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Best Day Trips and Weekend Excursions from Kuala Lumpur

So, you have explored every corner of Kuala Lumpur. You’ve scaled the heights of Petronas Twin Towers, hunted for bargains in Chinatown, and pigged out at Jalan Alor Food Market. What more is there to do?

Well, quite a lot, actually. And the options are incredibly diverse — from scenic rice fields to historic cities to delightful culinary havens.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, whether you are short on time or simply can’t deal with the hassle of staying overnight, here are some of the best trips you can make from Kuala Lumpur within just one day:

1. Batu Caves

Probably the easiest destination to get to from Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is not only a popular tourist attraction, it is also a holy site where locals still visit every day for worshiping. This is also the place where hundreds of thousands of Hindus from all over the country (and from as far as India) congregate every year to celebrate the Thaipusam festival.

Batu Caves is located only about 15 kilometres away from the city center and can easily be reached by train (40 minutes) or by car (20 minutes, with no traffic). To get inside the caves, however, comes with a little challenge, as you will have to climb 272 steps. Although torturous, the steps are pretty, so you can stop to snap some photos while you catch your breath.

If you go on a clear day, you’ll be rewarded a magnificent view of Kuala Lumpur skyline from the top. Apart from the temples and shrines, you’ll also get to marvel at the natural limestone caves…and of course, the monkeys.

Click here to learn more about the Batu Caves, how to get there, and if it’s worth visiting.

Things to Do At Batu Caves

Visit Hindu temples
Learn more about Hindu religion and Indian culture
Eat vegetarian South Indian cuisine
Admire the colorful architecture and the world’s tallest statue of Lord Murugan
See huge limestone caves
Visit the mini zoo (birds and reptiles)
Feed monkeys, pigeons, and fish
Go rock-climbing

2. Putrajaya

Putrajaya is the federal administrative capital of Malaysia and home to some interesting post-modern Islamic architecture. Until the late 1980s, Putrajaya used to be a rubber plantation spanning 8,000 acres. The then prime minister proposed a new city to be built there to replace Kuala Lumpur as the new administrative capital.

Now, it is a thriving ‘green city’ in which 38% of the area is reserved for green spaces. The city features a network of open spaces and wide boulevards, and a 6.5km² lake, where you can do all sorts of water sports.

You can reach Putrajaya by train and bus, and get around by Grab Car. Alternatively, you can also book all-inclusive tours from Kuala Lumpur.

Things to Do in Putrajaya

Visit the Iron Mosque and the floating Putra Mosque
See the Prime Minister’s Office
Go on the iconic Seri Wawasan Bridge
Visit botanical gardens, which are home to over 700 plant species
Visit the Natural History Museum to learn about local plants, animals, and geological rock formations
Go on a Segway tour
Go on a boat tour on the lake
Try water sports: Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kitesurfing, windsurfing, flyboarding, rowing, kayaking, jetskiing, and dragon-boating

3. Kuala Selangor

Kuala Selangor is a small town 55km northwest of downtown Kuala Lumpur. It is where the estuary of the Selangor River is, where it drains into the Straits of Malacca. The town can be reached by bus, but it is easier to either rent a car or book a tour from Kuala Lumpur as there are not many public transports available within the town.

Kuala Selangor is well known for its fireflies. It is home to the largest firefly colony in the world, which creates a magical scene at night. You can go on a private boat tour to see them — it would make an amazing romantic date with your significant other.

Click here to find out more about the fireflies boat tour.

Things to Do in Kuala Selangor

Go on a boat tour to see thousands of fireflies
Take unique photos at the Sky Mirror, a.k.a. Malaysia’s Salar de Uyuni
Visit the historical Kota Melawati Fort
Visit the bird sanctuary near Bukit Melawati
Feed Silver Leaf Monkeys
Witness the eagle-feeding session on the river
Eat local seafood

4. Kuala Kubu Bharu

Fondly known as KKB by the locals, this place is the perfect antidote to whatever kind of stress you’re having. With an abundance of greenery, fresh air, scenic views, and multiple extreme sports, what more can you ask for?

This small town is located about an hour’s car ride away from Kuala Lumpur, and can also be reached by train.

