Looking for Instagrammable places in KL that will perk up your feed? You’ve come to the right place!
Kuala Lumpur is a diverse city that pulls together cutting-edge modern architecture with clusters of ancient rainforests. You can spend your morning slurping soup at a local market and browsing quirky street art before plunging into an infinity pool and wrapping up your day at a glamorous rooftop bar.
Essentially, KL is the dream destination for photographers, content creators, and casual Instagrammers. But before you visit, you need to figure out where all the Instagrammable places in KL are.
That’s where this article comes into the picture! Read on for my guide to the most Instagrammable places in Kuala Lumpur including advice on when to visit, how to get there, and if there are any fees involved.
*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*
Table of Contents
The Most Instagrammable Places in KL for Epic Photos
1. Petronas Towers
The Petronas Twin Towers is a pair of identical skyscrapers that totter above central KL and can be spotted for miles as you get around the city’s attractions.
They stand at 1,483 feet (451.9 meters) and there is an observation deck located on the 86th floor. Between the years 1998 through 2004, the towers held the rank of being the tallest buildings in the world.
That means that although the Petronas Towers are one of the ultimate Kuala Lumpur Instagram spots, getting a decent shot of them proves challenging.
You can either shoot the towers from the front or from inside the KLCC Park – near the fountains offers the best view. Either way, you will need a wide-angle lens to get quality photos of both towers.
Location on Google Maps: Petronas Towers & KLCC Park
How to get there:
The Petronas Towers contain the Suria KLCC shopping mall which is served by its own station on the LRT Kelana Jaya Line.
Alternatively, the Green Line of the GOKL City Bus (KL’s free bus service) stops outside the Petronas Towers as well as numerous Rapid KL bus routes including the 300, 302, 303, and 402.
As you work your way around these Instagrammable places in KL, you might sometimes need to hail a taxi. Download the rideshare app, Grab, on your phone and then you can always summon a taxi to speed up getting around places.
Best time to go: Any time works but sunset is particularly special.
Cost:
Free to visit from the ground. If you also want to visit the observation deck, then tickets are released every morning and are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Alternatively, you can pre-book a Petronas Towers skip-the-line ticket with hotel delivery.
2. Batu Caves
The Batu Caves is a sacred Hindu complex comprising limestone caves and caverns that are decked with colorful shrines and temples.
A 140-foot (42.7 meters) tall statue of the deity Lord Murugan stands outside the entrance and behind him, 272 steps painted all the shades of the rainbow lead the way up to the cave system.
You will capture the best images from the base of one of the most visually impressive Kuala Lumpur photography spots as this way you’ll get a shot of the statue and the staircase ascending into the cliffs.
While you’re visiting, don’t miss the chance to climb up the stairs and have a wander through the caves. Photography is permitted although you will need to dress appropriately with elbows and knees covered.
Even though the Batu Caves appear far out of the city, they are a must for your itinerary if you want to see the best of Kuala Lumpur in one day.
Location on Google Maps: Batu Caves
How to get there: It takes 25 minutes to get to the Batu Caves station via the KTM Komuter train (KTM Laluan Seremban line) from KL Sentral. Once there, it’s a 5-minute walk to the complex. But if you want to get there as close to opening time as possible, you might prefer to hail a Grab.
Best time to go: The Batu Caves are open daily, 6 am-9 pm. Arrive as early in the morning as possible to coincide with when they open in order to avoid the crowds and intense heat.
Cost: The Batu Caves are free to visit. If you want to also pay a visit to the adjoining Dark Caves then you will need to pay an admission charge of RM35 (8.5 USD).
3. Thean Hou Temple
Located south of the city center, the Thean Hou Temple is one of the offbeat Instagrammable places in KL as it’s often overlooked from a typical itinerary or short visit.
This ornate and colorful temple is dedicated to Mazu, the Chinese goddess of the sea, and fuses together Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Which is a nod to just how diverse and multicultural Kuala Lumpur is.
The temple is set within a beautiful garden that features a representation of each of the 12 zodiac animals, a giant chessboard, and tropical palms and foliage.
