The Best Insta-Worthy Things to Do In Kuala Lumpur

So you’re off to Kuala Lumpur, a city that brings some famous sights to mind. Your friends are totes jelly, and you know you’re gonna take full advantage of the glorious posting opportunities about to come your way. For the Instagram fiend, there’s no end to the things to do in Kuala Lumpur. Some may say, “ugh, just like, travel and take it all in! Stop living behind a screen!” and to those people I say, “MEMORIES ARE IMPORTANT! And also, sounds like someone’s jealous. Ahem.”
Look, I totally get “living in the moment”. But that doesn’t mean that you’ve got to completely abandon technology. There is a good side to keeping a computer in your pocket with an awesome camera – and that good side is keeping and sharing those experiences with your friends and family and whoever else is trying to see the world but can’t be where you are right at that moment. So, in defense of taking photos, I thought this post would be a way to poke fun at (but also give you guys the inside scoop) on the best places to get those likes.
While it’s a no-brainer that there are a ton of things to eat, see, and do in Kuala Lumpur, living there for a month gave me an inside view that isn’t always easily Googled. And if you know the way that I like to work in a new city, you’ll know that mingling with the locals and asking every Uber driver possible what their favorite things in the city are is my go-to plan. Turns out, my highly extroverted personality is a pretty big benefit when chatting up a bunch of people who don’t even speak the same language as you! (Note: hand signals work WONDERS.) I also highly value experiences over anything, which is why the things below are a) super awesome experiences and b) very Instagram-worthy, because it’s definitely worth bragging about this amazing city to all your friends. Plus, in the process, YOU GON GETCHO LIKES! Check out all of the things below, and be sure to tag me in your posts if you do any of them! (@yourtravelblogsucks on insta!)

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Things to do in Kuala Lumpur:

Cheap drinks and an amazing sunset view

Two of my favorite things in this recommendation. Cheap drinks: well, because, obviously. There’s no shortage of a bar menu here, and you’ll appreciate the diversity when you realize you want to stay as long as you possibly can. Also, you do have to purchase a beverage to be able to access the top of this view, so the fact that it won’t break bank is key. What you’ll get? A seriously stunning sunset view. Named Heli Lounge Bar for a reason, it used to function as one. And now? It’s your gateway to #sunsetporn. Get there early, grab some drinks, and get a seat on the top edge of the building. Trust, me, those double taps will come pouring in.

Things to do in Kuala Lumpur:

The BEST Insta of the Petronas Towers

Most people think visiting the Petronas Towers requires a visit to the top. While, yes, it’s very impressive and very high up, the towers themselves are wonders to gaze at from afar. And you can’t really see them when you’re inside of them because, well, science. My sources led me, instead, to The Traders Hotel, specifically to the Sky Bar. While it’s common courtesy to order a drink, it’s a free view of the Towers, up close and personal. Go during the day and night for completely different perspectives – it is so worth it.

Things to do in Kuala Lumpur:

An infinity pool view that will get you an infinity likes

As if an infinity pool itself isn’t enough, this one happens to be on the top floor of an amazing hotel that gets a view of the entire skyline, both day and night. Book a room (or be very sneaky, but that’s hard to do when you’ve gotta jump in a pool…whatever it takes!) at the Face Suites to discover this epic skyline view. With the Petronas Towers on your left and the Kuala Lumpur Tower on your right, every over-the-shoulder “unposed shot” you take will be MaGiCaL. Like this one of my friends and I; TOTALLY unposed!

Things to do in Kuala Lumpur:

Flirt with peacocks (and a lot of other birds) and spread your social media wings

The Bird Park in Kuala Lumpur isn’t just a park full of birds…okay, it kind of is. But it’s the only one in the world where they allow them to roam freely about, meaning you’re totally in their home environment, immersed in all their bird-like ways. Like these male peacocks, who constantly try to lure female peacocks by strutting their stuff (and inadvertently scare the crap out of you, who’s just trying to make their way down the sidewalk without getting attacked by a peacock.) But with all those beautiful feathers, followers will surely flock.

