Hidden gems in Kuala Lumpur

Explore Kuala Lumpur’s multifaceted history and architecture through sites like the century-old Sri Kandaswamy Kovil and the Mogul-style Vivekananda Ashram. This collection highlights specialized cultural venues, including the Royal Malaysia Police Museum and contemporary spaces like ILHAM Gallery. For nature, the list covers the central Hibiscus Garden and the extensive forest trails of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM). Architectural landmarks like the Chan See Shu Yuen Temple and the bronze Tugu Negara monument provide insight into the city's diverse heritage.

Kuala Lumpur's Hidden Gems — Map

Pdr123 / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

National Monument

This majestic bronze sculpture celebrates national struggle for freedom, especially during WWII.

Simitha T.Singam from KL, Malaysia / CC BY-SA 2.0

B

Sri Kandaswamy Kovil, Brickfields

Sri Kandaswamy Kovil is a Hindu temple located along Jalan Scott, Brickfields in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The temple is over a century old.

C

Chan See Shu Yuen Temple

A stunning staple of Chinese architecture. The gold decorations are a real treat and the architecture in itself is captivating.

Rizuan / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Royal Malaysia Police Museum

The Royal Malaysia Police Museum is a museum that showcases the history of the Royal Malaysia Police, located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Al-Bukhari Foundation Mosque

The Al-Bukhari Foundation Mosque is a mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Gryffindor / Public domain

F

National Visual Arts Gallery

The National Art Gallery of Malaysia is a public art gallery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.The gallery is situated along Jalan Tun Razak, on…

G

ILHAM Gallery

A public art gallery located in Menara Ilham focusing on modern and contemporary Malaysian and Southeast Asian art through rotating exhibitions and educational programs.

H

The Heritage of Malaysia Trust

Devoted to Malaysia's history, the centre features mainly various workshops.

I

No Black Tie

Atmospheric joint in Bukit Bintang with good food, friendly service, great cocktails and excellent acoustics.

J

Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields

Buddhist Maha Vihara is a Sri Lankan temple situated in Brickfields of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

K

Vivekananda Ashram

Built in 1904, this historic landmark features Mogul-style architecture and a bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda. It was established as a cultural center by the Jaffna Tamil community.

L

Husen Cafe

A casual eatery in Brickfields specializing in Ethiopian dishes, such as injera and doro wat, alongside traditional Indian cuisine.

Gary Houston / CC0

M

Hibiscus Garden

Simply put, this is a flower paradise. Walk around and enjoy the sweet hibiscus flowers - and do not miss the orchid garden, too.

Mikenorton / CC BY-SA 3.0

N

Forest Research Institute of Malaysia

This research institute also functions as a large nature park which makes for a breath-taking getaway from the busy city.

Chemical Engineer / Public domain

O

KLCC Park

A beautiful park that provides a pleasant refuge from the busy city. The main draw of this park is surely Lake Symphony, an artificial lake…

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