Let’s not mince words: 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us! Given all that’s happened in the year, it’s quite natural to long for a well-deserved break to recharge! While popular destinations in Malaysia like Penang and Langkawi are always good, I reckon it’s high time to explore destinations that often get overlooked, don’t you think?
The cities of Kuala Lumpur and Klang are often more famously known for being the financial centres of Malaysia. However, what you might now know is that these two megacities are also home to some of the most underrated Instagram hotspots in the country! Don’t believe me? Let me change your mind! Here are 16 of my personal favourite Instagram-worthy destinations in Kuala Lumpur and Klang!
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.
Of course, thanks to Kuala Lumpur being a focal point of tourism and youth culture, overtime, the city has amassed an impressive list of Insta-worthy hotspots! In fact, if you post photos of yourself at these Instagrammable locations, it’ll definitely make you the envy of your friends!
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
Of course, before you start lighting up your Instagram feed, you’ll need an awesome place to stay at for the duration of your trip! While you will find accommodation options aplenty in Kuala Lumpur, some are a cut above the rest. If you’re ever in Kuala Lumpur, these are our two top recommendations!
Ramada Suites By Wyndham Kuala Lumpur City Centre
For a memorable stay in Kuala Lumpur that combines blissful relaxation and convenience, look no further than Ramada Suites By Wyndham Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Centrally located in the heart of the city, guests at this esteemed establishment can enjoy quick and easy access to some of Kuala Lumpur’s top tourist destinations, designer malls, and the bustling nightlife that Malaysia’s capital is famous for. What’s more, it is only a few minutes away from the KL Monorail station, making it super easy to get around the city.
After an exciting day out exploring the city, guests can kick back and relax at the infinity pool as they take in the stunning view of the city skyline. If you wish to work off some of the calories you’ve inhaled thanks to Kuala Lumpur’s wide range of delectable delights, there’s also a top class fitness centre on site. The creature comforts we’ve all come to know and love are also readily available, making Ramada Suites By Wyndham Kuala Lumpur City Centre one of the top choices for the perfect stay in Kuala Lumpur!
Phone: +603-23869288
Address: 1 Lorong Ceylon, Bulit Ceylon, Kuala Lumpur, 50200
Days Hotels And Suites by Wyndham Fraser Business Park KL
Another fantastic choice for an awesome stay in Kuala Lumpur is undoubtedly Days Hotels and Suites by Wyndham Fraser Business Park KL. The hotel is also conveniently located in the heart of the city and is perfect for those who wish to truly experience the vibrant nightlife of Kuala Lumpur. After all, it is closely located to the youthful Bukit Bintang district (we’ll get to that) and the Chan Sow Lin transit station which connects to many of the city’s main transport lines.
Apart from the pristine location, Days Hotels and Suites by Wyndham Fraser Business Park KL is also the perfect place of stay for those who enjoy a typical staycation. Featuring multiple onsite eateries, a gym and aesthetically pleasing interior decor, the hotel is another one of our top picks for Kuala Lumpur stays, and it’s easy to see why!
Phone: +603-92327888
Address: Kompleks Metro Pudu 1 Jalan Metro Pudu 2, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur 55200
Top Insta-worthy destinations
1. The Petronas Twin Towers
Of course, no trip to Kuala Lumpur is complete without a snap of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers! Standing tall at 452m, it used to be the tallest architectural marvel in the world until 2004. But apart from its impressive claim to fame, the Twin Towers are a wondrous sight, especially in the evenings.
There are many angles and locations to admire the iconic landmark, with each location offering a different perspective of Malaysia’s most beloved structure. Oh, we’ll get to one such location in just a minute. But regardless of how you angle your shot, you’re almost always guaranteed a jaw-dropping photo for your Instagram feed!
Nearby, there are numerous parks and eateries where you can enjoy a nice evening once you’re done with your photography session! Popular attractions like Aquaria KLCC and Jalan P. Ramlee (nightlife hotspot) are also within walking distance.
2. Heli Lounge Bar and Bukit Bintang
Speaking about ideal vantage points for the Petronas Twin Towers, one of my favourite spots 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!
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
Sticking to high-altitude locations with a view of the Twin Towers, KL Tower is another iconic piece of the Kuala Lumpur Skyline. 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
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 Insta-famous 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: Southeast Asia Travel Guide: Where to Stay and Go!
5. KL Forest Eco Park
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. It’s 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
Thean Hou Temple is one of the largest and oldest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia and one of the most popular spots 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
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
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 the photogenic surroundings, 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
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!
Klang
Located just on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Klang is another bustling destination that deserves attention. Located in the state of Selangor, Klang is also home to plenty of alluring sights and more than its fair share of Insta-famous cafes.
Although the Klang area is still pretty crowded, it is a little bit less populated than Kuala Lumpur but is by no means any less interesting! Check out some of our top picks for avid photographers in the area!
Where to stay in Klang
Like Kuala Lumpur, there are no shortages of places to stay in Klang. However, if you’re looking for a memorable stay in THE leading hotel in Klang, then look no further than this awesome option below! After all, it is the ONLY international five-star property in the area, so you can expect world-class service and blissful relaxation!
Wyndham Acmar Klang
Located in Bandar Baru Klang, Wyndham Acmar Klang is the epitome of a staycation close to home. It lies just minutes away from the Central i-City mega mall and just a short distance away from both Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur, making it the ideal location for both work and pleasure. If you’re flying in for a deserved weekend off, you’ll be happy to know that it is also close to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport!
Pamper yourself with a dip in the alluring outdoor pool or ease into the weekend with a relaxing spa day. Keep up with your fitness goals at the onsite fitness centre or sample some exceptional culinary delights at the eateries and bars. What’s more, every room is meticulously designed to offer guests a delightful stay and a good night’s sleep! In short, Wyndham Acmar Klang is the perfect escape that will lull you into blissful comfort!
Phone: +603-3118888
Address: 1 G 1 Persiaran Bukit Raja 2 KU1 Bandar Baru Klang Selangor Darul Ehsan, Klang, Malaysia
Top Insta-worthy destinations
10. BookXcess Setia Alam
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
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 Instagram hotspot in the capital! 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
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
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
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
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
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!