Somewhere in the corners of Klang Valley lies the hidden attractions that you never knew existed. From rainforests to cultural villages, the Greater Kuala Lumpur area still has a couple of secrets waiting to be discovered?
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If you’re new to the Klang Valley and keen to explore like a local, check out these hidden attractions before the tourist buses make their way there!
1. KL Forest Eco Park
It’s easy to be distracted by the KL Tower that you won't notice a lush forest reserve right in their front yard. Previously known as the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, the KL Forest Eco Park is where the local urbanites go for an afternoon of forest freshness?
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Surrounded by modern buildings, this forest reserve is the last patch of tropical rainforest left in the city, which makes it even more special. Make the best out of your daytime visit by strolling on the canopy walk. Not only will you get a treetop view of the KL Tower, the lucky ones can even catch sightings of monkeys, birds, and wild insects!
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Address: 8, Jalan Raja Chulan, Bukit Kewangan, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Open daily; 7AM-6PM
Entrance fee: Free
2. Mah Meri Cultural Village
Pulau Carey is close to the hearts of the Mah Meri tribe who built their homes on the island for many centuries. Today, the Mah Meri Cultural Village has become a place for everyone to learn their culture, heritage and history. Known as the Masked Men of Malaysia, they are recognised for their mask craftsmanship, and you will see why from their spectacular handiwork decorated around the cultural centre.
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Today, the cultural village hosts a variety of tour packages. Uniquely catered to students, families and tourists, you can explore a one-of-a-kind cultural experience here. Some of the activities include a cultural show, a traditional wedding ceremony, a visit to the origami centre, a village walk, and many more?
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#HHWT Tip: For a special tour, visit the cultural village during their annual Hari Moyang (Ancestors’ Day held in March) where you can catch the important ancient rituals still practised by the Mah Meri tribe today.
Address: Jalan Kampong Orang Asli Sungai Bumbun, Kampung Manikavasagam, 42960 Pulau Carey, Selangor
Operating hours: Tue-Sun; 9AM-6PM
Entrance fee: Various packages starting from RM20 per person
3. Islamic Arts Museum
After visiting the National Mosque, swing by the Islamic Arts Museum to appreciate a variety of stunning artefacts and artworks. Home to the largest collection of Islamic art in Southeast Asia, the art selections encapsulates the beauty and serenity of the Islamic world?
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Every step you take promises something new and wonderful to admire. Whether it’s the large scale model of the Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca or the 9th-century blue Al-Quran, the museum is sprawled with a thousand more artefacts to cherish. If you have a thing for Islamic architecture, the inverted dome pavilion will mesmerise you with its shimmering mirrored facets and golden inscription of the Quran’s opening verse.
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#HHWT Tip: The Islamic Arts Museums opens everyday including Malaysian public holidays. The only time the museum closes is during Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Address: Jalan Lembah, Perdana Botanical Gardens, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Operating hours: Open daily; 10AM-6PM
Entrance fee:
RM14 (Adults)
RM7 (Students with ID & Senior Citizen)
Free (Children below 6 years old)
4. Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman
Did you know that the Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman is one of the oldest surviving traditional Malay houses in the country? Better yet, did you know this house was originally situated in Kedah before being relocated to Kuala Lumpur? What a journey this house has been on?
Credit: Badan Warisan Malaysia (The Heritage of Malaysia Trust) on Facebook
This traditional home was named after its original owner who was also the village headman in Kedah. Today, you can only access the interior of the house through Badan Warisan Malaysia’s guided tour. With a minimum donation, you can catch a glimpse of the early 1900s furniture, kitchen utensils, and traditional ceramics. Stay close to their knowledgeable tour guides when they share stories of the traditions and architecture of the Old Malaya.
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#HHWT Tip: To book a spot for the guided tour, check out their website for contact details. You can choose between the two daily time slots: 11AM and 3PM.
Address: 2, Jalan Stonor, 50450 Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Mon-Sat; 11AM & 3PM (For guided tours; Closed on public holidays)
Entrance fee: Minimum donation of RM10 per person
5. Little India at Brickfields
Similar to all the Little Indias around the world, our Brickfields neighbourhood is filled with vibrant sidewalks and gorgeous colours. The modernised heritage enclave is accessible via train and buses, so you can immerse yourself in the cultural experience backed by the congested and energetic vibes of Kuala Lumpur.
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The Little India in Brickfields has everything you can imagine. Whether you’re looking for beautiful traditional sarees or handmade flower garlands, it will be a rewarding shopping trip soundtracked by pulsating Bollywood beats. For lunch, you can walk into any Indian restaurants for a serving of full-blown flavours. If you’re lost amid the lunch choices, we highly recommend Vishal Food Catering for a memorable banana leaf rice experience?
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Address: Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Open daily; 11AM-10PM
Entrance fee: Free
6. Royal Selangor Visitor Centre
Malaysians have many things to be proud of. One of them includes our dedication in crafting fine pewter. Since 1885, Royal Selangor is the powerhouse behind the world’s excellent pewtersmithing. For everyone to experience it first-hand, they established the Royal Selangor Visitors Centre that is open for the curious and interested?
Credit: Royal Selangor Visitor Centre on Facebook
Joining their free guided tours is the best way to gain an introduction to Malaya’s early tin mining development, traditional pewtersmithing tools, and ancient tin currency. For a hands-on experience, we highly recommend a session at The School of Hard Knocks where participants can create their own pewter dish through a guided pewtersmithing workshop.
Credit: Royal Selangor Visitor Centre on Facebook
#HHWT Tip: Take a snapshot of their world’s largest giant tankard that made it into the Guinness World of Records.
Address: 4, Jalan Usahawan 6, Setapak Jaya, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Operating hours: Open daily; 9AM-5PM
Entrance fee: Free
7. Perdana Botanical Garden
The local taxi drivers might still refer to it as Lake Gardens, but the Perdana Botanical Garden is a stunning attraction. After the KL Forest Eco Park, the botanical garden is a scenic alternative for a nature escapade in Kuala Lumpur. Great for morning jogs and evening walks, the garden is shadowed by forest trees to keep you cool and shaded everywhere you go?♀️
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Along the way, you will find fascinating foliages in the Zingiberales and Heliconia garden. There’s also a Herb & Spice Garden and Sunken Garden to explore at your own pace. If you want to check out the lovely Fallow deers, make your way to the Deer Park that is situated close to the Tun Abdul Razak Memorial.
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Address: Jalan Kebun Bunga, Tasik Perdana, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Operating hours: Open daily; 7AM-8PM
Entrance fee: Free
8. Orchid & Hibiscus Garden
If orchids and hibiscuses are two of your favourite blooms in the world, this will be your little happy place. Situated within the Perdana Botanical Garden, the Orchid & Hibiscus Garden is decorated with various species of the popular blooms.
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The Hibiscus Garden honours our country’s national flower, and the garden is sprawled with a waterfall, fountains, and every Bunga Raya that you can ever imagine. The Orchid Garden houses a vast collection of 800 species of orchids where you can stop and smell every single one of them (if you have the whole afternoon to spare!)?
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Address: Jalan Perdana, Taman Tasik Perdana, Wilayah Persekutuan, Perdana Botanical Gardens, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Open daily; 9AM-6PM
Entrance fee:
Free (Weekdays)
RM1 (Weekends)
Who knew the Klang Valley has room for a tropical rainforest, a traditional Malay house, and an ancient cultural village? If you’re new to Klang Valley, give the tourist map a rest and spend a day to visit the locals' best-kept secrets!