Singapore Slings and Malaysian Dreams
Malaysia for around $300 - Part 2 of 3
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is a vibrant city filled with culture, stunning sights, and incredible food, all of which I experienced on a budget of only around $300 over six days! The key to keeping costs low? Smart travel hacks, such as booking my stay at the Hyatt Centric Kuala Lumpur for only 5,000 Hyatt points per night, a steal compared to its usual $150 per night rate (estimated price). With points covering my hotel, I had more room in my budget for unforgettable experiences, from exploring temples to indulging in phenomenal street food. Let me show you how to explore the beautiful and extravagant city of Kuala Lumpur, where luxury meets affordability.
Luxury Travel on a Budget: First-Class Bus from Singapore
My journey began in Singapore, where I boarded a bus that would take us to the border crossing between Singapore and Malaysia. This was just a standard bus that reminded me of a Greyhound, so nothing too special here. The border crossing at Johor Bahru was surprisingly quick and easy, with the border agents being kinder than expected. Once finished, we were now able to enter Transtar's First-Class bus. This bus was the full package, which set the tone for this whole leg of the trip. This comfortable and affordable ride only cost us about $65 one way and was quite a comfortable way of traveling to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore. The bus was a double-decker, and included one free bag up to 15 kg (33 lbs) along with unlimited tea, coffee, and water along the way.
The interior of the bus felt elevated with its red between the 1 by 1 seat placement. This gave me ample room to spread out as the seats were spacious, had great padding, and the leg room was more than generous. Each seat came with a few amenities, including a blanket and pillow along with a cheap pair of headphones, and had plenty of window space, but one could say the lack of an on-board bathroom was not ideal. To make up for this, we do stop at rest areas and gas stations along the route, which allows you to pick up snacks, but we felt this wasn't necessary as the food service and snacks aboard suffice. The meal service was good, but nothing to write home about, and I opted for a Pad Thai dish, which included chicken. This was more than enough food and was served bento box style. Overall, I'd give the food a solid 7 out of 10.
The entertainment on board was weird, and I wish I had photos to show of it. The screen was nice, and didn't feel cheap, with barely any glare from the sun. I noticed the headphones were cheap, like ones you could find at a dollar store in the US. The games didn't work properly and were even bootlegged, but found the movie selection to be the most interesting. I discovered a great movie which provided more than enough entertainment for me called Nasi Lemak 1.0, a movie about a chef that goes back in time to ancient Malaysia, crazy plot, it was hilarious. Overall, I would give the entertainment a 5 out of 10, nice try, but could definitely use some improvement.
Hotel - Hyatt Centric Kuala Lumpur
Nestled in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's bustling Golden Triangle, the Hyatt Centric offers a stylish, modern stay with standout amenities like The Roof@37, a trendy rooftop bar with skyline views, a sleek infinity pool, and a well-equipped fitness center, all while averaging $150 per night. Thanks to an incredible redemption rate of just 5,000 Hyatt points per night (30,000 total for six nights), I scored this luxury stay for almost nothing by transferring points from Bilt Rewards to Hyatt, turning everyday rent payments into a free hotel stay. The real highlight? The massive breakfast buffet, featuring an omelet station, fresh pastries, and classic Malay dishes like nasi lemak, set me up perfectly for full days of exploring the city.
Discovering the Batu Caves
One of my first stops was the iconic Batu Caves, a stunning Hindu temple complex set inside limestone caves. The 272 colorful steps leading up to the main cave were a workout, but the view was worth it. Inside, I marveled at shrines, the workings of the cave, and even spotted monkeys up to mischief! Best of all, admission was free, making it a must-visit for budget travelers who are looking to make the most out of their Kuala Lumpur adventure.
We also went to a cave that did cost extra, this was luckily only about $1.50 to $2.00 USD, and is located to the left of the main cave called the Museum Cave. This cave is lit up with neon lights and provides an education on the Hindu religion and history, so if you're into religious history, please do not skip out. Make sure to bring good walking shoes, as climbing either cave is a lot of work.
A Day in the Clouds at Genting Highlands
Taking a day trip to Genting Highlands was the refreshing part of the trip I needed. This area is a cool mountain retreat just an hour from Kuala Lumpur and is worth going out of your way to visit. The cable car ride up offered breathtaking views of the rainforest below. While the casinos weren't my thing, I loved exploring the themed attractions and enjoying the crisp air. Round-trip transportation through Grab and the cable car costs less than $25, proving that mountain getaways don't have to break the bank.
When taking the cable car there is a free stop included to the Chin Swee Temple, this is a magnificent stop that is filled with winding staircases, amazing architecture, and a high up view amongst the clouds. The brisk air is a nice break from the persistent heat and humidity of Kuala Lumpur so definitely make some time to take in the cooler air here.
Genting Skyworlds is a theme park associated with Resorts World and the mall, which has all sorts of attractions along with cheaper eats. From the movie Ice Age and Rio, to Planet of the Apes and National Treasure, there are a ton of amazing attractions at this theme park for around $20 USD. This was an amazing deal to have fun, while not breaking the bank.
Petronas Towers & Suria KLCC Mall
No trip to KL is complete without seeing the Petronas Towers. I snapped photos of the gleaming twin towers before heading inside Suria KLCC, the upscale mall at its base. While designer stores were out of my budget, I enjoyed window-shopping and watching the free fountain show at the park outside. For a small fee, visitors can go up to the skybridge, but I admired the view from below for free!
Petaling Street, Walking Street & Ramly Burger
KL's Petaling Street (Walking Street) was a feast for the senses, especially within its central market. This was probably one of the most interesting places I've visited on this journey, filled with culture, shopping, and, of course, amazing food. I browsed stalls selling everything from fake Rolexes to cheap and funky souvenirs, then treated myself to very affordable yet delicious street food such as BBQ pork dumplings and fresh juices. The highlight? Ramly Burger, a Malaysian street food legend, took the burger and made it halal. This must-try juicy, egg-wrapped burger cost under $2 USD and was one of the best things I ate all trip!
(Bonus!!!) RexKL: A Trendy Spot of Arts and Culture
RexKL is a trendy, multi-level cultural hub in Kuala Lumpur that blends creativity, history, and delicious eats. In the basement, you'll find Triple Decker (existed when I visited) pop-up by Japanese chef Shohei Matsuri, a popular burger joint serving juicy, Instagram-worthy stacks, while the top floor houses a charming independent bookstore called BookXcess Rex KL with a plethora of choices perfect for any book lover. Between them, a vibrant market space showcases niche vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to vintage clothing and antiques, making it a must-visit for unique finds and a cool urban vibe.
Final Thoughts
From luxury bus rides to breathtaking caves and mouthwatering street food, my 6-day KL adventure proved that travel doesn't have to be expensive. By using points for my hotel and prioritizing free or low-cost attractions, I kept my total spending around $300, without missing out on anything. If you're looking for an affordable Southeast Asian getaway, Kuala Lumpur should be at the top of your list!
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