The Nomadvisor
Kuala Lumpur is a fantastic location and while it has a lot to offer, you should take the opportunity to explore nearby towns and cities. Malaysia has to be one of the budget-friendly countries to visit in the world. While such small towns and cities may not have much to offer, but the little that there is to do, it will be pocket-friendly, unique and fun. There are some incredible places near Kuala Lumpur that are just a short distance away and ideal for a weekend getaway. You can easily book a bus ticket and travel to these places.
Best Weekend Getaways From Kuala Lumpur
#1 Temerloh
Situated about 40-45 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur, Temerloh is loaded with Malaysian culture and history. At one time, it was a town that had nothing more than dilapidated old colonial buildings but the rise in tourism has Temerloh becoming more developed. There are many places to visit such as sanctuaries, museums, reserves, and much more. One of the things you must do in Temerloh is shopping. There is a weekly bazaar that opens every Sunday and is always packed with locals and curious travellers. There are all kinds of products being sold on both sides of the road, including delicious food featuring all kinds of seafood. Patin fish curry, Malay-style grilled fish in banana leaves, pineapples, Nasi Kebuli (Chicken Rice), puddings, Durian cakes and desserts are some of the things that you must have. If you want to try your hand at fishing, Temerloh is the perfect place. Go down to the Pahang River, one of the best fishing grounds in the area. There are many different species of fish and water prawns for you to fish, and it will surely be the highlight of your trip. Apart from that, you can also go river rafting and tubing at the Pahang river. If you are travelling by bus or car, take the East Coast Expressway or Karak Expressway from Kuala Lumpur to save time. To be more organised about it, you should book your bus tickets online so that you can get the seats of your choice.
#2 Bentong
If you are looking to escape the hustle-bustle of Kuala Lumpur and hope for a peaceful weekend getaway, Bentong is the place to be. There is an old story that says Bentong was first named Carlo Sas and then the name was changed from Papi to Bentong before World War I. During that time, the market used to be the centre point, at the meeting point of the Chongki rivers, Repas and Petting. This quaint little town has much to offer in terms of true Malaysian ingredients and dishes. There are markets and food stalls put up every Saturday night where you can stroll through them and savour different authentic and truly rustic flavours. If you are craving ice cream, you have to visit Kow Po for some homemade goodness. Another great place to visit will be the Bentong Tofu Puff where you will actually get an opportunity to learn to make tofu puffs using a recipe that has been passed down through generations for over 100 years! There are also a few cultural places for you to explore in Bentong. There is the Colmar Tropicale French Themed Resort where you can marvel at its 16th century architectural nuances. You can also visit the Chamang waterfall in Bukit Tinggi Forest Reserve. You can take a bus or taxi and reach Bentong in about an hour and a half.
#3 Putrajaya
If you are looking for a weekend getaway from Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya has to be one of the options. It is about 40 minutes away if you are travelling by car or bus. You can also take a cruise known as Cruise Tasik Putrajaya where you will be able to sightsee and enjoy the surrounding views and learn more about the iconic buildings from the knowledgeable staff. Buildings and other structures started being developed in Putrajaya in the early 1990s which is why the city is seen as a very modern and cosmopolitan one, full of residential and government buildings. There are many places one can visit starting with the Perdana Putri (Prime Minister’s office) where the government building is a mixture of eastern and western architecture. Another addition to your itinerary is the Putra Mosque which is situated on a serene lake. It is open to visitors but everyone has to ensure that they are wearing clothes that properly covers them. The mosque’s architecture is inspired by various Islamic styles and looks terrific both up close and from afar. There is also the beautiful Putrajaya Botanical Garden where you can enjoy gardens, flowers, plants, etc. Make sure to also visit the Putrajaya Farmer’s Market that opens on Tuesdays and Fridays where you can feast on many local delicacies. There are many buses frequenting to and from Putrajaya and it is a common way of travelling to the town if you don’t want to drive. Make sure to book your bus ticket from a convenient online portal well in advance so that you don’t have to scramble at the last minute and end up with uncomfortable seats.
Conclusion
Since these places are a short distance away from Kuala Lumpur, you can take the bus or hire a cab/car. One thing you must do is book bus tickets and other public transportation tickets well in advance. There are various portals available that will offer different features and make the entire process easier and hassle-free. Since there are many people who like to travel to these places for a quick weekend getaway or a workcation, you need to plan your trips accordingly.
