12 Instagrammable Spots In Kuala Lumpur That Aren’t Cafes Or The Petronas Twin Towers

Insta-worthy places in KL, Malaysia

Image adapted from (clockwise from top-left): @naoberlianda, @faizalzainudin, @penny0606, @smashpop, @jer_lyn85, TSL

Kuala Lumpur may not be Paris or Prague, but that does not stop this city from being one of the prettiest places to travel to. Make the most of your next long weekend, and head over to fill your Instagram feed with the best shots of KL’s most beautiful destinations – and we don’t mean the typical cafes or Petronas Twin Towers.

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1. Astaka Morocco – a palace-like gem

Image credit @doreenlivetotravel

A drive to Astaka Morocco, also known as the Moroccan Pavilion is well worth the trip – especially since entry is just RM 3 (~S$1). Set next to the serene Putrajaya Botanical Garden, the grand architechture and intricate works of the blue and orange hued mosaics are best admired up close. It’s not uncommon to find people taking their bridal shots here.

Image credit: @naoberlianda

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Address: Presint 1, 62000 Putrajaya.
Opening hours: Sunday – Monday: 9AM-12PM, 2-5PM. Wednesday – Saturday: 9AM-12PM, 2-5PM. (Closed on Tuesdays).

2. Sky Deck KL Tower – observation deck with glass floors

Image credit: @penny0606

If you have an appetite for the high life, look no further than KL Tower. Set over 300 meters in air, this observation deck offers the perfect Instagramable shots, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows and glass floor of the viewing capsule. From RM71 (~S$23.60), head up and feast your eyes on gorgeous views of KL’s skyline.

Image credit: @thisisjheiy

Address: No. 2 Jalan Punchak, Off, Jalan P Ramlee, 50250, Kuala Lumpur.
Opening hours: Daily: 10AM-10PM.
Telephone: 03-20205444
Website

3. Zhongshan building – art galleries and film screenings

Image credit: @jamezvalentine

This row of 1950s interconnected shophouses once homed the Selangor Zhongshan Association and a frozen foods distributor. Now, the Zhongshan Building accommodates some of KL’s best art projects.

This creative space also works for those looking to indulge into film screenings and growing their vinyl collection, while having a quick bite or two.

Image credit: @jamezvalentine

Address: 80, Jalan Rotan, Kampung Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur.

4. Batu caves – rainbow temples amid ancient caves

Set in the limestone hills of Gombak, Selangor, Batu Caves is one of the city’s most iconic sights. Dedicated to the Hindu war god, Lord Murugan, this network of 3 main caves that home ancient temples are the setting for the annual Thaipusam celebrations.

Recently, the 272 steps were also painted in a striking range of colors, forming a rainbow-like ladder that seemingly stretches to heaven and into the Cathedral Cave.

Address: Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor.

5. Sasana Kijang – spiral staircases and diamond-shaped windows

Image credit: @faizalzainudin

Sasana Kijang is perhaps one of KL’s most modern and creative office buildings. It’s spiral stairs are a testament to this, acting as a popular feature on Instagram feeds.

Check out the display of the banknotes of the world, plastered all over the walls of the art gallery.
Image credit @fifyhussein

Additionally, the building also accommodates a impressive art gallery which homes paintings, drawings and sculptures. Meanwhile, history buffs can explore the origins of money in the Numismatics Gallery.

The building’s diamond-shaped windows make for a great backdrop
Image credit: @smashpop

Address: Jalan Dato Onn, 50480, Kuala Lumpur.
Opening hours: Daily: 10AM-6PM.
Website

6. Bukit Bintang – colourful alleyways and 3D art

Image credit: @icanberon

Famed for its nightlife, Bukit Bintang was never really a place you’d visit during the day. Until the city council’s striking street art project overturned its dull alleyways into pockets of sunshine, that is.

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The themes and motifs for these murals differ for each street. This includes paintings paying tribute to KL’s flora and fauna, along with depictions of the typical city life, featuring the ever-present street side mamak and fruit stalls.

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Address: Jalan Alor, Jalan Tong Shin, Jalan Berangan and Changkat, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

7. Lake Gardens – for nature lovers

Image credit @julia_malyavka

Also known as the Perdana Botanical Gardens, this recreational park is great for anyone looking for a quick getaway. Apart from taking a stroll around the beautiful lake for your #reflectiongram shots, you can also make your way to all three of the KL Bird, Butterfly and Deer Parks located within the same area.

Image credit @lakegardenkl

Image credit @steven_taniko

Sunken Garden Maze
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Address: Jalan Kebun Bunga, Tasik Perdana, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Opening hours: Daily: 7AM-8PM.
Website

8. Laman Seni 7 – street murals and installations

Image credit: @jer_lyn85

Shah Alam’s Laman Seni 7 served as the city council’s effort to transform the back alley industrial streets with a collection of colourful murals. Inspired by Beijing’s 798 Art Zone, this street art space also paved the platform for young local artists to display their works.

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Address: Jalan Plumbum R7/R, Seksyen 7, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor.
Website

9. Putra Mosque – pastel pink mosque

Set in the heart of Putrajaya is Putra Mosque, KL’s most visually appealing mosque that’s entirely in a pastel pink pastel shade – from its exterior to its inner mosaic-tiled architecture.

For best results, come just in time for sunset as the mosque’s pink hue seamlessly blends with the gorgeous purple sky and the beautiful lake.

Address: Persiaran Persekutuan, Presint 1, 62502 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya.
Opening hours: Sunday – Monday: 9AM – 12.30PM, 2-4PM, 5.30-6PM. Friday: 3-4PM, 5.30-6PM.

10. Empire Damansara – quirky art installations

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Pro tip: Look for Damansara Performing Arts Center.
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It’s rather difficult to define what Empire Damansara actually is. It’s a combination of an apartment, a mall, the home of the Damansara Performing Arts Center and cafes. It’s also an Instagram haven, thanks to a series of quirky art installations dotted all over this establishment.

Pro tip: Look for Jekyll & Hyde restaurant to find these umbrellas
Image credit @lotoholik

Address: Jalan PJU 8/8A, Damansara Perdana, 47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

11. KL Forest Eco Park – canopy trail in a rainforest

Image credit @sueannxoxo

This popular retreat offers a great spot for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. KL Forest Eco Park’s main highlight is undoubtedly the suspended canopy bridge. Getting here will be more of an easy walk than an actual hike, so it’s manageable for people of all fitness levels.

Strike up your best pose at the bamboo tree plantation within the park
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Image credit: @ritalioe

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Address: Opposite St Andrews Church (Persiaran Raja Chulan, Bukit Bintang, 50200, KL).
Opening hours: Daily: 7AM-6PM.
Website

12. APW Bangsar – printing factory turned creative space

Image credit @j0yc3yms

A Place Where (APW) is KL’s creative hub. Collaborative workspaces, cafes, restaurants, event spaces and pocket parks are the heart and soul of this former printing factory.

Image credit @iamnazirul

For the best experience, swing by the monthly RIUH market and take part in a series of creative workshops. Meanwhile, for the ultimate Instagrammable spot, head straight for the ever-popular APW stairs just below Makirito.

Image credit: @zeltsyang

Address: 29, Jalan Riong, 59100, Kuala Lumpur.
Telephone: 03-22823233
Website

Photogenic places in Kuala Lumpur

The next time you’re looking to glam up your Instagram feed, remember that KL is much more than the Petronas Twin Towers and hipster cafes. Instead, hit up these 12 destinations to capture the best of this city.

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