Kuala Lumpur - mainly on my own. Idiots guide please.

[MeloCocoBanan]

I've got 2 weeks in KL whilst DH is working there. Literally a last minute opportunity, it's only just been planned and we fly out next week. Luckily I have the correct jabs already.

DH will be working every day except the middle weekend.
I know nothing about KL or even how safe it is for lone females out and about in the day.
I'm off to Google etc myself but would appreciate some pointers and advice; recommendations and suggestions of where to go and visit. Also transportation advice. We will be staying at an airport hotel (KUL).
I have 6 days to get ready so what to pack advice appreciated as well. I've just read it's monsoon season!!!

Just to add this is my first big "trip" in 20 odd years. I was quite adventerous 20 years ago pre kids but 20 years later not quite as confident as I was then, but determined to make the most of this trip.

Post in this section www.mumsnet.com/Talk/living_overseas calling for any MNetter living in KL
Enjoy the trip

Thank you King- I've just posted in there too.

It's a safe enough city and easy to move around. Having said that there are some things I'd probably save for the weekend when you have company.

On your own; shopping is a big pastime, check out the big malls like Suria KLCC, Pavilion and Berjaya Times Square. The Bukit Bintang strip. Central Market. For sightseeing, the bird and butterfly parks, tour of Petronas Towers (book ahead). I'd probably spend the rest of my time by the hotel pool!

For the weekend - Petaling St (Chinatown) for night markets and food, and a dinner at the Jalan Alor hawker markets. During the day, Batu Caves. An alternative for afternoon/evening would be a lightning bug tour on the Klang River - best google that one to see what I mean.

Enjoy! I love KL, going next year again and can't wait.

Oh for transport there is a cheap easy Uber type business called Grab, they have an app. Public transport from the airport is pretty easy though and you can walk from central station to a few things on my list.

I have been there a couple of times in the same situation to you. Felt perfectly safe in the day time wandering around ( safer than some other Asian cities) getting public transport (the overhead rail system ) wandering around the market. The train from the airport into the centre of town is fast and efficient.

The traffic is pretty horrendous, in terms of gridlock - despite that, the around tour bus is quite a good idea because it gives you a good overview and goes to places harder to reach otherwise.

Lots of shopping malls if you like that sort of thing.

Gets hot and sticky - though freezing malls ! - so lightweight but layered.

‘Around town ‘

If you were feeling adventurous, or if your DH fancies it on the weekend, you could do a side trip to Penang - bit of beach time, interesting colonial buildings, good food - the flights were very cheap and the official taxi system at the airport is good !

I went on my own last year and had a great time. There is a free bus 'hop on and hop off' service that runs every 15 mins all over KL called GOKL. It stops at all the places that @Blinky mentions.

www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Attraction_Review-g298570-d6652603-Reviews-GO_KL_City_Bus-Kuala_Lumpur_Wilayah_Persekutuan.html

I also downloaded the Grab app and caught the train to Batu Caves.

I used Tripadvisor to work out the places to go:-

www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Attractions-g298570-Activities-Kuala_Lumpur_Wilayah_Persekutuan.html

I loved KL! Can't think of any tips not mentioned above. Trip Advisor will give you some up to date ideas as it's 2 years since I visited.

Have a great time.

I travelled there on my own and really enjoyed my time there - I always find the anonymity of big cities great for exploring on my own.

To add to PPs’ lists, I also enjoyed visiting Sepang (old F1 circuit, jungle walk, an outlet mall) and the water parks dotted all around the city if you’re into that sort of thing. Malls are great for lunch and tea when you’re not in a mood to experiment with food on your own.

Have fun!

KL is one of my favourite cities and is really easy to get around. Grab is cheap and easy but the train system is also great and even cheaper. We also took a bus to Malacca which is a really cool city. It really depends what you like - there's heaps of shopping if you're into that. I liked the Arts Museum and the Kampung Baru markets which aren't very touristy. Batu Caves is cool too. I mainly love the food, load up on satay and nasi lemak!

If you have a MasterCard/use the ticket machines you get 10% off the kl ekspres train.

Will you be driving while over there @MeloCocoBanan?

Hop on hop off bus is great for getting about and getting your bearings.

The National modern Art gallery which is fairly close by bus to the Petronas towers is free entry to visit. The botanical gardens and lake are a pleasant escape from the city. KLCC. Fountain with music and mist and from here you can walk to China town or Indian food restaurants