The Best of Travel and Golf in Kuala Lumpur is your ultimate guide, with everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to KL!

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia as well as the country’s hub for culture and economy. Many know Kuala Lumpur, or KL for short, as a stopover destination. But this is a city that is certainly worth staying in longer than just a few days. We spent a little more than a month exploring this incredible city and found it to be a great place to travel, AND an amazing golf destination.

We will take you on our journey and show you the best accommodations, the must-see attractions, and the most delicious flavors of this marvelous city. Also, we’ll break down how much we spent in our month in Kuala Lumpur. And, of course, we will highlight our favorite golf courses!

So, book your flight and pack your golf clubs because we’re going to Kuala Lumpur!

Located in Southeast Asia, Kuala Lumpur boasts a year-round tropical climate, wonderful people, and delicious food. We found the city to be extremely modern, clean, safe, and very easy to get around. English is spoken everywhere, which makes it even more accessible. KL is a place where multiple cultures have met and lived together, which means that the variety of food is incredible. It is a city full of friendly smiling people that are genuinely interested to get to know you!

We were very surprised by the quality of golf in Kuala Lumpur. With courses that are parkland in nature, feature amazing city views, as well as a course that consistently ranks in the top 100 in the world, KL is a destination that every golfer should consider.

Kuala Lumpur offers visitors so much to see that no matter whether you play golf or not, you can spend a lot of time exploring this vibrant city. But, if you are a golfer, KL has so many fantastic golf courses that you need to bring your clubs!

Located just a chipshot north of the equator, Kuala Lumpur has a year-round tropical climate. This means that there is plenty of sunshine and rain with high humidity throughout the year. Be sure to bring a rain jacket with you because it can rain at any moment.

Although it can rain at any time of the year:

• The driest months in KL are typically June through August.
• July usually has the least number of rainy days.
• December through February is also a good time to visit KL when the humidity is relatively low.
• March to April and October to November are usually the wettest months of the year.

The annual mean temperature in KL is roughly 27 °C, with maximums ranging from 32 to 35 °C, occasionally reaching up to 38 °C during the hot season. Minimum temperatures range from 23 to 25 °C. In terms of rainfall, KL receives about 2,600 mm (100 in) every year.

We spent the month of May in KL, and it seemingly rained hard every day at 3 pm, usually lasting for 20 to 30 minutes. We’ve heard that our experience with late afternoon showers is quite typical.

With direct flights from Europe, the US, Asia, and Australia, Kuala Lumpur is well-connected to almost everywhere in the world. And the 90-day visa-free entry for many traveling golfers is a tremendous bonus.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport, or KUL, is Malaysia’s main international airport. Before the COVID pandemic, it was the world’s 23^rd busiest airport.

The Kuala Lumpur airport is 45 km away from the city center. Once you arrive you have four possibilities to get to town; Grab, taxi, bus, private transfer, or KLIA Ekspres (this is the name of the train, not a misspelling).

Grab: Traveling with golf bags, the least expensive way to travel from the airport for us was with Grab, which is similar to Uber. We still have the Grab App saved on our phones for all our Asia travels.

Depending on the traffic and size of the car, the ride is between RM (Malaysian Ringgit) 65.00 (JustGrab) and RM 180.00 (GrabCar Executive). Note that the RM 10.00 toll fee is not included and is additional. Our ride cost us RM 85.00, which included the toll fee.

Taxi: Another possibility to get from the airport to the city is by taxi. The ride from the airport to KL Sentral Station is around RM 120.00.

Bus: We also took the bus from the airport to the city center, and at 12 MYR per person, it was a real bargain. However, depending on the traffic, it can take a little longer to get to KL Sentral Station.

Private Transfer: For those wanting a more luxurious ride, private transfers can be booked here*.

KLIA Ekspres: Because of the notorious KL traffic, we believe that the most comfortable and fastest way to get downtown is with KLIA Ekspres*. The train runs every 30 minutes to KL Sentral Station, from where you can travel to your destination by MRT. Be aware that besides the KLIA Ekspres there is also the “normal” KLIA. Both cost the same, but only the KLIA Ekspres goes non-stop to KL Sentral.

Airport to City Center:

• By taxi, Grab, or Bus: around 45 – 60 min
• By KLIA: around 30 min

For such a large city, getting around Kuala Lumpur is very uncomplicated and effortless. In fact, we found getting around the city to be a breeze. Kuala Lumpur is well-serviced by an extensive Metro system. KL offers multiple Metro lines, including the LTR (Rapid KL) line, the MTR line, and the commuter rail (KTM Komuter). A free KL Metro Map is located at almost every metro station.

If you are planning to explore KL with public transportation, be sure to get yourself a Touch n’ Go card upon arrival. Like London’s Oyster card or Hong Kong’s Octopus card, KL’s Touch n’ Go can be topped up if/when needed at each station. And you save a few Ringgits on each ride. The card costs 10 RM. The Touch n’ Go card can also be used at many convenience stores.

In addition to the Metro, KL offers an extensive bus system, which also uses the Touch n’ Go card. Metered taxis are also available almost everywhere.

Cars can be rented quickly and easily. Another money-saving App is GoCar, which is a self-service car rental platform that we used while in Johor. Just make sure you have an International Driver’s License if you want to use GoCar.

Driving is done on the left in Malaysia, so it is familiar to many traveling golfers.

Similar to Uber, Grab is available throughout Malaysia and is a must-download App upon your arrival. Grab assigns the nearest vehicle, either a car or taxi, to you at an upfront fixed fare. This allows you to know your exact fare before you book. If you’re heavy with luggage or golf bags, you can also request to be picked up by larger vehicles or vans.

We really liked Grab because the App shows the price in advance, as well as the name, picture, and estimated arrival time of the driver.

Grab was our most preferred method of travel within the city (and throughout Malaysia for that matter). It made getting around town with our golf clubs much easier!

Oh, so many choices! Kuala Lumpur offers a wide variety of accommodations for every budget.

For us, where to stay in Kuala Lumpur was an easy choice. Knowing that we would spend an entire month in KL, we went with the more affordable options. Our first choice was an apartment located in the Little India neighborhood of Bangsar.

Why? It was just a few meter walk from the metro, a few stops from the CBD, easy to reach from the airport, and it also offered a pool and gym. What we didn’t know at the time, was that our favorite restaurant would be just around the corner. A real win-win for us!

After staying a month in Little India, we traveled throughout Malaysia but came back to Kuala Lumpur. We stayed in a little hotel and an apartment in Bukit Bintang. Bukit Bintang was another fantastic neighborhood. Also easy to get to, we especially enjoyed all the restaurants and nightlife that Bukit Bintang offers.

Regarding a luxury hotel, we were invited to visit the Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, as it is one of our favorite hotel brands. We were shown the different room types, and the restaurants, and ended our site inspection with a delicious cocktail at Vertigo, the rooftop bar that offers breathtaking views of the Kuala Lumpur Tower. Even though we didn’t stay the night, we know this hotel brand very well as we have stayed in several other destinations and can absolutely recommend the Banyan Tree.

If you are seeking some luxury and comfort in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur is your go-to! Located within walkable distance to the Petronas Towers, the Kuala Lumpur Tower, upscale restaurants, and amazing shopping malls, you can’t go wrong with this choice. The cleanliness of the hotel and welcoming and helpful staff will make your stay unforgettable.

If you are visiting KL and are interested in the Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, let us know and we can send you a tailor-made offer for your trip. Send your request to hello@putteringaroundtheworld.com !

Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur

Address: 2 Jalan Conlay 50450 Kuala Lumpur

Website: Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur

For our budget and duration, the Establishment Alila Bangsar was just perfect for us. We enjoyed having a “home” with all the conveniences an apartment comes with. You have several restaurants, which we can highly recommend (like the Chat Masala, our favorite!), coffee shops, as well as sights (Little India, Thean Hou Temple, etc.) all within easy reach.

The Establishment Alila Bangsar

E-mail: several agencies, feel free to send us a note for your booking to hello@putteringaroundtheworld.com

Address: Wilayah Persekutuan, 50470 Kuala Lumpur

We spent a lot of time in Kuala Lumpur, so if you should require a hotel, just let us know and we can help you find your perfect choice.

Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of cultures, and nowhere is that more evident than in the food. If you are a foodie, you will love KL! Regardless of whether you eat at night markets, food stalls, or upscale restaurants, your taste buds will be spoiled, and you will talk for years after your trip about how amazing the food was. We ate in malls, restaurants, and many different neighborhoods. Reminiscing about all the delicious flavors of Kuala Lumpur makes our mouths water. Get ready for some deliciousness!

Located in the Brickfields of Little India, Chat Masala is a vegetarian restaurant that we fell in love with at first bite! Even before we became vegetarians. We tried several dishes and wouldn’t be able to tell you what our favorite one was because everything was so delicious. Mock chicken, mock lamb, and mock seafood- just order anything! But one dish that we always ordered was Lemon Rice. Be prepared that some of the dishes could be quite spicy. While at Chat Masala, we learned that drinking hot water helps and takes the spicy heat away!

Chat Masala

Address: 259, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 50470 Kuala Lumpur

My Burger Lab is famous for its black buns and juicy patties. It is quite messy to eat, but that’s also part of the fun, right?! We ordered the Lab Burger and loved it. My Burger Lab has also vegetarian options, which we will be sure to try out next time we’re in Kuala Lumpur.

My Burger Lab

Menu

Address: There are several locations in the city, but we visited the OUG location; 8 Jalan Awan Hijau, Taman OUG, 58200 Kuala Lumpur

My Burger Lab

While exploring the Ain Arabia neighborhood, we stumbled upon the Tarma Iraqi Street Food restaurant and had to pay a visit! The décor inside was colorful and we felt transported to the streets of Bagdad. We ordered the falafel and left happy!

Tarma Iraqi Street Food

Address: 83 Jalan Berangan, Bukit Bintang 50200 Kuala Lumpur

We ate at Halab a few times, including once to celebrate James’ birthday. Starting with grape leaves, hummus, and Sigara Börek (spring roll cheese) for appetizers, we followed with tender lamb kebab for our main and finished everything with a hot cup of strong Turkish Coffee. It was all extremely delicious and absolutely recommendable.

Halab

Menu

Address: There are 3 locations in the city, but we visited the Halab KL location; 35, Jalan Berangan, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur

Halab

Our mouths melt just thinking about Rotiboy. The first thing we realized as we passed a Rotiboy stand, was the tempting smell. Curious as to what it was, we decided to stop and ask. A sweet delight tossed in butter that has a crusty top. The sound when you take a bite you will dream of! We got addicted and ate this delight a few times a week! Not only as a dessert but also as a sweet snack. Besides the classic Rotiboy which is filled with butter (our favorite!!), there are also other options such as Buttermilkboy, Mochaboy, Cheeseboy, or Chocolateboy. We promise you won’t be able to pass a Rotiboy bakery ever again after trying the classic Rotiboy!

Rotiboy

Address: Roti Boy locations are found throughout the city, in malls, metro stations, etc.

Rotiboy

If you have cravings for Sushi, Kuala Lumpur is also the right place! We tried some delicious food at Sushi Kitchen which had just recently opened in Bukit Bintang. Sushi Kitchen is a vegan restaurant and is oh-so-good!

We first discovered Sushi Kitchen while in Penang and were ecstatic to find another on our return to Kuala Lumpur!

Sushi Kitchen

Menu

Address: Unit G2, Wisma Noble Land No 2, Lorong Changkat Ceylon, 50200 Kuala Lumpur

Sushi Kitchen

No trip to Kuala Lumpur is complete if you don’t try Teh Tarik! Teh Tarik is a pulled tea and is a mixture of milk and tea. It is fun watching it being poured from one cup to the next until it cools to the perfect temperature. We also learned that this helps to develop the foam on top.

Another of our favorites was Roti Canai, a light but crunchy flatbread that is often served with dhal (lentil curry). You can find it in the many Indian restaurants located throughout the city.

It might sound odd, but we couldn’t get enough of the ice cream from 7/11! Oh my! Not that we usually get our ice cream fix here, but the seasonal sea salt and/or matcha soft ice cream was simply heaven.

