Kuala Lumpur, or KL as it is commonly known, is Malaysia’s capital and is full of Instagrammable places! It is one of the best cities in South East Asia for photography and definitely belongs on any Asia bucket list.
KL is gaining more and more popularity amongst tourists, and for good reason! Not only is KL full of Instagrammable places, but it is a fabulously culturally diverse city – with really great food!
Kuala Lumpur is a really affordable city to visit, plus English is very widely spoken here.
Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant modern metropolis full of skyscrapers, whilst at the same time it retains history and charm. The city is so clean and classic, yet is unmistakably South East Asia!
Many spend just one day in Kuala Lumpur on a stopover, however two or three days is a good amount of time to spend here to get to know the city.
And with beautiful photo opportunities around every corner, there are so many Instagrammable places in KL!
MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN KL
1. Petronas Towers
When most people think of KL they automatically think of the Petronas Towers – the twin skyscrapers that are an absolute icon of Kuala Lumpur.
Absolutely no visit to Kuala Lumpur is complete without seeing the iconic Petronas Towers that tower above the city.
They remain the world’s tallest twin towers (they are 88 floors high), and this is seriously one of the best photo spots in Kuala Lumpur.
You can get a beautiful view of the towers from KLCC Park, or alternatively from the fountains on the opposite side of the towers, like in the picture below.
The Petrona Towers are such a unique form of architecture – made up of steel, concrete and a glass facade and they are definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in KL.
Many people visit during the day – however the towers look even more spectacular when lit up at night so I definitely recommend you visit during the night to get your photos.
Whilst it can be quite crowded when you are outside the front by the fountains, it can be easy enough to not get other people in your photo if you sit on one of the small walls like I am below.
You’ll need to angle your camera up to be able to get the whole of the towers in, so it naturally cuts out most of the other people.
As you can see in the photo, about halfway up the towers a Skybridge connects the two towers.
If you wish to go inside the Petronas Towers and see the view, pay 80 Malaysian ringgit (£15) to visit the skybridge on levels 41 and 42 and then head up to the observation deck on the 86th floor.
Only 1000 people can enter per day so try to buy your tickets in advance.
If you don’t manage to get a ticket, you can always go in the evening and avoid paying an entry fee by visiting Marini’s Bar on floor 57 and enjoy the view over a cocktail.
You’ll have to buy a drink but the view here is really amazing, especially when the tower is all lit up at night!
To enter both the Skybridge and Marini’s Bar, you’ll need to enter via the Suria KLCC – a big luxury brands shopping mall located at the base of the Petronas Towers.
Google maps location of The Petronas Towers.
MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN KL
2. Thean Hou Temple
Malaysia’s most beautiful temple is dedicated to the Chinese goddess of Heaven: Thean Hou.
Thean Hou Temple is one of South East Asia’s largest Chinese Buddhist temples and it is used for worship as well as many wedding registrations by Chinese-Malay.
In recent years it has also become a popular place for photography due to the colourful, ornate designs and the many coloured lanterns, making this one of the most Instagrammable places in KL.
A myriad of colours adorn the temple and amazingly, entrance is free! The temple opens at 8am and as it is a popular tourist attraction I recommend to get there before 10am, which is when it starts to get busy with tourists.
The temple is six stories high: climb straight to the top level to see the beautiful lanterns and intricate carvings, and ase temple is located on a hill, you’ll also have some absolutely incredible views over the city.
Thean Hou Temple is located south west of the city, along Jalan Klang Lama. Google maps location of Thean Hou Temple.
MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN KL
3. Batu Caves
Just a short ride north of the centre of Kuala Lumpur are the Batu Caves – a group of limestone caves with Hindu temples and shrines inside.
The caves are a popular place to visit in KL, attracting thousands of visitors and worshippers every day, and are definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Kuala Lumpur.
There is a very large impressive gold statue of a Hindu god at the entrance, and then to reach the cave temple you need to climb the 272 steps leading to them.
Whilst this may not seem like a lot of steps, believe me in the heat it can be tiring to climb up to the top. Therefore it is best to go early when the heat is less intense.
The Batu Caves became even more popular for people to come and take photos since the steps leading to the Batu Caves were painted in a rainbow of colours in 2018.
Every day it gets very busy here (with tourists and locals), so if you want a picture with nobody else in it, you need to arrive at 7am when it opens and when there are only a handful of people there.
Get there any later and the place will be absolutely packed and you won’t be able to see the beautifully coloured stairs in all their beauty as so many people will be climbing them!
