A lot of money can be spent whilst visiting a big city such as Kuala Lumpur. It’s hard to know where to go and what to do whilst sticking to a budget, even harder to find free things to do. However, I have done the hard work and put together this handy post on free things to do in Kuala Lumpur.
1. Take a walk in the park.
The KLCC park is a 50 acre park in the centre of Kuala Lumpur. With its ample seating area, much greenery and open water, it is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur. It’s a place where you can sit and rest next to various water features as well as keep fit with its 1.3km jogging track. It is definitely one of the top free things to do in Kuala Lumpur.
To get there you can take the undercover air conditioned walkway from Bintang or jump on the metro to KLCC station.
PRICE: Free
2. Admire the Petronas Towers from the outside.
The Petronas Towers used to be the tallest buildings in the world However after being overtaken by Tapei 101 they are now the tallest twin towers standing at 452 metres high. It is not just one of the free things to do in Kuala Lumpur, but they are also a must when you visit the city.
Impressive by day, they get even better at night when they are illuminated.
They are a costly 80MYR to go up therefore I would recommend going to Heli bar (a bar on a helicopter pad with great views of KL) and purchasing a 30MYR cocktail to enjoy views of Kuala Lumpur which include the Petronas Tower on the skyline.
The Petronas Towers are located right next to KLCC park.
PRICE: Free
3. Watch the KLCC Lake Symphony show.
In front of Suria KLCC / Petronas Towers each evening at 7pm the fountains become alive with colour and dance to the sound of music.
Don’t stand too close to the edge though as you may get a little wet as the fountains lean towards you.
PRICE: free
4. Laked Gardens
Officially known as Perdana Botanical Gardens, it is a beautiful 200 acre park surrounding a lake.
This landscaped area is great for cycling and wandering around. It also has a great little WiFi hotspot point and lots of private sitting areas. Within the grounds are an observatory, a free small deer park, botanical gardens, children’s play area and a bird park.
Taman Tasik Perdana is a 10 minute walk from Chinatown and close to KL Dental.
PRICE: Free
5. Mosque Masjid Jamek
Masjid Jamek mosque is an important landmark of Kuala Lumpur. With its Indo Saracenic design, surrounded by palm trees, it is very photogenic.
You need to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. It is closed to tourists during certain times to allow for prayers to be carried out in peace.
PRICE: Free
6. Free walking tour
Free walking tours are run by the city council. Visit visitkl.gov.my to book yourself into one. This is one of the Free things to do in Kuala Lumpur that you cannot miss.
They cover the main areas of Kuala Lumpur and give additional information about the history of the city. It is a great way of meeting new people.
See my post about making friends on the road.
Don’t forget to tip your guide at the end.
PRICE: Free excluding tip.
7. Batu caves.
The Batu caves are in limestone and are home to one of the most famous Hindu shrines outside India. It is surrounded by monkeys and has lots of other shrines and caves nearby. You are also allowed to rock climb here with lots of different routes.
Check out my post about the Batu Caves here.
PRICE: free
8. I love KL
Everyone loves a photo opportunity such as an I love [insert current city here] sign. A definite must for social media to prove you have been to a city.
Next to Kuala Lumpur City Gallery you can find just that sign. However to enter the Gallery you have to pay.
PRICE: Free
9. Canopy walkway
In the tree tops of the KL Forest Eco Park is a set of rope bridges taking you along the tree line. It shows off amazingly the contrast of the 9 hectares of forest against the towering skyscrapers and Menara Tower.
Check out my post on the rope walkways to find out more.
PRICE: Free
10. Cycle Wheelie Sunday
Each Sunday the roads are closed to cars at Publika, Solaris Dutamas from 7am – 10am. Although called Wheelie Sunday you do not just have to cycle. You can walk, jog and skate the 1.2km route.
Don’t worry if you don’t have your own bike. They have free bikes at The Square, Publika.
PRICE: Free
So there you have it, my top 10 free things to do in Kuala Lumpur. If you have any recommendations please do not hesitate to comment below. And don’t forget to subscribe to my blog (It’s free) for updates, adventurous stories and money saving tips.
Looking for more things to do in Kuala Lumpur then check out these 25 things to do and this budget 48 hour guide.
Great curated list to visiting to Kuala Lumpur. I would really enjoy relaxing, and walking around the KLCC park or Laked Gardens. The Lake Symphony Show at nighttime looks neat to watch. I love Cycle Wheelie Sundays the most. A great idea to get people out and active. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for suggesting so many free attractions! So often they are underestimated. I always look for some good free places as it so quickly adds up especially if you travel as a family with children. I love the lake Symphony show! And as already mentioned thanks for including the maps- they are so useful!
You are welcome Grace 🙂
That’s a good list of plenty of cool things to do! I’d love to visit Kuala Lumpur and see the Petronas Towers. I like that you added a map with every suggestion!
I have always been in awe of those who lived or visited Malaysia; it seems absolutely beautiful and full of life. I really like the way you structured this post with the descriptions, images and maps; makes it so clear if anyone chooses to visit each of those places. It absolutely seems like a great city to stroll around. Thank you
Looks fab Kathy! I haven’t visited for many years so will have changed a lot. Things are so much easier to arrange and suss out these days! Great having so much free outdoors stuff to do, especially when in a budget!
Your night-time photos are really nice!
I love strolling around new places and not follow touristy paths and overpriced tours, but discovering the location for myself, walking and eating and photographing my way through the area. So sights like the ones you suggested are really appreciated! The walkway really looks like my kind of fun 🙂
That’s cool. I usually look out for free things to do in any city before I venture there. Yes, there are some things that are totally worth the money spent but when I’m on a budget trip, I usually do half of free things and half of ticketed things! I’m yet to visit KL, so thanks for this list! Esp I won’t miss the canopy walkway!
This is a really user-friendly post, not just from the point of view that the things listed are free, but also because of the maps and other tips you have included. Being a person who loves the great outdoors, I must admit Batu Caves are my favourite on this list, especially as their is no doubt great hiking in the area as well as the rock climbing referred to. Otherwise the lovely buildings, in particular the mosques and other significant structures are just fascinating to visit – as your lovely photos show.
Thanks for your lovely comment Nicole 🙂