[Updated 30 June 2021]
“Wait, let me Instagram this” has become a common phrase now. Some even go to great lengths just to capture a single moment that would make a great post. For avid Instagrammers out there, we’ve rounded up some of the best free Instagrammable spots in KL that would make a cool backdrop for your OOTDs. That's right, no entrance fee is needed!
1. The LINC KL
Combining the wonders of retail rush and greenery in Kuala Lumpur's last green space, The LINC KL has become one of the best Instagrammable places in KL for a mini (or legit) photoshoot! Located in the heart of the city on Jalan Tun Razak, this shopping mall combines retail and greenery, so you can shop or have coffee with your friends surrounded by nature. Of course, there are Insta-worthy backdrops everywhere ? Find out more about The LINC here!
2. Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Here’s a true classic KL backdrop that never gets old. Located just across Dataran Merdeka, Sultan Abdul Samad Building is one of Malaysia's most significant monuments that has become a part of the city’s identity.
It’s also one of the most Insta-worthy spots in KL! The building was designed as a counterpart of the Big Ben but more influenced with Indo-Saracenic architecture style.
3. Batu Caves
You can’t do a list of the best Instagram spots in KL and not include Batu Caves! In 2018, the famed 272 steps leading up to the temple have been repainted with vibrant colours to make the place pop out even more.
When it’s not busy welcoming worshippers, Batu Caves is thronged with curious visitors who are there to take Instagram photos. It’s best to visit the place early in the morning to avoid the crowd.
#HHWT Tip: Do take note that Batu Caves is still a sacred place for the Hindus, so please be mindful and not disturb others!
4. Perdana Botanical Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana)
Doesn't this place look like it came straight out of a painting? Also known as Taman Tasik Perdana (or Perdana Botanical Gardens), Lake Gardens is located in central KL and perfect for anyone looking for a quick escape from the concrete jungle.
With a beautiful landscape, greenery, as well as the impressive yellow canopy, which has become a popular backdrop for OOTDs. Sometimes, you can even find couples having their wedding photoshoot here! While the admission to Perdana Botanical Gardens is free, the Orchid Garden and Hibiscus Garden has an entrance fee of RM1 per person during weekends.
5. Kwai Chai Hong
Launched in 2019, Project Kwai Chai Hong transformed the neglected lanes of Chinatown and restored the historic pre-war shop lots to inject life into this place again and make it one of the most Instagrammable spots in Kuala Lumpur! An arch and red bridge welcome you into the laneway where you’ll find 6 murals depicting the daily activities of Chinese settlers who used to occupy the area, painted by local artists. Read more about Kwai Chai Hong here!
6. Changkat Bukit Bintang
Changkat Bukit Bintang is another alleyway that had a facelift. Described as “pockets of sunshine”, Kuala Lumpur City Hall transformed the dingy alleys into artsy little getaways with bright and colourful murals depicting flora and fauna on the surrounding walls and a streaming river on the ground.
The artwork is also a tribute to the Alor stream that used to be there almost a century ago. Look for tiny details like this staircase that is flourished with vibrant spilt paint design.
7. Thean Hou Temple
This six-tiered temple which sits atop Robson Heights is dedicated to the heavenly queen, Thean Hou, and also one of the oldest and largest temples in Southeast Asia. The temple combines both traditional and contemporary elements of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, which makes the place so unique!
Although Thean Hou Temple is best visited during Chinese festivals, the striking red roofs with intricate carvings and red lanterns adorning the place will still look as majestic on any other days.
8. The Stories Of Taman Tunku, Bukit Tunku
The Stories Of Taman Tunku is a new retail and business centre that's quickly becoming the talk of the town. Situated in the heart of Taman Tunku, more people have taken notice of the massive mural of a well-stock bookshelf complete familiar reads from Harry Potter to Stephenie Meyer. You'll stumble upon this mural when you make your way to Kenny Hills Bakers, known for their Nutella croissants and other pastries.
9. Bank Negara Malaysia Museum And Art Gallery
Update: As of June 2021, Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery is temporarily closed until further notice
The best place to learn about economics, Islamic banking, and the role of Malaysia's Central Bank is coincidentally one of the best Instagrammable spots in Kuala Lumpur. Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery has many themed galleries ranging from Islamic finance to the arts. If there's one place to take a photo after your visit, it's the spiral staircase that is illuminated by the natural light from the ceiling.
There's also a giant newspaper cutting that's located in the Economics gallery. While reading about the country's economic progress from Independence Day to the present time, you can pose in the middle of the giant newspaper that has surprisingly fantastic dim lighting too.
10. Empire Damansara
Situated in Damansara Perdana, Empire Damansara is more than just a hub for restaurants and retail stores. Decorated with bare brick walls and metal staircase, it feels almost like a Melbournian heritage building and you'll discover many Insta-worthy corners when you explore its open-air space. One of them is a mural that mimics a bright light that shines the spotlight on the yellow bench.
You'll also come across staircases with beautiful metal railing to recreate the industrial vibe. If you have the whole space to yourself, snap a photo and let your Instagram followers wonder if you're actually in Kuala Lumpur.
11. BookXcess
Taking a page from Seoul's Starfield Library at Starfield COEX Mall, BookXcess' new tunnel concept bookstore has been getting attention on Instagram too. Spanning 16,000 square feet, come to Sunsuria Forum to see it for yourself (or take pictures with it)!
After capturing the pretty angles of this tunnel bookstore, flip through a few books from the fiction, non-fiction, arts and design as well as children's sections. If you're a book lover, you might leave home with new reads too.
12. The escalator at Nu Sentral
Nu Sentral may just be another bustling shopping mall in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, but it has unassuming Insta-worthy spots such as this symmetrical escalator just right outside it.
Come early during off-peak hours to have the whole escalator to yourself. Let your creativity run free to create a contemporary snapshot in the city of Kuala Lumpur. We recommend taking a snapshot from the bottom of the escalator to capture a hypnotising angle.
13. Saloma Link
Opened in February 2020, the Saloma Link (also known as Pintasan Saloma) is one of the most popular Insta-worthy spots in KL! Named after the late Salmah Ismail, a Malaysian-Singaporean film actress and singer (also the wife of the legendary P. Ramlee), this 370-meter bridge connects Lorong Raja Muda Musa 3 near Kampung Baru LRT Station to Jalan Saloma which is next to Menara Public Bank.
Not only does the bridge's unique structure make for a gorgeous picture, but the LED lights that illuminate it enhances its beauty at night ? For the best picture of the Saloma Link, you'll need to capture it from the Kampung Baru side. That way, your frame will be filled with the view of the Petronas Twin Towers and other major city landmarks.
14. River of Life, Masjid Jamek
The River Of Life may be known as one of the world's top waterfront districts, but you can also find many beautiful murals along the Klang River. Weaving stories and cultures that make up the bustling Kuala Lumpur, it's a great place to take a photo before standing back to wonder how long it took to paint it all.
What are your thoughts on these places? Time to practice your pose and find your best angle at these amazing Instagrammable spots in KL that are absolutely free! ?