How to Explore Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Bicycle

It’s not easy to miss KL’s best monuments, but sometimes a guide can help fill in the facts and history of a place–as well as the best cycling routes. Enlist the services of local biking guides such as Bike with Elena or KL by Bicycle for the best tours for all stamina levels. These are suitable for all levels, from families to experienced cyclists. Most stops en route will be at heritage sites such as Petaling Street and the Sultan Abdul Samad building, but feel free to ask for advice should you wish to explore different parts of KL.

Another cycling option is the Park routes, which will take you to places such as the KL Bird Park, Perdana Lake Gardens and other nearby attractions, such as the Islamic Arts Museum.

The amount of traffic increases as you get nearer to hot spots like the Petronas Twin Towers and Bukit Bintang, so it is more advisable to explore these areas on foot.

KL stretches far beyond the busy centre, and turns into lush scenery. It might take a little additional effort to get out of the city, but the wide open spaces and fresh air will be worth it.

This beautiful curated lake garden park area is dedicated to outdoor activities. There are tracks for cycling and jogging and an area for horse-riding. Water sports can be done on the lake, which is a remnant of KL’s tin mining industry. To get to Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, simply hop on the monorail from KL Sentral and get off at Titiwangsa station. From there on, take a bus to the Istana Budaya, located in front of the lake gardens.

Tasik Titiwangsa, 6 Lorong Titiwangsa, Titiwangsa, KL, Malaysia. T: +60 18-394 9114

Visit part of one of the oldest rainforests in the world. The flora and fauna at FRIM is like no other. For the best cycling experiences, stick to the designated trails and watch how the jungle accommodates the little community of researchers and Orang Asli (a Malay indigenous group) who take care of the area. You can rent bikes on location, to ease the struggle of bringing your own bike. Simply hop on a Komuter train to Kepong station, then get a metred taxi to the destination.

Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Jalan Frim, Kepong, KL, Malaysia. T: +60 3-6279 7000

Cycling across a city in tropical weather can put a strain even on well-trained explorers. Luckily, KL is a food-lover’s hub, so a cycling trip can double as a food hunt. Have fun seeking out the best restaurants and coffee shops all over town, from your bike. Stick to popular areas such as Jalan Alor and Jalan Pudu for local favourites, or head around Bukit Bintang for a little upper-class treatment, franchise goodies and more international flavours.

The traffic can get hectic regardless of the hour, as KL is always churning with tourists and workers. Watch out for bully cars and motorbikes who may be a little aggressive on the road. Also be mindful of the pedestrians and people on foot, most of which can be slow and unaware of cyclists, or may not give way to you. Bike stations may also be difficult to locate, especially in the older parts of the city, but be mindful not to just park your bike anywhere.