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If you’re on the hunt for a great day trip from Kuala Lumpur, you are at the right place.
Over the past 2 years of living in Malaysia, I have discovered many places to visit on the weekends.
Table of Contents
1. Malacca
Malacca (Melaka), a renowned trading port in Malaysia in the past, is situated to the south of Kuala Lumpur.
With a history dating back to the 15th century, Malacca is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, including A Famosa, the Dutch Church, and the Stadhuys.
Additionally, the city boasts numerous colorful and Instagram-worthy attractions, including the Malacca Straits Mosque, Malacca’s 3D Street Art, and the Dutch Square, making it a favorite day trip destination from KL for many tourists.
- Transportation from KL to Malacca: Bus or car
- Transportation time: 2 hours
- Must-try food: Chicken rice ball, Satay Celup, Nyonya food, Durian Cendol
Read more: Malacca travel guide: transportation, best things to do, how long to stay
2. Ipoh
Ipoh is a place for either food hunters, history lovers, or nature enthusiasts.
What I love most about Ipoh is probably the food. There are tons of delicacies in Ipoh, notably chicken bean spouts, salted chicken, tou fu fa, and dim sum.
Besides, with a history deeply rooted in the tin mining industry of the late 19th century, Ipoh boasts a unique blend of colonial architecture and contemporary urban developments. Some historical attractions in Ipoh that you can visit are the Ipoh railway station, Birch Memorial Clock Tower, and Han Chin Pet Soo Museum.
For nature lovers, this is your heaven. Don’t you know that Ipoh has over 30 cave temples to explore? In this kind of place, you can admire the beauty of the caves as well as the religious temple built inside the caves.
- Transportation from KL to Ipoh: Bus, train or car
- Transportation time: 2.5 – 3 hours
- Must-try food: chicken bean spouts, salted chicken, tou fu fa, dim sum
Read more: A complete Ipoh travel guide: transportation, what to do, famous food, cost
3. Bukit Tinggi
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Bukit Tinggi, located in the lush highlands of Malaysia’s Pahang state, is renowned for its natural beauty and cultural attractions.
Situated about an hour’s drive from KL, this destination stands out as a great option for a day trip from KL.
At the heart of Bukit Tinggi is Colmar Tropicale, a French village inspired by the quaint architecture of Alsace, France. When visiting this place, you can stroll along the cobblestone streets and capture pictures of the colorful buildings.
Additionally, there is a Japanese Village near Colmar Tropicale where you can immerse yourself in the tranquil lush green atmosphere. You can even rent a Kimono to take photos in the Japanese-themed houses.
If you enjoy adventurous activities, head to the Adventure Park. This is where you can partake in activities such as the Flying Fox, Canopy Walk, Paintball Warfare, and more.
- Transportation from KL to Bukit Tinggi: bus or car
- Transportation time: 1 hour
4. Kuala Selangor
Only 70 kilometers from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Selangor is a perfect destination for a day trip from KL. Kuala Selangor is renowned for its natural beauty and historical attractions.
One of my favorite activities in Kuala Selangor is eagle-feeding. We were taken by boat to the middle of the Selangor River, where numerous birds, including eagles, were flying around. This activity takes place during sunset, making it one of the most breathtaking sunset scenes I’ve ever witnessed.
Another attraction is the Kuala Selangor Fireflies, where you can embark on a mesmerizing boat ride along the Selangor River and witness the spectacular sight of fireflies illuminating the mangrove trees at night. This attraction is often combined with a visit to the Blue Tears.
Additionally, the Sky Mirrors attract many tourists to the town. It is a seasonal phenomenon that occurs during low tide when the shallow waters of the sea create a vast, mirror-like reflection on the sandy shore.
Kuala Selangor is truly a hidden gem in Selangor, offering a wide range of interesting activities for visitors to enjoy.
- Transportation from KL to Kuala Selangor: car
- Transportation time: 1 hour
- Must-try food: seafood
Read more: KL to Kuala Selangor day trip: places to visit & best seafood restaurants
5. Putrajaya
If you are looking for a place for a short getaway from Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya is one of the nearest places to consider. Personally, I have visited this place numerous times because it’s so convenient to reach.