Things to Do in Kuala Kubu Bharu

Go hiking on Bukit Kutu (both beginner and advanced trails available)
See the Sungai Selangor dam, which can cover up to 600 acres at full capacity
Go on a river-crossing adventure (a total of 6 rivers to cross) to reach Sungai Chilling waterfall
Test your skill in white-water rafting
Go on the rope swing — this is only for true daredevils
Try the water blob (human catapult)

5. Sekinchan

Imagine a vast, green (or yellow, depending on the season) landscape of rice fields, perfect blue skies, and swishing sounds of the waves against the sand. You can find all that and more in Sekinchan.

Sekinchan is a fishing village that also boasts acres of rice fields producing one of the highest yields of rice in the country. Not only can you walk in the fields and take pictures, you can also learn about rice production by visiting the processing factory and museum. As a souvenir, you can purchase some of the locally produced rice.

Apart from rice, there’s also a beach and a fishing village where you can see how the locals live and indulge in the local seafood fare. The easiest way to visit Sekinchan is by driving or booking a tour. There are tours that combine both Kuala Selangor and Sekinchan in one trip.

Things to Do in Sekinchan

Visit the rice field, processing factory, and the Rice Museum
Learn about the rice-growing industry
Visit the fishing village
Eat seafood at the Seafood Street
Visit the Redang Sekinchan Beach
Throw a lucky red ribbon on the Sekinchan Wishing Tree
Stay at unique trailer hotels

Read: 16 Best Things to Do in & Around Sekinchan

6. Pulau Ketam (Crab Island)

Pulau Ketam (which translates to Crab Island) is a small fishing village just off the coast of Port Klang. The entire village was built on stilts over mangrove swamps. It’s not the kind of island that you go for swimming or sunbathing, so please don’t bring your bikinis or snorkeling gear.

Instead, it’s a great place for you to witness the Malaysian fishing culture, as most of the villagers are fishermen.Visiting the island is like going back in time — back to the 80s, or maybe earlier (I don’t know, I wasn’t born yet). You can see old-fashioned grocery shops, some of them still selling the snacks that Malaysians used to enjoy in their 80s/90s childhood. The island is also known for its seafood.

When the tide is low, you can enjoy looking at the crabs scampering across the muddy plains, burrowing into holes, eating, and fighting with each other.

Pulau Ketam is easily doable without a guide. Just take a train from Kuala Lumpur to Port Klang, and from there, walk to the jetty to take a ferry to the island.

Things to Do on Pulau Ketam

Ride an electric bike on the stilt village
Sample Chinese-style seafood dishes
Enjoy colorful murals and houses
Watch fishermen at work
Buy seafood products

7. Ipoh

If you don’t have the time or budget to go to Penang, Ipoh is a great alternative. It is well-regarded as a culinary hot spot in Malaysia and is also home to the famous Ipoh White Coffee. In the Ipoh market, you can snack on the various exotic delicacies on offer. For something more filling, be sure to try the Ipoh chicken rice or the shredded chicken noodles.

But there’s more to Ipoh than food. There’s so much history, culture, and nature for you to explore. Visit the numerous temples, go caving or hiking, or simply admire the beauty of a bygone era.

You can go to Ipoh by bus or train.

Things to Do in Ipoh

Eat
Observe British colonial architecture at Ipoh Old Town
Enjoy the street art
Visit the Ipoh Rail Station and the cave temples
Try Ipoh White Coffee at Nam Heong
Soak in the hot springs or splash around in the water theme park at The Lost World of Tambun
Visit the haunted Kellie’s Castle in nearby Batu Gajah town

8. Port Dickson

I’ll say the truth — Port Dickson is not one of our best beaches. It’s not famed for clear-blue water, pristine sand, or vibrant corals. However, it’s one of the nearest to Kuala Lumpur (about 90 minutes’ drive south) and thus offers a decent beach getaway for KL dwellers.

Port Dickson stretches over 18 kilometers and is lined with palm trees and casuarinas. If you do wish to spend the night, there are plenty of options — from budget motels to 5-star water chalets. If Dubai has Palm Island, Port Dickson boasts a ‘Hibiscus Island‘ with water chalets forming a hibiscus shape when seen from a bird’s eye view.

Port Dickson can be reached by train and bus.

Things to Do in Port Dickson

Relax on one of the beaches
Do water sports
Visit the Cape Rachado lighthouse
Climb Bukit Batu Putih (White Rock Hill)
Learn about ostriches at the ostrich farm
Visit Lukut Museum and Fort
Stay in an over-water villa
Eat seafood

9. Malacca (Melaka)

If you Googled places to visit in Malaysia, you’d have seen the name Malacca popping up many times, often at the top of the list, alongside Kuala Lumpur and Penang. And there’s a good reason why.

