Morning: Batu Caves
Batu Caves is about 13 km north of the city centre. Climb the 272 painted steps to the Temple Cave, which is free to enter. Go early, before the heat and the tour buses.
Cover your shoulders and knees. Stalls at the foot of the steps rent sarongs if you need one.
Midday: the National Mosque and the old city
Non-Muslim visitors can enter the National Mosque (Masjid Negara) from Saturday to Thursday between 9am and 12pm, 3pm and 4pm, and 5:30pm and 6:30pm, and on Friday afternoons only. Robes and headscarves are lent free at the visitor entrance.
From the mosque it is a short drive to Merdeka Square and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, then Central Market and Petaling Street for lunch. These sit close together, so we drop you at one end and meet you at the other.
Afternoon: Thean Hou Temple
A hilltop Chinese temple south of the city centre, with red lanterns and views over the skyline. It is a quiet stop in the hottest part of the day.
Evening: the Petronas Twin Towers
End the day at KLCC Park as the towers light up. The Skybridge and observation deck are closed on Mondays, except on public holidays, so buy tickets ahead for another day.
How many hours to book
The 5-hour minimum covers two areas, such as Batu Caves and the old city. The full day above takes about eight hours. Fuel and tolls are included, and groups of up to 9 can travel together in a Hyundai Staria.
Quick answers
Can I hire a car with a driver by the hour in Kuala Lumpur?
Yes. Hourly hire starts from RM 70 an hour in a Toyota Innova, with a 5-hour minimum. Fuel and tolls are included, and the driver waits while you visit each stop.
How many hours do I need for a Kuala Lumpur city tour?
The 5-hour minimum covers two areas, such as Batu Caves and the old city. Batu Caves, the old city, Thean Hou Temple and the Twin Towers take about eight hours.
Are the Petronas Twin Towers open on Monday?
The Skybridge and observation deck are closed on Mondays, except on public holidays. KLCC Park and the view of the towers from outside are open every day.
What should I wear to Batu Caves and the National Mosque?
Cover your shoulders and knees at both. Sarongs can be rented at Batu Caves, and the National Mosque lends robes and headscarves free at the entrance.