The federal territory of Putrajaya is surrounded by Selangor State and has been the administrative capital of the federal government since 1999.
Putrajaya is famous for its modern and futuristic architecture, lush green spaces, and cultural attractions.
One of the most iconic attractions in Putrajaya is the Putra Mosque, an impressive pink-domed mosque set against the backdrop of the serene Putrajaya Lake.
Nearby, you can enjoy a Putrajaya Cruise experience, which is very affordable. The cruise will take you around Putrajaya Lake and introduce you to some attractions.
In the evening, you can stroll around the Putrajaya Secret Garden and capture pictures of the illuminated trees and objects.
- Transportation from KL to Putrajaya: Train, bus or car
- Transportation time: 40 minutes
Read more: Cruise Tasik Putrajaya: price, my review with pictures
6. Tanjung Sepat
Tanjung Sepat is a paradise for foodies, attracting many local Malaysians solely for its culinary delights. The town offers a plethora of delectable seafood options, including Seafood Bak Kut Teh, Duck Soup Seafood Noodles, Mui Choy Pau, and more.
In addition to the culinary delights, you can explore various places of interest in and around the town, such as Love Bridge, Mushroom Farm, Cheng Leng Keng Temple, and others. These attractions are conveniently located close to each other and can be visited in just 1-2 hours.
Nature enthusiasts can venture to the nearby Pantai Morib, a serene beach known for its tranquil ambiance and golden sands, making it an excellent spot for a leisurely stroll or a seaside picnic.
What’s more, all the tourist attractions in Tanjung Sepat are free to visit. Therefore, the bulk of your expenses will be on food and transportation. During my day trip to Tanjung Sepat, I spent less than RM 100 for everything.
- Transportation from KL to Tanjung Sepat: Car
- Transportation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Must-try food: Bak Kut Teh, Duck Soup Seafood Noodles, Mui Choy Pau.
7. Pulau Ketam
Pulau Ketam, also known as Crab Island, is a charming and distinctive fishing village located off the coast of Port Klang in Malaysia. To visit the island, you need to go to Port Klang and then take a ferry to Pulau Ketam.
One of its most unique features is the vibrant and varied colors of the houses, making it a perfect spot for Instagram-worthy photos. Activities to enjoy on Crab Island include visiting Chinese temples, capturing picturesque shots with colorful houses, riding an electric scooter around town, and savoring the local seafood at the market.
To be honest, there aren’t many attractions to visit on the island, so 2-3 hours are just enough to explore everything. Unfortunately, you will have to rely on the ferry schedule, so if you finish your trip too early, you may need to wait for the ferry to return to the mainland.
During my trip to Pulau Ketam, the ferry did not even arrive on time, so I had to wait for quite a long time at the port.
- Transportation from KL to Pulau Ketam: Take train or drive a car to Port Klang, and ferry from Port Klang to Pulau Ketam
- Total transportation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Must-try food: shrimp pretzel
Read more: Pulau Ketam day trip: ferry price, famous food & things to do
8. Port Dickson
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Our family visited Port Dickson once, and I was so surprised to discover that it has such beautiful beaches.
Port Dickson, or PD, is a coastal town located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
What makes Port Dickson a favorite destination for a day trip from KL is its stunning beaches, including Pantai Teluk Kemang and Pantai Blue Lagoon, which offer excellent spots for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The Blue Lagoon, in particular, is famous for its calm and clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
Furthermore, it offers loads of seafood restaurants and local delicacies, making it an ideal getaway for food lovers to savor fresh seafood dishes and local cuisine.
- Transportation from KL to Port Dickson: Bus or car
- Total transportation time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Must-try food: seafood
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding areas offer a plethora of exciting day trip options for those seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty. From the historical charm of Malacca to the serene beaches of Port Dickson, there’s something for every traveler.
If you know any other places for a day trip from KL, feel free to share them in the comment box. Happy travels!
