8 reasons Kuala Lumpur is the most underrated city in Asia

Often overlooked for Singapore or Bangkok, this underrated Asian city is cheaper and easy to get to yet most Aussies never talk about it.

John Burfitt

less than 2 min read

December 11, 2023 - 10:40AM

Escape

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Should you visit Kuala Lumpur?

Walking around Kuala Lumpur, I find myself thinking of Bangkok. And when I am not thinking about the Thai capital, my mind drifts to Singapore. In this part of Asia, both Bangkok and Singapore grab the lion’s share of attention, with Kuala Lumpur often lost in the mix or just plain overlooked. And it shouldn’t be. After my first visit to KL a few years ago, I stated the Malaysian capital is one of the most fascinating cities I’ve ever been to. This second visit, exploring its kaleidoscope of clashing cultures in greater depth, only confirmed that impression.

Aussie travellers wanting the most out of their travel budget should consider KL, a city of 8.5 million, as it offers value the Thai Baht and Singaporean dollar have not done in years. In KL, where the current exchange rate is RM100 (ringgit) to $33AUD, the budget stretches far and wide. As a measure, KL is rated the 9th most affordable city in the world for a cup of coffee – about $2.30 – and on the International Big Mac Index, the famous hamburger here costs $2.69.

When looking for an Asian city getaway, with some luxury and adventure mixed in with doses of culture and cuisine, and all at the right price, here’s eight good reasons to put KL high on the travel agenda.

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1. Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur

If your accommodation desire is five star luxury or economy bargain, KL has an outstanding selection of affordable offerings. The high-end indulgence of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel (pictured), acclaimed as one of the city’s grandest hotels, can be had for just $300 a night, while the reliable Ibis City Centre starts from $52 per night. For something more boutique, the industrial chic and smart styling of Else in Chinatown can be snared for $132 per night.

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2. How to get around Kuala Lumpur

With two commuter train lines, a light rail network, monorail and five bus hubs, criss-crossing KL using public transport is easy, and the KL TravelPass offers two days of unlimited trips, including a return trip on the airport link, for $40. Using Grab – south-east Asia’s version of Uber – never cost more than $8, no matter where I went. The 50-minute trip to the airport was $25.

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3. Going green

The peace and beauty of the Perdana Botanical Garden (pictured) offers a welcome respite from the city pace, and its shady trees are the perfect place to escape the midday sun. The KLCC Park is a popular green space in downtown, and both are free. The Forest Eco Park, a preserved nine-hectares patch of native rainforest near Chinatown, has a $15 entry fee.

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4. A cultural fix

The story of KL, with it’s heady mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian heritage, is told through its array of museums, galleries, mosques and temples, and most are free. The City Gallery, Textile Museum, Sri Mahamariamman Temple, National Mosque and the must-see Batu Caves (pictured) all are free entry, while the $5 entry for the fascinating National Museum and beautiful Islamic Arts Museum is worth it.

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5. City sites

The Klang River has the 12 km River of Life walk linking up neighbourhoods, with the main attraction being the nightly mist and light show in front of the Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad mosque. In the same area are the historic Merdeka Square and grand Sultan Abdul Samad Building (pictured) – both are free. Ironically, the popular observation tower of the iconic Petronas Towers costs $32 and is possibly the least impressive of the city landmarks.

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6. Eating out

There are three distinct cultures in KL, and you should taste all of them. In Chinatown’s Lai Kee Eatery, it’s $12 for a three-dish meal. Over in Little India, head to Hyderabad Biryani House for the signature chicken biryani (pictured) at $8. In the Malay neighbourhood of Kampung Baru, the Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa’s signature Nasi Lemak is $7. For fine dining, the Mandarin Oriental’s Grill has the delicious Roasted Black Cod, with a full meal costing under $100.

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Let's go shopping

KL loves its megamalls, where an Aussie budget can buy up big. The expanded Pavilion in Bukit Bitang has designer brands, while the Suria KLCC offers fashion to sporting goods. At the Berjaya Times Square, with its 700 stores over 10 floors, there’s a good chance you’ll be there all day. For market shopping, Central Market offers an historic setting while Petaling Street (pictured) has all the colours.

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Day tripping

KL offers an easy stepping off point for day away adventures. The UNESCO World Heritage listed Malacca (pictured), with its rich Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial history, is two hours to the south and a day excursion is $75. Ipoh is about two and a half hours to the north, and worth it for the history and gorgeous countryside. A day trip starts from $132.