Beware of the monkeys and don’t feed them! Also remember this is a place of worship so please dress appropriately with your knees covered.
It is free to enter the main cave temple, but if you wish to visit the Dark Cave as well it will cost 35RMB.
Be warned also that if you visit during the annual Hindu festival Thaipusam (held often around January/February time, please check if you are planning to visit around this time!), the place is extremely crowded.
The quickest and most convenient way to get here is to get a Grab taxi.
How to take photos at The Batu Caves:
Arrive at 7am when the Batu Caves open if you want to get photos of the colourful staircase without other people in. The locals start to arrive around 7.30am, and then by 9am the place is full with tourists.
The picture below was actually a lot easier to take than I thought it would be.
Before I went I used to think you would need a drone or need to be up high to take this photo, but you just need to have a friend standing at the bottom of the stairs a little bit back, then get them to take a picture of you once you have climbed the stairs.
I wouldn’t advise going alone and using a tripod as it will take you a while to climb and you won’t be able to see the tripod all the time, so someone could easily steal it.
If you are travelling alone, just ask someone to take the photo for you!
Google maps location of Batu Caves.
MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN KL
4. Federal Territory Mosque (Wilayah Mosque)
The Federal Territory Mosque – also known as the Wilayah Mosque, is a large mosque in KL that can house 17,000 worshippers at one time.
A mix of architectural styles were used in the building of this mosque, including Mughal, Malay and Turkish.
It is free to enter the mosque, and despite it being stunning and a really beautiful place to photograph, it isn’t busy at all as it isn’t well-known by many tourists. Entrance is through Gate B and from 10am.
Unlike some of the more popular Instagrammable places in KL where you need to get there early if you don’t want other people in your photos, here at the Federal Territory Mosque it isn’t common to see many other tourists here so it is easy to get photos without other people in.
As this is a Muslim place of worship women will need to wear an abaya – you are given one free to rent.
If you want to go into the inside hall you will need to go in with a guide, however you are free to wander around the outside of the main hall where there are some really nice places to get photos.
MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN KL
5. Regalia Suites Rooftop Pool
Now the photo spots don’t have to stop when you get back to your accommodation in KL! Book a night in an apartment at Regalia Suites and enjoy the exclusive use of their fabulous rooftop infinity pool.
Not only is the view from the rooftop pool insane, but you can stay in these apartments for very cheap: many people let out their apartments in these buildings on Airbnb for great prices (around £25 a night for a whole apartment!!).
This is certainly a lot cheaper than at hotels that also offer great skyline views.
I have stayed at The Regalia Suites twice and really recommend it! Airbnb apartments in Regalia Suites.
Google maps location of Regalia Suites.
6. The Face Suites Rooftop Pool
The Face Suites are similar to the Regalia Suites in that there are many airbnb apartments here and it also offers incredible views from the rooftop pool.
I have heard really amazing things about The Face Suites and in fact many people actually prefer it to Regalia Suites as you are a lot closer to the Petronas Towers and the KL Tower.
It does get booked up a lot quicker than Regalia Suites though, so definitely book in advance. The pool opens at 7am but there will be other people there even this early as it is a popular spot and Instagrammable place.
Airbnb apartments in The Face Suites.
Google maps location of The Face Suites.
MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN KL
7. Bukit Bintang
Located in the heart of KL, Bukit Bintang has some amazing street art that makes for some great Instagrammable photos. If you are into street art then this is definitely the place for you!
Stroll around and enjoy the many different coloured wall murals in the area.
The Jalan Alor Street Food Night Market at Bukit Bintang is the place to be in the evening in Kuala Lumpur! The bustling street of Bukit Bintang is full of many restaurants and food stalls serving great local food.
Whilst it is open during the day too, during the evening is when Jalan Alor comes alive!
After dark there is a definite buzz here and it is lit up beautifully with Chinese lanterns and brightly lit stalls – making for some great Instagrammable photos!
Jalan Alor is full of character and you can even rock up as late as 2am and still sit down for food!
This food haven, which was actually once the red light district, attracts both locals and tourists and is a great way to sample Malaysian cuisine at a very reasonable price!
Google maps location of Jalan Alor Street Food Night Market.
MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN KL
8. KL Tower / Menara Kuala Lumpur
Another must-see place in Kuala Lumpur is the KL Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur) – a telecommunications tower in the centre of the city.
Whilst from the outside it is not as impressive as The Petronas Towers, if you have to choose between going up The Petronas Towers or going up the KL Tower, I definitely recommend the KL Tower.
