Top 10 Instagrammable Places in KL, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is one of the most diverse capitals in Southeast Asia, showcasing a beautiful mix of cultures. KL has so many incredible places to explore, and I’ve been talking about the best ones in detail in my complete guide to the city. But today I want to select only the best Instagrammable places in KL where you can get snap-happy and take some unique images!

This list of Instagrammable spots combines some iconic attractions, rainbow stairs, gorgeous temples, street art, natural wonders and more. 

Scroll down to find out more!

Top 10 Kuala Lumpur Instagram spots

1 – Petronas Twin Towers

Melissa looks up at the Petronas Twin Towers from the KLCC park.
Melissa stands in front of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

I guess the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur city centre needs no detailed introduction, as I’m sure we’ve all seen at least a couple of photos of this iconic landmark on the Internet. This unique and insanely large complex of twin buildings connected by a Sky Bridge is an obvious favourite Instagram-worthy spot to photograph in Kuala Lumpur!

And because this is one of the best photo spots in Kuala Lumpur for some unforgettable pictures, I’ve found two great options for you:

FROM KLCC PARK

You can get a great shot of the towers from KLCC Park, which is right near it. Remember to also visit at night when the building lights up!

Address: KLCC Park, Kuala Lumpur City Centre

FROM AN INFINITY POOL

Many hotels and Airbnb’s in the KLCC district have rooftop infinity pools offering stunning city views with the Petronas Towers as a backdrop. Sunrise, sunset… any time of day really, you’ll get an epic photo of KL’s cityscape!

There are so many amazing options for accommodation in KL to choose from, two of my favourites (which have incredible infinity pool views of the Petronas Towers are):

RELATED READ: In case you’re looking for more accommodation options, I recommend checking out my dedicated article: Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur – 5 Best Areas and Hotels

2 – Batu Caves

Melissa swishes her skirt at the entrance to the rainbow steps of the Batu Caves in Malaysia.
Batu Caves Kuala Lumpur

This location is a must-visit place for two reasons: its cultural importance to the Hindu religion (they’re dedicated to Lord Murugan) and its stunning colourful 2018 renovation! The Instagrammable highlight of Batu Caves Selangor is, without a doubt, the stairway leading to the entry of the caves, where you will find 272 rainbow coloured steps leading up to the temple caves. Perfect choice if you’re looking for colourful Instagrammable spots!

Address: Batu Caves, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor

RELATED READ: Complete Guide: Visiting Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

3 – Kwai Chai Hong Street in Chinatown

Kwai Chai Hong Street in Chinatown 1
Kwai Chai Hong Street in Chinatown

This famous Chinatown street is a place full of history. Once home to the first Chinese community in Malaysia and preserved as it was in the 1960s, the pre-war buildings were left ramshackle until their 2019 seven-month-long restoration. Now, it is one of the coolest Instagrammable places in Kuala Lumpur, due to the incredible, lively painted pieces found on the buildings’ walls.

Alternatively, you can also check out Petaling Street in Chinatown as well.

Address: Lorong Panggung, 50000 Kuala Lumpur

RELATED READ: 12 Things to Do in KL (Kuala Lumpur), Tours, Restaurants & More

4 – Thean Hou Temple

Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur
Thean Hou Temple

On top of a hill southwest of central KL, you will find a gorgeous temple – Thean Hou, one of the oldest temples in South East Asia, dating back to 1894. Also known as the Temple of the Goddess of Heaven, this traditional Chinese temple is colourful and simply put, absolutely stunning.

Address: Thean Hou Temple, 65, Persiaran Endah, 50460 Kuala Lumpur

5 – Menara Tower Sky Box

Melissa sitting in the Sky Box at the KL Tower in Kuala Lumpur
Melissa sitting upside down in the Sky Box at KL Tower in Kuala Lumpur

Atop the Manara Tower (also known as the KL Tower) and 300 meters up, this view beats the Petronas Towers’ height by a whopping 100 meters and provides the best view of the city. The glass structure is almost fully transparent, so as long as you’re not scared of heights, there’s room for lots of out the box ideas.

