When life gives you lemons, go outside and play. Alright, that’s not how the saying goes, but it is sound advice. While our modern lifestyles have us clicking, scrolling and streaming for hours a day, an intentional respite from screens is necessary for a sound mind. Many benefits come with spending time outdoors, and having spent so many months indoors collectively during the multiple lockdowns, why wouldn’t we want to be outside? Skip the malls and surround yourself with the peace that nature brings instead.
Take some time this week to hit up some of these stunning urban parks in our beautiful Kuala Lumpur (KL).
1. Perdana Botanical Garden
Set in the Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park, the Perdana Botanical Garden is KL’s most notable park, home to the city’s largest flower gardens and animal park. Located in the heart of the city, this vast recreational park offers an escape from the bustling metropolis.
The Orchid Garden, which is a short walk from the KL Bird Park, spans 10,000 square metres and features 800 species of orchids, a man-made fountain, and an ornate central pergola, perfect for those Insta shots!
Other park attractions include The Hibiscus Garden, The Sunken Garden, a formal garden perfectly manicured around a star-shaped fountain, Deer Park, Bird Park, and Butterfly Park.
Address: Jalan Kebun Bunga, Tasik Perdana, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2276 0432
2. Ampang Hilir Park
The green lung of Ampang is the Ampang Hilir Park, set around a large lake facing the city. The park features a jogging trail and three playgrounds suitable for families with children.
What’s to love is that the pathways are smooth and wide enough to accommodate bikes and scooters. Sit by the lake and watch the sun go down over the city as you feed the park’s resident fish and terrapins. You can also enjoy a leisurely ride around the lake in a kayak if you so wish.
Address: 115 Jalan Ampang Hilir, Desa Pahlawan, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2617 6289
3. Titiwangsa Lake Park
Another gem is none other than Titiwangsa Lake Park, which has a lot to offer. Apart from the jogging trails, canopy walks, and a large playground, visitors can fish in the park’s 57-hectare lake backdropped by the Petronas Twin Towers.
The park also comes with a remote control car track and a boathouse offering cruises on the lake. Visitors can book a six- to 45-minute helicopter tour of the city from the lake. While it sounds like a lot is going on, the park’s vastness means plenty of space to enjoy some peace and quiet.
Address: Tasik, Titiwangsa, 53200 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6017 301 0549
4. Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park
Placed in the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, this is the last remaining natural rainforest in the heart of KL. A short three kilometres away from the city centre, this precious park draws many visitors all year round to explore its nature trails, short hiking trails, and forest canopy walk.
The lush green forest provides refuge for many local birds and small animals. Take a guided tour of the park’s herb garden or enjoy a picnic at one of the many designated picnic spots in the forest. Getting to the park is easy by car or busses that run daily from KL City Centre to the park.
Address: Lot 240, Jalan Raja Chulan, Bukit Kewangan, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2020 1606
5. The Central Park @ Desa Parkcity
If you’re looking for a pet-friendly park, Central Park in Desa ParkCity is a great place to go for walks, have the kids run around the playground, and wind down after a long day.
The community-based park is open to the public daily from 6am to 11pm, though timings may differ on public holidays. This small park is excellent for a short jog or cycle and picnicking around its central lake.
Address: C-3-1 Plaza Arkadia, 3 Persiaran Residen, Desa Parkcity, 52200 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 6280 8181
6. Tugu Park
A 66-acre green lung just above the Perdana Botanical Garden, Tugu Park or Taman Tugu acts as both an urban forest nursery and hiking trail. What once used to be a landfill is now a protected conservation site.
The five-kilometre hiking trail is densely covered in trees and protected plant species, with more being nurtured in the park’s nursery to be transferred back into the forest. Entry into the park’s hiking trails and nursery is open daily from 7am to 6:30pm.
Address: Taman Tugu, Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin, 50480 Kuala Lumpur (Nursery Public Parking)
7. Bukit Jalil Recreational Park
Bukit Jalil’s Recreational Park spans a whopping 80 acres and is situated in the southern suburbs of KL. The park facilitates families and the general public via a large playground, walking trails, reflexology paths, a Heliconia Garden, and an International Garden — featuring garden landscapes from 10 different countries.
Address: Jalan 13/155C, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6017 395 6714
8. Permaisuri Lake Garden
A short 15 minutes from the city centre will bring you to Permaisuri Lake Garden, a 122-acre recreational park with a lotus and waterlily-covered lake, fountains, and jogging trails.
The labelled trails are designed to help marathon runners train and track their running distance. The trees offer plenty of shade over concrete picnic tables for those who simply want to enjoy the lake.
Address: Jalan Tasik Permaisuri 2, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2617 6396
