Emma Rubio Kuala Lumpur, the legislative capital of Malaysia, is one of Asia’s fastest-growing cities — and it’s not like it was a small place to begin with. The city has a population of around two million people, making it the largest city in the country and an incredible urban environment that is packed with adventure. Along with historical monuments and exciting attractions in the city, you’ll find one of the world’s greatest food scenes here, making Kuala Lumpur a truly exceptional place to visit no matter what brings you to Malaysia.
KL Sentral is the biggest transportation hub in Malaysia, as befits the country’s biggest city. And the train station is indeed central, occupying an enviable position amid the skyscrapers and neighborhoods of downtown Kuala Lumpur.
For that reason, you might think that your first entry to the city via KL Sentral means an unavoidable immersion in the chaos of the city. And while that’s partially true, it’s good to know that there are green spaces, even in this built-up area, where you can get away and enjoy some fresh air. Whether you just got off a long train journey or are trying to prepare yourself for one, these parks and gardens can help you recharge your batteries even in the midst of this always-busy city.
Leave your bags behind at a convenient suitcase storage near KL Sentral and check out some of these natural retreats. If nothing else, they will help recharge you for more exploration of this dense urban environment.
Perdana Botanical Gardens and Heritage Park
As busy as it can sometimes get, KL Sentral is blessed with one of the most popular and biggest parks in the entire city. Just a few steps from the station itself, you can visit Perdana Botanical Gardens and all the amazing attractions this sprawling park has to offer.
First, there’s the botanical garden itself. One of the oldest parks in the city, it was laid out in 1888 to provide much-needed green space in the growing colonial city. Containing hundreds of different species of plants, including both native and exotic plants, this garden is a great place to wander and admire the incredible diversity of plant life.
However, there’s so much more to explore here. This area is also home to the Bird Park, which is the world’s largest covered bird park and is home to more than 3000 birds covering 200 different species. There’s also the Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park, which is one of the largest of its kind in the world and is home to more than 5000 butterflies.
There’s also the Tun Abdul Razak Memorial and the Islamic Arts Museum to explore. And if you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss Fantasy Planet & Dinosaur Park, a fun prehistoric-themed playground that’s ideal for letting kids burn off some energy in the great outdoors.
The park is also home to the Royal Lake Club, one of the most exclusive social clubs in all of Malaysia. In short, this green area contains some of the most interesting attractions you’ll find anywhere in the city, and it’s all just a short walk from KL Sentral
Taman Tugu
Right next to Perdana Botanical Gardens, you’ll find another incredible park that gives you an opportunity to exercise among nature, even in the heart of the city. Taman Tugu Park provides a lush jungle environment that seems almost startlingly green after the city streets.
Taman Tugu is well-known to Kuala Lumpur locals for its incredible hiking trails. The short trails are designated by color, with Green and Yellow covering 1.5 km each and White and Orange covering a kilometer each. You can explore them individually or link them all together to make one five-kilometer-long trail through the jungle. Entrance is free, which makes this a great family activity since you can choose how long of a trail you’re capable of exploring.
This beautiful park is also home to a vibrant marketplace on weekends and a food bazaar serving incredible Malaysian street food. Also, don’t miss the ASEAN Sculpture Garden, which displays award-winning outdoor artworks by artists from ASEAN countries.
Urban Orchard Park
If you head south of KL Sentral instead of north to the Botanical Gardens, you’ll stumble across this beautiful park not far from the station itself. Urban Orchard Park is located on sloping land that provides great views of the city beyond the train station. Once a wasteland of crumbling colonial buildings slowly being reclaimed by the rainforest, the park has been cleaned up and reinvigorated and has become one of the most popular parks in the area.
Perhaps most surprising in the heart of Kuala Lumpur is that this is indeed an urban orchard. A model of sustainability and local produce, this park produces fruits and vegetables for the city, and it’s a great place to learn more about this worthy urban project.
World War II Memorial Peace Park
Surrounded by some of the biggest cemeteries in the city, this park pays tribute to the lives lost in Malaysia during World War II. And as the name suggests, it’s a wonderfully peaceful place to explore to this day. Although it may be close to the bustling heart of the city, this park is the perfect place to step away from the chaos and breathe some fresh air amid beautiful surroundings.
Parks in Kuala Lumpur
The anarchic atmosphere and near-constant busyness of Kuala Lumpur are part of its charm. But what makes city life even better is that you can always step away and recharge your batteries amid nature. All of these parks are just a short walk from KL Sentral, and they provide perfect places to rest and rejuvenate before or after a long journey. Leave your bags behind and check out some of these beautiful green spaces next time you’re in Kuala Lumpur.
