Kuala Lumpur, a city of color and contrast
Kuala Lumpur is a rapidly developing city in South East Asia and is the capital of Malaysia. Malaysia is globally known as a multiracial country and Kuala Lumpur is undeniably a distinctive identity of this colorful country. As you walk pass by the streets of Kuala Lumpur, you will be astonished to see multiple skyscrapers, variety of food stalls stimulating your olfaction, hipster cafes, people and monuments of different races and culture. For your information, Kuala Lumpur was ranked as one of the top 10 most visited cities in the world from years 2016-2018.
There are numerous places to visit in this city but I would like to pick the top 10 most Insta-worthy spots in my perception.
1. Batu Caves Temple
This is a historical Hindu temple located in Gombak, dedicated to the Lord Murugan. You can easily take a Grab (Malaysian version of Uber) to this temple which is about 20 minutes drive from KL city or KTM train from KL Sentral to Batu Caves station. This temple is famous for its tallest Murugan statue and the colorfully painted 272 steps up to the limestone cave temple above. Morning photography here is beautiful with devotees making their vows, thousands of pigeons flying above the temple ground and monkeys waiting for you at the colorful stairs. This is a popular temple outside of India known for the famous Hindu festival called Thaipusam.
Video: https://youtu.be/v_GvClK7ACc
The Kuala Lumpur City Centre or the Petronas Twin Towers officiated in year 1999 is a global identity of Malaysia. This is the world's tallest twin towers and is a MUST to visit when you come to Kuala Lumpur. There are a few places that you can get good shots of this urban beauty but I would suggest these three: KLCC park, The FACE Suites & view from The Skybar of Traders Hotel. It's worthwhile dropping by Suria KLCC mall which has a wide variety of attractions for shopping and cuisines.
This Chinese temple decorated with multiple lanterns is located very near to Kuala Lumpur city and entrance is free of charge. Go early in the morning around 8 a.m. to avoid the crowd and to capture the grandiose architecture representing Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.
This is a new pedestrian bridge in Kuala Lumpur connecting the undisturbed Kampong Bharu and KLCC. Kampong Bharu is a traditional Malay village in central Kuala Lumpur that is preserved due to ancestral land factors. It has so many traditional Malay wooden slit houses making it an ideal spot for Instagram with the stunning skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur as the background to this old residential area. The new iconic Saloma Link looks stunning at night with LED lights reflecting the Malaysian flag.
* please ask permission from the landlord before taking photos at Kampong Bharu.
5. Sultan Abdul Samad Building
One of the oldest architecture of Kuala Lumpur built in 1897 during British colonization. Located strategically at the Merdeka Square, this is a significant landmark in Malaysian history.
The Federal Territory mosque's architecture is inspired by the famous Blue Mosque in Istanbul. This gorgeous mosque offers free tour for non-Muslims and robes are provided at the tourist counter for the ladies to cover themselves. The best spot to snap pictures is from entrance C as in the picture below on the left.
Ideal for nature trails and forest canopy walk. You get to feel the tropical beauty in the midst of the bustling Kuala Lumpur city centre. The KL tower is just adjacent to this park. There is a fee to enter this park.
This is the Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur located at Lorong Panggung, 5 minutes walking distance from Petaling Street. There are numerous wall art representing the Chinese daily living in the older days of Kuala Lumpur. There are few hipster cafes around here too. Why not have a hearty breakfast here and then proceed with street photography to fill up your Instagram feed.
This is a wide botanical garden, the green lung of Kuala Lumpur. Besides appreciating the greenery of this garden, one can relax at the central lake and also at the "Laman Perdana", an activity square covered with a large yellow canopy making this an ideal spot for photos.
The back alleys of Jalan Alor is now beautifully painted with murals making the street looking vividly colorful. No harm in taking photos at this 'Instagrammable' spot after a fulfilling shopping experience at Bukit Bintang.
I hope the information provided above has opened your eyes to make a visit to Kuala Lumpur soon. For more pictures and details of the places mentioned above or other must-see spots in Kuala Lumpur, do visit my Instagram.
I would also like to thank my two dear friends, Satesh and Chrisstal who have helped me with the locations hunting and phone photography around Kuala Lumpur.
"BEFORE YOU RUN OUT OF TIME"
Instagram: instagram.com/theroytravels/
Email: powellroylouis@gmail.com
