8 Best Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur on a Budget

The bright capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, evokes the images of shiny skyscrapers, high-quality shopping malls, and posh restaurants. Although the city definitely can provide all these luxurious experiences, it is also a very affordable place to visit, with free and incredibly cheap things to do that will help you to explore its rich culture without burning through your wallet. When you are making your plans to visit Malaysia on your Malaysia Tour Packages or your Malaysia Holiday Packages, you should not miss KL as it is a jewel. It is time to visit the core of Malaysia without missing memorable moments!

The 8 Best Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur on a Budget are the following:

1. Climb up the Rainbow Stairs to Batu Caves (Free Entry, Transport Cost)

There is no way to visit Kuala Lumpur, particularly on a budget, without stopping at a well-known Batu Caves. This is a large limestone hill with a chain of caves and Hindu shrines that is a major religious landmark and a beautiful natural feature. The best part is the huge golden statue of Lord Murugan protection the entrance which is followed by 272 bright rainbow-colored steps that go up to the main Cathedral Cave.

Admission to the main cave is totally free. The sheer cave and the complex Hindu shrines will fascinate you. Although there are smaller, pay caves (such as the Dark Cave, which is a guided educational cave), the main experience is just wonderfully free. Your transport to get there will be the biggest expense, but it is well within KTM Komuter reach and only a few Ringgit to get to KL Sentral, so it is not a very expensive adventure.

2. Play and Picnic at KLCC Park 

KLCC Park is a massive, green urban oasis right in the shadow of the magnificent Petronas Twin Towers and what a fantastic way to escape the city without spending a cent. This is a well manicured park with walking trails, an artificial lake with choreographed fountains (a must see at night, as the Lake Symphony Light and Music Show is free and amazing!) and a large children playground with a wading pool.

It is an ideal place to take a leisurely walk, watch people or just to have a picnic lawn. The scenery of the Twin Towers, particularly at night when they are lit up, is stunning and totally free to gaze at in the park.

3. Explore Central Market & Petaling Street

Immerse yourself in local culture and visit Central Market (Pasar Seni) and nearby Petaling Street (Chinatown).

Central Market: Central Market is a former wet market which has become a center of Malaysian arts, crafts, and souvenirs. It is absolutely free to wander the stalls admiring the local artwork, and absorbing the atmosphere, although you can of course buy some unique items too. You may even get cultural performances during the weekend.

Petaling Street (Chinatown): It is a busy open-air market which is popular with its street food, lively atmosphere and a wide range of goods, including local trinkets and even so-called designer knock-offs. Bargaining is the order of the day! The loud sights, sounds and smells may provide a real local experience even when you do not purchase anything. Here you can have some inexpensive street food as dinner .

4. Visit Perdana Botanical Gardens (Free Entry to Majority of the areas)

Leave the concrete jungle and get the peace and quiet in the Perdana Botanical Gardens, the largest and most popular park in Kuala Lumpur. The main botanical gardens are free to visit but some of the attractions within the park (such as the Bird Park or Butterfly Park) have an entrance fee.

It is possible to spend several hours, walking through the magnificently designed gardens, admiring a huge variety of plants and flowers, walking around the peaceful lake, and just breathing in the fresh air. It is a great spot to relax and have a stroll or jog in the morning or evening and it is a tranquil escape in the middle of the city.

5. See Majestic Mosques and Temples (Mostly Free Entrance)

Kuala Lumpur is a multicultural and multireligious city and this is displayed in its beautiful collection of religious buildings, many of which are open to visitors free of charge (although a donation is always appreciated).

Jamek Mosque (Masjid Jamek): This is one of the oldest mosques in KL with the Moorish architecture in the city, and it is found at the confluence of two rivers. Other religions are also welcome during non prayer time and they have to dress modestly (coverings are normally provided).

Thean Hou Temple: This is an impressive six-tier Chinese temple, which is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. It is located on a hill; hence, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, as well as, it is decorated with elaborate carvings, colorful lanterns, and beautiful statues. It does not charge an entrance fee, so it is an excellent place to photograph and learn the culture.

Sri Mahamariamman Temple: the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, with an ornate and brightly-painted gopuram (tower) with deities. It is an exciting cultural experience in Chinatown.

Note to wear decently to religious places (cover shoulders and knees) and take off your shoes where necessary.

6. Walk in KLCC-Bukit Bintang Pedestrian Walkway

Linking the Petronas Twin Towers/KLCC district with the busy Bukit Bintang shopping and entertainment district, this raised and air-conditioned overhead pedestrian walkway is an amazing way to move around the city centre without spending a single cent.

It offers a pleasant and safe path, particularly on a hot or rainy day, with a glimpse of the city life and architectural panoramas on the way. It is an excellent alternative to paying taxi fares and have a nice walk between two big hubs.

7. Street Food at Jalan Alor

Although it is not totally free, eating in Jalan Alor is a mind blowing food experience that is not very expensive. It is a busy street and at night it becomes an open air food court with hundreds of hawkers stalls that offer a mind boggling range of Malaysian, Chinese, Thai and other Asian delights.

You may indulge in tasty satay, char kway teow, nasi lemak, fresh seafood and tropical fruits at a fraction of the cost you would incur in a sit down restaurant. It is a must-have KL experience and the place to taste the real local flavors without going through your wallet. You will pay less than RM20 most of the dishes.

8. Find out about Merdeka Square and its Colonial Flair

The Independence Square or Merdeka Square is one of the historical places in Kuala Lumpur where Malaysia was proclaimed independent. It is surrounded by beautiful colonial-era buildings which give it an attractive view of the past of the city.

Be in awe at the beautiful Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the Royal Selangor Club and the St. Mary Anglican Cathedral. The square itself is a huge green lawn that is ideal to make a leisurely walk and take pictures. The KL City Gallery, located just around the corner is also a cool (and cheap, even free sometimes on special exhibitions) way to get an interesting look at the past and future of the city. The KL City Hall also provides guided tours of the Merdeka Square region at selected days free of charge.

Kuala Lumpur Budget Travel Tips:

• Public Transport: Kuala Lumpur also has a great and cheap public transport system, the LRT, MRT, Monorail, and KTM Komuter. Make use of them to travel at a low cost. A Touch n Go card can be used to travel easily.

• Go-KL Free Bus: The purple Go-KL city buses are free and travel on a few routes in the major tourist areas.

• Street Food & Local Eateries: Hawker centers and local "mamak" stalls are the way to go when you seek great and unbelievably cheap food.

• Drink Water: Take a reusable water bottle, and refill it when you can to avoid the cost of buying bottled water.

• Bargain (when necessary): It is not a bad idea to bargain in places such as Petaling Street.

Conclusion:

Kuala Lumpur shows that it is possible to have an amazing trip without having a big budget. Concentrating on its free sights, convenient mass transit, and delicious street cuisine, you will be able to discover the beauty and the energy of the city without spending a lot of money. Therefore, when you are drawing up your Malaysia Tour Packages from Dubai or Malaysia Holiday Packages from Dubai, do not forget to give these low-cost escapades enough time. You will go away with a full heart and a wallet that is not empty yet!