Things to do in Kuala Lumpur:

Zipline and bike on tightropes through the jungle

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or, let’s be honest, just a cool photo, Skytrex Adventures has some awesome courses to take part in. Not for the faint of heart, the extreme course is waaaay high up in the sky, and has a ton of fun yet challenging obstacles to complete, along with ziplining, and, yes, “biking” on a tightrope. (Don’t worry, you’re harnessed in and everything is super safe.) Give them a try and get a little workout in while you do it!

Things to do in Kuala Lumpur:

Get your pewter degree at the School of Hard Knocks

Ever wanted to bang on a bunch of metal to make a bowl? What about see some of the most famous diamond-crusted pewter champagne casese (yes, it’s a thing) in the world for companies like Dom Perignon? You can do BOTH! At the school of hard knocks, (AKA The Royal Selangor Visitor Center) you’ll be able to see just how big of a role the pewter industry has on Malaysia, and even the world, as you make your way through the giant factory. If you’re into Boomerang, this is a great place to snag one – you’ll see some incredible creativity as pieces are handcrafted by experts right in front of your eyes.

Things to do in Kuala Lumpur:

Visit the Biggest Lil’ Rainforest in the World

Considered the “smallest rainforest in the world”, Bukit Nanas is a quick, super worth-it trip through a humid, lush environment. If you’re not familiar with Kuala Lumpur, you wouldn’t know that the weather is a mix of heat, humidity, and all around moisture. I’d highly recommend packing a ton of dry-fit clothing, because here, “sweat and wet” isn’t just a line from a Sir-Mix-A-Lot song.

Things to do in Kuala Lumpur:

Go to Jalan Alor to wow all your foodie friends

Known as “food street” (and also ironically positioned next to what I like to call “massage street” and “bar street”), Jalan Alor has anything and everything a foodie could possibly want to eat and photograph. From colorful rainbow dim sum and coconut ice cream in a coconut to a spiky fruit called durian and some very interesting looking Malay food, you’ll have foodie followers in a frenzy with your photos from this place. The crazy atmosphere, all of the people, the lights, and the random karaoke happening in the streets also earns bonus points for that Instagram story or Snapchat, if you’re into that sort of thing. (Also, check out my other article that focuses on The Best Cheap Food Finds in Kuala Lumpur!)

Things to do in Kuala Lumpur:

Visit the infamous Batu Caves and feel tiny next to the giant Buddha

This may go without saying, but I couldn’t write this article without mentioned the Batu Caves. The statue that awaits you at the beginning of the 200+ steps upward is truly jaw-dropping. Golden and perfect against the blue (or gray, if it’s 3 PM because it really does rain everyday at 3 PM in KL) skies, a photo of this taken by anyone can almost pass as one taken by a professional travel photographer. It’s really hard to get a bad angle, and even once you get up the stairs, you’re fed TONS of other photo opps. The monkeys, for example, run wild throughout and are constantly perched on poles, fences, and even the stairs themselves.

[NOTE OF WARNING: just DO NOT take food in your bag. They will see it, smell it, and STEAL IT! Those monkeys are thieves. They’re also very scary when you realize they have giant teeth that they bear after fighting them for your bag of Cheetos. Also, when you are taking photos of them with your precious mobile device, be very careful that you don’t get too close – they will steal your phone. (I saw this happen in real life. It’s really hilarious when it’s not your phone. But I’m sure that guy is very sad/embarrassed.)]

It’s also great to see Buddha from behind (another Baby Got Back reference? Don’t mind if I do) and of course, get some great pics of the actual caves themselves. At the top, wonderful temples, statues, stalagmites and stalactites await!

So, there you have it. The ultimate places to make your friends jealous. I meeeeean…the ultimate experiences! (But truly, they are!) Don’t feel bad about finally putting that new iPhone to use: Bring on the app updates! Crop the perfect square! USE THAT VALENCIA FILTER, GOSH DARNIT! Go wild! Go crazy! Go COCONUTS! (I’m sorry. I couldn’t help it.) Just be sure you practice safe Instagramming: beware of the monkeys, always #likeforlike, and please, remember your #hashtags. As I mentioned, please tag me in your posts if you found this article helpful at @yourtravelblogsucks on insta. Now, don’t be shy; get out there and GET THOSE DOUBLE TAPS!