Kuala Lumpur

Written By Nicola Voss

Kuala Lumpur (KL) is a vibrant city blending modern skyscrapers with rich cultural heritage. It’s an excellent destination for both travellers and runners, offering scenic parks, historic routes, and diverse attractions. Whether you’re running through the lush greenery of KLCC Park, exploring the heritage-filled streets of Chinatown, or enjoying skyline views from a rooftop bar, this guide covers everything you need to make the most of your visit.

Skyline view of Kuala Lumpur (KL) from Titwangsa Park showing Menara and the Petronas Towers with a lake in front.

KL skyline from Titiwangsa Park.

Running in Kuala Lumpur

Best Parks for Running in KL

Kuala Lumpur has several excellent parks for running, offering a mix of nature, skyline views, and peaceful surroundings. Here are three of the best:

KLCC Park (1.3km loop)

  • Distance: 1.3km per loop

  • Terrain: Paved, well-maintained track

  • Scenery: Stunning views of the Petronas Towers and city skyline

  • Best Time to Run: Early morning or evening to avoid crowds

Located right in the heart of the city, KLCC Park offers a beautiful jogging track that loops around a lake with a fountain show. It's a great place for a short, scenic run with a fantastic urban backdrop.

Titiwangsa Park (~3km loop)

  • Distance: ~3km per loop

  • Terrain: Flat, smooth pathways

  • Scenery: Lake views with reflections of KL’s skyline

  • Best Time to Run: Sunrise or sunset for the best views

This park is slightly outside the city center but provides a relaxing escape from the urban hustle. The large lake and open spaces make it ideal for running, walking, or simply enjoying nature.

Perdana Botanical Gardens (~4km loop)

  • Distance: ~4km for a full loop

  • Terrain: Hilly with a mix of paved and shaded trails

  • Scenery: Lush tropical gardens, lakes, and orchids

  • Best Time to Run: Morning before it gets too hot

KL’s largest green space, Perdana Botanical Gardens, is a runner’s paradise, featuring winding paths through gardens, sculptures, and lakes. It’s the best spot for those looking for a longer, more scenic run with varied terrain.

A Run Through KL’s History (6-8km One Way)

For those wanting to combine sightseeing with running, this 5-8km route is perfect. It takes you from Kuala Lumpur’s historic Old Town to the ultra-modern KLCC Park.

  • Start: Chinatown (Petaling Street)

  • Highlights:

    • Sri Mahamariamman Temple (Hindu)

    • Guan Di Temple (Taoist)

    • Masjid Jamek (historic mosque)

    • Sultan Abdul Samad Building (colonial landmark)

    • Merdeka Square (independence site)

    • River of Life (picturesque waterfront)

    • KL Forest Eco Park (city rainforest trail option - entrance fee applies)

    • Finish: KLCC Park

This route showcases KL’s cultural diversity, taking you through Hindu temples, Chinese shrines, mosques, and colonial-era buildings before ending at the iconic Petronas Towers. While it’s runnable, expect some foot traffic, so early morning is best.

You can find an example route here, but feel free to adjust to add in extra stops or check out other areas.

Running and Walking in Putrajaya

Located about 30 minutes from KL, Putrajaya offers wide-open spaces, scenic lakeside paths, and impressive architecture. Popular running and walking routes include:

  • Putrajaya Lake (5-10km options) – Beautiful lakeside paths with bridges and gardens

  • Putra Mosque – A stunning pink-domed mosque worth visiting for its architecture and peaceful atmosphere

  • Putrajaya Botanical Gardens – Lush greenery and well-maintained trails

Travelling in Kuala Lumpur

Getting Around

Navigating KL is straightforward with the efficient train system (MRT, LRT, and Monorail) and Grab (ride-hailing app). We stayed in KLCC, which was slightly out of the way for exploring Old Town but made getting around easy.

Top Things to Do

1. Rooftop Bars for the Best City Views

Seeing KL from above is a must! We visited Marini’s on 57, which offers incredible views of the Petronas Towers and delicious cocktails. Other popular options include Vertigo at Banyan Tree and SkyBar at Traders Hotel.

2. Federal Territory Mosque Tour

  • Experience: A breathtaking, less touristy mosque with intricate blue and white architecture.

  • Tip: Free guided tours are available, offering a deeper insight into its design and Islamic culture. We could not recommend this tour any more highly - one of the best tours we have done in Asia.

3. Visit Putrajaya

Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia, is home to stunning government buildings, Putra Mosque, and beautiful lakeside parks. It’s a great day trip from KL with fewer crowds than the main city.

4. Exploring Chinatown & Central Market

  • Chinatown (Petaling Street): Bustling markets, street food, and temples.

  • Central Market: A heritage site offering handcrafted souvenirs, art, and local snacks.

5. Batu Caves – Worth It?

Batu Caves is one of KL’s most famous attractions, featuring a massive golden Murugan statue and rainbow-colored stairs leading to limestone caves filled with Hindu shrines.

  • Pros: Impressive cave temples and cultural significance

  • Cons: Very crowded and somewhat dirty

  • Tip: If you’ve visited other Hindu temples in Asia, this can be skipped if short on time.

Final Tips & Recommendations

  • Where to Stay: KLCC is convenient, but staying near Chinatown or Bukit Bintang might offer better access to cultural spots.

  • Transportation: Trains and Grab are the easiest ways to get around.

  • Alternative Day Trip: Putrajaya is worth a visit for its peaceful scenery and grand architecture.

Kuala Lumpur is an exciting mix of old and new, offering something for history lovers, city explorers, and runners alike. Whether you’re enjoying a skyline run, discovering heritage sites, or sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar, KL is a city that blends adventure with culture. Plan ahead, get up early to beat the crowds, and soak in everything this dynamic city has to offer!


Nicola Voss
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