The Thean Hou Temple is shrouded with red lanterns which are symbolic of luck and joy as well as being favored by brides on their wedding day. Incidentally – this serene and photographic temple happens to be a popular venue for weddings.
Unfortunately, we ended up visiting right before the Chinese New Year when they traditionally remove the red lanterns to replace them with new ones. Hence you won’t see any lanterns in the below photos but trust me, they are normally there!
Location on Google Maps: Thean Hou Temple
How to get there:
Bangsar on the LRT Laluan Kelana Jaya and MidValley on the KTM Laluan Seremban lines are the closest stations although they still require lengthy walks of 25 and 40 minutes respectively.
You can either go as far as the trains allow and then hail a Grab or just call a rideshare from wherever you are. Rapid KL bus routes 700, 743, BET 11, and P701 all stop a 5-minute walk away on Jalan Syed Putra.
Best time to go:
The Thean Hou Temple is open to the public daily. Current hours of operation are 8 am-2 pm on Mondays, 6 am-12 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 7 am-12 pm on Thursdays through to Sundays.
Whatever day you visit, aim to arrive early in the morning as close to opening time as possible.
Cost: Free.
4. Street art in Bukit Bintang
Bukit Bintang is the premier destination for shopping, entertainment, dining, and partying in Kuala Lumpur. As its popularity has boomed and hundreds of places to eat, drink, and relax have cropped up, the streets have been adorned with cheerful street art that begs you to grab your camera and explore on foot.
Changkat Bukit Bintang marks the main hub within the district. Pay a visit to one of the most Instagrammable places in Kuala Lumpur early in the day to note all the murals along this street and the designated art spot, Jalan Alor KL Street Art 1 Lane.
Paintings are bursting with color and personality, ranging from butterflies, flora and fauna, women, and eclectic prints. You should also spend time wandering around the various backstreets – let your camera guide you.
Location on Google Maps: Changkat Bukit Bintang & Jalan Alor KL Street Art 1 Lane
How to get there: Situated a few minutes walk away from the painted streets, Bukit Bintang station is served by the MRT and the KL Monorail. Bukit Bintang is also served by the green, purple, and blue lines of the GOKL City Bus.
Best time to go: Any time. You’ll get the best photos during the day but this area (and the Jalan Alor Street Market) is excellent fun in the evening as well.
Cost: Free.
5. Infinity pool at The FACE Suites
KL is known for its incredible infinity pools that float high above the city suites and provide the most luxurious way to soak up the views.
The majority of the infinity pools are affixed to hotels and are only accessible to hotel guests. So if you want to experience one of the best photo spots in Kuala Lumpur, you will need to plan this strategically and book a hotel with a pool.
The 5-star FACE Suites is one of the best hotels in KL with an infinity pool. The swim space is located on the highest floor at the property – Level 51 – and overlooks the KL Menara Tower.
Location on Google Maps: THE FACE Suites
How to get there: The hotel is a 5-minute walk from Bukit Nanas on the KL Monorail. Bus lines 300 and 303 stop outside the station on Jalan Ampang.
Best time to go: Be ready with your swimsuit and camera for when the pool opens up for the day and you will experience an unforgettable sunrise. Usually, this is around 7 am but you will need to double-check with the reception team.
Cost: Check the nightly rates at the FACE Suites for your dates.
6. Infinity pool at Upper View Regalia Hotel
The Upper View Regalia Hotel (formerly the Regalia Suites and Residences) is an alternative option for where to stay in KL with an infinity pool.
This hotel features economically priced rooms that will appeal to budget travelers eager to include an infinity pool on your list of Instagrammable places in KL.
As with the FACE Suites, the infinity pool at the Upper View Regalia Hotel is only accessible to hotel guests. The panoramic view from the pool on Level 37 is outstanding as you can spot the Petronas Towers from the water.
Location on Google Maps: Upper View Regalia Hotel
How to get there: KL Kommuter trains (the KTM Laluan Seremban and KTM Laluan Pelabuhan Klang lines) stop at Putra which is a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
Best time to go: As with above, schedule a dip for sunrise (or when the pool opens) during your stay. This again will usually be at 7 am but may change throughout the year.
Cost: Check the nightly rates at the Upper View Regalia Hotel for your dates.
