9 Best Places for Photoshoots in KL to Add to Your Itinerary
As someone who values capturing memories behind the lens, Kuala Lumpur is one of my top places to hold amateur photoshoots with my friends and family. It features the perfect mix of urban backdrops, cultural temples, and lush gardens, providing variety to a single photoshoot.
I remember the first time we visited KL. We took photos with the massive Petronas Twin Towers (which every first timer should do), and we were disappointed with the results. It wasn’t because of the attraction but because of my sister’s composition (don’t worry, I already forgave her).
Anyways, the point of this list is to help you find the best places for photoshoots in KL to take, whether to add to your IG feed or just to commemorate your trip. Just be sure that the person holding the camera takes tons of photos to give you options!
Saloma Link Bridge
– Media credit: placesmalaysia
Address: 9, Lorong Raja Muda Musa 3
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Friday: 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday: 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM
Cost: Free
The Saloma Link Bridge is one of Kuala Lumpur’s newest additions to its selection of iconic photo shoot spots. It opened to the public back in 2020, and has since been a hotspot for locals and tourists alike because of its eye-popping design and bright dancing colours.
Its design takes inspiration from the traditional arrangement of betel leaves called sirih junjung, consisting of 4,100 LED-lit diamond-shaped panels. The pattern and colour of the diamonds are always changing, so no two photos will look the same!
Before even crossing the iconic structure of the bridge, you can see the beautiful KL skyline in the background, complete with the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone!
Pro tip:
Take the LRT and depart at the Kampung Baru Station if you’re planning on commuting. It’s one of the cheapest options, and it will drop you just right across the bridge’s entrance.
KL Forest Eco Park
– Media credit: eatwithst3ph
Address: No. 2, Jalan P.Ramlee
Contact details: +60 3-2026 4741
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost:
- MYKAD Holder:
- Adults: RM10
- Children (6 to 12 years): RM1
- Children (6 and under): Free
- Senior citizens: RM1
- Non-MYKAD Holder:
- Adults: RM40
- Children (6 to 12 years): RM5
- Children (6 and under): Free
- Senior citizens: RM40
KL Forest Eco Park provides a breath of fresh air from the countless skyscrapers in the capital by offering 9.3 hectares of lush greenery. From tall trees to exotic plants and vibrant flowers, there are tons of interesting sights here to take pictures with for the ‘Gram!
However, the best photoshoot spot in this rainforest is the canopy walk that’s suspended 21 metres above ground and spans 200 metres long. It’s beautifully surrounded by the tall trees, but if you set your shot just right, you can catch the Menara Tower in your shot!
If you’re lucky, you can even encounter and take photos with the wildlife species that have taken a liking to this eco forest! These creatures include the silver leaf monkeys and the long-tailed macaques.
Pro tip:
Consider visiting this place if you want to try hiking but don’t want to leave the city! It features beginner-friendly trails like the Merbau trail, which mostly consists of well-maintained pathways.
Thean Hou Temple
– Media credit: kristinedidit
Address: 65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa
Contact details: +60 3-2274 7088
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Cost: Free (donations are welcome)
It’s a no-brainer to include Thean Hou Temple on this list because it’s one of the most beautiful Chinese temples in Kuala Lumpur. It offers visitors a historic and serene spot to explore, one that’s filled with beautiful gold and red motifs.
Thean Hou Temple is one of those places that can serve as the subject of your portraits, with its stunning pointed roofs, masterful carvings, and majestic pillars. However, don’t be shy to take photos while walking around this temple, as you may capture some of the best candid shots!
You can also take photos from one of the terraces that overlook lush greenery as well as the Kuala Lumpur skyline! Just be sure to follow the strict dress code that states women should have their shoulders and knees covered.
Pro tip:
Although beautiful all day round, we recommend visiting Thean Hou Temple when the sun is about to set to catch the beautiful paper lanterns being lit! This way, you can take even more dreamy photos!
Perdana Botanical Gardens
– Media credit: placesmalaysia and themepark.places
Address: Jalan Kebun Bunga, Tasik Perdana
Contact details: +60 3-2276 0432
Operating hours: Daily from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost:
- Perdana Botanical Gardens: Free
- Bird Park:
- Adults: RM85
- Children: RM60
- Butterfly Park: RM25
- Orchid Garden:
- Weekends: RM1
- Weekdays: Free
Also known as Lake Gardens, Perdana Botanical Gardens features 227 acres of photo shoot opportunities! This place is sprawling with beautiful views, from towering trees to man-made lakes, lush flower beds, and more.
One spot that tourists love taking photos in, however, is the Perdana Canopy. It’s a majestic feat of architecture that serves as a shroud for public events and activities, while mimicking the lush tall trees at the same time.
Peradna Botanical Gardens is also the ultimate family vacation because it houses the Bird and Butterfly Parks. Furthermore, there’s a huge kids’ playground that your children can enjoy for FREE!
Pro tip:
You can also bring a basket of snacks as well as pretty blankets or rugs and enjoy a cute picnic with your partner or family. Also, this will make for a cute and romantic photo shoot!
