KL Introductory Tour: The Malaysian Experience!

Duration: 2h and 30min
Languages: English
Guru: Hakim
Quality Verified Registered on April 17, 2023

I have always been a sucker for travelling. From exploring my own home country, to solo-traveling most parts of Europe (especially Edinburgh and Scotland more generally), it makes me realise all the more that there's just so much out there in the world! Thanks to free walking tours, I have been able to see and appreciate things much more than I would have without these tours. Otherwise, I would have walked right past them! I wish to show everyone checking out my home turf what Malaysia and its people are like, and make it as fun as all the other tours I've ever been on! Attractions, hidden gems, food, drinks, shopping, nature, culture, history, tips and tricks; I've got it all under my sleeve!

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  • No minimum number of attendees
    No minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
  • Accepts electronic payment
    This tour allows payment by electronic means or credit card

Tour description

Selamat datang (welcome)!


Join me on this fantastic introductory tour of Kuala Lumpur (KL), the capital city and very much the beating heart of Malaysia!

There is so much richness and diversity wherever you walk around KL, whether it'd be history, culture, food, main attractions, shopping, nature... or more food!!

Let me take you back in time to Malaya during the 19th & 20th centuries, and watch as history progressively unfolds with our walking tour towards modern-day Malaysia in the current 21st century!

We will also cover more than just attractions and sightseeing; throughout the tour, I will talk you through and show you how to immerse yourself in the Malaysian scene! Our language, our culture, and so on...

A good part of this tour will also have air-conditioning... I hope you won't complain about that!!

Also, there will be a lovely present for all of you... But I can't spoil it, unless if you join my tour!! :)


I'll cover the following below:

  • What are my tours like?
  • Route
  • Meeting point
  • How to get there
  • The weather
  • Other tours

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What are my tours like?


I love history, I love details, I'm a nerd... but even when I join free walking tours in your city, it's very likely I can't remember all the details! I'm sure it's the same for you too; no stress.

I understand everyone is looking for different things when doing free walking tours. Just let me know what you personally prefer in these tours and what your expectations are, but bear in mind that I will also have to cater to the whole group too. I will tell a good amount of details that I think is enough and relevant!

Ask me any questions if you want me to tell you even more information and stories about certain things (more than happy to do so!!), or if you simply want me to repeat what I said. I'll even share you a document that covers our stops in much more detail, and you can read up on them after the tours. You can also translate them, if English is not your first language.

Remember, this is an introductory tour and my focus is ultimately on getting the feel of the city and the country. If you want more or less details in your tours, read up more on the other tours offered below!

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Route


Within 2.5 hours, we will cover some highlights such as:

  • The River of Life; discover the origins of the city!
  • Dataran Merdeka; see history everywhere around you!
  • Pasar Seni Central Market; be amazed at its transformation from a wet market, to a centre of arts and culture!
  • Petaling Street and Chinatown; humble, yet bustling with lots of foods, murals, and temples!
  • The durian; the infamous smelly fruit of South-east Asia!
  • Merdeka 118 and KL Petronas Twin Towers; there's more to them than just our obsession of building some of the world's tallest buildings!
  • ...and more! (did I mention food?)


In the last part of our tour, we will take the LRT train from Pasar Seni (KJ14) to KLCC (KJ10)**. This is to get you used to the train system, and it's the best way to beat the road traffic!!

It costs RM2.00 to buy the token, and slightly cheaper if you have the cashless Touch n' Go card, which you can get at selected locations! Be sure to have small change on standby. Please note that the KTM commuter card is different to the Touch n' Go card!

Otherwise, you will not need to buy any tickets prior to this tour.

**KJ stands for Kelana Jaya, referring to the Ruby LRT line. Ruby is a red-purplish colour, which is different to the Red KTM line. I think that it is worth mentioning this detail, as it can possibly look confusing on the train map!

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Meeting point


We will start the tour at the end of the Masjid Jamek Pedestrian Bridge, next to the Sultan Abdul Samad Building (see map). There is a giant black cube in that area.

Search on Google Maps "Masjid Jamek Pedestrian Bridge"; we will be on the side facing the Merdeka Independence Square.

I will be there with a bright rainbow umbrella, wearing either a white or striped T-shirt.

