Malaysia — home to beautiful and exciting landscapes if you know where to look. With the country slowly opening up, and the ban on interstate travel lifted, many can now take a short break from our stressful daily lives. If you, like us, are looking to fill your life (or your Instagram feed) with colour, you don’t have to travel far to do so. Malaysia is home to various rainbow-bright places! Here are the 10 most colourful and picturesque hotspots around Malaysia:
1. Jalan Alor, KL
Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur (KL), Jalan Alor has got to be a one-of-a-kind spot with its eccentric street art, which is inspired by a river and extends to the ground as well as its surrounding walls. Different accents of white and blue are added to the ‘river’ with tiny ripples leading to a pool wall to make it look realistic.
2. National Science Centre (Pusat Sains Negara), KL
The National Science Centre (Pusat Sains Negara) is a rainbow-coloured dome-like building located on the hilltops of Bukit Kiara. Not too long ago, it received a well-overdue facelift and now boasts colourful glass panes. The new look definitely stands out if one were to drive past, and just as easy on the eyes when seen from the streets. For those looking to snap the perfect photo, wait for the sunlight to hit the colourful glass panes. And we definitely recommend bringing kids here!
3. Elmina Valley Park, Selangor
The Rainbow Bridge located in Elmina Valley Park has already welcomed loads of visitors. There are huge curves in different colours placed following a track, hence taking a walk through its colourful spiral walls will make you feel like you’re walking through a rainbow. Don’t forget to take a photo before and after running on the track.
Having trouble getting there? Elmina City is still a relatively new township. A simple Google search of Elimina Valley Rainbow Bridge will help you find your way there.
4. Kampar Disney Avenue, Perak
You don’t have to fly all the way to Hong Kong’s Disneyland to capture photos with a colourful backdrop, because there are rows of picturesque buildings called the Kampar Disney Avenue in Perak. Nestled in a quiet area of Kampar, this fantastic street is inspired by Hong Kong Disneyland’s Main Street. Its pastel-hued façade provides the perfect backdrop for magical photos. Make sure your camera is fully charged, as this is an experience you surely don’t want to miss capturing!
5. Colmar Tropicale, Pahang
Colmar Tropicale will surely provide that one-of-a-kind shot for those who are into photography or just beautiful pictures in general. Located at Bukit Tinggi in the Bentong district of Pahang, this little resort village is inspired by a quaint little town in France. Walking around and exploring Colmar Tropicale is like going on a trip to France with its crisp air, lovely fountains, cobblestoned streets, vintage cafes, and French-inspired buildings.
6. Laman Seni 7, Selangor
Taking inspiration from Beijing 798 Art Zone, where the streets paved the way for aspiring young artists to display their creations, Laman Seni 7 is a must-visit. With so many vibrantly-hued and eclectic murals on display, this space will genuinely have you appreciating street art. So, if you’re in the area, be sure to stop by, but keep in mind that it gets busy in the afternoon!
7. My Kiehl’s Heritage, Melaka
This hidden gem is one of the most beautiful places located on Jonker Street in Melaka. Renowned skincare brand Kiehl’s collaborated with local artist, fritilldea, and made their own mural to celebrate Malaysia’s rich heritage. The wall is vibrant and exotic, and contrasts beautifully with the relaxing vibe of the Melaka River. This mural will have you appreciating the old-world charm of Melaka that looks instantly trendy with an injection of myriad hues.
8. Avatar Secret Garden, Penang
Inspired by James Cameron’s Avatar, this secret garden behind the Thai Pak Koong Temple in Tanjung Tokong will transport you to what feels like the enchanted forest of Pandora. Visit Penang’s Avatar Secret Garden after sunset, when the garden comes alive with its tree branches and trunks are generously draped with neon LED lights. Surround yourself with man-made magic, and while you’re at it, be sure to snap some pictures! Another reason to visit this place: admission is free!
9. Legoland, Johor
As the first international theme park in Malaysia, Legoland aims to bring the magical makings of your imagination come to life with its colourful décor. All the rides and attractions here are made out of colourful Lego bricks, making it a photo-snapping paradise. Let your inner child run wild as you create, disassemble, and reassemble almost anything you want here.
10. The LINC, KL
The LINC is a two-storey mall in KL that houses two magnificent and colourful attractions: the Rainbow Paper Crane and the Rainbow Ladder! It’s where you can explore beautiful art installations imbued with colour and passion within the bustling city. Not to mention, there’s heaps of great eats around.
The Rainbow Paper Crane is the most Instagrammable shot here, with its 41,600 colourful paper doves hanging in the air, sorted according to colour tones. Also, the stairs connecting the first and second floors are painted like rainbow steps. Overall, it’s so beautiful you won’t want to miss it!
11. View Point Wang Kelian, Perlis
The small northern state of Perlis holds a beautiful paradise for you if you’re one to love the outdoors and nature. At View Point Wang Kelian, you’ll be at 303 meters above sea level, and the panoramic view that awaits you there is incredibly stunning! When the weather is cool and rainy, you will witness the soft cloud carpets floating around the peaks of the hills.
12. Saloma Bridge, Kuala Lumpur
Saloma Bridge was built to connect the old KL (Kampung Baru) with the new KL. It takes only ten minutes to walk from Kampung Baru to KLCC by taking this pedestrian bridge. The shape of the bridge is inspired by Sireh Junjung, the betel leaf arrangement. At night, the bridge is lit up in different colours, and at times, in the colours of the Malaysian flag. It’s a very popular attraction worth exploring, and you can sample local Malaysian food nearby after your photoshoot session!
*Editor’s note: This article was originally published on 10th November 2021 and has been updated to include more locations.