Changkat Bukit Bintang
– Media credit: yyzcityscapes
Address: Bukit Bintang
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Changkat Bukit Bintang isn’t just a treasure trove of hawker stalls, hidden cafes, and lively pubs, but it’s also one of the most Instagrammable areas in KL. For starters, the iconic street is dotted with pre-war colonial buildings, some of which have been transformed into the cafes we love!
Furthermore, tons of back alleys have been revamped through street art from local talented artists. One of the perfect examples of this is the Alor Backspace Street Art, which features beautiful, vibrant paintings on the floor and on entire walls of buildings.
It’s the closest thing you can get to a free outdoor museum, and the best part is that you can take as many photos as you want for free! Better yet, you can go street food hopping in Bukit Bintang and stumble upon beautiful murals while discovering new flavours for your palate.
Pro tip:
After walking for hours trying to find the best photo shoot spots in the area, you can catch your breath at The Rabbit Hole. This artsy restaurant is photo-shoot-worthy in its own right, but it also serves delicious and hunger-quenching brunch meals.
Petronas Twin Towers
– Media credit: petronastwintowers
Address: Petronas Twin Tower, Lower Ground (Concourse) Level
Contact details: +60 3-2331 8080
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost:
- Non-MYKAD Holders:
- Infant (below 2 years): Free
- Child (2 to 12 years): RM50
- Adult (13 to 60 years): RM98
- Seniors 61 years and above): RM50
- MYKAD Holders:
- Infant (below 2 years): Free
- Child (2 to 12 years): RM17
- Adult (13 to 60 years): RM35
- Seniors 61 years and above): RM17
It would be a shame to visit Kuala Lumpur and not stop by what’s dubbed the “icon of the city”, the Petronas Twin Towers. It’s among the most famous buildings in Malaysia for several reasons, from its sheer 88-storey height to its beautiful lights.
One of the best things about this spot is that it offers multiple locations for photo shoots. For instance, you can head to the observation deck if you want your portraits to feature panoramic views of the KL skyline as your backdrop.
The best part about this attraction is that you won’t have to pay for anything if you want to take photos of it from the outside! It’s fully visible from different parts of the capital, but if you want up-close shots, we recommend doing your photo shoot at the KLCC Park.
Pro tip:
If you’re stopping by KLCC Park to take photos of the towers from below, we recommend visiting at exactly 8:00 PM. This is when the Symphony Lake Water Show is held at the park, which is a beautiful water and lights show.
NU Sentral
– Media credit: kl.foodie
Address: 201, Jalan Tun Sambanthan
Contact details: +60 3-2859 7177
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: Free
NU Sentral became a trendy spot for amateur and professional photographers recently because of one of its escalators. It’s shrouded by a glass roof with fluted panels, so you can get glimpses of the surrounding skyscrapers in your shot!
If you schedule your photoshoot during the daytime, you can also expect natural sunlight to come through the panels. However, we don’t recommend going around lunchtime because you’ll have more chances of being photobombed.
Pro tip:
While you’re here, don’t miss the chance of going on a shopping spree! NU Sentral features hundreds of stores, as well as restaurants, cafes and cinemas that are worth checking out.
Federal Territory Mosque
– Media credit: imagesofmalaysia
Address: Anjung B, Wilayah Persekutuan
Contact details: +60 3-6201 8791
Operating hours:
- Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Cost: Free
Also known as Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan, the Federal Territory Mosque is one of the most majestic places of worship in Malaysia. Everyone is welcome here, and you don’t have to pay for a permit to take photos and appreciate the mosque’s beautiful architecture.
The structure features a beautiful teal and gold motif, which can prominently be seen on the dome-shaped roofs. Furthermore, the intricate carvings and arches are always awe-inspiring to admire up close.
You can take photos at just about every crevice of the mosque, except the prayer rooms. If you want our advice, we recommend taking a photo by the outdoor pool, which can reflect the beautiful mosque if you frame your shot right.
Pro tip:
Before or after visiting the mosque, you can stop by the Medan Selera Jalan Duta located right across the street. It’s a local food court that offers authentic local delicacies like nasi lemak, ikan bakar, lamb, and more!
River of Life
– Media credit: sureboh.sg
Address: Jalan Benteng, City Centre
Operating hours: Daily from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Cost: Free
The River of Life was once considered undesirable because of its muddy appearance. Although it’s not entirely clear today, we appreciate officials stepping in to make it look a hundred times better and become an additional spot for photographers to practice their skills!
Surrounding this river are a bunch of scenic pathways that feature beautiful greenery, which are perfect for taking quaint photos. Furthermore, there are several old-timey buildings that have been graffiti-ed with beautiful colourful portraits.
However, the best place to visit the River of Life is at night. It comes to life (pun intended), thanks to the blue strip lights that run along the edges of the riverbanks, turning the once muddy river into a magical scene from a fairy tale.
Pro tip:
Make sure to stop by the Masjid Jamek Lookout Point while you’re here to add more backdrops to your photo shoot. It features unobstructed views of the breathtaking Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque!