In a country where we have majority Muslims, mosques plays an integral part of the community and Kuala Lumpur’s beautiful architectures. The features of the mosques can be different and unique depending on the influence of architecture and style from different cultures, practices and meanings.
Mosques are definitely one of our favourite curation with many different photographers snapping beautiful photos of the architecture. So here are some of our favourite photo picks of the mosques around Greater Kuala Lumpur. ICYMI, Greater Kuala Lumpur is defined as an area which covers 11 municipalities which includes Putrajaya, Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya, Klang, Kajang, Subang Jaya, Selayang, Ampang, Kuala Langat, Sepang and of course the Kuala Lumpur.
Anyway, here goes some of our favourite photos of the mosques.
Perched atop Bukit Tunku within the Lake Gardens area, the National Planetarium (Planetarium Negara) is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most captivating attractions for science and astronomy enthusiasts. Since its opening in 1993, it has been inspiring generations of visitors to look up and wonder about the universe. With its striking blue dome, hands-on exhibits, and immersive space theatre, the planetarium offers a fascinating journey through the cosmos — right in the heart of Malaysia’s capital.
A Brief History
The National Planetarium was established by the Malaysian government as part of its mission to promote science and space exploration. Its location atop a hill was deliberately chosen to symbolise reaching for the skies. Over the years, the planetarium has played a key role in nurturing interest in astronomy and space sciences among Malaysians, hosting educational programs, exhibitions, and international collaborations with space agencies.
What to See and Do
Space Theatre
One of the highlights is the planetarium’s space theatre, featuring a massive dome screen where you can experience captivating space documentaries and astronomy shows. The high-definition visuals and surround sound create an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
Interactive Exhibits
Explore exhibits on the solar system, black holes, satellites, and Malaysia’s space achievements, including artefacts from Malaysian astronaut Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor’s historic 2007 mission aboard the International Space Station. Kids can engage with hands-on experiments, making it an educational yet fun outing.
Observatory and Telescope Park
Outside the main building, visitors will find an observatory equipped with telescopes and a small telescope park. On clear nights, public stargazing sessions are occasionally organised, giving everyone a chance to see the moon and planets up close.
Space Garden & Lake Gardens Link
The planetarium is connected to the Perdana Botanical Garden and nearby attractions such as the National Museumand KL Bird Park, making it a perfect addition to a day out in the Lake Gardens area.
Why You Should Go
Whether you’re a parent seeking an educational adventure for your children, a tourist exploring Kuala Lumpur’s cultural gems, or simply someone fascinated by the stars, the National Planetarium offers a rare chance to experience the wonders of space in an engaging, interactive setting. It’s not just an attraction — it’s an inspiring gateway to the universe.
Location: 53, Jalan Perdana, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park is a large public butterfly zoo in Kuala Lumpur. It is a popular tourist attraction in the country. It is located adjacent to the Lake Gardens and Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. The butterfly park houses many species that are local to the country.
Spanning over 80,000 square feet of landscaped garden with over 5,000 butterflies, exotic plants, butterfly-host plants and ferns, it is one of the largest houses in the world. The park also houses an exhibition area with information on butterflies and other insects, and offers a souvenir store for tourists at the end of the tour.
Tucked on the edge of Kuala Lumpur’s Lake Gardens, the National Museum of Malaysia (Muzium Negara) stands as a gateway to the nation’s soul. For decades, it has been the starting point for countless visitors hoping to understand Malaysia beyond its skyscrapers and bustling streets. Its sweeping Minangkabau-style roof greets you like an old storyteller—ready to reveal centuries of culture, struggle, and growth.
A Story That Began with Rebirth
The museum’s story begins with its predecessor, the Selangor Museum, which was badly damaged during World War II. In 1963, just as Malaysia was forming as a young nation, the new National Museum rose on the same site. It was more than just a building; it was a declaration that the country’s diverse heritage deserved to be remembered and celebrated.
Walking through its halls today, you can almost feel that spirit of renewal—an ambitious young nation stitching together its many cultures into one identity.
Exploring the Four Main Galleries
Inside, the museum is divided into four main galleries, each a chapter of Malaysia’s grand story:
Prehistory Gallery Ancient tools, skeletons, and cave drawings reveal the earliest human life in the Malay Peninsula, dating back over 200,000 years.
Malay Kingdoms Gallery Step into the golden age of the Malacca Sultanate and the rise of powerful Malay kingdoms, with displays of royal regalia, traditional weaponry, and intricate textiles.
Colonial Era Gallery Artifacts from Portuguese, Dutch, and British periods trace how trade and colonisation reshaped the region, paving the way for modern Malaysia.
Modern Malaysia Gallery This final gallery chronicles the country’s road to independence and its transformation into a dynamic, multicultural nation.
Each gallery is designed not just to display objects, but to weave them into the broader tapestry of Malaysian identity.
Cultural Treasures Beyond the Galleries
Step outside and you’ll find full-sized traditional houses from across Malaysia—beautiful wooden structures raised on stilts, each telling stories of rural life. There are also galleries for temporary exhibitions, showcasing themes from local crafts to contemporary art.
Don’t miss the orang asli (indigenous peoples) exhibits, which provide a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles and rich oral traditions of Malaysia’s earliest communities.
Why Visit the National Museum
Whether you’re a local looking to reconnect with your roots or a traveller seeking to understand Malaysia’s complexity, the National Museum is an essential stop in Kuala Lumpur. It offers a rare, immersive way to see how history, culture, and identity intertwine—helping you see the country not just as a destination, but as a living story.
Location: Department of Museums Malaysia, Jalan Damansara 50566 Kuala Lumpur.
Tucked behind old shophouses near Central Market, Sin Sze Si Ya Temple is more than a place of worship—it’s the spiritual cradle of early Kuala Lumpur. Founded by Kapitan Yap Ah Loy in 1864, it’s the city’s oldest Chinese/Taoist temple and a living archive of the Chinese’s pioneer life, devotion, and community power.
Photo / IG @theszumeisterPhoto / IG @garyhor
A founding story: Yap Ah Loy and two guardian deities
As tin-rush chaos shaped the nascent town, Yap Ah Loy credited two protectors—Sin Sze Ya (Seng Meng Lee, an elder Kapitan from Sungai Ujong) and Si Sze Ya (Chung Piang/Lai, Yap’s trusted general)—with guiding him through conflict and helping secure peace and prosperity. He enshrined them here, and the small riverside settlement blossomed into a city.
What to look for inside
Cantonese temple architecture. Intricate roof ridges, carved beams, guardian lions and richly lacquered altars preserve a 19th-century aesthetic rarely seen intact in the city today.
Rituals and folk beliefs. Devotees still draw kau cim (fortune sticks) and seek blessings for exams from Wenchang Dijun (God of Literature). On Jingzhe (the “Awakening of Insects” solar term), offerings are made to the White Tiger deity and some practise “villain-hitting”—a local rite for turning bad luck.
Photo / IG @nicjinPhoto / IG @esthertically
Pioneers of Kuala Lumpur Museum
Next door, the Pioneers of Kuala Lumpur Museum (opened 2023/2024) deepens the narrative with artefacts, procession sedan chairs (1893), and a timeline linking the temple to KL’s growth. It also documents how Sin Sze Si Ya temples spread across peninsular Malaysia.
Heritage status
Recognising its role in the city’s origin story and Chinese-Malaysian culture, Sin Sze Si Ya Temple has been gazetted as a heritage site under Malaysia’s National Heritage framework.
What makes it special (and photogenic)
Old-KL Atmosphere – incense smoke, red lanterns, and timber altars framed by lightwells; the temple feels intimate yet storied.
Living Traditions – fortune sticks, exam blessings, and seasonal rites continue to anchor Chinatown’s community life.
Start-of-KL Narrative – a rare site where civic leadership, faith, and city-building converge.
Location: 113A, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur.
Bukit Bintang also known as Bintang Walk or Starhill, is a busy spot with its streets filled with shopping malls and entertainment outlets. It encompasses Jalan Bukit Bintang and its immediate surrounding areas. The area has long been Kuala Lumpur’s most prominent retail belt that is home to many landmark shopping centres, al-fresco cafés, bars, night markets, food street as well as hawker-type eateries. This area is popular among tourists and locals, especially among the youths.
Back in the late 1980s, corporate magnate Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay proposed a rejuvenated retail cluster in Kuala Lumpur. He started retail developments through a conglomerate YTL Corporation and branded the area as Bintang Walk. The district has since transformed to become one of the hippest destinations in the city.
Among some of the popular shopping malls in Bukit Bintang includes Berjaya Times Square, Imbi Plaza, Fahrenheit 88, Low Yat Plaza, Starhill Gallery, Sungei Wang Plaza, Lot 10 and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.
In 2021, the local authority created a pedestrian crossing at the busy junction of Bukit Bintang known as the scramble crossing which is similar to Japan’s famous Shibuya crossing.
Nestled on the forested hill of Bukit Kiara, the National Science Centre (Pusat Sains Negara) is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most captivating family destinations. Since opening in 1996, this dome-shaped landmark has been inspiring curiosity and wonder about science, technology, and the natural world. For locals and tourists alike, it offers a fun yet educational experience — perfect for sparking a love for science among young minds while providing engaging discoveries for all ages.
What to Expect Inside
The centre spans over 8,000 square metres of exhibition space and is divided into themed galleries that cover various branches of science and technology. Visitors are greeted by a giant freshwater aquarium tunnel at the entrance, home to colourful fishes, stingrays, and even small sharks.
Other highlights include:
Exploration Hall: Hands-on exhibits about physics, chemistry, and biology.
Tech Lab & Innovation Zones: Interactive showcases on robotics, space technology, and renewable energy.
Aquatic and Marine Exhibits: Live specimens and educational displays on Malaysia’s rich biodiversity.
