Having fun in Kuala Lumpur (KL) doesn’t always mean you’ve got to fork out mad moolah. The city is brimming with budget-friendly things to do that’ll leave you inspired and fulfilled.
From peaceful art galleries to intriguing heritage walks, and gorgeous light shows to romantic film screenings, discover six activities you could do for a romantic date, quality time with your friends, or some much-needed me-time.
1. Check out the latest exhibition at one of KL’s many art galleries and museums
If art is up your alley, the city’s flourishing art and design scene will have you spoilt for choice. From vast modern spaces to intimate heritage corners, KL is dotted with galleries and museums that showcase traditional, modern, contemporary, and multidisciplinary art.
If you’re a fan of all of the above, head over to Balai Seni Negara (National Art Gallery), which houses a vast collection of traditional, modern, contemporary, and Islamic art from Malaysia.
For modern and contemporary art exhibitions, check out Ilham Gallery and Bank Negara Museum and Art Gallery.
As for galleries that focus on contemporary art, don’t miss Ur-Mu, Taksu, Wei-Ling Gallery, A+ Works of Art, Harta, Zhan Art Space, Segaris Art Center, KL City Art Gallery, Cult Gallery, The Back Room KL, Lostgens, KEN Gallery, and Temu House.
For something a little different, The Godown Arts Centre is an arts centre whose programming focuses on all forms of art, including visual and performing arts, crafts, fashion, architecture, graphic design, and photography.
Do check on their socials or websites for the latest happenings!
Cost: Ranges from free to a small entrance fee.
2. Discover KL from a new perspective with Free Walk Kuala Lumpur Unscripted
Take in KL’s charming sights on a guided walk through quaint streets, lanes, and back alleys with Free Walk Kuala Lumpur Unscripted (FWKLU). Experience the soul of the city and see what makes it unique and special as you hear fascinating stories of how and why people migrated to the city, tales of past heroes, villains, forgotten pioneers, historic architecture, and more during this tip-based walk.
Led by licensed tourist guides who live and work in the heart of KL, you’ll be in good hands as you discover old KL through a new lens.
Cost: Tip-based
3. Listen to vinyls of your choice at The Groove Room
Founded by Mohan Selvadurai in 2020, The Groove Room is a speakeasy record store with a comfy hidden listening room that’s available for rent. Select from Mohan’s collection of over 4,000 vinyls, kick back, relax, and get lost in the music. You’re welcome to bring your own drinks along for the ride!
The Groove Room accommodates up to four people and is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 8pm, which can be extended to 9pm if you’re renting the listening room.
Cost: RM50 per hour
Address: Lot 160, Level 1 Amcorp Mall 18, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone: +6 012 288 3881
4. Check out the nightly light show at River of Life
Located near Merdeka Square, Central Market, and Chinatown, River of Life is part of a large project aimed at restoring and beautifying the historically rich heart of KL. Take a leisurely evening stroll along the riverbank, admire larger-than-life murals, and stop by the Masjid Jamek Lookout Point to catch the nightly light and mist show.
The light show runs several times every night, between 9pm to 10pm.
Cost: Free
Address: River of Life, Leboh Pasar Besar, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
5. Have a cosy movie night out
If you’ve grown tired of going to big mall cinemas, how about cosying up for a movie night at one of these independent film screeners? TDSC, Couch Potato by Cryroom, Pasar Seni Picture Show, and SunSan Bake host regular community screenings in intimate settings that give you the opportunity to break away from the mainstream and meet like-minded people.
Cost: Usually donation-based, starting at RM10
6. Laugh it out at a comedy night
They say laughter is the best medicine. It relieves stress, reduces blood pressure, relaxes your muscles, stimulates your brain, and builds camaraderie, so what better way to spend your evening than at a comedy night?
For a good laugh and great vibes, check out comedy club KL Comedy Corner. You can also keep an eye out for comedy events organised by One Mic Stand, The Laughing Gas, just jokes:, Kvlt List, Have Pun, Bobo KL, PJ Performing Arts Centre, The Making of Jokes, and comedian Shamaine Othman.
Cost: Ranges from free or RM30+
