While many big cities around the globe like London, Tokyo and New York have their very own iconic parks, Kuala Lumpur (or the Klang Valley for that matter!) is no exception.
Public parks have been one of the go-to places for families and individuals of all ages to take a breather from the hectic city life.
The natural splendour of our recreational parks is breathtaking. They are so beautiful that we had a hard time choosing the best ones to highlight in this list!
Don’t believe us? Here are some of the best parks in the Klang Valley narrowed down to the top 9 beautiful parks you should not miss.
1. Desa ParkCity
Location: Kepong, Kuala Lumpur | Maps | Waze
Desa ParkCity is a residential vicinity located north-west of the city centre. It is unique because the area is encircled by a picturesque lake. What better way to enjoy the scenic ambience than to just relax or have a picnic on the manicured grass plots in Central Park, or get your heart pumping by hitting the jogging trail. Take a leisurely walk and enjoy the great outdoors with its captivating vistas.
The best thing is that the park is also pet-friendly. Desa ParkCity can be enjoyed by residents and non-residents alike. This 473-acre freehold township also offers a children’s playground complete with child-proof equipment, park benches, rest areas and a man-made stream to complete the whole relaxing experience.
2. KLCC Park
Location: Ampang, Kuala Lumpur | Maps | Waze
Probably one of the most iconic and beloved public parks in Malaysia, the KLCC park was designed by Roberto Burle Marx. It was designed to provide a touch of greenery to the Petronas Twin Towers and surrounding areas. The main attraction is the 10,000 sqm man-made lake called Lake Symphony with a 43m bridge across it.
It also features a 1.3km jogging track covered with “EPDM”, a special surface that increases the grip of your soles to ensure a comfortable run. Another one-of-a-kind feature is that the park is home to 1,900 indigenous trees from 74 species; 40 of these trees were transplanted from the former Selangor Turf Club racecourse. And let’s not forget the epic children’s playground!
3. Perdana Botanical Garden
Location: Jalan Perdana, Taman Tasik, Kuala Lumpur | Maps | Waze
The Perdana Botanical Garden is formerly known as Taman Tasik Perdana or Lake Gardens. It is situated in the Heritage Park of Kuala Lumpur. The park has a sentimental value to most KLites as it has been a green lung of the city for over four decades. It was opened in 1888 as a recreational park, but the garden has since gone through a few major ‘facelifts’. This park has been rehabilitated and turned into a botanical garden.
The garden’s extensive botany collection makes one feel like being in a tropical rainforest, despite actually being in the middle of a bustling metropolis. Psst, this location also has many great OOTD spots. So, be sure to wear your best outfits when you come to visit!
4. Bukit Kiara Park
Location: Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur | Maps | Waze
Who knew that in the heart of a vast and densely populated residential area of Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), there is a beautiful recreational park called Bukit Kiara Park? The location is a popular urban park among families and joggers.
The Bukit Kiara Park is surrounded by nature that is enjoyed by people from all walks of life and is home to many wild plants, birds, monkeys and other animals. The 5km jogging trail is quite challenging. The hill trail requires some effort and determination to reach the top which is approximately 250m above sea level. It’s tiring but the view at the top is well worth the hike!
5. FRIM (Forest Research Institute Malaysia)
Location: Kepong, Selangor | Maps | Waze
Located in the suburb of Kepong, FRIM or Forest Research Institute of Malaysia is a must-visit for nature lovers. This 600-hectare tropical forest contains an abundance of flora and fauna with approximately 15,000 species of plants.
As you enter FRIM, you will be amazed by the arboretums or living museum of trees. There are a few nature trails that you can explore. Among the most popular ones are the Keruing Trail and the Salleh Nature Trail.
Another main highlight of FRIM is the park’s canopy walkway, which is now closed until further notice. Other activities include camping, family and team building activities, picnics near the waterfall and jogging.
6. Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam (TBNSA) (Bukit Cerakah Agricultural Park)
Location: Shah Alam, Selangor | Maps | Waze
Located in the north of Shah Alam city, Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam (TBNSA) is a forest area uniquely combined with plantations and botanical gardens. The place also goes by the name of Bukit Cahaya Sri Alam, while the forest is called Bukit Cerakah Forest Reserve.
There are many gardens in this park, such as the Animal Park, Spice Garden, Ornamental Garden, Orchid Garden, Cactus Garden, Bamboo Garden and Mushroom Garden. Bicycles are available for rent at the park and there is also a shuttle bus service provided to transport visitors to their desired spots.
If fishing is your thing, you can fish for a fee of RM2 per fishing rod at the lake in the park. Love cycling? You can rent a bicycle here, which is the best way to explore the surroundings. For adrenaline junkies, the park offers paintball and other outdoor activities like flying fox and the SkyTrex.
Nature lovers can challenge themselves by hiking up Bukit Sapu Tangan (Handkerchief Hill), which stands 200-plus metres above sea level, offering nice panoramic views of Shah Alam and the Klang Valley.
7. Putrajaya Botanical Garden
Location: Precinct 1, Putrajaya | Maps | Waze
Famously dubbed ‘City in the Garden’, Putrajaya has an impressive eight major parks within the city and the Botanical Garden is the most popular one. As the biggest botanical garden in Malaysia, the garden covers an area over 92 hectares. The park is divided into three sections – flowers, ornamental plants and preservation or research purposes.
The garden currently has more than 700 species of flowering plants, local plants as well as plants from the Asia-Pacific and Africa regions. There is also a Visitors’ Interpretative Centre (VIC), explorer’s trail, palm hill, sun and floral gardens for visitors wishing to experience more from the Botanical Garden.
And lastly, DO NOT miss the Canna Walk, Fern Garden, Floral Steps, African Collection, Tropical America Collection, Hibiscus Walk, Bougainvillea Tunnel, Pandanus Walk, Orchid Path, Palm Hill, Vine Garden and Heliconia Trail, if you can manage to squeeze them all in just a day.
8. Ampang Hilir Lake Garden (Taman Tasik Ampang Hilir)
Location: Ampang Hilir, Kuala Lumpur | Maps | Waze
Strategically located just beside the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) before Jalan Ampang, the former tin mine boasts a lake with a 2.7km circumference which makes it perfect for a healthy stroll. The park is packed with joggers and families alike most days of the week, especially during weekends. The park may look smaller and ‘less grand’ than the other ones in this list, but its idyllic lake and three different playgrounds are what makes the park special.
Tip: The park looks especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset!
9. Taman Tasik Titiwangsa
Location: Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur | Maps | Waze
The popular public park will be opened again in December 15, 2019 after it was closed down in December 2018 for renovations! A popular public park since the days of the British occupation, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa’s allure comes from the large 57-hectare lake.
The park also offers tennis courts, an exercise area, a playground for children and other recreational facilities for water sports, jogging and other activities. Also within the vicinity of the park is a stadium. This 95-hectare park is a vast area that consists of a 57-hectare lake. Anglers will be glad to know that they are allowed to fish here.
Other facilities at the park include a remote-control car track, a cycling track, a football field, a boathouse and aquatic activities, a viewing tower, playground, a waterpark and even a newly-renovated pavilion. Can’t wait for it to reopen!
ALSO READ: 5 family-friendly activities in Ulu Kelang you need to explore
How stunning do these places look? And the best part is, all of these locations are within 20 minutes to a one-hour drive within the Klang Valley!
Edited by Rebecca Hani Romeli