Places

48 Hours in Kuala Lumpur: Eat, Drink, Shop, and “Dive”

Got 48 hours in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and don’t know what to do? Find your way around with our City Guide.

Featured image: Facebook/@BOTAKLiquor

We also slept like kings at the Traders Hotel KL, which we booked off Booking.com

On our recent trip to the Malaysian capital, we uncovered yet more sides to the city to love. With just 48 hours in Kuala Lumpur, we managed to eat, drink, and shop like kings.

We also rested like kings at the Traders Hotel KL, conveniently located in the city center. If you’re planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur, be sure to book your trip off Booking.com. With over 1.3 million properties listed ranging from hotels to resorts; homestays to campsites; tree houses and even igloos, you’re bound to find an accommodation you’ll love. Plus, you get S$40 off your next booking when you book via this link.

Day 1

Morning: Brunch at Feeka Coffee Roasters

Nothing like a good brunch to start off your day in Kuala Lumpur. Head to Feeka Coffee Roasters in Bukit Bintang for their house specialties such as the sweet potato duck hash and fried eggs (approx. S$6) and the brioche French toast, served with a side of chantilly cream and orange sauce (approx. S$5). The coffee here is good too – opt for the classic cafe latte (S$3) or Feeka’s specialty cold brew (S$5).

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Feeka Coffee Roasters is located at 19 Jalan Mesui, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur 50200. 

Afternoon: Option 1 – Head to a sneaker convention

To experience street culture in Kuala Lumpur, bookmark the month of October in your calendar, because that’s when SneakerLah, Malaysia’s biggest sneaker and streetwear convention is held annually.

Previous editions have seen a sneaker collection featuring over 350 limited edition pairs and panel talks featuring some of the most popular faces in streetwear from the region. Don’t forget to read our previous SneakerLah coverage for an idea of what to expect!

Afternoon: Option 2 – JD Sports @ Pavilion

Work off your hearty brunch with a trip to JD Sports Malaysia at Pavilion KL mall. This is the first flagship store in Malaysia and the largest JD Sports store in South East Asia. The multi-brand retailer carries a variety of sportswear brands including Nike, Adidas as well as in-house brands such as Supply and Demand.

The store also carries JD Sports exclusive collabs. Recent exclusives include the Nike Air Max 90 Essential in gray and the Adidas NMD R1 in blood red.

JD Sports Pavilion is located at Lot 5.103/105, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 55100.

Evening: Al-Rawsha

Continue your gastronomic adventure with a dinner fit for a king. The massive Al-Rawsha restaurant that’s built like a palace boasts a variety of authentic Middle Eastern food ranging from Chicken Mandy Rice (approx. S$7.10) to standard Shawarma Platters either with Chicken or Beef (approx. S$6).

We can’t recommend the lamb madghut (approx. S$22.50) more – this mouthwatering dish featuring steamed lamb and spiced rice is fit for 4 to 5 people. End the meal on a high note with a pot of Arabic mint tea (approx. S$3) and a slice of baklava (approx. S$0.60 per piece). A three-course meal that’ll barely make a dent in your wallet.

Al-Rawsha is located at Jalan Kampung Pandan, Kelab Golf di Raja Selangor, Kuala Lumpur 55100. 

Night: Botak Liquor Bar 

Begin your night with post-dinner drinks at Botak Liquor Bar, which is located on Jalan Petaling (home to several speakeasy bars). Botak specializes in cocktails that are made with locally sourced or made ingredients such as pandan leaves or preserved papaya.

Some highlight cocktails available include the starfruit and daun kari (curry leaves) cocktail and the rice and pandan cocktail, made with gin and rice flavored coconut water.

Botak is the sister bar to Cho Cha Foodstore, a restaurant located below the bar. We didn’t have the chance to dine there, but the cincalok (fermented shrimp paste) fried chicken and crispy chilli squid sound good already.

Botak Liquor Bar is located at 156 Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur 50000.

Late night: Taps Beer Bar 

If the night is still young (or at least in your head it is), head over to Taps Beer Bar for a second round of drinks. The bar has got IPAs, APAs, and all types of craft beers coming out its taps. There’s also a selection of bottled craft beers to choose from. Taps closes at 2am, and if you happen to leave your sunglasses there like we did, they’ll keep it safe for you. Thanks Taps!

Taps Beer Bar is located at Jalan Nagasari, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur 502000. 

Late late night: Vintage night market at Jalan Raja Bot 

If you’re still going strong after a night of hard drinking, head down to Jalan Raja Bot to take a “dive” into the bundle sale, also known simply as “bundle”. In our previous visit to Jalan Raja Bot, we spotted a variety of streetwear apparel on offer including Supreme t-shirts and Champion jackets. Not to mention a number of second-hand sneakers and caps.

The vintage night market is located at Jalan Raja Bot, Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur 50300.

Day 2

Morning: Swim at the rooftop pool at Traders Hotel

Work off the drinks at the indoor pool at Traders Hotel. It’s a rooftop pool bar by night, but by day, it’s a great place to do laps or lounge at. You can even have your morning coffee by the poolside, so do that.

Traders Hotel KL is located at Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Afternoon: ISETAN The Japan Store 

Begin your day by checking out Malaysia’s only ISETAN store. The six-story building offers a variety of products ranging from Japanese streetwear to arts and crafts and food. Brands on offer include Y3, Undercover, and a small selection of OFF-White products.

If the shopping isn’t going to impress you, perhaps the famous 6th Avenue Cheesecake (approx. S$6 a slice) will. We’ve heard rave reviews, though we haven’t yet tried it. The decadent cake, made with Danish cream cheese and comes finished with a caramelized crust, is also served with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Isetan The Japan Store is located at 50 Jalan Sultan Ismail, Lot 10 Shopping Center, Kuala Lumpur 50250. 

Evening: Ril’s Steakhouse Bangsar 

Ril’s Steakhouse is one of our favorite steak places to go to in Kuala Lumpur. The cozy restaurant has a great ambience and service is good too. The stars of the show are the steaks, of course. The menu here is fuss-free too – there are steaks to have a go at alone and steaks to share. Prices are friendly too – you can get a good steak at S$30.

Ril’s Steakhouse Bangsar is located at 30 Jalan Telawi 5, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur 59000. 

Looking for a Kuala Lumpur accommodation? Check out our recommendations here and you’ll receive S$40 off your next booking on Booking.com when you book via this link.

Read More: 6 Seoul Stores to Visit for Streetwear, Sneakers and Food

Staff