It is recommended for you to be there 5-10 minutes early before the tour starts! If you are going to arrive later, please let me know and I'll share with you our live location. Otherwise, we will have to start the tour on time.
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How to get there


You can get to the meeting point via Grab taxi. Download the Grab app on your phone, and put "KL River of Life" as your destination! Traffic may be heavy, so please plan your journey accordingly.

During the weekends, there may be some events happening at the Merdeka Independence Square, and the roads will likely be closed off. Therefore, the Grab taxi might not be able to take you there all the way, so bear this in mind!

You can also take the LRT train, and the closest train station is Masjid Jamek LRT (KJ13). However, if you are worried about navigating with public transport, I recommend taking a Grab instead!
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The weather


I highly recommend bringing a drink, an umbrella and sunscreen for this hot and humid weather! (unless if you're trying to tan...)

Please check the weather forecast to see if there will be rain or thunderstorm during certain times of the day! For example, if it's going to rain during the afternoon tour, book the morning tour instead, and vice versa! You can also choose another day too.

If the forecast of the day says rain or thunderstorm, I will let you know 30-60 minutes before whether the tour will continue, and if so, whether you need to bring an umbrella or poncho.

You can go to weather.com and find out the forecast of KL there!
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Other tours


No two tours in the same, even the same city!

If you are interested in a tour where you can sightsee and have food and drinks in the night-time, why not consider my night tour? :)

https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/47426-kl-night-tour-the-nightlife

I recommend doing both the day tour and the night tour! Please message me if you want to ask more about it :)

...and if you want to know even way more about the stories and history of KL, why not check out this excellent historical tour by my good colleague, Ian? 3.5 hours will pass by before you know it, and even then, you think that won't be enough! First come, first served.

https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/46155-kuala-lumpur-from-ground-up

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Please let me know if you need help modifying or cancelling bookings.

Excited?! I know I am! Book away, and I can't wait to see all of you there.

Jaga diri (take care)!

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Highlights

What will we visit on this tour?

  • Meeting point:
    KL114 Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, Ja...
    KL114 Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    View on map

    The start of the tour will be at the end of the Masjid Jamek Pedestrian Bridge, next to the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. I will be there with a bright rainbow umbrella, wearing either a white or striped T-shirt. It is recommended for you to be there within 5-10 minutes before the tour starts.

  • 1
    Outside visit
    Merdeka Square
  • 2
    Outside visit
    River of Life
  • 3
    Outside visit
    Masjid Jamek
  • 4
    Outside visit
    Pasar Seni
  • 5
    Outside visit
    Chinatown Kuala Lumpur
  • 6
    Outside visit
    Merdeka 118
  • 7
    Outside visit
    Kwai Chai Hong
  • 8
    Outside visit
    Petronas Twin Towers

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

428 ratings
4.9
By category
Professionalism
4.86
Fun
4.88
Expression
4.86
Quality
4.77
Route
4.84
Generic
5 stars
405
4 stars
17
3 stars
4
2 stars
0
1 star
2
Perrine 03 Oct 2023
San Francisco

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Oct 2023
One of the best walking tours I’ve been on! Hakim was super informative and showed us great spots. Ample stops for AC, food and drink. He also treated walkers to durian, Malaysian drinks, and transit to Petronas towers. Small group sizes made everyone comfortable and Hakim helped build community and conversations. He takes great pictures, answers questions, is super kind, and well read on various topics of course including Malaysian history and culture. Take this tour if available!
moahmed 01 Oct 2023
Jeddah

Verified booking
Travelled in group - Oct 2023
So nice and energetic, definitely I'd recommend this tour
Katie 30 Sep 2023
Sligo

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Sep 2023
Hakim is an excellent tour guide who makes the tours fun and engaging. He gets to know everyone on the tour and has a great knowledge of Malaysia. I would highly recommend for everyone to do his day and night tour while in Kuala Lumpur.
Tiana 30 Sep 2023
Paris

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Sep 2023
Informative and really fun with few surprises along the way!
Victoria 30 Sep 2023
Vienna

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Sep 2023
It was the best city tour I had so far on my travels! I would definitely recommend to join both tours offered by Hakim. Especially if travelling solo it is a great way to meet other people. Also Hakim engages with everyone on the tour, is happy to answer any question and turns a history tour into fun (+ perfect native level English level)
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Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Not suitable for pets.

What should you know?

Minimum of attendees
There is no minimum number of people required for the tour.
Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Electronic or credit card payment is accepted.
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