Malaysia for 3D / 2N Trip (DIY, Complete Itinerary, Guide and Budget)

You can actually spend less than P10k for a 3 days stay at Kuala Lumpur! And this is why I was super happy even planning for my own trip.

Malaysia a Southeast Asian country occupying parts of the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo. It’s known for its beaches, rainforests and mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultural influences. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is home to colonial buildings, busy shopping districts such as Bukit Bintang and skyscrapers such as the iconic, Petronas Twin Towers.

This blog is initially part of my (6D / 5N DIY Trip to Malaysia and Singapore). Three (3) days was spent in KL and another Three (3) days in Singapore.  (MNL – KL – Legoland – SG – MNL) For full itinerary of the trip you may read :  Malaysia – Singapore (DIY Trip for 6D / 5N Full Itinerary, Budget & Guide) 

After series of local trips in the Philippines I decided to start ticking off my Asian Countries Travels. So why Malaysia? If people may ask. Here’s my reason that you may want to consider too :

• For a first time international travel, you need to be extra careful with all the plannings this includes the expenses and budget. With this Malaysia Trip I managed to spent below P10,000 pesos on all expenses.
• Unknowingly, there is much to see in Malaysia. Apart from KL there is also other cities available waiting to be visited. Just do your research on what best interest you as a traveler.
• I wanted to go and see Legoland too! at the same time, I can cross Singapore as well in just a single trip without spending much time and resources (talk about VL credits :D)

I was with my best friend Sybil for the entire trip, and I consider this as my birthday get away at the same time, my first international trip. In this blog, I’ll be sharing everything during my trip! Did it the DIY style, because you get to do things at your own pace, at your time at your own way. It was even even cheaper and we get to ride all public transportation at the same time. Read on what could be helpful to you.

CURRENCY :

• Malaysian Currency is called MALAYSIAN RINGGIT (RM or MYR) during my trip exchange rate was P1 = RM 11.10 *dated 2017
• I exchanged my Peso in one of the money changer in Manila a week prior my trip, MYR is not usually available in malls and money changer might ask you to return after a day or two, so be ready for this too if you want a MYR money in advance
• Do note that you can also exchange money in the airport and the exchange rate is also okay and even in KL, you’ll get a good exchange of money from PHP

LANGUAGE : 

• In Malaysia it uses English Language, though there are some locals who still struggle the language but bearable. And broken english is okay *hahaha! no one’s gonna judge you. 

GOING TO MALAYSIA :

• Direct flights are available from Manila to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• I booked a promo fare via Cebu Pacific 5 months prior my travel date, it cost me around P6K with return flight to Manila from Singapore (Changi Airport)
  • But for Manila to KL alone it was just P1,500 *you’ll get cheaper flights during PISO Fare or seat sale

  • TIP : when booking for seat sale, I don’t book during the first hours of the promo fare but rather wait for the next 24 hours and try to look for my trips. Most of the traveller who booked in advance have only 24 hours to settle and pay for it and chances are, it expires for some 😀 and it works as an advantage for me *wink

• Flight to KL from Manila is 4 hours and 10 minutes all the way to Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Upon exit to the airport there was different means to be at the KL Sentral. It is the center of the city and the town proper.

• Book a grab or cab ride all the way to your hostel *KL city proper. This is the most convenient especially if you have luggage with you, and if you are not traveling alone to shoulder the full expense.
  • Tip : simcard for sale is available upon exit thru the airport, and I suggest you purchase one! It’s cheap with the unlimited data while you stay in KL. We initially thought we won’t be needing it thinking WIFI is everywhere as what people normally say. But I tell you, this could still come handy plus its relatively cheap
• Via Bus – which is the cheapest mode of transport (est. P110 pesos for one way) it’ll take an hour of travel time to KL Sentral
• Via Train – fastest way is via KLIA2 Train Express. It was the most expensive means with the fare of (MYR 55 = PHP 610.50) but it will only take you 28 minutes going to KL Sentral. There was less tourist and passengers here and you get to enjoy the train.

Upon alighting at KL Sentral, you’ll see that all trains in KL are interconnected and everythings seems too busy.

*TIP : Don’t forget to download an app on your phone ahead of your trip for the Trains / MRT Stations for Malaysia. This would really come handy for DIY Trippin’

From KL Sentral Station, rode LRT Train going to Pasar Seni Station *this is where our hostel location is, I initially asked directions from the hostel management upon booking for a room.

WHERE TO STAY IN KUALA LUMPUR :

• do check out Agoda.com or Hostelworld.com for accommodation choices, that are cheap and you get to view and see comments and reviews from fellow traveler as well.

Also you may check out Malaysia Apartments for options on where to stay on your travel.

• During travels I always look for affordable but comforting hostel place with FREE Breakfast as well (*so I get to save on this part)

My best friend and I stayed in Reggae Hostel Guesthouse  I booked thru Hostelworld.com got a private room for 2 for only P600 pesos per night for 2 pax already, this comes with a free breakfast and is near the MRT station. Common CR was used but it was okay.

Caretakers were nice and there is also a Filipino worker as well. The hostel also offers other rooms perfect for solo traveller, but the P300 pesos rate per night per person for a private room was indeed very affordable already.

The hostel resides beside Chinatown for a just a short walk, which is why we get to dine and roam around at night.

Food Choices in KL were basically, curry, spices and sauces. Most of the dishes are chicken as majority of the nationals in Malaysia were Muslims.