Address: Manara Tower, 50250 Kuala Lumpur

RELATED READ: Sky Box KL Tower Guide – Is It Really Worth It?

6 – Masjid Wilayah Mosque

Masjid Wilayah Mosque
Masjid Wilayah Mosque KL

Forget about Abu Dhabi, here’s Masjid Wilayah! Also known as the Federal Territory Mosque (due to its location in Wilayah Persekutuan), this dreamy architectural wonder is one of the largest mosques in Malaysia. Constructed from 1998 onwards, this site presents a more modern look. I recommend you take your time exploring different angles here, as this spot allows for a lot of creativity.

Address: Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

7 – Perdana Botanical Gardens

Perdana Botanical Gardens
Perdana Botanical Gardens KL

The Perdana Botanical Garden is such a pretty place to spend an afternoon exploring the man-made lake, flower gardens and animal parks. Its modern, yellow tree structure of the Perdana Canopy is my favourite location in the gardens, offering some insane architecture. Ah, and let’s not forget about the Orchid Garden – absolutely stunning!

Address: Perdana Botanical Gardens, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

8 – KL Forest Eco Park

KL Forest Eco Park
KL Forest Eco Park

Located right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Forest Eco Park KL and its Lake Gardens comprise one of the oldest rainforest reserves in Malaysia. The canopy walk in the forest park is really nice and you’ll get the opportunity for some awesome snaps crossing the jungle bridge. Just imagine you’ll have the Kuala Lumpur skyline as a backdrop – cool, right? Oh, and don’t forget to check out Laman Perdana at the Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana) as well for some awesome photos with the geometrical yellow trees.

Address: KL Forest Eco Park, Jalan Puncak, 50250 Kuala Lumpur

RELATED READ: Ultimate Foodie Guide: Where to Eat in KL, Malaysia + Foods to Try

9 – Bukit Bintang street art

Bukit Bintang street art
Bukit Bintang street art KL

Once troubled streets that weren’t considered safe for tourists or locals, Bukit Bintang has gentrified into a colourful and vibrant place. Changkat Bukit Bintang and Jalan Alor Street are now famous for their vivid street art pieces and have quickly become two of the best places to go for urban photo ops! 

Address: Graffiti Alley, 64 Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang

10 – Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Inside the Sultan Abdul Samad building.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Sultan Abdul Samad is a stunningly iconic building located right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It has Moorish architecture with a shiny copper dome and provides plenty of photo ops!

You can go to Dataran Merdeka Square if you want to take some beautiful pictures of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building from the best angles.

Address: Jln Raja, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur

RELATED READ: 13 Best Spots for Breakfast and Brunch in KL, Malaysia

BONUS: More Instagrammable places in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Instagrammable places in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

In case it’s not your first time in Kuala Lumpur or if you’re looking for some more, lesser-known photo spots in the city, take a look at the list below which include some newly opened locations as well:

BONUS #2: Recommended camera gear for KL

Picture of canon camera on a deck in nature.

Kuala Lumpur provides amazing photo opportunities. If you want to make the best of them, make sure to pack your best camera and lenses. Here is what we have in our gear:

This was my complete list of photo spots in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! From the well-known Thean Hou Temple to a breathtaking mosque, the streets of Bukit Bintang, the rainbow stairway at Batu Caves, the lush KL Forest Eco Park, this list includes the most iconic landmarks in the city, as well as a bonus section with some new hidden gems. 

If you’re looking for more information for your upcoming trip to the city such as the top things to do in Kuala Lumpur during your itinerary, where to stay or where to eat, I recommend clicking here to find all my posts about this wonderful city. And here you will find all my articles about Malaysia.

xoxo,

Melissa

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A guide to Kuala Lumpur most instagrammable places
3 Most Instagrammable Spots in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

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Complete Guide: Visiting Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Batu Caves are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Malaysia – and with good reason! The Batu Caves are an incredible limestone hill scattered with 4 different caves. Tourists flock to this interesting sight from all over the world each year (5.000 per day!) and, if you’re going to be one of them soon, this complete guide is here to help! In the post below I will tell you literally EVERYTHING you need to know about visiting Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur.

