Best Ways to Explore Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, On a Budget

Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur. Photo by Meriç Dağlı on Unsplash

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is usually considered a budget destination for travelers. While it may cost you more to get there, the cheap accommodation and food will more than makeup for it. Additionally, there are more than a few ways to reduce your travel expenses further. Check them out.

Use Public Transportation or Grab

Taxis are notoriously expensive in Kuala Lumpur, especially for tourists. Public transportation, although sometimes crowded and unreliable, is the cheapest way to get around the city. Another good alternative is the ride-sharing service Grab, which is similar to Uber and significantly more affordable than taxis.

Eat More Street Food

Street food in Kuala Lumpur is not only the cheapest way to keep yourself well-fed but arguably also the tastiest. The city’s streets are full of food carts and vendors who are offering delicious eats for a fraction of the price you would pay at a restaurant.

Take Advantage of Free Tourist Attractions

Kuala Lumpur is a city known for offering an abundance of free tourist attractions. Visit to most of its temples comes with free admission while offering an unforgettable experience in both architectural and cultural exploration. You can also enjoy a relaxing day at some of Kuala Lumpur’s impressive green spaces, like KLCC Park, or spend hours going through exhibitions at Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery.

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

It can get really hot and humid in Kuala Lumpur, so you will need to drink a lot of water. Considering that tap water isn’t drinkable and buying bottled water all the time will damage your budget, the best way to go about it is to bring a reusable water bottle with you. There are drinking fountains across the city and nearby popular tourist attractions, so you can fill it up for free and stay hydrated for free.