While social media may have one believe that taking a spur-of-the-moment vacation away could be a panacea to many ails, the fact stands: holidays can amount to a lavishly expensive affair. But they don’t always have to be, especially if you decide to keep to a more local radius, with Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, hosting a wealth of free things to do and places to visit if you know where to look.
The promise of a good time doesn’t come cheap, as many emergent young adults saddled with life’s burdensome obligations of a typically financial nature have come to discover grimly. Fiscal expenditures only risk bloating when considering travel essentials, especially where commuting and accommodation costs can account for a sizeable bulk in one’s holiday budgeting. Travel site Budget Your Trip pegs an average tally of RM387 in costs, which considers lodgings, commuting fares, and ticketing prices for popular attractions when travelling across Malaysia.
Of course, that’s casting a relatively wide net as these numbers can vary substantially between inter-city urban pockets and more far-flung regions of the country. But beyond the obvious socioeconomic disparities, one axiom rings true: holidaymaking isn’t necessarily affordable.
Thankfully when living in the Klang Valley, there happens to be more than a handful of places and things to do that are outright free to enjoy at your leisure. Bearing witness to some of the region’s most significant historical chapters and remaining as one of its most eminent metropolitan capitals, Malaysia’s thriving capital plays host to all manner of places to visit and explore, spanning everything from breathtaking (quite literally) scenic hikes to museums housing thought-provoking artworks by emerging talents.
Feature and hero image credits: Van Ambruce Ligutom/Pexels, alleksana/Pexels
Best free things to do and places to visit in KL, Malaysia
1. Thean Hou Temple
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Despite being a landlocked city, there happens to be a Chinese temple in Kuala Lumpur dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu. Found along Persiaran Endah in Seputeh, this six-tiered complex was opened to the public in 1989 and continues to be one of the most popular places of worship for the local Chinese community, especially those of Hainanese descent. Sporting arched gateways and roofs alongside other traditional examples of Chinese architecture, this is a great spot to visit for photographs and divine blessings.
Address: 65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 8am – 8pm (opens daily)
Getting there: Take the Causeway Bus P701 and alight at the Opp Wisma Belia bus stop, before taking the overhead pedestrian crossing over to the other side of Jalan Syed Putra. Then walk 8 minutes to Thean Hou Temple.
2. Perdana Botanical Garden
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The oldest large-scale recreation park to be established in Kuala Lumpur, the Perdana Botanical Garden is worth a visit both on the merits of its historical relevance to the city and for the sights it offers. It first opened in 1889 and was the brainchild of former British State Treasurer of Selangor, Alfred Venning, and featured several other prominent landmarks including the former residence of British official Frank Swettenham, which is now known as Carcosa Seri Negara.
More modern attractions at the Perdana Botanical Garden are now available, such as the world’s largest covered bird park housing over 200 species, as well as one of the world’s largest butterfly parks containing more than 5,000 butterflies, exotic plants, butterfly-host plants, and ferns. However, do note that those are ticketed.
Address: Jalan Kebun Bunga, Tasik Perdana, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 7am – 6pm (opens daily)
Getting there: Board the T851 bus and alight at Taman Botani Perdana stop.
3. Tugu Negara
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Blessed are those who live in relatively tranquil harmony, but let us not forget those who lay down their own lives for Malaysia’s peaceful present. Dubbed Tugu Negara (National Monument), a freestanding bronze sculpture depicting five triumphant members of the Malaysian armed forces against two defeated Communist fighters was erected in 1966 in commemoration of the sacrifices made by those who fought during the First World War, Second World War, and the Malayan Emergency.
Designed by American sculptor Felix de Weldon, the sculpture is the tallest of its kind and accompanies a cenotaph erected by the British in remembrance of the fallen.
Address: Perdana Botanical Garden, Jln Parlimen, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 7am – 6pm (opens daily)
Getting there: Board the T820 bus and alight at the Tugu Negara stop. Then walk 10 minutes to Tugu Negara.
4. Taman Tugu
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Another free attraction worth your consideration is the Taman Tugu hiking trail, which as its name would suggest, is located a stone’s throw away from the Tugu Negara periphery. Measuring 66 acres, its main purpose of being is to help conserve and protect a secondary forest serving as one of Kuala Lumpur’s green lungs.
Being a considerably more condensed ecological park, hikes here are generally quite forgiving and are suitable for families even with younger children. It stands atop a rehabilitated estate that had once hosted residences for British officers.
Address: 94-1, Jalan Sultan Salahuddin, Kuala Lumpur, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 7am – 6.30pm (opens daily)
Getting there: Alight at MRT Semantan and board the T820, before alighting at the Tugu Negara stop. Then walk 5 minutes to Taman Tugu.