Are you ready?

First of all, why should I visit the Batu Caves?

Melissa stands at the bottom of the rainbow stairs of the Batu Caves
The colourful rainbow stairs of the Batu Caves.

The Batu Caves are one of Malaysia’s national treasures, hosting the tallest statue of a Hindu deity. I recommend this site to ANYONE visiting Kuala Lumpur, as it’s a real highlight. And this is not even an overstatement!

Sure, Kuala Lumpur by itself is pretty cool and there are countless things to do, see and eat here, but your trip just won’t be the same without seeing the beautiful Batu Caves on the outskirts of the city. They’re full of history, they’re super interesting and they provide countless photo opportunities. Plus, visiting Batu Caves can be as cheap as 5 US$, so why not?!

RELATED READ: In case you’re curious to find out about some other unmissable places in KL, I recommend checking out my dedicated article full of precious info: Complete Guide: 12 Things to Do in KL

Everything you need to know about visiting the Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur

The golden status of the Hindu god Lord Murugan at the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Batu Caves Malaysia

Quick info about the Batu Caves

The bright rainbow stairs of the Batu Caves are fast becoming one of the modern wonders of the world ever since its colourful renovation in 2018. With 272 steps leading up to the 4 limestone caves, this place of Hindu worship is more than just an Insta-famous tourist attraction, trust me! Oh, and did I mention the limestone formations are 400 million years old?!

In fact, the Batu Caves are one of the most important Hindu shrines outside of India, especially during the festival called Thaipusam, which sees over 1 million visitors every year.

The caves are dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Murugan. An impressive 50-meter golden statue of him stands guard at the bottom of the Batu Cave stairs. During Thaipusam, Lord Murugan is celebrated with offerings and acts of penance. These are carried out in order for the worshipers to receive forgiveness and relinquish their negative traits.

About the 272 Batu Cave steps: Hey, don’t get discouraged! Although there are 272 stairs until you reach the main temple (Batu Caves Temple Cave), the climb itself isn’t so bad. 272 steps might seem like a lot but you’ll have plenty of opportunities to pretend to check out the view while you take a break. The perfect excuse to catch your breath!

Where are the Batu Caves located?

The Batu Caves are located in Gombak Selangor, around 13 km north of the centre of Kuala Lumpur.

Check out the map below for a clearer idea of where to find them:

Map of Malaysia with the Batu Caves signalled

BATU CAVES ADDRESS: Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor

CO-ORDINATES: 3.237874, 101.684026

How to get to Batu Caves

Rapid KL Train in Malaysia

There are various ways you can get to the Batu Caves from central KL, but the two easiest, most direct methods are definitely by taxi or train:

TAXI OR GRAB

30 minutes from the city centre. This is probably the easiest way to get to the Batu Caves, especially if you are hoping to get there early. You can hail a cab for around 20-30 RM (4.90 US$) from central KL or order a Grab (the Asian equivalent of Uber) which is a bit cheaper. If you decide to get a taxi, make sure you ask the driver to turn on the meter to make sure you get the correct price at the end.

TRAIN FROM KL SENTRAL TO BATU CAVES

The most direct journey by public transport is with the KTM Komuter train (the Batu Caves is the last station on the line). The journey will take a bit less than 45 minutes and the ticket costs 2.60 RM (0.60 US$) one-way. Running from 6:45 AM to 11:46 PM, every 30 min – 1 hour. I recommend checking the KTM Komuter timetable here. The caves are only 5 minutes by foot from the Komuter train station.

BUS

You can also take a bus, but I don’t really recommend it – the trip will take close to one hour and the train is way faster and more comfortable than the bus.