Along Chinatown you can also do your shopping and you’ll get to buy many things as well. There is also Mcdonalds, Starbucks, Miniso, KFC and the likes along the area should you crave for it 🙂 *and it happens in real life situation :p thanks to 711 that is open for 24 hours for our late night cravings.

CITY TOUR IN KUALA LUMPUR –  DAY 2

We started the day with a light breakfast from what the hostel can offer — toasted bread, jam and coffee.

Our places of itinerary was based on our own experience. We did tend to maximize everything for a day and was only dependent with the trains and LRT stations.

MUZEUM NEGARA

Going there : From Pasar Seni LRT Station, alight at Muzeum Negara Station (yes it was named after it, as it is right beside the station as well) Fare : RM 2.0

Entrance Fee : RM 5 // We get to explore all rooms and parts of the museum. It talks about the culture of Malaysia.

MASJID NEGARA

Going there : From Muzeum Negara, a long walks away from there just straight forward to see the National Mosque.

Entrance : It is free to enter the mosque but make sure to dress up properly and plan the timing of your visit accordingly as they let the visitor enters from 3PM – 4PM only. *Other time applies everyday of the week but the 3-4PM is the safest at all dates. Highlight also in this Mosque is you get to wear the traditional attire.

ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM

Going there : From Masjid Negara, a few walks up the hill you’ll see another museum.

Entrance Fee : RM 14.95 // It was a different type of museum compared with the Muzeum Negara and it was even bigger with over 3 floors to roam and look around. They also have a resto inside but it is expensive.

KL RAILWAY STATION RESTAURANT

Upon lunch time, we decided to go for Hawker Food Stall so from Islamic Arts Museum, we walked back on the other side to look for food stalls. Short walk, after asking questions we get to eat at one of the Hawker Food Stalls.

Curry and Spices were always common. We ordered a Chicken Delicacy (RM 6) and Lemon Cold Drink (RM 3.50)

BATU CAVES

Going there : We walk all the way back to Muzeum Negara Station then LRT Train back to Pasar Seni. From Pasar Seni walk thru the pathway going to KTM (Train Terminal) and secure a ticket going to Batu Caves

Fare : RM 5 // Alight at the last station of the Train “Batu Caves” (*yes the station was named after it as well)  We failed to ride a wrong train bound to Batu Caves and it cost us additional hour to head all the way back to the right station. HAHAHAHA!!! Be conscious that the Train Terminals have various destination, and one should be keen enough to look for the signage properly and understand it at the same time. The red signage and blue signage signifies the color of the train and look at the signage of it in front. (*it was not similar with the LRT Trains)

Railways in Malaysia was very systematic and everything is in order, everything is timely and screens are available for the specific time of the arrival of the trains. Once you missed it, you have to wait for the next schedule of it.

There is no entrance fee in Batu Cave, just dress up properly as they do not allow tourist to go up the cave in shorts and mini skirts. Pashmina for rent and for sale are available on site *if in case you forget *wink

Monkeys are everywhere, they usually grab food and stuff from other tourists, so make sure you are keen also.

MASJID JAMEK

Going there : From Batu Caves ride a train going to Masjid Jamek *we alight at KL Sentral and then rode another train to Masjid Jamek Station. RM 5 // Tour and Walk around. The gates were closed when we make it, due to Muslim prayers at 5PM. So it closes at 5PM everyday.

MERDEKA SQUARE

Going there : From Masjid Jamek walk along the streets and see the Merdeka Square. I so love this place and it was beyond of what I expect Malaysia could be. Big structures, and nice view is a must see here.

KL CITY GALLERY

Going there : From Merdeka Square walk along to see the famous I love KL Sign just beside the KL City Gallery.

PETRONAS TWIN TOWER

Going there : From Masjid Jamek Station ride LRT bound to KLCC Station.

Fare is RM .60 // Alight at KLCC and you’ll get to walk and stroll around the malls as well. Shopping haven for some!!! Walk thoroughly and get to see the famous Petronas Twin Tower.

It was surreal seeing it real time ❤ Was amazed of the idea and it truly is a sight to end the day. There were many tourist but make sure to look for the best spot to have your photos taken.

Dinner at Ah Cheng Laksa

Decided to have our dinner at KLCC Station Mall, looked for a resto offering Malaysian Delicacy and Ah Cheng Laksa is one to look for also.

Ordered Nasi Lemak (RM 10.90) with Lemon Ice Tea

From KLCC we rode a train back to Pasar Seni and walk all the way to our hostel.

Notes : 

• As a whole, it was really tiring, walking and going from one place to another, we had hard time communicating with some of the Malaysians as there are still some who cannot understand and speak english.
• The mobile LRT / Train Station Map on my phone was truly a life saver 🙂 We were dependent on it the entire time. Trying to figure out where to ride and where to alight.
• Fares in Malaysia was relatively cheap!!! so we you won’t get to worry when you lose your way (*hindi masakit sa bulsa) there was no card like the beep card in KL which you could use handy. One must really buy from time to time.

• 

  Also take note, that KL has a very humid and hot weather wear a cap, bring a shawl to cover you, and wear clothes that is comfortable

• We managed to see all sites available in KL and it was a fruitful day indeed.

DAY 3 was spent entirely at Legoland. Also read :  Legoland, Malaysia (Day Trip Guide and Details)

Let me know your thoughts about this. Should you have further questions, I’ll be happy to assist. 

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