Malacca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features the oldest European architectural remains in Asia. Having been colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, this city has a varied history, which is still reflected in the food, culture, and language of its people.

Malacca also has a large community called Nyonya or Peranakan, which is a mix of Malay and Chinese influences that has spawned a completely unique culture and food. You can take a bus to Malacca (go early if you want to make it a day trip) or book an all-inclusive tour from Kuala Lumpur.

Things to Do in Malacca

See the ruins from the Dutch and Portuguese colonial periods
Visit temples and museums
Take a river cruise
Sample Nyonya food
Haggle your way through the Jonker Walk Bazaar
Take a trishaw ride around the city
Visit the Portuguese settlement

10. Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands are located approximately 200 kilometres outside of Kuala Lumpur and can take around 3 – 4 hours to get to. The main draw of this destination it its cooler climate, which provides an ideal environment for planting tea, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Most of the fresh produce distributed all over the country are grown here.

You can get to Cameron Highlands by bus, but because of the distance and travel time, making a day trip independently might feel a bit rushed. A better option would be to go with a tour, so that you won’t waste time figuring out how to get from one place to another.

Things to Do in Cameron Highlands

Learn how the local tea is produced
Drink freshly brewed tea at the tea plantation
Pick your own strawberries
Visit the lavender and rose gardens
Visit butterfly and honeybee farms
See how life in Malaysia looked like in the 50s at the Time Tunnel museum
Buy fresh fruits and vegetables
Hike the Mossy Forest on Mount Irau

11. Genting Highlands

If you’d still like to escape the heat of the city, but don’t want to make the 4-hour journey to Cameron Highlands, you can go to Genting Highlands instead. It takes only an hour to get there by bus and you can continue the rest of the way on the longest cable car in Southeast Asia.

While Cameron Highlands are all farms and nature, Genting Highlands are more about fun and games. It is most famous for its casino, which is the only legal casino in this predominantly Muslim country. If you’re not into gambling, there is a multitude of other fun, family-friendly activities to do.

Things to do in Genting Highlands

Try your luck at the country’s only casino resort
Go on thrill rides at the indoor and outdoor theme parks
Ride the scenic Genting Skyway cable car
Scare yourself at the Haunted Adventure
Cool off at the Snow World Experience
Catch a show at the Arena of Stars
Go on a 100m zipline amidst the clouds
Try indoor skydiving

12. Taman Negara (National Park)

Taman Negara (which means National Park) covers 4,343 square kilometres and was first established in 1925. It became the first official national park in Malaysia and took on the name Taman Negara in 1957 after independence.

Taman Negara protects the largest tract of ancient rainforest in the country and also hosts the tallest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia. Climbing this mountain can take up to 5 days, but if all you have is one day, you can still do a number of other activities. It is best to go on an organized tour.

Things to Do in Taman Negara

Go on a canopy walk
Have lunch in a floating restaurant
Learn about the flora and fauna on a jungle-trekking tour
Go on a 4WD safari
Visit an indigenous tribe’s village
Go rapid shooting on a wooden boat
Feed the fish at the Kelah Fish Sanctuary
Go spelunking at one of the caves

13. Fraser's Hill

Another place with a cool climate is Fraser’s Hill, located not too far from Kuala Kubu Bharu. Originally founded as a tin-ore trading post, Fraser’s Hill is now a resort town and offers some of the best bird-watching and hiking spots in the country. Along the trails, you will find countless small waterfalls and hundreds of different species of birds.

The best way to get there is by car. Due to a lack of public transports in the area, the place is rarely overcrowded, which can be a huge advantage if you’re looking for some peace and quiet.

Things to Do on Fraser’s Hill

Stroll around the resort town
Go bird-watching
Ride a horse at The Paddock
Learn the history of Fraser’s Hill on the Heritage Trail
Sit down for a traditional British ‘cream tea’
Go hiking on one of the many trails
Take a dip in the cold water at Jeriau Waterfall
Tee off at the Royal Fraser’s Hill Golf Club (there’s also a mini golf course for kids)

14. Bukit Tinggi

Bukit Tinggi is yet another cooler-climate destination in Malaysia. Situated on a highland at the height of 1,000 metres above sea level, it is regarded as one of the top hill stations in the country, offering a zenful retreat amidst a dense forest.