7. Heli Lounge Bar
Easily the most daring of the Kuala Lumpur photography spots, the Heli Lounge Bar sits atop a functioning helipad!
During the day, the bar is used as a helipad but as dusk falls it is transformed into the number one venue for a sundowner as DJ music plays in the background. As the perimeter of the bar area is only cordoned off by ribbon rather than a wall or railings, it does create an unusual feeling.
The views are some of the best in the city and on a clear night, you can capture incredible images of the skyline including the Menara Tower and the Petronas Towers.
Location on Google Maps: Heli Lounge Bar
How to get there:
Heli Lounge Bar is located a 2-minute walk from Raja Chulan on the KL Monorail. The purple, blue, and green lines of the GOKL City Bus (KL’s free bus service) all stop 5 minutes down the road at Pavillion.
The entrance to the bar is fairly nondescript but it’s located at the base of the Menara KH building. You will ride the elevator to the indoor bar on the 34th floor. This is where you are expected to order your drinks before being escorted to the actual helipad.
Best time to go:
Arrive sharp at opening time (5 pm) and stay until sunset. The bar gets very busy at sunset and it can be difficult to find a spare seat if you arrive late.
Heli Lounge Bar transforms into a nightclub at 9 pm and imposes a dress code.
Cost: Admission is free before 9 pm but you are required to purchase at least one drink per person. Cocktails and glasses of wine are typically in the region of 30 MYR (7.2 USD) and upwards.
8. Merchant’s Lane
Merchant’s Lane on Jalan Petaling is one of the best Instagrammable places in Kuala Lumpur for foodies as it’s an artistically designed cafe with an excellent menu.
The menu is a modern take on Malay classics with a blend of meat, fish, and vegetarian options alongside coffees, teas, and chilled drinks. You can choose from brunches, lunches, and heavier plates.
However, it’s the decor that steals the show at Merchant’s Lane with its rustic furnishings, hanging plants, high ceilings, and the occasional splash of turquoise.
Location on Google Maps: Merchant’s Lane
How to get there:
Merdeka station is a 10-minute walk away and is served by the MRT, LRT Laluan Ampang, and LRT Laluan Sri Petaling lines. Pasar Seni station is located a 5-minute walk away and is served by the LRT Laluan Kelana Jaya and MRT lines.
The free GOKL City Bus (purple line) stops outside Pasar Seni and Kotaraya alongside Rapid KL bus lines such as 851, 640, and 650.
Best time to go: Any time during opening hours; 11.30 am–9 pm, Thursday to Tuesday (closed on Wednesdays). The cafe does get busy especially over lunchtime and at the weekends and they do not take reservations.
Cost: Budget approximately 65-100 MYR (16-24 USD) for a meal.
9. KL Forest Eco Park
The KL Forest Eco Park is a patch of the original jungle that once claimed the entire plot of land upon which the city was constructed. It’s situated within the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve and comprises easy nature trails and a canopy walk that takes you high above the trees and provides views of the city skyline.
This sprawl of ancient park is one of the best photo spots in Kuala Lumpur for getting nature images. Be prepared for strong humidity and a lot of mosquitos by packing repellent and water in order to get the most out of the park.
Location on Google Maps: KL Forest Eco Park
How to get there: Bukit Nanas and Raja Chulan – both on the KL Monorail – are each a 20-minute walk away from the entrance. The KL Tower on the purple line of the GOKL City Bus is a few minutes walk from the entrance.
Best time to go: The KL Forest Eco Park is open daily, 8 am-4.30 pm. It closes briefly from 12 pm-2.30 pm on Fridays. Any time works but morning is most comfortable if you want to beat the soaring afternoon temperatures.
Cost: Free.
10. Wilayah Mosque
Kuala Lumpur is the setting for a number of magnificent mosques but I would urge you to dedicate a visit to the Wilayah Mosque (Masjid Wilayah).
Also known as the Federal Territory Mosque, the Wilayah Mosque showcases a blend of Ottoman and Malay architectural styles. Constructed between 1998 and 2000, inspiration was sought from the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.
