Darren YeohKuala Lumpur is the gateway for international travellers to experience Malaysia. After all, that’s where the country’s main international airport is found. However, Kuala Lumpur is so much more than just a financial hub. Beyond the skyscrapers and bustling streets, this bustling metropolis boasts a unique blend of traditional culture and modern urban architecture. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, you’ll find a diverse range of photo opportunities that will make your Instagram feed stand out. So, all you avid photographers and urban explorers, here are some of the most Instagrammable locations in Kuala Lumpur that will leave you awestruck!
Also read: 12 Best Day Trips From Kuala Lumpur & How to Get There
Instagrammable locations in Kuala Lumpur
The capital city of Malaysia is a bustling metropolis filled with glitzy malls, gleaming skyscrapers and spectacular architectural wonders. Despite this, Kuala Lumpur still retains much of its cultural roots, with havens like Petaling Street (Chinatown) and the adjacent Central Market offering guests a chance to experience the city’s colourful heritage and history.
Thanks to its popularity among tourists and young people, Kuala Lumpur has become a hotspot for Instagram-worthy locations. Posting photos from these places is sure to make you the envy of your friends!
1. The Petronas Twin Towers
Image credit: @jehyoshimura
When it comes to Instagrammable locations in Kuala Lumpur, none are as iconic as the Petronas Twin Towers. Standing tall at 452 meters, these towering structures were once the tallest buildings in the world. While the title has since been surpassed, the Twin Towers remain an impressive and unforgettable sight, especially at night.
The Twin Towers offer countless photo opportunities, each angle providing a unique perspective of this beloved Malaysian landmark. Nearby, you’ll find parks, restaurants, and attractions like Aquaria KLCC and Jalan P. Ramlee, making it a convenient and enjoyable area to explore.
2. Heli Lounge Bar and Bukit Bintang
Image credit: @amjad_kuba
Speaking about ideal vantage points for the Petronas Twin Towers, one of my favourite Instagrammable locations in Kuala Lumpur is Heli Lounge Bar in Bukit Bintang. This open-air rooftop bar is housed on a helipad that overlooks the city skyline. In the night, you’ll be able to admire some awesome night scenery as you sip on a cocktail of your choice. And, of course, you’ll be able to get an unobstructed view of the majestic Twin Towers too!
Image credit: @desywulandarie
However, the area around Heli Lounge Bar, Bukit Bintang, also deserves special mention. It is THE place to visit to experience the nightlife in Kuala Lumpur. That being said, there are also plenty of Instagrammable spots throughout Bukit Bintang, especially in the Changkat and Jalan Alor areas, where you’ll be able to find plenty of colourful street art to use as backdrops for your photos.
3. KL Tower Skybox
Image credit: @faizhairulazmy
Sticking to high-altitude locations with a view of the Twin Towers, KL Tower is another iconic piece of the Kuala Lumpur Skyline and one of the city’s Instagram hotspots. Essentially a communications tower, it stands 421m tall and is the 7th tallest building in the world. At the top, there is a rotating restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. However, for those in search of stunning photos, you’ll want to make a beeline for the KL Tower Skybox.
As the name suggests, this observation platform is located high up in the air, at over 300m above ground! Made primarily of glass (don’t worry, it’s safe), it offers panoramic views of the city and, you guessed it, another unique angle of the Petronas Twin Towers. Grace your cameras with your most creative poses as the city of Kuala Lumpur chugs along beneath your feet. Maybe just don’t look down!
4. Saloma Link
Image credit: @cakceabo
Of course, you don’t always have to scale incredible heights just to photograph the Twin Towers. The Saloma Link Bridge is one of the newest additions to the long list of Instagrammable locations in Kuala Lumpur. Having opened in February 2020, Saloma Link connects Lorong Raja Muda Musa 3 to Jalan Saloma.
At night, the pedestrian bridge is lit up by LED lights, giving it a whimsical appearance. The colours change periodically, so you might want to stay for more than just a few shots. And, as mentioned, it’s also possible to capture an Insta-perfect image of the Petronas Twin Towers here.
Also read: Kuala Lumpur by Train: 21 Best Attractions Near MRT & LRT Stations
5. KL Forest Eco Park
Image credit: @ellisxtung
If you thought that Kuala Lumpur was nothing more than a massive concrete jungle, you’re wrong! Scattered throughout the city are natural havens that allow visitors to temporarily leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind. One popular nature escape is KL Forest Eco Park, located just off Jalan Raja Chulan.
KL Forest Eco Park is one of Malaysia’s oldest permanent forest reserves. It is a great place for trekking and simply to get some fresh air. Its most Instagrammable attraction however is its iconic canopy walk, in particular its hanging bridges. Allowing visitors to walk among the trees, this alluring nature trail is one of the must-see sights in Kuala Lumpur and more than deserves its place on your Instagram news feed!
6. Thean Hou Temple
Image credit: @yuniqueyuni
Thean Hou Temple is one of the largest and oldest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia and one of the most popular Instagrammable locations in Kuala Lumpur for avid photographers. Boasting architectural finesse and aesthetics from northern China, this vibrant temple is famous for its iconic red and yellow hues, offering a perfect combination of warm colours for spectacular #ootd shots.
In addition to being an awesome Insta-famous location, Thean Hou Temple is also a functional structure. Many young couples choose to come here to register their marriage. Not a bad place to officially mark the start of a new life if you ask me!
7. NU Sentral
Image credit: @inggit_luimenty
Connected to one of the main transportation hubs in Kuala Lumpur, NU Sentral is a super popular mall that houses various brands and eateries. The multi-level shopping complex is almost always full of customers, especially young Malaysians during the weekends.
However, NU Sentral isn’t just your typical mall. It’s also an Instagram hotspot! Well, more specifically, it’s an escalator that leads from the outside (near Family Mart) into the mall. Surrounded on all sides by ambient wooden fixtures, the escalator looks like an endless tunnel into a magical place. It certainly gives off great Insta vibes and is worth the time to stop by for a quick photo. Though I don’t need to tell you that. You’ll probably whip out your camera the moment you see it too!
8. Urban Daybreak
Image credit: @urbandaybreak
Of course, other than majestic landmarks and ambient parks, Kuala Lumpur also has its fair share of alluring cafes and eateries that not only provide amazing food but also fantastic photo opportunities! Featuring open spaces, and pleasant, pastel decor, Urban Daybreak is one of the top brunch spots in the city. Located in Bangsar, this Insta-worthy cafe is definitely worth checking out on a weekend.
Apart from being one of the popular Instagrammable locations in Kuala Lumpur for youngsters, the food at Urban Daybreak will also make your jaw drop! Many consider every item on the menu here artistry on a plate! In fact, sometimes, the food looks so immaculate that you spend more time on your camera than on your food! My recommendation? Their famous fried chicken waffles, a.k.a, the perfect brunch combo!
9. Lim Kee Cafe
Image credit: @iceskycoldly
Perhaps as the perfect example of Kuala Lumpur’s duality, the next Insta-worthy location on our list is Lim Kee Cafe. We often consider cafes to be hip hangouts for youngsters, but this evergreen cafe is a nostalgic ode to the past. As you approach, you’ll find rattan chairs, tiled floors and decor that strongly resemble an old-school Chinese coffee shop. All this makes Lim Kee Cafe a fresh experience for the young and a walk down memory lane for others.
Much like the attention-grabbing look of the cafe, the food here is reminiscent of timeless Malaysian classics. You won’t find Full English Breakfasts or muffins and waffles here. Instead, you’ll fall in love with good ol’ kaya toast and half-boiled eggs and more!
10. BookXcess Setia Alam
Image credit: @sf_artography
At first glance, you might actually mistake the whimsical surroundings of BookXcess Setia Alam as Seoul’s famous Starfield Library. But in actual fact, this ambient bookstore is located in Shah Alam and is, to no one’s surprise, one of Malaysia’s most Insta-worthy book stores ever!
