The 1 Day Lay Over Itinerary in Malaysia

If you are like us you may have had a 19 hour lay over in Malaysia. Yes, the airport is great but 19 hours here is outrageous. The airport staff told us that there was no way we could get into town to see the city and return in time. So we set out to prove them wrong. Buses leave every 30 minutes from the airport and it takes about 1 hour to get into Kuala Lumpur. We arrived in at the Bersepadu Selatan bus station, which was also a light rail and train station. Note, don’t take the train from the airport it costs an arm and a leg. It may be quicker but is just not worth the cost. All of this was also attached to a stunning multilevel shopping mall. We managed to see the culture of the city of Kuala Lumpur in one day and here is how.

1. Little India

Once we arrived at this shopping mall we attached to the bus station we had noticed that just outside was ‘Little India’. This place had some beautiful artwork and interesting buildings. We went for a quick stroll here, around 30 minutes and took in the sights.

2. Petronas Towers

From here we got on a train and went to the Petronas Towers. These are the twin towers, which are joined by a bridge that you see in all the pictures. Now here you can pay to go to the top of the towers and see the sight. Unfortunately, for us we were on a very strict budget. Out the front of the towers were men attempting to illegally sell phone attachment, which allowed you to take an image of the entire building with an extra wide lens. A little tip, you can buy these attachments at Typo for $10. We used the mans lens for free and had no need to buy one after the picture was taken. While we were there the policemen came around twice in 20 minutes and all of these men fled each time.

3. Fountains at Petronas Twin Towers Gardens

Just behind the twin towers, which can be easily found by walking through the lobby, are magnificent gardens with fantastic fountains. These fountains put on a wonderful show where there are hundreds of fountains all moving in different directions at different times. Around the fountains were gorgeous gardens that provided a lovely walking track. I highly recommend you visit this place.

4. Petronas Twin Towers Market Centre

Inside the Twin Towers you will find yet another shopping centre, which seem to be everywhere in this city. There is a great range of food in the food court here. We had lunch and chose from a wide variety of food from Asian to Western food. There was so much choice it took us 20 minutes to decide what to eat and we both ordered our food from different places. If you are like us, we love to try the local food, there was plenty of this here.

5. Central Market

You will now need to find yourself a train station close by. I think the closest one was no more than a 5 minute walk from here. You will then need to get off a Pasar Seni, which is a short 2 minute walk to Central Market. This place is just far enough out of the city to see the real poverty that is in Kuala Lumpur. We saw many homeless and severely injured people. Most were sitting just outside the station and were attempting to collect money by playing instruments and singing. It was confronting, but important to see. Now the Central Market, what a wonderful sense of culture here. Upon arrival there was cultural dances and performances happening at the front of the Market centre. Behind this was a sea of stalls that sold everything from watches and leather bags to herbs and spices. We absolutely loved it.

6. Fish pedicure at Central Market

Only $3AUD each for a 15 minute treatment. Cheapest I have ever seen and we had never done it before. It is an experience you must have. I spent the first 5 minutes slowly putting my feet in and out. It’s a super weird sensation but it seems that it’s a popular occurrence in all Asian countries.

7. Little India Henna at Central Market

Once again we stumbled across another ‘Little India’ at the Central Market. Here I stopped to get my weeklong souvenir of a stunning Henna design on my hand. The skill these wonderful people have is incredible. I had many people say ‘you definitely didn’t get that in Australia’ when I returned. It truly is an art for Indian people.

8. Auntie Anne’s Pretzels at the airport

Totally irrelevant to seeing the sights of Malaysia, but make sure you get yourself an Auntie Anne’s Pretzel with Cinnamon Sugar. Literally the best thing I have ever tasted and they don’t exist in Australia.

The return train ticket back to the airport was necessary for us as we were running out of time. It was expensive so I suggest leaving earlier so you can get the bus back. In total that day my husband and I spent roughly $150 AUD. I know that Malaysia has a lot more to offer but I doubt we will be returning anytime soon, so I am glad we did the best parts all in that 1 day. My husband was born in Malaysia though so I am sure when we have kids it will be a great experience for them to see where he was born.

Thanks for reading

The Millach Mob