The Most Instagram-Worthy Spots in Kuala Lumpur

Putra Mosque, Putrajaya, Malaysia
Putra Mosque, Putrajaya, Malaysia | © ephotocorp / Alamy Stock Photo
Lu Yin Wai

Kuala Lumpur is one of the most Instragram-worthy cities in the world, known for its detailed and historic architecture, incredible nature and colourful culture. Here are the wonderful places to snap the sights, both old and new, in the Malaysian capital.

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Petronas Twin Towers

Kuala Lumpur’s famous landmark, Petronas Twin Towers, standing 88 storeys high, was officially opened in 1999, and until 2004 the tallest building in the world. The two buildings, connected via the Sky Bridge on the 41st and 42nd floors, represents Malaysia’s ambitions and aspirations in the world. Make your way to the KLCC Park to take a photo of the country’s symbolic building, then head up to the 86th floor to see the sweeping views of the city.

KL Tower during sunrise, Menara Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

KL Tower is the seventh tallest communication tower across the world (after the Tokyo Skytree and Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower, among others). Take the elevator up to the 15th floor to enjoy a fantastic view of Kuala Lumpur – not least of the Twin Towers themselves. Better still, enjoy a meal at the revolving restaurant at night. The view will take your breath away.

Petaling Street

Once a tapioca flour production base during the Selangor Civil War, Petaling Street is now a shopping haven for tourists. Here, you will see red lanterns hanging across the shopping street where locals sell their goods, produce and clothes every day.

Sri Maha Marianmman Temple

The splendid Sri Maha Marianmman Temple is situated at Jalan Tun HS Lee. It is a sacred place for Hindu devotees who visit to perform their daily prayers. The colourful detail statues of Hindu deities and mosaics on the ceilings and pillars are simply magnificent.

Merchant’s Lane

This former brothel in Petaling Street has been turned into one of the most Instagram-worthy cafes in KL, decorated with oriental interiors and hints of tropical plants. It offers an extensive menu of fusion and Malaysian delicacies, and it’s a perfect retreat away from the busy city.

PS150

With its authentic cocktails and detailed interiors, PS150 takes you on a nostalgia trip through various eras of Indochina. There are three different seating areas decorated with vintage artefacts and furniture.

APW Bangsar

APW Bangsar, once a family-run printing factory that was passed down to the family’s young generation, has been transformed into a culture and lifestyle hangout. It is a popular event venue consisting of eateries, with the concrete stairs near Japanese burrito restaurant Makirito being a popular photo spot.

Brickfields

Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Known as Little India, the Brickfields neighbourhood is a colourful maze filled with textile shops, jewellery stores, spice shops, grocery stores, flower shops, restaurants and food stalls. Here you will find wonderful Hindu temples and ornate century-old churches. Don’t forget to savour the local Indian delicacies – and take some Instaworthy pics.

Batu Caves

Batu Caves are frequently visited by Hindu devotees who gather at this holy place to celebrate Thaipusam every year. The golden statue of Lord Murugan welcomes you before you climb 272 concrete steps up to the caves. The Kuala Lumpur city skyline (including the KL Tower and Petronas Twin Towers) can be seen from afar as you stop to snap the view.

Putra Mosque

The pink-domed Putra Mosque, built using rose-tinted granite, consists of three areas – the prayer hall, the courtyard and the learning facilities and function rooms – all provided for Muslim devotees. The detailed architecture and design was inspired by Morocco’s King Hassan II Mosque and Baghdad’s Sheikh Omar Mosque.

KL Forest Eco Park

Enjoy nature at the heart of the capital city. Explore the park’s natural surroundings by walking along various canopy trails. You can see the KL Tower in the distance while strolling through the oldest protected jungle in Malaysia.

Bukit Bintang

Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur

Bukit Bintang is one of Kuala Lumpur’s busiest shopping and tourist hotspots, and the intersection connects Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Sultan Ismail. Feel the city vibe – bright city lights and billboards, people walking across the roads, rushing cars and railing sounds of the monorail – and shop till you drop at Pavilion, Lot 10, Fahrenheit 88 and Sungei Wang Plaza.

Heli Lounge Bar

Couldn’t resist looking at Kuala Lumpur’s skyline? Heli Lounge Bar is the ideal place to soak up the sunset and enjoy the night view of Kuala Lumpur. Order your drink at the bar and head outside to the helipad to enjoy the night life.

Zhongshan Building

A 1950s interconnected shophouse in Kampung Attap, Zhongshan Building has now been transformed into an independent arts hub. Funded by Think City, it is home to local artisans creating unique art pieces. Visitors are welcome to discover local art, culture and music. The art space has a gallery, a risograph printing studio, a small standing cafe/bar, a record store, a tailor shop and a bookstore.

Thean Hou Temple

This six-tiered Buddhist temple is known as the Temple of the Goddess of Heaven. Buddhist worshippers also come to the shrine pray to the Goddess of Mercy and celebrate Chinese festivals including Wesak Day and Mooncake Festival. The temple comprises both contemporary and traditional architectural designs of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

Lake Gardens

Lake Gardens has various spaces to explore such as the Orchid Garden and Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park . It is a great place to get away from the concrete jungle and be at one with nature. You could have a run along the jogging tracks while enjoying into the luscious greenery.

The Bee, Publika

Not only is the Bee the best place to catch live music performances, it is the perfect location for taking photos with friends in a lively atmosphere. The walls are decorated with neon-light signs and posters of live performances. Strike a pose with the retro pinball machines next to the bar.

The Pavilion

The Pavilion is a shopping sanctuary, and shoppers always grab the opportunity to take photos of their fashionable poses. You may spot people posing in front of the Liuli Crystal Fountain, couture walkway and Spanish Steps. Every festive season, decorations are added everywhere, including in the centre of Pavilion, welcoming guests to celebrate together.

Jalan Alor

Street musicians in Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Jalan Alor has plenty of hawker stalls and seafood restaurants for you to relish a range of Malaysian delicacies. The bright restaurant signage and congested crowd add to the busy street vibe. It is also an Instaworthy location to take photos of local dishes.

Chocha Foodstore

This serene restaurant is a fantastic example of authentic and charming interior design. Make yourself at home with contemporary furniture, antique lighting and relaxing courtyard. Quench your thirst with a pot of Chinese tea, and imagine yourself going back in time in Petaling Street.

Leaf and Co Cafe

Formerly an old mess hall, leaf & co cafe is situated below Mingle, a boutique hostel in Jalan Sultan. The cafe has been renovated with reinforced wood beams, with classic tables and chairs are dotted around. A small garden of potted herbs adds colour in front of the concrete brick wall, combining a colonial setting with contemporary designs in this old part of Kuala Lumpur.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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