KL Concerts: What to Expect at Bukit Jalil National Stadium
Are you going to a concert in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia? I’m here to help you make the most of it with this guide to the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
The inside of Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur lit up during an Ed Sheeran’s +-=÷x concert.
Since 1998, Malaysia’s Bukit Jalil National Stadium has hosted many important sports games, starting with that year’s XVI Commonwealth Asian Games, as well as concerts, from Cantopop artists like Jacky Cheung and Sammi Cheng, to Blackpink, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish, and Bruno Mars.
Located in the Bukit Jalil area of Kuala Lumpur, this classic outdoor stadium is 76,000 square meters large with a capacity for 87,500 people, making it the largest and most important stadium in Malaysia. That said, Kuala Lumpur is famous for its traffic, so getting there can be a bit chaotic. But worry not — Travelynne is here with the tips and info you need to make your concert or sporting event as seamless as possible. My friend Melody and I went to see Ed Sheeran play at Bukit Jalil Stadium, and I took all the notes and photos to help you plan for your next event here.
Keep reading for tips to maximize your event at Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.
CONCERTS AT BUKIT JALIL NATIONAL STADIUM:
1. Choosing your tickets
Bukit Jalil National Stadium is a massive outdoor venue. For Ed Sheeran’s +-=÷x Tour, as well as many other concerts held here, the stage was set up for a 360-degree experience—which means there are times when you’ll be watching from behind.
If you’re seeing a one-man show like Ed Sheeran, our section will have you squinting quite a bit :)
At this show, my friend and I had seats 209/Q/09 and 209/Q/10—quite high up and pretty far from the action, which wasn’t ideal for a one-man performance. We paid 498 MYR per ticket, plus a 10 MYR booking charge and a 20 MYR ticket fee each. From the bleachers, the view was limited, but the sound quality was excellent. The floor section looked spacious and comfortable for a more intimate experience.
2. Getting to Bukit Jalil National Stadium
Bukit Jalil station offers easy access to the Bukit Jalil stadium, about 10-minutes walk to the main entrance.
TRAVELYNNE TIPS:
Bukit Jalil National Stadium is next to Axiata Arena (sometimes called Bukit Jalil Arena). Make sure you set your map directions to Bukit Jalil National Stadium to avoid ending up in the wrong place.
Whenever possible, take the train—Kuala Lumpur’s traffic can be unpredictable and frustrating.
Expect poor phone reception during major events, so save your tickets and maps for offline use in advance.
A view of Bukit Jalil station and night market taken from the steps of Bukit Jalil stadium.
Take the Train (~30 minutes from Chinatown)
Since KL is notorious for traffic, public transit is your best bet. The Bukit Jalil National Stadium is easily accessible via the LRT. From Masjid Jamek station in Chinatown, take the direct train to Bukit Jalil—it's a 20-minute ride with 10 stops. Once you arrive, the stadium is impossible to miss—it’s right outside the LRT station, about 10 minutes walking.
Take a Rideshare (~40-60 minutes from Chinatown)
I don’t recommend taking a rideshare to Bukit Jalil National Stadium. KL’s traffic is notoriously bad, and what looks like a 40-minute drive on Google Maps can easily turn into an hour or more—especially before and after big events. On top of that, finding a car afterward can be a nightmare, and surge pricing can make the ride expensive.
If you absolutely must take a rideshare, your options in KL include Grab (most popular), InDrive, and AirAsia Ride. If you're struggling to get a car, try selecting "Grab Premium"—sometimes, premium rides arrive faster. But honestly? Take the train if you can.
3. Entering Bukit Jalil Stadium
Crowds wait outside of Door C at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, waiting to pass security.
Unfortunately, organization isn’t Malaysia’s strong suit, and it really showed during the concert—especially when it came to the entry process. We were pretty disappointed with how things were handled, as it took us nearly an hour to get inside after arriving around 7:40 PM (the line didn’t start moving until 8 PM).
Finally entering the stadium to take our seats - this is in Tier 2, Block 209 at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
The line for Gate C, where we had to enter, started a 10-minute walk from the entrance. Signage was confusing, and there were no staff outside to guide people. We ended up missing the opening act and just barely made it inside for Ed Sheeran’s set.
Crowds were waiting a very long time to enter the stadium at door C - many missing the opening act.
Bottom line? Arrive early for any concert or sporting event at Bukit Jalil National Stadium to avoid missing out.
4. Preparing for rain
Kuala Lumpur sees a lot of rain—it can be a quick drizzle or a full-on downpour. We had to wait outside for a long time in the rain before getting in, and since the floor area of the stadium isn’t covered, it’s best to come prepared. A poncho is a good idea, and wearing waterproof shoes or sandals might save you from soggy regrets.
Many were prepared for rain at this concert with colorful ponchos.
If you forget a poncho, don’t worry—there were plenty of vendors selling them just outside the Bukit Jalil LRT station for 10 MYR each.
The merchandise area was located just outside of the stadium entrance.
5. Finding food & drinks at the venue
The night market here was surprisingly vibrant and colorful. You’ll walk through the market to get from Bukit Jalil station to Bukit Jalil stadium, seen at the back.
Just outside Bukit Jalil Stadium, there’s a large night market where you’ll find plenty of food, drinks, and even some retail shopping. Keep in mind that alcohol is not sold at the night market or inside the stadium—only food and non-alcoholic beverages are available.
Food is reasonably priced at the food stalls around Bukit Jalil National Stadium. At this food truck, for example, a burger is 15MYR.
Another food truck offering chicken varieties for 12-13MYR.
The good news? Food and drinks are affordable. A Carl’s Jr burger costs around 15 MYR, a hot dog is 10 MYR, and coffee or tea from a truck ranges between 10-14 MYR. If you’re looking for something even cheaper, you’ll find juices and soft drinks from vendors outside the venue. Tip: Be sure to bring some cash with you. Malaysians can pay via QR code with their local bank app.
6. Getting home
Like any big concert, leaving is the most chaotic part. Fortunately, Bukit Jalil LRT station is right outside the stadium, but expect long queues. The only way to avoid them is to leave slightly early—though, of course, that means missing part of the show.
If you’re thinking about taking a rideshare instead, be prepared for a challenge. Traffic will be a mess, prices on rideshare apps will surge, and taxis will be both scarce and expensive.
We tried waiting it out to see if the crowds would thin, but even when we got on the last train, it was still packed. The night market wasn’t particularly active after the show, so there wasn’t much to do while waiting.
That said, the crowds thinned out after a few stops, and the rest of the train ride was manageable. Trains don’t run past 12:30 AM, but since concerts end well before then, you’ll have enough time to make it back. In some cases, the city may extend train service until later to accommodate special event schedules.
Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
Bukit Jalil is a suburb of KL, so it wouldn’t be the most interesting area to stay in, besides being nearby the stadium. If you want to book something in the city’s action, then KLCC or Bukit Bintang are the areas to look at. Both offer easy access to public transportation, plus access to nearby attractions and lots of good food within walking distance.
If you are traveling with others and looking for something in a lower budget, consider staying in an apartment in Chow Kit, like the Regalia, a complex offering nice units for short terms stays, located on the KTM rail line for ease of transportation in the city.
Enjoy your concert in Kuala Lumpur!
Attending a concert at Bukit Jalil National Stadium is an exciting experience, and a little planning goes a long way. From choosing the right tickets to navigating KL’s traffic and dealing with long entry lines, knowing what to expect can make your night much smoother. Take the train when possible, arrive early, and be prepared for rain—then all that’s left to do is enjoy the show! With these tips in mind, you're sure to have a great time at your event at Bukit Jalil National Stadium!
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