The most popular attraction here is the Colmar Tropical Resort, which features a 16th century French-style architecture, complete with French bakeries and cobblestone streets. This place appeals more to local and Asian tourists who would like to get a feel of Europe.

There are currently no public transports that go to Bukit Tinggi, so the best way to get there is by driving.

Things to Do in Bukit Tinggi

Pretend you’re in Europe at Colmar Tropical Resort
Rent a kimono and drink an authentic cup of Japanese green tea at the Japanese Gardens
Indulge in a spa session
Play with animals at the petting zoo
Relax at the botanical garden
Get an adrenaline rush at Colmar Adventure Park (ziplining, canopy walk, rock climbing, and paintball)

15. Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary

Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary was established in 1989 and is the only one of its kind in Malaysia. It is dedicated to taking in elephants orphaned by poaching or logging, and rehabilitating them until they can be reintroduced to the wild. It is worth noting that this sanctuary does not allow riding on the elephant for any purpose.

The center is also the base for the Elephant Relocation Team, which helps locate, subdue, and then translocate elephants from areas that have been encroached by plantations to other suitable habitats throughout the Peninsula, such as Taman Negara. Over the past 25 years, the center has helped prevent further decline of the elephant population by relocating more than 300 wild elephants.

A visit to this sanctuary will make a fun and educational outing for the whole family. However, it is not easy to get to without a car, so make sure you plan accordingly.

Things to Do at Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary

See the rare Borneo Pygmy elephants
Learn about Asian elephants and what is being done to protect them
Take part in the feeding and bathing of the elephants
Help contribute toward the conservation of elephants in the country
Experience the local indigenous culture

16. Bentong

Bentong Pahang — Bentong. Credit: LokHK99 / Wikimedia Commons

Bentong rarely makes the list of popular tourist attractions in Malaysia. You’ll probably see more locals here than foreign tourists, which adds to its authenticity.

A secluded small town located very close to Bukit Tinggi and Genting Highlands, it provides a respite from the hectic city life in Kuala Lumpur. Observe the local lifestyle and surround yourself with nature at the same time. You can get to Bentong from Kuala Lumpur by bus.

Things to Do in Bentong

Hike through forest reserves
Have a picnic at Chamang Waterfall
Ride an ATV or try archery at Bilut Extreme Park
Soak in Bentong Hot Spring
Feast on durians at one of the many durian orchards
Try local delicacies at Bentong Walk and Bentong Market
Buy locally grown ginger and soy sauce as souvenirs

17. Klang

Klang is the former capital of Selangor and the official royal town, where the current Sultan of Selangor resides. It has a rich history of tin mines, civil wars, and a complex web of cultural heritage. There is a free Royal Klang Town Heritage Walk that will take you to various landmarks in town.

Klang is also the gateway to two well-known islands: Pulau Ketam and Pulau Indah. From Kuala Lumpur, you can get to Klang by bus or train.

Things to Do in Klang

Try the famous bak kut teh (herbal pork soup)
Shop for fancy sarees and indulge in authentic Indian cuisine at Little India
Check out pre-war buildings near the railway station
Go on the Royal Klang Town Heritage Walk
Visit the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery to learn more about the Selangor royal family
Catch sunset and eat seafood at Tanjung Harapan
Walk on the first double-decked bridge in Malaysia

18. Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

This is ideal for those traveling with kids or those who are young at heart. If you think theme parks are only for children, think again. Sunway Lagoon comprises 6 parks (2 water parks and 4 dry parks), with over 90 attractions spread across 88 acres. There’s something for everyone — even the most hardcore of adrenaline junkies.

Sunway Lagoon boasts one of the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge and Asia’s first Nickelodeon water theme park. With all of those different rides, visiting Sunway Lagoon can easily take up the whole day. You can get there by bus from Kuala Lumpur.

Things to Do in Sunway Lagoon

Go on the Vuvuzela, the world’s highest and largest water ride
Shop till you drop at Sunway Pyramid shopping mall
Get up close with the characters in the Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon
See animals at the Wildlife Park
Walk on one of the world’s longest suspension bridge
Try the bungee jump, or the vertical free fall
Show off your surfing skill in the Wave Pool

Have you been to any of these places? Which of them do you find most interesting? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.