Kuala Lumpur (July 24-26, 2025):
United Arab Emirates:
Abu Dhabi
Singapore:
Singapore
Malaysia:
Langkawi
Kuala Lumpur
Thailand:
Chiang Rai
Chiang Mai
Sukhothai
Bangkok
Vietnam:
Hanoi
Halong Bay
Phú Quoc
History of Kuala Lumpur in a few lines:
Origins:
Founded in the mid-19th century as a tin mining settlement at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. Its name means “muddy confluence”.
Initial growth:
It attracted Chinese traders and workers, becoming a key economic center in the region.
Colonial era:
Under British administration, Kuala Lumpur developed with modern infrastructure and consolidated itself as the capital of the Federated State of Selangor.
20th Century:
In 1896 it became the capital of the Federated Malayan States. Following Malaysia's independence in 1957, it was designated the national capital.
Present:
Today it is a modern metropolis, famous for the Petronas Towers, its cultural diversity and its mix of colonial, traditional and contemporary architecture.
If it's on your way, well, it's just another city to see, but (for usIt's not worth it.
The city itself isn't bad; it's like any other big, chaotic city. However, it is quite dirty, especially around the Batu Caves. That particular area isn't just dirty; it's a veritable garbage dump. We didn't particularly like it either because it's completely geared towards tourism and trying to scam you into buying things to cover up because it's a temple, etc. It's not necessary to cover your head, shoulders, or anything; in fact, everyone was wearing shorts and short sleeves.
A friend who just returned on May 26th has given us some advice...:
1st – Something we didn't notice: all the bathrooms (public or in the hotel rooms) are on two different levels with a step. She had the misfortune of not noticing and sprained her ankle; since then, she's been noticing everyone else and it seems they all have the same thing.
2nd – They had many problems with credit card acceptance, so it is recommended to bring some cash.
3rd – If you're going to get a SIM card at the airport, you have two options: the first is when you land, before going through exit security. The advantage is that it's much cheaper and you don't have to wait in any lines; the disadvantage is that if several flights arrive at the security checkpoint, you'll be there for quite a while.
Thanks Ana Luisa for your advice! 😁
Flight: We fly from Langkawi for €28/pers. with AirAsia.
Hotel: Ceylonz Suites KLCC by Mana-Mana €75 for 2 days + €4 total (tourist tax): The reception staff isn't very friendly and they work for several companies that rent the rooms and provide the service. We booked through Mana-Mana Suites (tel. (+60 12-410 3005) The window and seat weren't particularly clean, but the views are spectacular, overlooking the Petronas Towers, and sleeping with those views is fantastic. However, the walls are very thin, and the people next to us weren't very considerate for a while. We had to send a message to Mana-Mana, and they responded very quickly. They let us check out later because of the inconvenience. It's very well located.
Travel insurance: Heymondo (Tranquility trip, for 22 days): €80/person.
Information obtained from the web https://www.exteriores.gob.es
Passport: required with a minimum validity of 6 months.
Visa: No visa is required for stays of less than 90 days, but foreign travelers entering Malaysia must complete a mandatory online form. This streamlines immigration procedures and replaces the physical card previously filled out upon arrival, facilitating entry into the country. MDAC Formulation.
Travel insurance: Travel insurance is recommended. The best-known and most comprehensive options are: Iati y Heymondo, If we don't need very comprehensive insurance, we'll get it with Globalfine which is much cheaper.
Vaccines: None are mandatory.
Badge: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
Payment card/currency exchange: we always go with Revolut y N26.
Roaming: NO Yes, so if you have data enabled, you might get a nice little gift in return. We recommend it. Airalo in Asia better than Holafly.
GPS: Maps.me Download the maps for Spain and they work great offline, whether you're on foot, by car, or on public transport.
Translator: It's gotten us out of a few tight spots; it's a translator that doesn't require an internet connection, just download the language before you leave and you're good to go. Offline translator.
International driving permit: It is necessary because it does not belong to the EU. It order through the website DGT. We remind you that they drive on the left because it was a British colony. The app GRAB It works very well and is very cheap.
The card costs €10.51. The good thing is you can order it online and pick it up without an appointment. It took a couple of days for ours, then you go to pick it up and it's a cardboard card like the ones they had 20 years ago.