TIP: If you are planning to use public transport around Kuala Lumpur a lot, I recommend getting the KL TravelPass which gives you unlimited rides around the city for 2 consecutive days. The pass also works to and from the airport and will save you a bit of cash if you’ll be using it lots! You can buy it at KLIA Ekspres Ticket Counters. Or you can buy it online here. You can find more information about it on the official website here.

Best time to visit Batu Caves

Melissa sits on the rainbow steps of the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur.

Batu Caves opening hours: The Batu Caves are open every day, year-round from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

AIM FOR: If you want to get photos on the stairs without the crowds, you’ll have to get there early, close to the opening time. However, you won’t have it completely to yourself. Hindu monks will be making their way to worship and sleepy monkeys waking up for the day. For me, this is the perfect time to see something authentic. By 9:30 AM the tour buses will start to arrive and the entire place will begin to get crowded.

Also, if you arrive early and want to visit the Dark Cave, you will need to wait as it only opens at 10:00 AM. Alternatively, you can also visit late in the evening, near the closing time.

AVOID: Visiting on weekends or public holidays. During Thaipusam Festival – that’s when Batu Caves are most crowded, but you’re bound to have a special experience.

HOW LONG SHOULD I SPEND AT THE BATU CAVES: Around two hours for the entire temple complex. I recommend reserving a half-day for this experience if you consider the travel time as well.

RELATED READ: Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur – 5 Best Areas and Hotels

What can you see at the Batu Caves, Malaysia

The golden status of the Hindu god Lord Murugan at the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Batu Caves Malaysia

There are 4 beautiful caves on-site and one giant statue of Lord Murugan, as follows:

TEMPLE CAVE / CATHEDRAL CAVE

This is the main cave and it can be reached by climbing the 272 steps (beware of the monkeys! – more info below). Its ceiling is vaulted and it’s over 90m tall. The entire cave is devoted to Lord Murugan. This one’s free to enter, but you can leave a donation at the entrance if you wish.

DARK CAVE

Halfway up the stairs, you’ll find the Dark Cave, also known as the wildest of the 4 caves. This one is full of limestone formations and cave animals (spoiler alert: the rarest spider in the world can be found here!). The Dark Cave can only be visited with a tour. There are two types of tours available – the Educational Tour (shorter, good for kids) and the Adventure Tour (3-4 hours, a bit more hardcore), both of them are very interesting. I’m mentioning the fee for each tour below. If you take a tour, expect to do some crawling, so I recommend you bring some fresh clothes to change afterwards. 

NOTE: Sadly, the Dark Cave has been closed since January 2019 until further notice. I recommend checking out their official Facebook page for further info, maybe they’ll open the tours again soon! 

CAVE VILLA

The Cave Villa is probably the easiest cave to access, as it’s located right at the foot of the hill. No stairs needed here! To access it, you’ll need to pay a cost of 15 RM (3.60 US$) and cross a crooked bridge. There you’ll find not one, but two illuminated caves with statues and Hindu paintings.

RAMAYANA CAVE

The Ramayana Cave is located on the left side of the hill, near a tall, green statue depicting a monkey god (Hanuman). This cave is filled with statues and paintings showcasing different scenes from the Ramayana, as well as a light show. The entrance fee for this one is 5 RM (1.20 US$).

TIP: Make sure you don’t miss the five-legged bull statue in the courtyard right outside the caves, it’s a sight to see!

Batu Caves price and tickets

Melissa smiling with the golden statue and the rainbow stairs at the Batu Caves behind her

Below you’ll find all the information you need about the entry cost for tourists for each of the temples (spoiler alert: the main temple is free to enter!):

Main Batu Caves Temple (Temple Cave / Cathedral Cave): Free, but you can leave a donation in one of the boxes at the entrance if you want to.
Cave Villa: 15 RM / 3.60 US$
Ramayana Cave: 5 RM / 1.20 US$
Dark Cave – Educational Tour (currently closed): 35 RM / 8.50 US$
Dark Cave – Adventure Tour (currently closed): 80 RM / 19.50 US$

RELATED READ: Sky Box KL Tower Guide – Is It Really Worth It?

