Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city with numerous worldwide recognized landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves, Petaling Street flea market, and more. It is one of the most visited cities in the world and so it is normal for you to want an escape from its hectic lifestyle even it for just one weekend. Luckily there are plenty of options for short getaways from Kuala Lumpur to choose from. 

A short getaway from KL - Pin it
A short getaway from KL – Pin it

Cameron Highlands 

Located in the state of Pahang, the Cameron Highlands was found by Sir William Cameron, a British colonialist, thus the name, and were designed based on a traditional English hamlet. The settlement was set up to offer people living in the lowlands with a place to enjoy a cooler climate during summer. 

There are English influences all over this place, including the lavender and rose garden as well as strawberry picking tours. 

You can also marvel at some Hindu temples such as Sri Thandayuthapani Swamy Temple, which is festooned with multi-colored Tamil Nadu-style statues. 

How to Travel from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands 

The shortest distance from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands is 200 kilometers while the longest is 270 kilometers, so it depends on the route you decide to take. 

There are five ways to travel to Cameron Highlands from the KL. Here is a detailed explanation of each method. 

If you choose this option, there are a few routes you can use: 

  • New highway via Simpang Pulai: this is arguably the best option for anyone driving to Cameron Highlands from Kuala Lumpur since it is new and less windy. 
  • Traditional highway via Tapah: though it is the shortest route, it is winder than the above option. But to even things up, there is Lata Iskander waterfall along the way for cooling down and stretching the legs.
  • Detour to Genting Highlands: if you don’t mind making a few step overs, you can use this route to Genting Highlands through Bentong, where you buy local ginger or durian. 

Penang 

Nicknamed the Pearl of the Orient, Penang on the northwest shoreline of Peninsular Malaysia is known for its beautiful, soft, sandy beaches as well as the home of the real Malay cuisine. Tanjung Bungah Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the region while visitors also can enjoy the views from the summit of Penang Hill or check out vipers at the Snake Temple. Penang is famous for great street art.

Penang weekend getaway from kuala lumpur

But that is not all; there are many things to do in Penang that can fill up your entire weekend. 

How to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang 

Penang is one of the best short getaways from Kuala Lumpur thanks to its laid-back and cultural consciousness.

Sekinchan 

Sekinchan is located just 77 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur while the road distance is around 95 kilometers. The town is located in Sabak Bernam, Selangor, Malaysia along the coastal Federal Route 5. 
This region is known for its paddy fields, wishing tree, Pantai Redang Beach, and other attractions. 

Ipoh (2 hours 9 minutes) 

Despite being a well-known city with a large number of attractions to offer, Ipoh is among the less explored cities in Malaysia. It is the largest and capital of the state of Perak and situated along the Kinta River some 180 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur. 

What makes Ipoh one of the best short getaways from Kuala Lumpur is its array of attractions, including the Kok Lok Tong Cave Temple, the Lost World of Tambun, old town, Birch Memorial Clock Tower, and plenty of natural attractions such as the Gaharu Tea Valley.

How to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh 

Melaka (1 hour 50 minutes)

Also known as the “Historic State” of Malaysia, Melaka is famous for comprising British, Portuguese, and Dutch as well as Indian and Chinese cultures. You can check out the stunning paintings through Melaka River Cruise or explore the fighter jets and submarines at the Melaka Submarine Museum. 

Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, Melaka’s historic city center can be crowded sometimes. 

Melaka is a perfect place as a short gateway from KL
Melaka is a perfect place as a short gateway from KL

How to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka 

You have four options to travel from the capital to Melaka. The most convenient, fastest, and cheapest way is riding a bus, though a taxi can prove a better option for families and a group of travelers. Renting a car is also another option that you may consider especially if you want to visit some of the attractions along the way. Last but not least, you can use a train to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka or if you are feeling adventurous, combine bus and train but at an additional cost.

Putrajaya 

Located just 30 kilometers away, Putrajaya is a worth short getaway from the crazy life of Kuala Lumpur. It is a planned city that was established in 1995 and serves as the administrative capital of the country. Putrajaya is famous for its sleek modern architectural landmarks such as the Putra Mosque, the Seri Wawasan Bridge, and numerous luxurious hotels. 

The city is also very close to Malaysian major airport, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, making it easier to travel by plane. 

How to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya 

Fraser’s Hill 

This hillside resort is located on the Titiwangsa Ridge in Raub District, Pahang. It is one of the most surprisingly satisfying short getaways from the capital, especially for nature lovers. The rip can be rewarding if you drive there, thanks to its tight twisting and turning road up the hill.

Moreover, Fraser’s Hill is also known for its crazy nightlife and shopping, thus you can stay overnight if you wish. 

How to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Fraser’s Hill 

Unlike most destinations in this list, Fraser’s Hill actually does not have too many options when it comes to public transport. So you will have to hire a car or taxi to take you up there to the resort. Or if you feel energetic, just cycle up the twisty highland highway!

Being around 100 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur, you can reach this destination either via Kuala Kubu Bharu or Bentong villages. Using the Bentong route, take the Karak Highway through the Genting Highlands and off to Bentong. 

Bentong 

Bentong is a small town in the western region of Pahang state, some 68 kilometers away from Kuala Lumpur. Among the major attractions in this town include the Bukit Tinggi and Genting Highlands, though there are plenty more, from heritage and culture to food and natural landscapes. 

You can travel from Kuala Lumpur to Bentong using a public bus, which takes an hour and a half; taxi which is the fastest, taking less than an hour; or drive. 

Kuala Selangor 

Known as the land of fireflies and monkeys, there are plenty of things to do in Kuala Selangor. This town lies about 55 kilometers from downtown Kuala Lumpur in Selangor District. Physically, the town is located at the mouth of the Selangor River where it empties into the Strait of Malacca. 

While here, make sure you check the ruins of Bukit Belanda (Dutch Hill) located close to the mouth of the river. The ruins were built by the second Sultan of Selangor who ruled the town between 1782 and 1826.  The War Memorial shouldn’t be missed also. 

Pulau Ketam (Crab Island)

Crab Island or Pulau Ketam is a nice family getaway from Kuala Lumpur. The island is low-lying, muddy, and packed with mangroves forest which attracts crabs and other crustaceans, thus the name. 

One of the best things to do on the island is to try out its spicy crab. But you will need to spot them first on the muddy ground. 

The island also has plenty of landmarks, mostly Pokestops, so if you are a Pokemon Go lover, you will have a great time on Pulau Island. 

Most of the island is usually submerged during high tides so houses and other structures are perched on wooden stilts about 10 meters above sea level. 

How to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Pulau Ketam 

Catch the KTM Commuter train from KL Sentral Station, which will take you to Port Klang, the final stop. The journey takes around an hour and 23 minutes due to numerous stops the train makes along the route. 

From the port, you will take the ferry at Terminal Penumpang South Port, to Crab Island. The ferry departs after every 45 minutes during the day. 

If you are driving, you can reach the port in just 45 minutes if the traffic is not bad. 

Johor Bahru 

Located along the Straights of Johor, Johor Bahru is just a bridge away from Singapore on the southern edge of Peninsular Malaysia. Due to its location, the city offers getaways from both Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. There are plenty of things to do in Johor Bahru, all you need is time and your spontaneity. 

How to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru 

Ideas for a Short Getaway from KL – Pin it for Later

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