Also, try Pappa Rich which is where many locals go. It is a chain with very reasonable prices that serves various types of Asian food. Pappa Rich

And finally, we loved the vegetarian soup located in the food court of the NU Sentral Mall!

Kuala Lumpur is a big, vibrant city and was more modern than we thought when we arrived the first time. It was a wonderful surprise how many highlights Kuala Lumpur offers. And best of all, most of them are free!

For many, KL is often thought of as just a stopover. But it deserves to be its own travel and golf destination. There are so many attractions besides the Petronas Towers that are waiting for you to be discovered. Here are the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur! We also added a 5-day-itinerary with the Must Do’s for you as a download:

They say that the best things in life are free, and who are we to argue?! With so much to do in Kuala Lumpur, we were surprised to find how many things are free! Here is our long list of the best free attractions in Kuala Lumpur.

KLCC Park is a beautiful park located directly in the city, and it really invites you to linger. Plus, it is the perfect spot to take pictures of the Petronas Towers*.

It is also worth coming to KLCC Park during the evenings as there is a light and water show that takes place hourly starting at 6 pm. With the Petronas Towers in the background, it is absolutely spectacular! There is even a little pool for kids. And all of this doesn’t cost a dime!

KLCC Park

Address: Jalan Ampang, 50088 Kuala Lumpur

A rainforest in the middle of a megacity?? Yes! That is possible, in Kuala Lumpur!

We were overwhelmed with just how lush and silent the KL Ecco Park is. So, if you want to take a stroll in a rainforest, but don’t want to leave the city, you can do it here. Kuala Lumpur is the only city that has a rainforest within the city. The Canopy Trail is an awesome trail made from suspension bridges that takes you high above the treetops and offers outstanding views and fantastic photo-taking opportunities. You will also be rewarded with beautiful views of the KL Menara Tower.

KL Eco Park

Address: No 19 Jalan Damai Jasa 16 Alam Damai cheras, 50250 Kuala Lumpur

The Batu Caves were found by tradespersons from India, and are the most visited Hindu shrine outside of India!

It is best if you come very early in the morning so you can avoid the masses of tourists.

If you take the train, be sure to watch the timetable, because the train only operates hourly at certain times.

We were so excited to go to the Batu Caves because of the amazing colors. But a big surprise that we didn’t expect was all the monkeys who live in the caves. And they really did steal the show.

Even though the Batu Caves are free of charge, you can also take a guided tour* to learn more about them.

Near the Batu Caves train station, you can also find the Ramayana Caves, which are also worth a visit. The entrance fee is RM 5.00, and, compared to the Batu Caves, are virtually empty.

Batu Caves

Address: Batu Caves, Sri Subramaniam Temple, 68100 Batu Caves

For us, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building was one of the most wonderful architectural highlights in all of KL!

Drafted by architect A.C. Norman, and finished in 1897, the structure was originally used as an administrative building by the British. Today it houses both the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Tourism. The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is located in the big square at Dataran Merdeka.

This brick building, with its white arches, is just so beautiful that we could have stayed here forever.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Address: Jalan Raja, Merdeka Square, 50500 Kuala Lumpur

Situated directly in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, many festivities take place at the Dataran Merdeka. We were in KL during Ramadan and were invited to partake in the breaking of the fast at Dataran Merdeka. It was an experience that we will never forget!

In August of 1957, the flag for an independent Malaysia was raised at this historical square for the very first time. Today you can see the flag flying high on a 95-meter-high mast in the square.

Dataran Merdeka

Address: Dataran Merdeka, Selangor, 50100 Kuala Lumpur

Dataran Merdeka

A walkable distance from Dataran Merdeka is the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery with the famous “I Love KL“ statue.

You will find information about KL in an informative movie. For example, we learned that the city is planting 30,000 trees each year and intends to increase the planting to 100,00 trees soon. It is definitively a step in the right direction.

There is always a lot more that can be done in protecting the environment. Nevertheless, we really liked this point. There are a lot of cities throughout the world that can take this lead as an example.

Kuala Lumpur City Gallery and I love KL Statue

Address: No. 27, Jalan Raja, Dataran Merdeka, 50050 Kuala Lumpur

We didn’t walk it in its entirety,  but the Colonial Walk leads you past the many architecturally beautiful buildings of colonial times.

