Kuala Lumpur for $200 a day

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Have an early start and get to the Batu Caves by 7.30am — there will be fewer crowds and hopefully less heat. You can get there from KL Sentral in 30 minutes and the trip is well worth it to see these impressive limestone caves, looked over by a giant statue of the Hindu god Mururgan. The Batu Caves are free to explore, but you can also pay to see the Dark Caves and the entry fee includes a guide. $13 inc train

Head back to the city and enjoy a well-deserved coffee and brunch at Merchant's Lane cafe. This hipstery joint is perfect for some Instagram photos as well. $15

Just around the corner on Petaling St, you'll find KL's bustling Chinatown, which has a huge plethora of stalls to browse. Pick up a couple of souvenirs and be sure to try a pork bao here—they're the best you'll taste. $10

Check out some unusual avian specimens at the KL Bird Park— many of them are walking around freely and you can purchase a small cup of milk to feed to the parrots. Nearby, the Butterfly Park is also worth strolling around. $30

Get a bite to eat in Brickfields, KL's Little India. The food stalls are very cheap, so you can afford to try a few things, even if you can't finish it all. $10

Kuala Lumpur is known for its theme parks, but most of them are a fair distance out of the city. However, there is a theme park at shopping mall Berjaya Times Square, so you can try out some thrill rides without going too far —and enjoy a spot of shopping, if that's your thing. $25

For a bit of a change from street food, try home-style Malay dishes—many handed down through the generations of the family that run the restaurant— at Enak, in the posh Starhill Gallery. The presentation is modern, but the dishes are all traditional. $30

Afterwards, head to Jalan Alor markets for some dessert. This market area comes alive at night and you're sure to find something that takes your fancy. Coconut ice cream anyone? $5

Take a night visit up KL's iconic Petronas Twin Towers.You can get tickets by lining up in the morning, but it's easier to book online — just make sure you do it well in advance to get the time slot you want. $28

Finish off with a couple of signature cocktails at popular roof top bar Sky Bar at Trader's Hotel, with views of the towers. Its centrepiece is a pool and the seating is arranged in cabanas. $34

TOTAL: $200