!

BUY CHEAP SOUVENIRS AT THE NIGHT MARKETS

Get your bargaining skills ready! I bought 2 Petronas tower bottle opener magnets for only 15 MYR, originally 20 MYR! Again, I felt accomplished!

EXPERIENCE NIGHT LIFE AT JALAN BUKIT BINTANG STREET

Just located behind Jalan Alor is this hot spot for night life entertainment. Walking along the street was interesting, the buildings were used to be pre-war colonial shophouses that were renovated and turned into pubs and restaurants.

SEE THE PETRONAS TOWERS AGAIN THE NEXT MORNING

It was nice to see the tower again in a different perspective. I went back there around 9:00am, and we were only two people taking photos during that morning!

HAVE A BREAKFAST AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT

About 5 minutes walk from the tower, I saw a nice local restaurant called Nasi Kandar Pelita. As much as possible, please try to not eat fast food when you travel!

Although the food tastes far different from what I am used to, and to be honest I wasn’t able to finish the food (but I really tried to!), it wasn’t bad but the flavor was too strong for me, but at least I knew a little bit about their cuisine. I just spent around 8-10 MYR for my food and a bottle of water in this restaurant.

CHECK OUT MENARA KL TOWER

Check out Kuala Lumpur 276 meters from above the ground!  The KL tower is about a 30-minute walk from the Petronas Tower. There’s actually a free shuttle going to the KL tower (I just saw it when I was already close to the tower. Great!) But since, I got no enough time and money I wasn’t able to go up the tower, I have to get back to the airport!

The KL Tower is open from 9:00am to 10:00pm everyday. The fee at the observation deck is 52 MYR for adults and 31 MYR for children foreign tourists.

GETTING BACK TO THE AIRPORT

It’s better to head back to the airport 3.5 hours before your flight (Btw, I got no check in baggage) because you will be taking the train and bus again. Remember, KLCC – KL Sentral – Bus to KLIA2!

Also, the airport is huge! It will take you about 30 minutes of walking from the bus drop area to the departure area gates. 

Have a safe flight!

Feel free to comment below on what other places we must see if we happen to have a long layover in Kuala Lumpur!