While anything can act as an Instagram background if you look hard enough and angle your photos just right, the city is actually dotted with spots that act as the perfect backdrop.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re into the metallic elements of modern architecture or the peeling paint of old buildings. Granted, almost every tourist that comes to the city snaps a photo of themselves with the Petronas Twin Towers, but here’s some spots to check out the next time you have your best outfit on.

Here’s a tip: avoid peak hours for tourist hotspots so your photos can look really good!

Exterior of Pusat Sains Negara

pusat sains negara rainbow exterior

The best way to add a pop of colour to your feed is with a splash of rainbow colours! Just wait for sunlight to hit the walls as the exterior building of this museum is painted in seven bright shades. Best of all you don’t have to pay for this shot if you don’t want to head inside!

Address: Persiaran Bukit Kiara 50662 Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur.

Sin Sze Si Ya Temple

Sin Sze Si Ya Temple portraits

Besides being a place of worship, temples are places to take some artistic shots with red lanterns hanging overhead, detailed paintings on the doors and smoke from joss sticks creating a mysterious ambiance. Pay a visit to the oldest Taoist temple in the city and start snapping.

Address: 113A, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Flat PKNS, Kampung Kerinchi 

People who visit Hong Kong love to use at the numerous high density flats there as backdrops. You don’t have to travel so far as this 17-storey flat will add a grungey yet artistic vibe to your photos.

A post shared by Patrick (@heartpatrick)


A post shared by Patrick (@heartpatrick)



Address: Flat Pkns Kampung Kerinchi, Kampung Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Glass Pyramid Rooftop, NU Sentral

glass pyramid nu sentral

Most people may treat NU Sentral as an in-between place to travel to their next destination without stopping to think of taking photos here. While it isn’t exactly the Louvre Pyramid, the perfect lines of the roof make for the perfect picture.

Address: NU Sentral, 201, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

The PV Park by Taiki, PVC3 Platinum Hill Condominium

Who doesn’t love a good maze garden? To the untrained eye, this tiny pavilion may just be a random spot surrounded by high-rise apartments, but with a good camera and the right angle, it’ll look like something out of a fairy tale.

A post shared by Patrick (@heartpatrick)



Address: The PV Park by Taiki, PVC3 Platinum Hill Condominium, Melati Utama, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur

Intelligentsia Book Station

intelligentsia book station portraits
The colourful spines of books are always a good idea for any background but coupled with fluorescent lighting, this old school bookstore creates an aesthetic vibe.

Address: 45A, Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lump

i-City, Shah Alam

i-City, Shah Alam

Bring a friend or bring a loved one and take a drive to i-City! With bright lights, and theme park attractions, this is a treasure trove for any photographer. Come in the evening or at night for the full effect.

Address: i-City, Section 7, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

Menara Paragon @ Pan'gaea

Menara Paragon at Pan'gaea

Bringing to mind Santorini’s white cave houses, these buildings are designed to maximise on natural sunlight. Keep an eye out for a sunny day to make the most of the unique architecture of this residence.

Address: Menara Paragon, Pan'gaea, Persiaran Bestari, Cyberjaya, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor

Empire City Damansara

empire city damansara

While it may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of shopping, the lack of people here means that you can make use of the ornate metal staircase all on your own. There are also entire carpark floors that are empty, and you can take your time to use the concrete space for your own personal photoshoots. If you prefer something brighter, the famous floating umbrellas set up is next to the Mustapa Kamal Building.

Address: Empire City, No, H-03-01, Menara PHB (Menara, 8, Jalan Damansara PJU 8, Empire City), 47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

City of Elmina

city of elmina outdoor rings

The City of Elmina is a fairly new township in Shah Alam. Take your time to slowly explore this area as there is a Rainbow Bridge as well as another eye-catching spot called the Iconic Bridge with a bright red exterior. A definite must visit to add to your list.

Address: City of Elmina, Shah Alam, Selangor.

For more locations, check out the full list of 37 Hidden Kuala Lumpur Instagram-Worthy Hotspots by Heart Patrick with gorgeous photos that you can try to recreate.

Image source: heartpatrick.com, @talesofexplorers, @travelunxplored, @malaysiaairlines, @ourhappyfootprints, @shan_atelier, @wei9988, @babybabyjane, @vv.tan, @nas.hamzah, @usagi_xandra @jonathan_cheah, @ak_pluspossibilities, @lydearamli, @mohammad_a.rayazz, @missako, @aereonwong