5. KL Forest Eco Park
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But if you find yourself looking for a more central location in Kuala Lumpur for a hike, then KL Forest Eco Park is the place to be. Nestled under the looming heights of KL Tower on Bukit Nanas, this tiny slice of verdant foliage remains as the last standing rainforest pocket in the city.
With a network of hanging bridges from which one can take in the sights alongside varied trails for hikers of all levels of finesse, this spot makes its case as a great choice for a leisurely weekend jaunt, or a more physically challenging workout depending on what you’re up for.
Address: Jalan Puncak, Kuala Lumpur, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 8am – 8.30pm (closed on Fridays)
Getting there: Board the GOKL 02 bus and alight at the KL17 KL Tower (Selatan) stop, before walking 5 minutes to the Bukit Nanas Forestry Infomation Centre, which will lead you into the Eco Park.
6. Ilham Gallery
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Culture connoisseurs will be glad to know that one of Kuala Lumpur’s most eminent galleries is in fact, free to visit as well. Located in Ilham Tower along Jalan Ampang, Ilham Gallery is renowned for taking a bolder approach to artistic representation, having hosted a number of highly acclaimed, thought provoking exhibitions that dabble in more contentious themes of sexuality, heritage, race, and existentialism. Check their socials ahead of time to learn more about their latest exhibits.
Address: Levels 3 and 5, Ilham Tower, 8, Lrg Binjai, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 11am – 7pm (Tuesday to Saturday), 11am – 5pm (Sunday, closed on Monday)
Getting there: Take the Kelana Jaya LRT line and alight at Ampang Park station. Proceed to walk 5 minutes to Ilham Tower, and take the elevator up to Ilham Gallery.
7. The Back Room KL
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Another gallery space that is worth the visit takes a more intrepid soul to locate. Tucked away in the hidden recesses of the Zhongshan Building, The Back Room KL is considerably more intimate by comparison but earns its merit through a choice selection of intellectually provocative exhibitions that bring nuance to the surface in the Southeast Asian art scene, as opposed to merely displaying broad strokes.
Address: The Back Room KL, ZhongShan Building, 80A, Jalan Rotan, Kampung Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 12pm – 6pm (Wednesday to Sunday)
Getting there: Take the Kelana Jaya LRT line and alight at KL Sentral. Then take the Monorail and alight at the Maharajalela station, before walking 8 minutes to the ZhongShan Building. Walk up the stairs to reach The Back Room KL.
8. Rumah Attap Library and Collective
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As a locally renowned hub for a community-driven approach to the preservation and propagation of culture as well as arts in the Klang Valley, it’s little surprise that you’ll find more than just a handful of noteworthy nests for the creatively inclined. Beyond the Back Room KL gallery, you’ll also find the Rumah Attap Library and Collective, a free public library that contains a wealth of Asian literature and other relevant reading genres for your delectation. It also doubles as a popular venue for the occasional literary activity, where intellectuals, artists, and academics alike are encouraged to engage in open dialogue.
Address: Rumah Attap Library and Collective, ZhongShan Building, 80A, Jalan Rotan, Kampung Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 1pm – 5pm (Saturday and Sunday only)
Getting there: Take the Kelana Jaya LRT line and alight at KL Sentral. Then take the Monorail and alight at the Maharajalela station, before walking 8 minutes to the ZhongShan Building. Walk up the stairs to Rumah Attap Library and Collective.
9. Memorial Negarawan
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New to Malaysian history, or in dire need of a crash course refresher? Head over to Memorial Negarawan along Jalan Dato Onn, where you will learn a wealth of information concerning the names and faces of those who have contributed to the country’s legacy. Operated and maintained by the Malaysian National Archives, this museum houses personal artefacts and momentous of seven significant Malaysians, all of which can be viewed for free.
Address: Memorial Negarawan, Jalan Dato Onn, Kuala Lumpur, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 9am – 5pm (Tuesday to Saturday, closed on Monday)
Getting there: Board the 851 bus and alight at the KL1059 JKR Malaysia bus stop, then walk 8 minutes to Memorial Negarawan.
10. Batu Caves
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One of the few indispensable places to visit on any travel itinerary around Malaysia, Batu Caves is easily one of the most memorable landmarks outside of central Kuala Lumpur. Earning a reputation as among the few rare Hindu temples outside of India with global prominence, this sprawling network of labyrinthine caves became a notable place of worship in Lord Murugan’s name after prominent community leader and businessman, K. Thamboosamy Pillay, was inspired to construct a temple there after marvelling one of the cave entrances that was shaped like a vel.
