Are you looking for the best photo and Instagram locations in Kuala Lumpur? You’re in the right place!
It can be a little boring to be in KL, simply because all you can see is smog, heavy traffic, and huge buildings. But if you explore its intriguing nooks and crannies, the city isn’t all that horrible. We’ve come up with a list of 10 fantastic spots that are not only enjoyable to visit (for a kind of mini-vacation), but also Instagram-worthy!
Saloma Bridge
The 370-meter-long bridge that connects Lorong Raja Muda Musa 3 and Jalan Saloma bears Salmah Ismail’s name. She was a famed Malaysian-Singaporean singer and actress who also happened to be P Ramlee’s wife. In early February 2020, it finally opened to the public after more than two years of work!
Saloma bridge’s structure and design can be appreciated in the day, but nighttime is unquestionably the ideal time to visit. It’s not surprising that this is the newest tourist destination, with such lovely lights! Both locals and foreign tourists should visit this Instagram-worthy spot. You can observe the different light changes if you stay a little while. Additionally, Suria KLCC is connected to this bridge.
Thean Hou Temple
One of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia is Thean Hou Temple. It is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in the city, situated along Jalan Klang Lama on the southwest side of Kuala Lumpur and only a short drive from Bukit Bintang.
The temple complex contains a variety of fascinating features. Monks may pour holy water on worshippers as they cross the Fortune Bridge to bring them luck. There is also a Medicinal Herb Garden and a Wishing Well. Visit this stunning temple if you’re searching for spiritual boost and, of course, beautiful locations to take pictures of.
BookXcess Rex KL
This location, which opened in 2021, is unquestionably a fantastic photography spot. On the second floor of RexKL in Jalan Petaling, you’ll find that BookXcess opened a unique and creatively-designed outlet. Since its launch, thousands of Malaysians have been there to take pictures of this Instagram-worthy setting to share on social media. BookXcess at RexKL is now located on the upper level of the historic Rex Cinema, which previously housed the first-class seats and the projection area. Also, you can buy a large range of books there; it’s not simply a place for picture shoots – wonderful news for bookworms!
Changkat Bukit Bintang
Bukit Bintang is the top destination for food, entertainment, shopping, and partying in central KL. The walls lining the back alleys of the district are covered with bright street art that urges you to grab your camera and explore the area on foot. Its popularity has increased and hundreds of places to dine, drink, and unwind have sprung.
Check out the vibrant alleyways that border Jalan Alor. In the late 2010s, Kuala Lumpur City Hall made the decision to transform certain streets into works of art. The murals feature butterflies, flora and animals, women, and eclectic prints, among others. So put your best outfit on and go there for the ideal OOTD photo!
KL Forest Eco Park
Want to escape the busy city life? This is the place for you. In essence, the entire city is a forest! The KL Forest Eco Park, one of Malaysia’s oldest permanent forest reserves located near KL Tower, is a natural haven right in the centre of the city.
Walk its 200-meter hiking trail. Don’t forget to explore the timber product gallery, canopy walk, and herb garden as well. Anyone who gets tired of moving about in large crowds should go for a quick stroll through the forest. You’ll be sure to enjoy the grandeur of nature while also exercising your adventurous side.
Kwai Chai Hong
Kwai Chai Hong is made up of 10 renovated shophouses, six of which front Jalan Petaling and four of which front Lorong Panggung (together with a lovely alley that runs between the two roads). It was once abandoned but has now been restored. This alleyway is called Little Demon Alley in Cantonese – however, there aren’t any ghosts to be seen here! The phrase is claimed to have its origins in the Cantonese colloquial expression “kwai chai,” which originally described the rowdy youths that frequented the back alleyways.
Batu Caves
Vibrant and cultural! All the more reason to go there. Welcome to Batu Caves, KL’s most famous temple and tourist destination.
Start your ascent of the 272 stairs to the peak, where a stunning limestone temple cave is located. There are several cheeky monkeys in the neighbourhood to welcome you, but watch out for them stealing your belongings! It is advised that you dress appropriately as a demonstration of respect to devotees, because it is both a tourist destination and a site of prayer.
National Mosque
The National Mosque, usually referred to as Masjid Negara, is another amazing Instagram location in KL. With a capacity of up to 15,000 worshippers at once, it is one of the biggest and most magnificent mosques in SEA. It was built in 1963. Even if its size is unquestionably outstanding, its distinctive design and elaborate decorations elevate it to a special status.
The mosque sports a magnificent, blue tiled 18-pointed star dome. Each point stands for the five pillars of Islam and the 13 states that make up Malaysia. And within, there are gleaming white pillars and flooring, finely carved-out windows, a sizable prayer hall, and a ceiling decorated with lovely designs. A 13-hectare landscape with tall palm trees and well-kept gardens surrounds the mosque as well.
It’s essential to schedule your visit here because non-worshippers aren’t always allowed inside the mosque. Women must cover their heads, and robes are supplied at the door for free. Shoes are not allowed within the mosque.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Even if you just have 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur, you must visit the Sultan Abdul Samad building, a stunningly important structure built in 1897.
The oldest public structure in Malaysia, the Sultan Abdul Samad building is a prized piece of KL’s historical legacy. In a reference to Malaysia’s rich past and cultural diversity, it has a distinctive design that combines British and Islamic influences.
The road in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad building is busy but never overly congested, making it simple to take Instagram-worthy pictures at any time of day. You can take pictures near the magnificent cupolas, colonnades, or the towering, 41-meter clock tower that was modelled after Big Ben in London. Although you cannot enter the structure, you are welcome to visit at any time and take pictures from the outside. It looks fantastic when lit up at night as well!
NU Sentral Bridge (KL Sentral)
Although this location is not as secret as it once was, it is still Instagram-worthy. This magnificent overhead bridge connecting NU Sentral Mall and the monorail station was created by GDP Architects. The overhead bridge’s symmetrical form is really lovely to look at, and it has lots of natural lighting, making it the ideal location for some Instagram shots.