If you enjoy taking pictures or just nice a simple stroll, you will certainly find this to be the perfect place. The trail is wonderfully marked with signs that highlight the historical significance of the area.

Colonial Walk

The Central Market is an art deco building that was once a marketplace for meat, fruits, and vegetables. The beautiful light blue building was built in 1888 and is a well-liked tourist destination. Inside there are many shops where you can find almost everything; from art to souvenirs to food. Find your perfect souvenir, sip a tea, or just enjoy browsing while soaking in the atmosphere.

Central Market

Address: Lot 3.04-3.06, Central Market Annexe, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 50050 Kuala Lumpur

Central Market

At Petaling Street in Chinatown, you’ll find many stalls, from clothing to food.

But there was one attraction that we really loved, and it is absolutely worth a visit. In a clothing store, there is a small museum that documents the history of Chinatown in pictures. We could have spent hours there. The name is “Lost in Chinatown“, so be sure to watch out for this shop. A good landmark is the life-sized photo of Bruce Lee at the entrance.

Chinatown – Petaling Street

Near the end of Chinatown, you will find a real jewel! Completed in 1873, the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in KL. Before entering, be sure to take your shoes off and leave them left of the entrance. The fee for keeping an eye on them is RM 0.20.

Tragically, we don’t know much about the Hindu religion. However, we love to see the Gods and Goddesses and admire the architecture of the colorful temples. Maybe you will even get to see a ceremony with traditional music!

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple

Address: 163, Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, 50000 Kuala Lumpur

Directly in front of the Upside-Down House (see details below) you will also find the “I love KL Tower” sign. Note that there are tons of tour buses that stop here frequently. But with patience, you can find time in between the crowds to take a picture of yourself with the sign. The KL Menara Tower is also visible from here and offers great photo opportunities.

KL Tower Sign and KL Menara Tower

Address: No. 2 Jalan Punchak, 50250 Kuala Lumpur

If you like shopping, we are sure you will be in heaven at the Bukit Bintang Walk! Bukit Bintang is not only known for its endless shopping possibilities, but also for the enormous amount of restaurants, clubs, and bars.

Bukit Bintang Walk

Address: Jalan Bukit Bintang

A short walk from Bukit Bintang will lead you through a gate that goes to Arab Street and the Ain Arabia area. If you are hungry for a Kebab, you are defiantly in the right place. And if you continue to walk, you will find a huge Arabic teapot, colorful street art, and more great neighborhoods.

Ain Arabia

Address:  Arab Street, Kuala Lumpur

If you are into remarkable buildings and awesome photo opportunities, you will find it all at the Kuala Lumpur Old Railway Station! Once a railway hub, it is now one of the most famous landmarks in Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur Old Railway Station

Address: 1 Jalan Travers 50470 Kuala Lumpur

While puttering around, we stumbled upon the National Textile Museum, and what a gem it is! On display in several galleries is the history of fabric and fabric making in Malaysia. Clothing, as well as jewelry spanning different eras, are shown. We enjoyed taking our time and admiring this interesting exhibition.

National Textile Museum

Address: 26 Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, 50050 Kuala Lumpur

National Textile Museum

Even though there are so many things to do in KL that are free, there are other attractions that must be on your list. Here are more of our top highlights in Kuala Lumpur!

Entrance fee: RM 80.00

Buy your ticket here*

Most tourists go directly to the Petronas Towers on their first day, which is absolutely understandable. At 452 meters tall, the landmark of the city was once the tallest building in the world. But the Petronas Towers are still the tallest twin towers in the world!

We didn’t go up to the viewpoint, but rather admired the Twin Towers from the park.

For those of you who do want to go up to the viewpoint, it is best if you get your tickets online* prior to your visit in order to avoid the long waiting queue. Especially if you are only in KL for a short time.

Petronas Towers

Address: Lower Ground (Concourse) Level, PETRONAS Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Twin Towers

Entrance fee: RM 59.00

Buy your ticket here*

We spent three hours at the Aquaria KLCC and had a lot of fun. The aquarium is full of lovely details. When you enter, be sure to check out the feeding times. Walking through the underwater tunnel and getting close-up views of sharks and manta rays was awesome!

In our opinion, the Aquaria KLCC was a blast, and isn’t just for kids!

Aquaria KLCC

Address: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur

Aquaria KLCC

Entrance fee: RM 25.00

We are sure that not only families will have fun exploring the Kuala Lumpur Upside Down House. Where not only the house itself but also the furniture is upside down. It is a ton of fun crawling on the ceilings and making handstands on the tables!

Kuala Lumpur Upside Down House

Address: Jalan Puncak Menara Gading, 56000 Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur Upside Down House

Entrance fee: RM 14.00

We easily spent a couple of hours inside The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia. There are multiple exhibitions located on two levels in a sleek modern building. The museum houses the largest Islamic art collection in all of South East Asia. There are artifacts from all over the Malay Peninsula, as well as from India and China. With Menekse’s Turkish roots, we spent most of our time admiring arts from the Ottoman dynasty.

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Address: Perdana, Jalan Lembah, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Interested in learning more about all our travels in Malaysia?

When dreaming about golf destinations, Kuala Lumpur might not immediately spring to mind. But, with a golf course that is consistently ranked by Golf Digest as one of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World, and many other wonderful courses to choose from, you would be wise to add Kuala Lumpur to your shortlist!

During our month-long stay in the capital city, we played a wide spectrum of courses; from the exclusively private to the muni, and from the resort all the way to the, well, let’s just say the less than memorable. Here are our top picks of where to play golf in Kuala Lumpur.

Tip: If you travel for golf, inevitably you will have to convert either meters to yards, or yards to meters.

To convert meters to yards, simply add 10 percent of the number of meters to get the number of yards. If you have 150 meters to the pin, adding 10 percent would equal 165 yards. If percentages aren’t your thing, simply add the first 2 numbers of the distance in meters to get the distance in yards. 150 meters + 15 = 165 yards.

To convert yards to meters, do the opposite- subtract 10 percent of yards from the number of meters, or subtract the first 2 numbers. 150 yards – 15 = 135 meters.

No golf trip to Kuala Lumpur would be complete without playing at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. After all, KLGCC was one of the main reasons why we decided to stay in Kuala Lumpur. With 36 holes, and the West Course consistently ranked in the top 100 in the world, KLGCC was an absolute must-play for us!

The first thing that you will notice when arriving is the incredible Clubhouse. The beautiful Spanish-style Clubhouse looks like it was transported from Southern California. Our first impression when we arrived was wow, this is beautiful!

Touring the Clubhouse, we were overwhelmed by all the incredible amenities. We found a 6-lane bowling alley, a well-equipped fitness center, an extraordinary spa, a florist, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, 6 restaurants, and unsurpassed locker rooms. To our surprise, there is even a movie theatre! 

Known as Malaysia’s Premier Golf and Country Club, let’s just say that our expectations were very high when we arrived. And to say that they were exceeded, would be an understatement!

The West Course at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club is the reason you’re here. Consistently ranked in the top 100 of the world, the West Course is a spectacular golf course. It also holds the unique distinction of playing host to the PGA TOUR, the European Tour, and the LPGA Tour multiple times.

At 6372 meters, the West Course at KLGCC is long. However, even though it measures long, we thought that the golf course plays extremely fair. There are some good undulations in a couple of the fairways, which helps to get some roll to counter the length.

If you can put your ball in the right spots, you certainly have chances to score well on the West Course. The speed of the greens measured 10.4 on the day we played. While not super-fast, they were in perfect condition. It is critical though that you keep the ball below the hole.

We especially loved the stretch of holes from fourteen through eighteen. With danger lurking everywhere, playing strategically is going to help save your scorecard. At 291 meters (318 yards), and water protecting the entire left side, the sixteenth is a short par 4 that just begs you to go for it!

Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club

Address: 10, Jalan 1/70D, Off Jalan Bukit Kiara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur

Phone: +60 3-2011 9188

E-mail: klgcc.member.relations@simedarbyproperty.com

Website: Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club

18 Holes, 6372 meters (6968 yards), par 72.

Green Fee: Visitor green fees are RM 450.00 on weekdays and RM 650.00 on weekends for the West Course as well as the East Course. Buggies (or golf carts) are an additional RM 110.00, and compulsory caddies are RM 120.00.

In the same pristine conditions as the West Course, the back nine of the East Course at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club absolutely shines! The 398 meter (435 yard) par 4 eleventh was our favorite. A tee shot down the right side is essential because the left is littered with beautiful fairway bunkers.

The 128 meter (140 yard) island green par 3 fifteenth, the signature hole of the East Course, is an unforgettable golf hole. With the pin placed on the far right of the green, I took my chances with a firm 9-iron and took aim at the center. I made a good swing, had solid contact, and held my breath watching and hoping. After what seemed an eternity, it safely found the center of the green, and I could finally exhale again.

Perhaps overlooked by its more famous sibling, do yourself a favor and make sure to include the East Course in your playing itinerary. We can guarantee that you will not be disappointed!

Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club

Address: 10, Jalan 1/70D, Off Jalan Bukit Kiara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur

Phone: +60 3-2011 9188

E-mail: klgcc.member.relations@simedarbyproperty.com

Website: Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club

18 Holes, 6033 meters (6597 yards), par 71.

Green Fee: Visitor green fees are RM 450.00 on weekdays and RM 650.00 on weekends for the West Course as well as the East Course. Buggies (or golf carts) are an additional RM 110.00, and compulsory caddies are RM 120.00.

Often in our travels, we find that unplanned things are the best. A restaurant down a back alley that we stumbled across. A secluded beach that has the perfect sunset. Or a golf course that we came across by talking with locals. The Mines Resort and Golf Club was unplanned, but it turned out to be one of the best courses in Kuala Lumpur.

In a word, the sixth hole is brilliant. At 266 meters (291 yards), this par 4 tempts you to take your driver and just go for it off the tee. However, with water down the entire right side, and a bunker left, you are forced to think twice. We love a golf hole that offers more than one way to play!

The par 3 eleventh was one of the greatest holes on the course. While only 155 meters (169 yards) from the tips, don’t let the distance fool you into thinking that a 3 on your scorecard is a given. Because from the tee, there is nothing between you and the green except a deep jungle-filled ravine.

The day we played was only a few weeks ahead of their Club Championship, and the course was in tournament-ready shape. The greens were firm and ran true, just the way we like them. They had a consistently quick pace of speed and some nice gentle contours. The fairways were generous, but not overly easy to find, and were maintained to perfection.

The Mines Resort and Golf Club

Address: Jalan Kelikir, MINES Resort City, 43300 Seri Kembangan

Phone: +60 3-8943 6268

E-mail: enquiry@mrgc.mines.com.my

Website: The Mines Resort and Golf Club

18 Holes, 6370 meters (6966 yards), par 71.

Green Fee: Contact Club for details

The golf courses at The Royal Selangor Golf Club are some of the oldest in Malaysia, and the Club lies at the birth of golf in the country. You’re going to need an invite to get through the gates. However, once inside, you are in for a real treat!

Located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, The Royal Selangor Golf Club, or RSGC as the Club is locally known, is home to 45 holes of golf; The Old Course, the New Course, and the Suleiman Course, a 9-hole short course. The Club dates to 1893 but moved to its current location in the early 1920s. The First Nine Old, as it is known, was opened for play in 1921, and the Second Nine Old was completed in 1922. The New Course was added in 1931.

Home to the inaugural Malaysian Open back in 1961, the courses at Royal Selangor are all parkland in nature. The opening tee shot on the New Course has one of the greatest targets in golf, the Petronas Twin Towers, the landmark of Kuala Lumpur. The 349-meter (382-yard) par 4 has a slight dogleg left bend to it, so the perfect play is to take aim at the right tower and draw it ever so slightly to the left tower.

The Royal Selangor Golf Club

Address: Jalan Kelab Golf, Off Jalan Tun Razak, 55000 Kuala Lumpur

Phone: +60 3-9206 3333

Email: info@rsgc.com.my

Website: Royal Selangor Golf Club

Old Course: 18 Holes, 6165 meters (6742 yards), par 72.

