Day Trips Outside Kuala Lumpur

If you are planning to stay in Kuala Lumpur for more than a weekend, then it is best to include a few day trips in your itinerary. The city's attractions and landmarks are not too far apart and with its efficient public transportation system, it is easy to cover all of them within a day or two. If you have several days to spare, here are just some ideas on how to spend them.

The nearest day trip excursion destination is the popular Batu Caves. They are just within the city limits and only a few minutes away from the city center. The soaring stairs of what looks like more than a hundred steps and a towering golden statue of Murugan, a Hindu deity, will greet you at the entrance. As you trace the steps to the cave, you will be accompanied by more than a few monkeys hoping to receive a few sweet treats from you. The cave is huge and its ceiling is 100 meters high. Inside are several Hindu shrines and the ever-present vendors and their quirky merchandise. A visit to the cave will take no more than half a day of your time.

For the other half of the day, you might want to spend it at the exciting expanse of Sunway Lagoon, the country's most famous theme park. With its enthralling rides, interesting shops and lots of chow, you will easily find yourself enjoying your visit.

Another popular day trip destination outside Kuala Lumpur is the historical region of Malacca. It is only a 2 hour drive from the capital but it is unlike any of the other cities in Malaysia. It is a charming colonial city with influences from the Portuguese, British and Dutch that once ruled Malacca. Cobble stone streets, lovely squares and impressive colonial buildings are some of the attractions waiting to be explored in the area.

Do not miss checking out the summit of St. Paul's Hill. It will show you the picturesque panorama of the city and several other century-old attractions at the summit such as the St. Paul Church and Dutch tombstones among others.

If you are looking for a cooler and more panoramic excursion, then the Genting Highlands should be your next destination. They tower over the rest of the country at 6,000 feet above sea level. At the summit, you will not only enjoy the lush greenery and the cool climate but you will also get sublime pampering at the resort casino located there. You may want to take a ride on the cable car to take in the tropical rain-forest below.

Finally, if you want to take a look at the remarkable organization and impressive architecture of the country's government buildings, then you have to visit Putrajaya, Malaysia's spanking new Federal Government Administrative Center. It is only 25 kilometers from the city center. Aside from the striking edifices that characterize the vast compound, there are also plenty of parks and gardens where you can spend your idle time in relaxation. You can even take a cruise around Putrajaya Lake if you are up for it. 
 

Sunee is author of this article on Hotels in Thailand. Find more information about Phuket Hotels here.