Astaka Morocco

Hoping to kick off your KL photo adventure with a bang? For a confidence boost, your first stop should be the one place in Kuala Lumpur where it’s virtually impossible to take a bad picture. 

Make your way to the Putrajaya Botanical Gardens, a mere 30-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur’s city centre. Cradled within is the regal Astaka Morocco (“Morocco Pavilion”), a pristine example of Moroccan architecture designed to ignite the passions of any budding photographer. Here, you’ll find open spaces bathed in natural light, with interiors awash in geometric patterns and ornate tiling—the perfect setting to let loose with your camera.

Tip: To avoid crowds, visit during weekdays and arrive early. Go on a sunny day for ideal lighting, and if you intend to be in your own pictures (or have a travelling companion who can double as a photo subject), choose a striking outfit so that you’re not overshadowed by your surroundings. Experiment with your composition—play with angles, light and shadows, and colours—just make sure you have spare batteries or a power bank on hand. For dramatic effect, use an ultra-wide mode on your camera or phone when shooting your pictures. 

Get directions to Astaka Morocco (50 minutes’ drive from PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur)

Perdana Botanical Garden (Lake Gardens)

Travelling with the love of your life? Do what local lovebirds do, and hire a photographer for a couples’ portrait session at Perdana Botanical Garden (known to locals as “Lake Gardens”). Alternatively, book a Segway tour to explore its lush grounds—try Eco Ride Malaysia, where a guide will not only take you to prime photo spots, but assist in photography/videography duties too so you can maximise your time in the spotlight.

If you prefer to explore the garden on your own, begin at the Main Square, where the open activity area is presided over by a distinctive geometric glass canopy—you’ll want a shot of this. For a waterfall or fountain setting, head to the Hibiscus Garden, which also showcases Malaysia’s national flower, the Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis or “celebratory flower” in Malay. Just as pleasing is the Sunken Garden; it’s an enclosed circular garden that leads to an inviting ornamental pool, shaped like a star. 

Tip: For the best light, visit early in the morning or closer to sunset. Up against cloudy weather? You can still proceed with your visit—it’s a chance to take pictures without harsh shadows getting in the way. Experiment with both wide-angled shots to show the beauty of the setting, and macro shots to highlight intricate details. Where possible, add a human element to your nature shots. For instance, you could take a picture of someone’s hand holding onto a flower or fruit. Or try a selfie or wefie with a luxuriant floral background!

Get directions to Lake Gardens (20 minutes’ drive from PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur)

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

One of the most photographed exteriors in KL, the Moorish-style Sultan Abdul Samad Building dates back to the late 1800s, when Malaysia was still under British rule. Its clock tower is reminiscent of London’s Big Ben, but to some locals, the clock is a symbol of Malaysia’s freedom. Its chimes sounded at midnight on 31 August 1957, signalling the moment where the Union Flag was lowered and the Malayan flag hoisted for the first time—this took place right across the street at yet another historic KL attraction, the Dataran Merdeka (“Independence Square”). 

Tip: If you’re new to architectural photography, refer to photos taken by others, and shortlist some photo ideas to try. During your shoot, pay attention to the building’s vertical and horizontal lines; experiment with unconventional angles, but take care to ensure that the building does not look oddly tilted. When shooting from a distance, look for symmetry, and at close range, focus on the details. For a unique shot, include people in your picture, but in a deliberate manner—you don’t want to look like you’ve been photobombed!

Get directions to Sultan Abdul Samad Building (10 minutes’ drive from PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur)

Within KL’s city centre, the best place to hunt for street art would be near the Pasar Seni MRT Station (this station is also linked to the Pasar Seni LRT station). 

This is where KL’s Chinatown is located, so it’s worth making a trip here to admire the precinct’s temples, or to visit the Central Market and Petaling Street Night Market. However, if you fancy art and pop culture, the area’s street art will be its main draw. You can follow Time Out’s street art guide, or use a street art map to plan your walk. 

(And yes, this is the perfect spot for Insta-worthy photos and stories of your KL escapade!)

Tip: You can use street art as a backdrop for portraits, or shoot the artworks on their own. Aside from focusing solely on the art, see if you can step back to incorporate the surroundings into your picture—elements such as a parked vehicle, sleeping cats, neighbouring buildings, or even trash, can make your picture more visually interesting. Pros also recommend paying attention to the artworks’ colour scheme and playing a game of mix-and-match, such as by including a person dressed in similar or contrasting colours in your shot. 

Get directions to Pasar Seni LRT Station (10 minutes’ drive from PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur)

Batu Caves

Have time for a day trip? You must visit the much-vaunted Batu Caves, a sacred natural sanctuary known for its glorious photo opportunities. 

A limestone hill punctuated by caves, the Batu Caves have been transformed over the ages into spaces for Hindu worship. Crowds are a daily feature here, and the area is particularly vibrant during Thaipusam—a day of prayers and penance where devotees pierce their bodies with skewers and hooks, or carry heavy burdens in honour of the Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war.  

The Batu Caves are easily accessible by train: get on the Port Klang line at the KL Sentral interchange station, and alight at the Batu Caves station.

Tip: In recent times, the steps leading up to the Batu Caves have been given a dazzling makeover in rainbow colours. Naturally, this has triggered quite a social media storm. The steps will probably be the first thing to catch your eye, and you’ll want an outstanding Instagram or Facebook-friendly photo to show for it. For this to happen, you’ll have to head to the Batu Caves early. Once there, look for different ways to capture the steps—from afar (see if you can include the 42.7-metre gold statue of Lord Murugan next to the stairs); from above; or at an interesting angle. Should tourist hordes clutter this “stairway to heaven,” put your observational skills to the test to find something of interest to highlight, such as a group of visitors carrying umbrellas.

Get directions to Batu Caves (40 minutes’ drive from PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur)

Welcome to Kuala Lumpur! Need more ideas for your Kuala Lumpur holidays? View itineraries below, and check out the room offers at PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur. For assistance, contact our friendly associates today.