Kuala Lumpur day tours and day trips
Pilgrims at Batu Caves for Thaipusam
While the city is full to bursting with great attractions, there are a number of sights further afield well worth visiting with day trips from Kuala Lumpur. These give visitors a broader perspective about Malaysian culture as a whole and provide an escape from the noise and traffic of the city centre.
There are many Kuala Lumpur day trips and excursions to enjoy, ranging from hedonistic water parks and educational animal sanctuaries to colonial settlements and lost tribes. So it is well worth taking a little extra time to get out of the city and see more of this fantastic country with day trips from KL.
Batu Caves
Only eight miles north of the city are the wondrous Batu Caves. The centre of each annual Thaipusam festival held in February, this shrine found in a limestone cliff is the most important religious monument for followers of Hinduism outside of India. It can be reached from Titiwangsa station by RapidKL bus U6 or from Lorong Bas (near Pasar Seni) Metrobus 11.
Pulau Pangkor
Around three hours away from the city by bus is the sleepy island of Pulau Pangkor, an eight mile stretch of white sand beaches, a historic fort and superb seafood.
Although quite a distance to travel for a Kuala Lumpur excursion, it is possible to leave early in the morning, enjoy a great lunch on the beach, snorkel in the tranquil ocean and return to the bright lights in time for a late dinner. Otherwise there are plenty of accommodation options if you wish to stay a little longer. For more on Pulau Pangkor.
Elephant Sanctuary
Only 90 minutes drive from KL is Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Farm. Set within a steamy tropical rainforest, this sanctuary allows visitors and volunteers to come into close contact with semi-wild rescued elephants. This Kuala Lumpur day trip allows you to feed elephants, ride and watch them bathing or just playing in the river. (Open 8.00-4.30)
Melaka (Malacca)
A'Famosa Gate was spared by the British
Today Melaka is an extremely vibrant city with a unique history and wealth of things to see and do. With a age-old Christian settlement of Portuguese descendents and a many spooky sites, this former capital city has a charm all of its own. This historic city was declared an UNESCO world heritage site in 2008 and visitors embarking on this day trip from Kuala Lumpur will not be wondering why. More on Melaka.
Sunway Lagoon Theme Park
Based in a bizarre recreation of a former mine, this is without doubt one of Kuala Lumpur’s most unique theme parks with 80 acres of water rides and games to enjoy. Located close to KL International Airport, Sunway Lagoon also features rafting, flying carpets, canopy tours and train rides. There’s also a hotel if you want to bed down for the night. (3 Jalan PJS 11/11, Bandar Sunway, +60 (0)3-5639 0000, open daily 10:00-18:00, admission: from RM45/35 adult/child)
Genting Highlands
This self-declared city of entertainment is just an hour from the city centre of KL, making an extremely popular Kuala Lumpur day trip. A family-friendly, economical, extremely unseedy version of Las Vegas, Genting is the only place in Malaysia which permits gambling, virtually guaranteeing a steady stream of visitors. But there are also plenty of activities for the kids too and the 11-minute cable car ride up to the mountain top is a fun experience in itself. There are many luxury hotels and restaurants for those on a winning streak.
Port Dickson
Travellers craving a little seaside relaxation but who are low on time can make the quick trip 60kms west to Port Dickson. This popular beach destination is one hour day trip from Kuala Lumpur and a haven for all sorts of watersports such as waterskiing, canoeing, windsurfing or sailing. It is also a great place for fishing and has a smattering of top notch eateries to reflect this. The lighthouse was constructed by the Portuguese and is worth a look.
Kuala Selangor
This small rural town has managed to retain some of its traditional charm as it is largely off the average tourist’s radar. However, it is one of the most rewarding Kuala Lumpur excursions because of the bird sanctuary, mangrove forest and grand 19th century fort. A Dutch stronghold since 1784, the area strategically important for trade and much of this colonial history remains today. (Take bus 141 from outside Kuala Lumpur’s Puduraya Bus Station for around two hours to get there)
