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Header image courtesy of @travelstory_of_bzi (via Instagram)
Looking for new ideas and inspirations to jazz up your Instagram feed? Forget pricey cafés, resorts, or one of those fancy “Instagram museums”—we have compiled a list of Instagram-worthy hidden gems in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, that are free for the public to visit and explore! Get your cameras ready and snap away.
Tucked within the heart of the city is an Eden of tropical flowers. The Perdana Botanical Garden consists of a few famous spots, including the Hibiscus Garden, Herbarium, Sunken Garden, and more. Whether it’s a photo while strolling around the park or by the lake, this beautiful flower paradise will definitely make your Instagram “bloom.”
Perdana Botanical Garden, Jalan Kebun Bunga, Tasik Perdana, 55100, Kuala Lumpur | (+60) 3 2617 6404
If you are up for more photo sessions after you are done with Perdana Botanical Garden, walk to the National Planetarium that’s located towards the east of the garden. You cannot miss it, as there will be signs along the way, as well as a huge blue dome visible from a distance. Since this is a planetarium, it is mostly crowded during the weekends with children and families. Try to visit during weekdays for a clear shot of the view!
The National Planetarium, 53 Jalan Perdana, Tasik Perdana, 50480, Kuala Lumpur | (+60) 03 2273 4303
Thean Hou Temple has become one of the city’s landmarks, and it doesn’t just attract Buddhist devotees—people of all religions from all over the world flock to this building of worship. This is simply due to its exquisite traditional architecture, making every corner of the temple perfect for pictures. Packed with eager Instagrammers and wedding shoots all year round, we highly suggest that you pay this temple a visit during weekdays to avoid the crowd.
Thean Hou Temple, 65 Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa, 50460 Kuala Lumpur | (+60) 3 2274 7088
Vintage never goes out of style. Journey down memory lane and go back to the 1960s era of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown down this famous alleyway. Besides murals depicting the daily activities of Chinese immigrants back in the day, you can also come across real historical relics, such as an old lamp post that was part of the first set of lamps installed in Kuala Lumpur when electricity was introduced to the city. There are also displays of the original wooden windows installed way back in the 1960s. Nothing will bring more meaning to your Instagram feed than a nostalgic trip down one of Malaysia’s longest pieces of cultural history!
Kwai Chai Hong 鬼仔巷, Lorong Panggung, 50000, Kuala Lumpur | (+60) 12 316 6212
Inject life into your Instagram feed with Jalan Alor’s colourful murals! These alleys were once riddled with vagrants and petty criminals, but thanks to the government’s efforts to improve the city, these alleys were transformed into an artistic “wonderland” filled with new business opportunities and tourists. Since these are alleys and parking might be a hassle, it is best to take public transport instead of driving. First, get yourself a train ticket to Bukit Bintang at the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). Once you reach Bukit Bintang station, take exit C and turn left. Walk along Jalan Bukit Bintang direction and in about six minutes, you will reach Jalan Alor (look out for the sign). An added bonus—Jalan Alor is also famous for its stretch of eateries, so be sure to enjoy some of the food while updating your ‘gram.
Jalan Alor KL Street Art 1 Lane, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200, Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Alor KL Street Art 2 Lane, Tengkat Tong Shin, Bukit Bintang, 50200, Kuala Lumpur
If you love the murals in Jalan Alor, you’ll be sure to fall in love with the River of Life, as they are all created by the same artists. Since it is located near Masjid Jamek, parking can be pricey (up to RM25 a day). Therefore, we highly suggest taking public transport instead. To get to this Instagram-worthy spot, take the KL Monorail to Hang Tuah Station. Transfer to the Star LRT and get down at Masjid Jamek Station. Walk towards Masjid Jamek direction until you see this mural (see photo). Be sure to see this majestic landmark with your own eyes the next time you’re in KL!
Masjid Jamek, Jalan Tun Perak, City Centre, 50050, Kuala Lumpur | (+60) 3 6201 8791
The Saloma Link, which cost approximately RM31 million to build, is a pedestrian bridge connecting Kampung Baru to KLCC. Stretching 370 metres with beautiful lights leading the way, it’s easy to see why it has become such a famed Instagram spot. To include the Petronas Twin Towers in your pic, capture it from the Kampung Baru side of the bridge!
Saloma Link, Kampung Baru, 50300, Kuala Lumpur
KL Forest Eco Park is one of the oldest forest reserves in Malaysia. Located just beside the KL Tower, this tropical haven is the only remaining rainforest in the whole of the city. A must-visit here is the Canopy Walk. Suspended on an aerial bridge 200 metres above the forest canopy, it’s one of the hottest Instagram spots in the city. Another famous Instagram spot would be the trail below the bridge, where you’ll have an impressive view of the KL Tower. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and light clothing, as it will be quite a walk!
KL Forest Eco Park, Lot 240, Jln Raja Chulan, Bukit Kewangan, 50250, Kuala Lumpur | (+60) 3 2020 1606
Rexkl is an arts and culture community centre refurbished from an old cinema that was built by the Shaw Brothers back in 1976, hence the old-school vibe. This is also the reason why it’s an Instagram hotspot for hipsters. Rexkl is very convenient to reach, as it’s located near several train stations in the city. To get there, take note that it’s located along Jalan Sultan, opposite Macy. With the landmark in mind, you can either walk from the Plaza Rakyat LRT station, the Pasar Seni MRT station, or the Merdeka MRT station, depending on which commute you’d prefer to use.
Rexkl, 80, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000, Kuala Lumpur
The last spot in this list is actually an escalator. One Instagram post led to another, and soon this escalator became a famed #OOTD spot! If you wish to take beautiful shots without public obstruction, you should come during off-peak hours. Stuck on where to spot the escalator? Here’s a clue: Look for the FamilyMart in Nu Sentral.
NU Sentral Escalator, Nu Sentral Mall, No. 201, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 50470, Kuala Lumpur | (+60) 3 2859 7177
Diana has been a lifestyle blogger since 2012. Her ‘kryptonite’ are good food, games, and all things furry (try luring her into a van with puppies, it will work). Currently a full-time digital nomad, you may find her working in a quiet corner of an obscure café, with a latte in hand.
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