Unlike the Petronas Towers, the 360 degrees viewing platform at The KL Tower, which is known as the Skydeck, is actually open air which always makes for better photos as there are no reflections of the glass in your photos.
Rising up 421 metres high means you’ll have a fab view of the city from the KL Tower – not only because you’ll get to actually see The Petronas Towers, but also because of the “sky boxes” – glass boxes which jut out from the Skydeck!
Sky boxes:
These sky boxes make for some great photos (even if it is a little scary going on them!) as you can stand on the glass platform and look down to the city below.
There are 2 glass platforms, but go to the purple one that has the view of the Petronas Towers in the background for better pictures.
You cannot wear shoes in the Sky box, and there is a security guard there. I guess if you ask nicely he might take your photos for you!
The Skydeck is open from 9am to 10pm every day. We got there in the middle of the day and surprisingly it wasn’t super busy. Entrance fee is 105 Malaysian ringgit (£20) for entrance to both the Skydeck and Skybox.
Please bear in mind that visiting the Skydeck is weather dependent due to the viewing platform being outdoors. If there is bad weather you will be unable to go to the top for obvious reasons.
So visit on a good day, or if it is raining a little you can always ring them up to ask if it is closed. I advise to ring as information is not on their website as to the current status of the Skydeck.
Google maps location of the KL Tower.
MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN KL
9. Putrajaya Mosque (Pink Mosque)
For all you lovers of pink, the Putra Mosque is an absolutely stunning pink Mosque that is definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in KL!
The most is pretty large (it can hold up to 15,000 people at once), and the pink dome is made from rose-tinted granite!
You can get some really lovely photos of the mosque when you walk around the grounds by the water.
Late afternoon is a good time to visit as you can enjoy it in the daylight and then get some really nice photos around sunset when the mosque is lit up.
As with the Federal Territory Mosque, you will need to dress respectfully to enter (females can be lent an abaya) and you can have a tour inside the mosque if you wish.
The Pink Mosque is located in Putrajaya, which is about 35 minutes south of the centre – between Kuala Lumpur Airport and downtown KL. A Grab taxi is the quickest and most convenient way to get here.
MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN KL
10. Astaka Morocco (Morocco Pavilion)
For a taste of Morocco in Kuala Lumpur, head to Astaka Morocco – also known as the Morocco Pavilion. With beautiful intricate carvings and tile work, this place definitely feels like Morocco!
You can wander round the majority of Astaka Morocco for free and take photos. However the most stunning area (the main area) costs 3RM to visit and absolutely no cameras are allowed!
Astaka Morocco is located in Putrajaya, so I would definitely time a visit here with a visit to the Putra Mosque (Pink Mosque) – hence why I have put it directly underneath number 9: Putrajaya Mosque.
As Putrajaya is about 35 minutes south of the city by car (halfway between downtown KL and Kuala Lumpur Airport, you may wish to visit here on your way to or from the airport.
Note Astaka Morocco is closed on Tuesdays. Opening hours for other days are generally 9am until 6pm.
MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN KL
11. Sultan Abdul Samad Building at Independence Square
Head to Plaza Merdeka (Independence Square), where Malaysia declared its independence from the British in 1957. Just opposite the square is the Sultan Abdul Samad building: a beautifully designed building from the late 1800s.
It is a historical and treasured landmark in KL, constructed entirely from brick and combines Moorish, gothic and western styles.
The shiny copper-clad cupolas and curved colonnades are stunning and make for some nice photographs. Even during the middle of the day it is pretty uncrowded here.
Also, if you are looking for the I love KL sign, you’ll find it just next to Independence Square.
Google maps location of Sultan Abdul Samad building.
MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN KL
12. Perdana Botanic Gardens
Perdana Botanic Gardens is the most popular park in KL. Not only are there Botanic Gardens here, but there is also a deer park, bird park, Butterly park and an Orchid Garden! You could easily spend several hours exploring!
Of course make sure you bring enough water, and it is advisable to visit early in the morning when it isn’t as hot.
You can get some really Instagrammable photos at the Laman Perdana – a beautiful tree-like canopy!
MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN KL
13. Saloma Link Bridge
The Saloma Link Bridge opened in early 2020 and is a pedestrian and cycle bridge that connects new Kuala Lumpur to old Kuala Lumpur.
The new bridge provides a really great connection between the two sides of KL, that were previously just connected by a highway. The bridge has a very unique design and is lit up spectacularly at night with an LED light design.
You can get some great photos here with the Petronas Towers in the background.
MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN KL
14. KL Forest Eco Park
Kuala Lumpur really has it all – including a rainforest in the middle of the city! Previously known as Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, the KL Forest Eco Park is a rainforest – certainly not what you expect in such a busy city!
The KL Forest Eco Park makes for some really Instagrammable photos – the canopy walkway is a definite here: it really makes you feel like you are in the jungle – but you have a city skyline backdrop which certainly makes for some great photos!
In addition to the forest canopy walkway and several walks you can do here (suitable for all the family). The KL Forest Eco Park is free to visit and is open daily.
15. Elmina Valley Central Park
There are two Instagrammable places at Elmina Valley Central Park: the Rainbow Walkway and the Elmina Bridge – both are really great photo spots in KL!
Elmina Valley Central Park is located around 30 minutes drive west of downtown Kuala Lumpur in Shah Alam so it is a bit out of the way.
16. Kwai Chai Hong KL
Down from Petaling Street you’ll find the hidden alley of Kwai Chai Hong KL that takes you back in time to the olden days of Chinatown here.
Find beautiful wall murals here depicting the life of the Chinese settlers, then visit one of the many nearby cafes for some delicious food!
BEST INSTAGRAMMABLE ROOFTOP BARS IN KL
After a busy couple of days exploring, how else to finish off the day than by visiting one of Kuala Lumpur’s many rooftop bars!
17. Heli Lounge Bar (Menara KH)
An absolute must-visit is the Heli Lounge Bar – Kuala Lumpur’s best rooftop bar! The Heli Lounge is a helipad during the day, then in the night it transforms into a bar!
The best time to visit is during sunset to admire the 360 degree unobstructed views of the incredible KL skyline! The location is right between the Petronas Towers and the KL Tower so the views are so perfect here!
On the top floor there is a nightclub too if you wish to visit! To access the Heli Lounge Bar you’ll need to take the lift to level 34 where the nightclub is, and then head up two flights of stairs to the Heli Pad.
As it actually operates as a Helipad during the day, The Heli Lounge only opens at 6pm for drinks and closes at around midnight (later on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings – up to 2 or 3am).
I would advise to arrive at 6pm so you can get a table close to the edge with a great view, as the bar does get busy quickly. If you arrive later 9pm it turns into more of a nightclub and the dress code is much stricter (evening attire).
If you arrive at sunset though, casual day outfits such as shorts, flip-flops and t-shirt are fine.
Also bear in mind that if you arrive after 9pm that there is a minimum spend (two bottles of wine or liquor) to get onto the helipad.
If you arrive just to see the sunset though there is no minimum spend, which is why it is definitely best to time it with the sunset, especially as it is so magical watching the city turn from day to night from above!
It’s good to stay until about an hour after sunset so you can see the city light up and come to life! Drink prices are also quite reasonable here – around 30 Malaysian Ringgit for a large beer or cocktails.
The Heli Lounge Bar sits on the roof of the Menara KH building (not to be confused with the Menara KL building!). Whilst it is a very central building in Bukit Bintang, it is quite unassuming from the outside.
You won’t see signs for the Heli Lounge Bar, which means it can make it a little bit difficult to find!
To get here you can either take a Grab taxi (tell the driver Menara KH building/Heli Lounge Bar) or you can take the monorail to Raja Chulan Station (MR7).
Head north on Jahan Sultan Ismal and you will see the Menara KH building on your left about 60 metres away.
Other great rooftop bars in KL include The Skybar in Trader’s Hotel or Vertigo at The Banyan Tree!
Other nearby places to explore:
Did you know that Singapore is only a 5 hour bus ride away from Kuala Lumpur?! And just like Kuala Lumpur, there are so many Instagrammable places in Singapore!
If you’re thinking of going to Singapore check out this 2 day Singapore itinerary. If you are a little worried that it’s going to be expensive, there are plenty ways to explore Singapore on a budget.
Equally, if you’d like to discover what else Malaysia has to offer, head to Langkawi, an island paradise just 1 hour flight away!
Kuala Lumpur Airport is a great international hub, so you can get many cheap flights to nearby South East Asian destinations such as Bangkok, Saigon, Phno Penh, Laos, Myanmar and Bali.
Summary on Most Instagrammable Places in KL:
As we can see, Kuala Lumpur is full of many incredibly varied Instatgrammable spots. Not only this, but the city is full of history and great food and is definitely one of the most popular cities in South East Asia to visit!
If you know any more Instagrammable places in KL that I haven’t mentioned then drop me a message as I love to hear from you!
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