Science Shows & Demonstrations: Scheduled daily, featuring fun experiments and engaging presentations.
For children, there’s also a Kids’ Discovery Area filled with playful, sensory-based exhibits designed to make learning intuitive and fun.
Why It Matters
The National Science Centre is more than just a tourist attraction — it plays an important role in promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education in Malaysia. School groups frequently visit for field trips, and many of its exhibitions are tailored to align with the national school curriculum. It’s a place where young visitors can see science come to life beyond textbooks.
A Journey Through Curiosity
Visiting the National Science Centre is like stepping into a world of wonder — where glowing jellyfish tanks meet robotic arms, where kids can play while learning, and where adults are reminded how magical science can be. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, student, or curious traveller, this centre promises an unforgettable experience that sparks imagination and ignites discovery.
Location: Pusat Sains Negara, Persiaran Bukit Kiara 50662 Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur.
Nestled in the heart of busy Kuala Lumpur, the KL Forest Eco Park—formerly known as the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve—is a remarkable urban oasis. Established in 1906, it stands as Malaysia’s oldest forest reserve and a striking example of nature persevering amid the metropolis.
A Forest in the City: History & Significance
Origins dating back 1906: Bukit Nanas was declared a forest reserve over a century ago. Though urban growth has shrunk its size from 17.5 ha to around 9–10 ha, its preservation continues.
Living legacy: This dipterocarp forest hosts over 200 plant species, numerous birds, reptiles, and mammals like Silver Leaf Monkeys and Long-Tailed Macaques, acting as KL’s green lung and a conservation showcase.
What Makes It Special
Canopy Walkway
A 200 m network of elevated trails, reaching heights of 20–30 m, winds through the treetops. Visitors can glimpse the Kuala Lumpur skyline—including KL Tower—and pause on lookout platforms for city-forest panoramas.
Experience: peaceful, shaded, and surprisingly immersive despite skyscrapers hovering above.
Wildlife: keep watch for birds, squirrels, occasional bats, and the lively chatter of macaques.
Nature Trails & Hiking
The park offers several walking routes: Merbau, Jelutong, Penarahan, and the Arboretum trail, ranging from gentle strolls to moderate ascents up Bukit Nanas.
The National Zoo is located on 110 acres (45 ha) of land in Ulu Klang, Gombak District. It was officially opened on 14 November 1963 by the country’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. The park is managed by a non-governmental organisation known as the Malaysian Zoological Society. For funding, Zoo Negara relies on gate collections and on support from donors and sponsors.
Zoo Negara is home to 5137 animals of 476 different species. Over the years, the zoo has transformed itself to an open concept zoo with over 90% of its animals kept in spacious exhibits with landscape befitting its nature.
A Glimpse Into Its History
Zoo Negara was Malaysia’s first national zoo, opened by the country’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. Initially managed by the Malaysian Zoological Society, the zoo aimed to nurture awareness and appreciation of wildlife conservation. Over the decades, it has grown from a small animal park into a full-fledged open-concept zoo, allowing animals to roam in spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitats.
Key Attractions and Highlights
1. Giant Panda Conservation Centre One of Zoo Negara’s star attractions is the Giant Panda Conservation Centre, home to the famous panda pair Xing Xing and Liang Liang. Their arrival marked a historic collaboration between Malaysia and China, and they continue to be a crowd favourite.
2. Open-Concept Exhibits Zoo Negara embraces an open-concept layout where visitors can observe animals in habitats designed to resemble their natural surroundings. The Savannah Walk, Great Ape Centre, and Reptile House are among the most visited zones.
3. Children’s World Perfect for families with young children, this area offers a mini petting zoo, pony rides, and interactive exhibits to spark curiosity and love for animals from an early age.
4. Walkthrough Bird Aviary & Aquarium Visitors can stroll through the lush aviary to see hundreds of colourful bird species up close or explore the freshwater aquarium showcasing native Malaysian fish species.
Education and Conservation Efforts
Beyond being a tourist destination, Zoo Negara plays a vital role in wildlife research, captive breeding, and conservation education. It runs various outreach programs, wildlife awareness campaigns, and school visits to promote environmental stewardship among Malaysians. The zoo’s veterinary hospital and research facilities contribute to regional conservation efforts, particularly for endangered native species like the Malayan tiger and tapir.
Why Zoo Negara Matters
The National Zoo isn’t just a place for leisure—it’s a living classroom and a vital link between humans and the natural world. In a rapidly urbanising Kuala Lumpur, it offers a rare chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and understand the importance of protecting wildlife for future generations.
Kuala Lumpur City Gallery tells the story of Kuala Lumpur’s Past, Present and Future through miniatures. It is located right in Independence Square (Dataran Merdeka), Kuala Lumpur’s historical enclave.
The highlight here is The Spectacular City Model Show, the largest and first of such kind in Malaysia. The massive model measures an incredible 40ft x 50ft (12m x 15m), which showcases the city’s past, present and future through a light and sound presentation.
