We spent three days in Kuala Lumpur with kids as part of our Singapore and Malaysia itinerary. After changing our plans and dropping Cameron Highlands, we extended our stay in KL, giving us three days to explore the city. We drove to Kuala Lumpur in a rental car from Johor Bahru.
Read my post about driving in Malaysia.
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Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur with kids
The fact we were driving played the biggest part in deciding where to stay in KL. We didn’t want to drive into the city centre, preferring to stay close to the highway. Hotels outside of the city were lacking so we turned to Airbnb. If you would prefer a hotel, see what options are available for your stay in Kuala Lumpur on Booking.com.
We ended up choosing an apartment in the Regalia Suites complex. On arrival, we were able to get a parking pass and park the car underground for free. The apartment was large with an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area. There were two bedrooms, the main with a large ensuite bathroom. We were a little worried about the kids sharing a bedroom but they loved it and slept well. There was also a washing machine which always helps to make travelling light easier.
Being beside the expressway meant it was quite noisy at all hours. The kids enjoyed watching the traffic and trains from the large windows. We also had access to the complex pools, the rooftop one has a view over KL.
Sunway Putra Mall
The Sunway Putra Mall is located close to the Regalia Suites and we found it to be very convenient during our stay. There are lots of different restaurants so we had most of our dinners here. A large supermarket meant we could buy water, fruit, yoghurt and other things for snacks and breakfast at the apartment.
Getting around Kuala Lumpur with kids
Another reason we chose to stay in the Regalia Suites is that it’s within walking distance to Putra Station which has connections to places all over the city. Unfortunately, during our time in KL, the rail line was undergoing maintenance with only one side of the track running. Trains going in both directions were using the same track. This meant there were long delays and we were often on a train while it stopped for clearance.
On the days we had been at the station we failed to notice the signs indicating that the connection to Batu Caves was disrupted. Previously it was a straightforward twenty-minute journey from Putra Station to Batu Caves. We had to take a train from Putra to KL Sentral and then a free bus to Sentul Station. From there we took another train to Batu Caves. It may have made all our days longer but the kids actually enjoyed the journeys.
Three-day Kuala Lumpur with kids itinerary
This is our personal three-day KL itinerary with kids. Our youngest was almost 3 years old and our oldest turned 6 on our Malaysia trip. We went out in the mornings and returned to the apartment in the afternoon. Everyone was hot and bothered by then and a thunderstorm came over each day.
Day 1: Petronas Towers, shopping complex, KLCC Park
Suria KLCC
Our first stop for the day was Suria KLCC, a 6-story shopping complex located at the foot of the Petronas Towers. There are several retail stores and dining options. Our youngest fell asleep in the stroller so we wandered around, looking at the different stores. Our 6-year-old was happy to find a Lego store to look in. We had a delicious Tepanyaki lunch in the food court.
Petronas Towers
We didn’t purchase tickets to enter the towers, we simply viewed them from outside. After exiting Suria KLCC we had to walk further and further back to be able to see the top of the towers which stand at 452 metres tall. We spent some time watching the water fountains at Symphony Lake which at night time has a sound and light show.
KLCC Park
The area outside of the towers is KLCC Park. We followed the lake along the path that leads further into the park. There is a children’s wading pool with a waterfall area. I had packed spare clothes so our kids could play. They ran straight for the multiple playgrounds and kept running to play on each one. They were so hot and sweaty that we had to drag them away. The plan was to let them cool off in the pool afterwards but as they were playing we were watching the storm clouds roll in. Just as we were walking away thunder started and big raindrops were hitting us. We made it under shelter back at the mall without being too soaked.
Day 2: Batu Caves
Batu Caves with kids
As I said back in Getting Around KL, we had a much longer journey to The Batu Caves than anticipated. Coming from Batu Caves Station we first came to the Hanuman Statue which stands in front of Ramayana Cave. Continuing on the path we passed by another Hindu Temple, a waterfall, a large pile of coconuts being cut and sold for juice and market stalls.
We were now standing, facing the main entrance to Batu Caves. I always worry about visiting places after seeing thousands of photos that they won’t impress. The steep stairs, the large gold Lord Murugan statue and the limestone hills that tower above them both were certainly impressive.
After purchasing drinks we made our trek up the stairs, passing by some of the infamous monkeys. They are as steep as they look and we were very proud of our almost 6-year-old for doing it without any complaints. It’s well documented that there are 272 steps leading into the cave however, there are also more within the cave.
My husband carried our 2-year-old in a baby carrier on his back. There were monkeys on the steps, stealing food and drinks from people.
Inside the large cave are several shrines and statues and lots of monkeys. It was a bit disappointing to see stores inside the cave. We watched the monkeys enjoying some rock climbing and after exploring the cave temple we were ready to make our way back down. From the top, you get a great view looking out over the area and to the city. We slowly took the steps to the bottom, watching monkeys along the way. At the bottom, we enjoyed a cold drink and got the kids an icy pole.
We made the long journey back and got a late lunch before returning to the apartment.
Day 3
KL Forest Eco Park
After another wait at Putra Station, we connected at KL Sentral and got off at Masjid Jamek Station. From there it was an 800-metre walk to KL Forest Eco Park. We entered the building and the kids enjoyed reading the facts and seeing photos of the forest. After leaving we found the steps leading into the forest to the left of the building.
We left the stroller at the bottom of the steps and went up to the canopy walk. It was a lot longer than what we expected, with another set of stairs taking us up higher. The boys loved walking up high among the trees. Back down, we had to go back and get our stroller. It was a great place for the two-year-old to get out and walk around while in the city. We all really enjoyed our time at the KL Forest Eco Park.
KL Forest Eco Park entry fees: RM40 adults, RM5 children 6-12, and free for children under 6.
KL Central Market
After doing the canopy walk, we walked about 1km to Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market. At 120 years old, KL Central Market is a National Heritage Site. We had some trouble getting to it as there was construction work happening at a few intersections. There was no way to cross the road without standing out in the traffic. We walked an extra block to avoid it and get to the Central Market.
Once there we strolled around looking at the stores before finding some food. We sat on stools, ordered and watched as two ladies made our lunch of filled flatbreads.
After lunch, we stopped by Ainna Artwork and purchased a small canvas each for the kids to paint. Ainna Artwork offers DIY Batik painting. The paintings are now great souvenirs from our time in KL with kids.
Are three days enough time for Kuala Lumpur with kids?
Three days gave us plenty of time to see what we wanted and also gave the kids time out from sightseeing. The weather was very hot and humid and our youngest, in particular, was really feeling it. We spent the mornings and early afternoons out and then headed back to the apartment to let the kids rest before heading back out for dinner.
Read our full two-week Singapore and Malaysia itinerary