A must-visit for bibliophiles in the country, BookXcess looks and feels like a magical library ala Beauty and the Beast. Located underground, the only way to access this bookstore is to climb down a circular staircase that leaves the outside world behind and opens into an ambient corridor of fantastic reads. It’s so aesthetically pleasing that even Belle would fall in love! And of course, while you’re here, don’t forget to grace your timeline with awesome #potds!
11. National Science Centre
Image credit: @thisisme2018z
After a visit to Malaysia’s National Science Centre, you’ll never think of science as boring again! Perched atop a small hill on Bukit Kiara, The National Science Centre is located on the fringes of Klang and looks not different from a normal building from the outside. However, step inside and you’ll see that it’s a whole different story.
What awaits you inside the geodesic dome that makes up the main section of the building is a kaleidoscope of breathtaking colours! The rainbow-coloured interior stretches throughout the dome, making it one of the trendiest Instagrammable locations in Kuala Lumpur! During the day when the sun is out, the panels reflect the sunlight, creating a mesmerising sight of wondrous colours. Take this as an invitation to whip out your cameras and get snapping!
12. Elmina Valley Park
Image credit: @jpvspj
Much like Kuala Lumpur, Klang also has a few hidden gems that only locals know about. One such location is Elmina Valley Park in Shah Alam. In short, it is a spacious recreational park that doubles up as the ideal spot for a day of photography. Of course, the two most frequented photo spots are the colourful rainbow walkway and the pedestrian walkway that looks like the spitting image of the famous Fushimi Inari torii gates!
Of course, apart from filling your Instagram feed, you can also enjoy a relaxing time away from the city here. There are plenty of running and cycling tracks, and an ambient lake from which you can catch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the city!
13. Laman Seni 7
Image credit: @izan_rosmani
If you’re a fan of street art, then one Insta-worthy spot in Klang you definitely don’t want to miss is Laman Seni 7 in Shah Alam. Supposedly, the area came about as part of the local city council’s efforts to turn the back alleys in the area into mesmerising art zones, much like Beijing’s famous 798 Art Zone!
As you explore the area, you’ll be able to capture some stunning local artwork for your Instagram feed. You can even pose with some of the graffiti to produce some awesome street style photography that will no doubt make your friends envious!
14. Bukku Cafe
Image credit: @mark0000619
Calling fans of Muji’s aesthetics! I’m sure you’ll fall in love with Bukku Cafe the moment you step through its doors. Even though the cafe isn’t related to the world-famous brand in any official capacity, it’s easy to spot the similarities in terms of its minimalistic decor, white-toined walls and wooden furnishing.
If you’re dining in the evening, you should also consider making use of the outdoor seating as the lighting outside is nothing short of magical. Of course, apart from snapping up some impressive photos, don’t forget to enjoy some coffee and find your zen while you’re at it!
15. Therefore Cafe
Image credit: @ahyin27
Ask any social media savvy person in Klang and they’ll tell you that Therefore Cafe in Petaling Jaya is one of the most Insta-worthy cafes in the area. Featuring bright pink walls and glimmering, golden door frames, Therefore Cafe is the epitome of an Insta-famous establishment. There are also potted plants and chairs that fit in well with the overall aesthetic at the entrance. So you might actually start taking photos before you even enter the premises!
Of course, the food is equally fantastic! The theme here is Asian Fusion, where many western classics are given a distinctly Asian twist. My Favourite has to be their localised version of the Big Breakfast, with homemade sambal added to the usual serving of eggs and sausages for a spicy kick!
16. Coffee Ink
Image credit: @coffee_ink
Is there anything as satisfying as walking into a cafe and immediately being greeted by a cosy ambience punctuated by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee? That’s what you get the moment you walk through the doors at Coffee Ink. Featuring plenty of artsy wall murals and a fine selection of coffees, this quaint cafe in the heart of Klang is the perfect hangout for those who enjoy a fresh cuppa and snapping great photos. I don’t consider myself an avid fan of desserts but some of the cakes on offer at Coffee Ink always gets my sweet tooth going!
And there you have it, the top Instagrammable places to visit the next time you’re up for a vacation in Kuala Lumpur and Klang! Of course, like any other vacation, it all starts with finding the perfect accommodation!
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your well-deserved break now!