Remarkably symmetrical with a pair of minarets topped with gleaming turquoise marble and gold detailing, the Wilayah Mosque is a wonder to see.
There are daily free tours at 10 am where you can learn about the mosque making this one of the best Kuala Lumpur Instagram spots for learning about the culture of the city.
Location on Google Maps: Wilayah Mosque
How to get there:
The Wilayah Mosque is located in Kompleks Kerajaan, around 14 km (8.7 miles) northwest of Bukit Bintang. You can take the KTM Laluan Pelabuhan Klang line from KL Sentral to Segambut and hail a Grab from there.
To save time, you can hop in a Grab from your hotel – or consider visiting on the way back from the Batu Caves.
Best time to go: The Wilayah Mosque is open Monday to Friday, 8 am–5 pm. There is a break from 1 pm–2 pm (2.45 pm on Fridays) when the mosque is briefly closed to the public for prayers. Otherwise, any time of the day works.
Cost: Free.
11. Perdana Botanical Gardens
The Perdana Botanical Gardens are a large complex with a lake, a sunken garden, and a waterfall. You can walk up to the Planetarium Negara in the southwest corner and take in panoramic views of the city.
This tropical oasis offers serenity from the busy streets of Bukit Bintang and is perfect if you need to clear your head and walk off a late-night on Jalan Alor! These beautiful gardens are one of the most Instagrammable places in KL for anyone who loves nature, flowers, and peaceful environments.
Location on Google Maps: Perdana Botanical Garden
How to get there: The closest stations are Muzium Negara which is served by the MRT and Kuala Lumpur on the LRT Kelana Jaya Line.
Best time to go: Any time works.
Cost: Free to visit the botanical gardens. The butterfly garden, aviaries, and shows at the planetarium each incur a fee.
12. I Love KL Sign at the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
Concluding this list of Instagrammable places in Kuala Lumpur with something cute, colorful, and totally touristic!
The I Love KL Sign at the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is located right next to the main entrance. It features a plump red love heart and is a classic for your feed while you’re in the area.
Location on Google Maps: Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
How to get there: The Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is located in Merdeka Square. Masjid Jamek is a 10-minute walk away and is served by all three LRT lines. The red line of the GOKL City Bus stops right outside at Dataran Merdeka. You won’t miss the sign; it’s huge!
Best time to go: Any time. The gallery is open daily, 9 am-6.30 pm in case you want to visit while you’re in the area.
Cost: Free to visit the sign. Admission to the gallery is RM10 (2.4 USD).
Map of the Best Kuala Lumpur Instagram Spots
I created a custom map for you that contains all the most Instagrammable places in KL with their exact location.
How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.
Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
There’s a huge range of accommodation options in Kuala Lumpur and as such, there is something for everyone – from cheap hostels to 5-star hotels. You can even find many amazing hotels in Kuala Lumpur with infinity pools from where you can get a stunning view of the city skyline.
There are several amazing places to stay in Kuala Lumpur, but the ideal ones for first-timers are around the Bukit Bintang and Chinatown areas.
The bustling area of Bukit Bintang has a lot of shopping, dining, and nightlife choices, while Chinatown is home to some of the city’s best bargain accommodations and street food.
If you’re in a hurry, below you can find my top picks for where to stay in Kuala Lumpur with different budget options in mind.
LUXURY – Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur
You’re always in safe hands with a Mandarin Oriental. This 5-star hotel comes with all the opulence you expect including an exotic rooftop pool overlooking KLCC Park.
MID-RANGE – Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection
This stylish hotel welcomes you with deluxe bedrooms and a killer city view from the chic rooftop infinity pool. Air-conditioned rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a desk.
BUDGET – Hilton Garden Inn Kuala Lumpur – South
Hilton Garden Inn Kuala Lumpur – South features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool and private parking. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and room service.
Planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur?
Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Kuala Lumpur. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!
- Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur: 6 Best Areas & Hotels
- How to See the Best of Kuala Lumpur in One Day
- The Perfect 3 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary for First Timers
- 12 Most Instagrammable Places in KL for Epic Photos
- 15 Best Hotels in Kuala Lumpur with Infinity Pools
- 21 Best Kuala Lumpur Hotels with KLCC views
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