A central location for various modes of transit, KL Sentral has undergone significant transformations in the last few years. The busy hub now attracts travellers and locals alike, is attached to a shiny mall, and has undergone other little changes that make commuting even easier in Kuala Lumpur (KL).
If you’ve just arrived in Kuala Lumpur from the airport (KLIA or KLIA2), KL Sentral can prove to be more than just a quick pit-stop before heading elsewhere. Here are a few things you can do when you get here:
Getting to KL Sentral from KLIA
From KLIA and KLIA2 airport, it’s just a matter of taking the Express Rail Link (ERL). The KLIA Express is a non-stop train to KL Sentral from the airport; the KLIA Transit costs about the same but will make multiple stops along the way, so if you’d like a more leisurely route, you could take this instead. There is also free Wi-Fi on the train!
You can check out the train schedules and see the fares on the KLIA Express website.
Optionally, you can get a KL Travel Pass which is a pre-loaded smart payment card you can use to travel on the ERL, all trains, and RapidKL buses in Kuala Lumpur. The only setback for now is it can’t be used on KTM Komuter trains (the sub-urban rail link), which you will need to take if you plan on visiting the Batu Caves.
There are also charter buses that will take you from KLIA to KL Sentral. Take them if you want to save money but you’ll lose out on speed and comfort.
You could also choose to take taxis from the airport, but be mindful to only book them from the counters. Ignore the many taxi touts who will try and persuade you to book with them instead. They often overcharge and there is no guarantee of your safety or the reliability of their cabs – there have been incidences in the past where unwary travellers were driven off somewhere by robbers posing as illegal taxi drivers, robbed of their luggage, and left stranded. The incidences may have been in the past, but in short, never trust the touts, even if they claim their fares are much cheaper.
Do note that if you’re travelling alone the ERL could be the better option, but if you’re travelling in a group of 3 or more, it may make more sense (and it’s likely cheaper) to take a taxi straight to your hotel.
While Kuala Lumpur is a relatively safe city, snatch thefts are a common occurrence in the area surrounding KL Sentral. The KL Sentral compound is fairly secure with stationed policemen as well as security guards and plenty of breathing room to walk. Still, it’s best to be mindful of pickpockets, especially on the train. Inappropriate touching or molestation cases are rare within KL Sentral itself but still be aware.
Things you can do in KL Sentral
1. Have a meal
You have a variety of food options at KL Sentral. Just step out from the train station and into the public area and you have your pick of stalls, cafes, and restaurants. For fast food options, there’s the cheap and quick KFC and McDonald’s. There is a food court as well as various local cafés that serve everything from local fare to noodles and pasta.
The connecting mall, NU Sentral, has a plethora of dining options you’ll be spoiled for choice. For upper-tier dining options, walk out to the Hilton Kuala Lumpur and Le Meridien hotels which are a 2-minute walk from KL Sentral.
Food is arguably a favourite pastime for Malaysians, and the mix of cultures has resulted in a number of must-try dishes. Discover what are some of the best street food to eat while in Kuala Lumpur.
2. Procure a prepaid number
Maxis, DiGi, and Celcom are the primary telco operators (U-Mobile is fast gaining traction too, especially in the cities) and have various competitive prepaid, non-contract plans for tourists and travellers. Rates can differ quite a bit so survey your options – just ask them for their Traveller SIM Card plans.
We can’t recommend enough getting a local number with mobile internet for your smartphone while in Kuala Lumpur – you will be able to use existing apps on your phone like Google Maps, social media, Whatsapp, tether your computer to get online and more. You’ll want to download mobile apps that have become indispensable for the locals like the e-hailing and services app, Grab.
A local number will allow the drivers to call you to verify your location, and vice versa, which is especially useful during rush hours and after those late-night party sessions.
3. Go shopping
The connecting mall, NU Sentral, is a fairly upmarket mall that has everything from high street brands to department stores, pharmacies, and various eateries. For a list of the mall’s outlets, check out NU Sentral’s website.
Get more out of shopping in Kuala Lumpur by exploring KL’s vibrant shopping street, Bukit Bintang or with some retail therapy in Downtown Kuala Lumpur.
4. Explore Brickfields
KL Sentral is right next to Brickfields, one of the most colourful districts in the city, where Malaysia’s local Indian community lives, eats, and sells wares. Take the bridge over to the KL Sentral monorail, step out, and let your senses be enlivened; you’ll see plenty of Indian shopkeepers selling everything from food to clothes and trinkets.
Read more about Brickfields from someone who has lived there for 27 years: My KL: Brickfields.
5. Have a nice stay
Just a quick walk across from KL Sentral are two high-end hotels, namely Hilton Kuala Lumpur and Le Meridien. Expect the same level of comfort and convenience you would find from their sister hotels around the world, but book ahead for the best rates. You might be best served visiting their local websites to check for website-exclusive promotions that might not be available from sites such as Agoda.
Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral is another option if you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly, trendy, yet family-friendly.
For an overview of areas and places to stay while in Kuala Lumpur, see Kuala Lumpur hotels with bathtub views or boutique and trendy stays in Downtown KL.
6. Schedule a little self-pampering
Giving yourself a treat after a long journey can be the best thing ever. NU Sentral offers options for haircuts, manicures, and massages. Apart from the options at NU Sentral, Relax Two Traditional Blind Massage is an affordable spa experience just a 10-minute walk from KL Sentral. I highly recommend this place—based on my visits, it’s consistently a great experience.
7. Watch a movie
NU Sentral has an in-house cineplex (GSC – Golden Screen Cinemas) with a good selection of the latest films. Malaysia has one of the lowest movie ticket prices in the region, and often new movies premiere at the same dates or ahead of US and European releases.
For film listings and to purchase your tickets online you can go to GSC’s website. Or better still, download GSC’s mobile app on Google Play and the App Store – book, pay on your phone, arrive at the cinema, grab your popcorn, and scan in.
8. Take a trip
KL Sentral is a good place to buy plane, train, and bus tickets to various destinations. Both Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and AirAsia have support and ticketing centres there as well as Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM), the country’s rail provider for overnight sleeper trips to Singapore as well as Thailand.
You can also connect to other rail lines like the Monorail, Kelana Jaya, and Sri Petaling lines from KL Sentral. For a detailed look at the rail system, explore this comprehensive Guide to Public Transport in Kuala Lumpur.
So you see, KL Sentral is definitely worth a stop if you’re visiting Kuala Lumpur. For many travellers, it could well be a great place to begin and end their journey with its excellent location and many conveniences.
Selamat Datang (welcome) ke (to) Kuala Lumpur!
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on 11 June 2015 and has been updated to include more locations.
