Kuala Lumpur
Federal Territory, Malaysia
Daily Budget
~US$30
per day
Best Months
Climate
Year-round
Vibe
Gateway city
Overview
Kuala Lumpur (KL) is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures, offering world-class street food, iconic architecture, and some of the cheapest quality hostels in Asia. The Petronas Twin Towers dominate the skyline, while at street level, night markets, Hindu temples, and Chinese shophouses create a sensory overload. KL is also a major regional air hub, making it a natural starting or transit point for backpacking Southeast Asia.
Editor's Pick
Kuala Lumpur stands out for: Absurdly cheap hostels — capsule beds from $7, dorms from $5; One of the world's great food cities: Malay, Chinese, Indian, and fusion cuisine at street-stall prices; Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves, and vibrant Chinatown are all accessible by cheap public transport.
Things to Do
View all 9 activitiesTop Hostels
View all 5 hostels
Hostels
5 hostels with reviews and vibe scores
Things to Do
9 activities and experiences
Getting Here
Transport routes, prices, and tips
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to backpack in Kuala Lumpur?
- Budget around US$30 per day in Kuala Lumpur, covering a hostel dorm, meals, local transport, and a few activities.
- When is the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur?
- The best months for backpackers to visit Kuala Lumpur are Jan, Feb, Mar, Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec, when the weather is most favourable and conditions are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- What are the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur?
- Top-rated hostels in Kuala Lumpur include Dorms KL, PODs The Backpackers Home & Cafe, Capsule Town Hotel. Prices for a dorm bed typically start from US$20 per night.
- What are the top things to do in Kuala Lumpur?
- Must-do activities in Kuala Lumpur include Browse the vibrant Little India district in Brickfields, Day trip to the Genting Highlands for a cable car ride and casino/theme park, Eat through Jalan Alor night food market in Bukit Bintang. There are 9 activities and experiences listed for backpackers.
