Living in a fast-paced city like Kuala Lumpur – or KL as locals call it – can be hectic and a short break outside the city is always welcomed, even if there’s no overnight stay involved. With so many great places to explore within 2 hours’ drive from KL, here are some of our favourites!
Some of these may be regular day trip destinations, but we’ve got you covered whether you’re game for a day of adventure, food, or just simply want to chill and relax.
Broga Hills
One of the more popular hiking trails frequented by casual hikers, Broga Hill (better known as ‘Bukit Lalang’ by the locals as grass grows in abundance on the hilltop hence its name) is a 50-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur.
It is an easy hike that most can do without any hiking gear, and you can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour to hit the highest peak. The initial climb is gentle but its incline becomes steeper up. You can always hold on to ropes tied to trees to help you up along the way and be rewarded with a view of the plains that is a mix of oil palm plantations, rainforest, local villages, and the distant mountain range.
Kuala Selangor
A day trip from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Selangor takes only an hour and is a must for people who enjoy the outdoors and nature. Spend the morning at Taman Alam Kuala Selangor Nature Park where you can enjoy leisurely walks on four trails and immerse yourself in the wildlife and engage in some bird watching.
If you’re feeling the need for adrenaline, then pack your wet gear and go whitewater rafting down Kuala Kubu Bahru River with grade 1 to grade 4 rapids.
There’s definitely more to do in Kuala Selangor than a day trip so it’ll be even better to spend a weekend there.
Bentong
Foodies will enjoy a day trip to Bentong, just an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur. Known as a foodie getaway famous for its durian and local ginger, you should definitely bring that empty stomach out to fill it with all the yummy goodness this small town can offer.
Start your morning with a plate of famous Wanton Noodles at Yuen Kee Kopitiam, then stop for some sweet frozen treats at TAK Ice Cream Corner. Lunch at Lemang To’Ki for some glutinous coconut rice cooked in a bamboo stick with rending and of course, you cannot miss stopping by one of the many roadside stalls selling the famed ‘Musang King’ durian (sorry non-durian lovers, you don’t know what you’re missing out!)
If you have more than a day to spare, we’ll definitely recommend spending 2 days 1 night in Bentong, pair your foodie trip with some education and fun!
Genting Highlands
How can one give this place a miss especially when you’re in need of a cool respite from the humid tropical weather! While the grand Resorts World complex is not exactly a place to relax (think casinos, shopping, theme park), you can still enjoy some time enjoying a cable car ride up the mountains.
Regardless, just a quick 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur, you can enjoy a cooler, greener day up at the highlands.
Which other places are your favourite day trip destinations from Kuala Lumpur?