While renowned for its 42.7-metre-tall statue of Lord Murugan and 272 rainbow-coloured steps, the cave system is a natural wonder in itself, being over 400 million years old and having once served as shelter for the indigenous Temuan People.
Address: Batu Caves, Subramayam Street, Gombak, 68100, Selangor
Getting there: Take the Kelana Jaya LRT line and alight at KL Sentral. Then switch on the KTM Batu Caves–Pulau Sebang Line, and alight at the Batu Caves station. Walk four minutes to Batu Caves.
11. Guan Di Temple
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Prior to becoming the sprawling urban cosmopolis that we know today, Kuala Lumpur was once a considerably smaller and more provincial town supported by a booming tin ore mining and refining industry. A scant few landmarks from that period of the city’s history remain standing, but among these include the Guan Di Temple, established back in 1887. As one of the oldest temples in Malaysia, it is one of the places worth visiting for the opportunity to experience a bygone slice of the city’s history, especially in the early hours of the day.
Address: Guan Di Temple, 168, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 7.30am – 3.30pm (open daily)
Getting there: Take the Kelana Jaya LRT line and alight at the Pasar Seni station, then walk 10 minutes to the Guan Di Temple.
12. Royal Selangor Visitor’s Centre
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Speaking of tin ore mining, did you know that Malaysia was once one of the biggest producers of tin? By that extension, we are also one of the primary exporters of pewter, a tin-based alloy often forged for use in ceremonial settings. While its mainstream popularity has somewhat waned, pewter products continue to occupy a niche place in luxury decor, with Royal Selangor remaining one of the most esteemed names in the business.
With a history stretching 139 years, the company’s free-to-visit Visitors Centre provides plenty of insight concerning the founding and development of Malaysia’s tin ore and pewter industry, expressed through interactive exhibits and displays of ancient tin artefacts such as currency.
Address: Royal Selangor Headquarters, 4, Jalan Usahawan 6, Setapak Jaya, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 9am – 5pm (opens daily)
Getting there: Take the Kelana Jaya LRT line and alight at the Wangsa Maju station. Book a 5-minute Grab ride to Royal Selangor’s headquarters.
13. KLCC Park
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Central Park, but make it Malaysian. A meticulously groomed and manicured bucolic heaven designed by the late Brazillian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx as part of KLCC’s development during the turn of the new millennium, the sprawling 50-acre property continues to remain an enduringly popular recreational spot for locals. That’s no surprise, given its lush combination of local flora, alongside amenities such as various water features, playgrounds, and even an avant-garde wading pool, all of which can be enjoyed for free.
Address: 241, Petronas Twin Tower, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Jalan Ampang, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Getting there: Take the Kelana Jaya LRT line and alight at the KLCC station. Walk 5 minutes to the KLCC park.
14. Dataran Merdeka
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If you’re local, this spot needs no introduction. Appearing on national currency and innumerable travel brochures, Dataran Merdeka can count itself as among a handful of the most recognisable landmarks in the country. And that is for a good reason when one considers its considerable significance in history as the very spot from which Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, proclaimed the country’s independence from British Colonial rule in 1957.
Today, the square is marked by one of the tallest flagpoles in the world, alongside a number of other historical sites including Cop Fountain, a water feature erected in 1897 in remembrance of former British Colonial police officer, Steve Harper. This is one of the few must-visit places in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for first-time tourists from abroad.
Address: Dataran Merdeka, Jalan Raja, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Getting there: Take the 180 bus and alight at the KL1820 Dataran Merdeka stop.
15. Central Market
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Singapore has Lau Pa Sat, and Malaysia has Central Market. Dedicated wet markets such as the one along Jalan Tun Sambathan are a common feature in many former Colonial outposts, with Kuala Lumpur’s take being founded back in 1888. While it may no longer supply local denizens with fresh produce, the Art Deco structure continues to remain a thriving community hub, having since been renovated and repurposed as a cultural centre offering local Malaysian crafts and other knick-knacks for sale. Come over the weekends to discover their weekly markets too.
Address: Central Market, Jalan Tun Sambathan, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 10am – 10pm
Getting there: Take the Kelana Jaya LRT line and alight at Pasar Seni station. Then walk 10 minutes to Central Market.
Benjamin Wong
Senior Editor, Fashion and Dining
Armed with an Advertising major from Lancaster University, Benjamin is a senior editor who has spent his time oscillating between the social media and digital media landscape since 2018. With a keen interest in haute fashion and gastronomy, he has written for publications such as ERROR Digital, WORLD OF BUZZ, and KL Foodie. Beyond the keyboard, you can find him arms-deep in a thrift pile.
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