KL’s muggy weather and confusing roads are terrible for walks – but there’s a way for tourists to get all the sights in without getting lost/drenched in sweat. The Hop On Hop Off service takes riders sightseeing around the city on a double-decker bus, complete with insightful commentary. Riders can choose to sit on the open-air deck, or enjoy the comforts of a cool air-conditioned coach. The buses run every 20-30 minutes and stop at over 42 attractions.

True to its name, tourists can simply hop on and hop off whenever they like – as long as they have passes. Convenient to get around, and you save on exorbitant taxi fares (taxis charge cutthroat rates in KL).

Got to try the service for the first time as part of an event. Weather was great, so a whole bunch of us sat on the upper deck.

Some of the popular spots that the buses stop at: the Petronas Twin Towers, Bintang Walk, Merdeka Square, KL Tower, KL Sentral, Lake Gardens, Petaling Street (Chinatown), Jamek Mosque, Sri Mahamariamman Temple and St Mary’s Cathedral.

If weather permits, sit on the upper deck. You’ll get views of KL you won’t get from the ground. The route offers scenic views of both old and new KL – colonial structures with beautiful English architecture, colourful/beautiful places of worship, vibrant business districts as well as tall, modern skyscrapers.

KL Tower, located at the top of Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve. The bus drives right up to the entrance, so you don’t even have to hike up the steep hill.

Afternoon traffic.

Feeling dwarved in the commercial district, where I cricked my neck looking up at the skyscrapers.

The iconic KLCC towers from afar.

And upclose.

The shopping district of Bukit Bintang.

Stop here to shop for branded items if you have the cash to spare.

Traffic is unavoidable in KL, but hey, at least you can look down and laugh at tiny people  there are lots of interesting things to see while waiting.

Looping past Petaling Street (Chinatown), Central Market and Kota Raya, which, from what I hear, is now dubbed ‘Mini Manila’ because of its huge OFW population.

Where do I Hop On? 

There are hundreds of bus stops all over KL, marked by colorful signage. The buses stop at over 100 major hotels in the city.

There are 24-hour tickets and 48-hour tickets, which allow riders unlimited access within that time period. The 24-hour ticket is priced at RM40 for foreigners. Children below 5 ride for free. Tourists can purchase them online at http://www.myhoponhopoff.com/.