Best Batu Caves tours

The insides of the Temple Cave at the Batu Caves in KL.

In case you don’t want to spend precious vacation time organising your trip to the Batu Caves, I recommend booking an organised tour. These are usually organised by knowledgeable local guides who can also provide you with some interesting information about the site’s history, along with some fun facts along the way. There are also combined tours available, which I think are VERY good if you want to save some time.

Here are my hand-picked Batu Cave tour recommendations below:

Batu Caves dress code

Melissa waving her dress at the Batu Caves rainbow steps
Melissa smiles, standing beside the rainbow building of the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur.

Batu Caves are a place of worship, so please remember to dress respectfully on your visit. The dress code is quite relaxed up until the main entrance to the temple. Here they request women to cover their chest, shoulders and knees and if men are wearing a shirt, for it to be buttoned up.

Don’t worry too much if you don’t have anything that meets the criteria of the dress code. You can cover up with a sarong or scarf before you enter. If you don’t have something that you can use, there are people at the entrance that rent covers for around 5 RM (1.20 US$).

Also, remember those 272 bright and colourful steps? Make sure you wear comfy shoes to help you manage them and remember to remove them when prompted to in certain parts inside the temple.

RELATED READ: Top 10 Instagrammable Places in KL, Malaysia

Monkey business

Two mischievous macaque monkeys laze on the colourful steps of the Batu Caves.

Be prepared to make some new friends on your adventures to the Batu Caves, as you’ll find the area surrounded by ‘mischievous’ macaque monkeys. I know what you’re thinking, aww cute, Monkeys!, but think less Curious George and more Donkey Kong on this one! The monkeys here are pretty fearless with humans, after all, you’ve come to visit them on THEIR turf. Keep your valuables out of sight as they’re known to grab and dash with your wallet, sunglasses, phone, keys… I think you get my gist. Just keep a good hold on the things you want to keep! And make sure you don’t feed the monkeys unless you want to pestered for your entire visit!

Rock climbing at Batu Caves

A man in a yellow shirt is rock climbing a steep wall.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll be happy to find out that the area around the caves and the limestone hills can be climbed. The area is called Gua Damai and it is said to be the best rock climbing experience in Southeast Asia!

There are more than 150 routes to choose from, rated from 5A to 8A+ and you can find something for any skill level. No need to be a pro, you can simply do some hiking or bouldering if you want to. I recommend this Guided Gua Damai Rock Climbing & Batu Caves Visit.

Packing list for Batu Caves, Malaysia

Don’t forget to bring:

BONUS #1: My best tips for visiting Batu Caves

tips for visiting batu caves in kuala lumpur 3
Melissa swishes her skirt at the entrance to the rainbow steps of the Batu Caves in Malaysia.

Of course, I just couldn’t let you leave without sharing some of the most precious tips I found out after going there myself. Sharing is caring!

RELATED READ: 10 Best Local Foods in Kuala Lumpur

BONUS #2: Recommended camera gear for Batu Caves

Picture of canon camera on a deck in nature.

The Batu Caves provide amazing photo opportunities. If you want to make the best of them, make sure to pack your best camera and lenses. Here is what we have in our gear:

This was my complete guide for visiting the Batu Caves temple complex!

Get ready to climb the colourful stairs, to see the giant statue of Lord Murugan, the unique Dark Caves and some unique light shows at the most famous Hindu temple complex outside of India. And don’t forget, the Batu Caves are a must for all tourists visiting Kuala Lumpur.

If you need more help in planning your trip and itinerary for Kuala Lumpur or Malaysia, I recommend clicking here to find all my articles and tips about this wonderful country!

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Kuala Lumpur?

Pin it for later!

Batu Caves a Complete Guide Kuala Lumpur

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

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