New Course: 18 Holes, 6397 meters (6996 yards), par 72.

Green Fee: Contact Club for details

The Royal Selangor Golf Club is a walking-only golf course.

Designed by Australian Ross Watson, Kelab Golf Seri Selangor is an 18-hole par 72 golf course found directly in the heart of the city. The golf course seemed to play longer than the distance on the card. It might be because the course has some slope and quite a bit of elevation changes. Or, it might be because it played a little wet that morning. If you have been to KL, you know that it can rain here. Sometimes hard! Regardless of the reason, we found ourselves always needing an extra club!

The fourth hole, an uphill 355-meter (388-yard) par-4, was easily our favorite hole. With a bunker strategically guarding the right side of the fairway, the slight dogleg right hole played quite long. Once you reach the top of the hill, the green has a fantastic view. Another hole with a fantastic backdrop of Kuala Lumpur was the downhill 401-meter (439-yard) par-4 ninth.

Overall, we were extremely pleased with the golf course! We would happily play here again, and certainly, for the price, we do not hesitate to recommend a stop at KGSS when you’re in KL.

Kelab Golf Seri Selangor

Address: Persiaran Damansara Indah, Off Persiaran Tropicana, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan

Phone: +60 3-7806 1111

E-mail: http://seriselangor.com.my/contact-us.html

Website: http://seriselangor.com.my/

18 Holes, 6328 meters (6921 yards), par 72.

Green Fee: RM 240.00, for 2 players, 18 holes, including a mandatory buggy and caddy (not including caddy tip).

With so many fantastic golf courses located in and around KL, the traveling golfer is spoilt for choice!

Interested in learning more about all the golf courses we played in Malaysia?

Unlike many golfing countries, golf courses in Asia aren’t always accessible. However, we found golf in Malaysia to be much more accessible than in other countries in Asia. Both courses at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club are open to visitors. Kelab Golf Seri Selangor is one of many public courses located in the city.

Visitors wanting to play at Royal Selangor, or The Mines should either contact the Clubs directly or book tee times through a reputable golf operator.

The total costs for our one-month stay in Kuala Lumpur totaled €2014,70 Euros.

• Our largest expense was our accommodations, which totaled €771,96.
• Food, which included going out to eat as well as groceries (and incidentals) was our second largest expense, totaling €487,29.
• Golf, which included green fees, buggy fees, caddie fees, range fees, etc. totaled €366,05.
• Getting Around, which included Grab, Metro, buses, etc. was €127,93.
• We spent €38,25 on Culture, which included the museum entry fees, the aquarium, etc. 
• We also had a moment of weakness at Uniqlo, where we spent €82,49 on clothes. And finally, we spent €140,73 on Miscellaneous/Other, which included a trip to the dentist for teeth cleaning, going out to the movies a couple of times, SIM cards, postcards, stamps, etc.

We did not include our flight into KL in these costs.

Was Kuala Lumpur a good value for the money? We probably spent more than we needed to, but we took the opportunity to do some things that we hadn’t done in months of full-time travel, like go to the movies, eat out often, stay at a place with a pool, etc. But we felt as though we got a lot for our money. And, if we were to have lived more frugally, it would have been very easy to lower our expenses.

So overall, we felt that Kuala Lumpur was an excellent value for the money!

Category	Euro	%
Accommodations	771,96	38%
Golf	366,05	18%
Culture	38,25	2%
Flavors Of	487,29	24%
Getting Around	127,93	6%
Shopping	82,49	4%
Misc./Other	140,73	7%
Total	2014,7	100%

We can’t recommend Kuala Lumpur highly enough! As a golfing travel couple, KL was like a dream come true and put us right into a new unknown destination that offered so many possibilities. We experienced so many different highlights, played the city’s greatest golf courses, and met some incredible people.

In our opinion, Kuala Lumpur offers the best in golf and travel and won’t disappoint as a holiday destination. It is definitely worth seeing it as its own journey, and not only as a stopover!

Yours in Golf & Travel,

Menekşe and James

We traveled to Kuala Lumpur in May of 2019, so some of the information may have changed.

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