Google ‘Instagram-worthy places in Malaysia‘ and you’ll get a bunch of hipster cafes, or a list of beautiful places in Singapore or Indonesia instead. Everywhere you go, there will be somebody snapping a photo on their phone and uploading it on Instagram, be it #food, #OOTD, #selfie, travel diary… or anything, really. Why not switch it up a little with shots of beautiful places around Malaysia, that are sure to earn you double-taps and exclamations of ‘Where is this place?‘ from friends.
Who knows? Maybe after this list goes up, you’ll start to see these places popping up on your Instagram feed! 😛
PuTuo Village (Little Pratalaka小普陀) @ Kulai, Johor
While this list isn’t in any particular order, our favourite is definitely this little gem hidden in Kulai, Johor. It’s a little off the beaten path (off Jalan Kota Tinggi, to be exact), and involves a drive through very bumpy roads, but once inside the grounds of this development, you’ll find yourself surrounded by peaceful greenery and beautiful Chinese-style structures. There is a huge Buddhist temple, an art and tea house, and a senior citizen home within the PuTuo Village grounds. While the place is predominantly designed with Buddhist elements and functions in mind, it is open to the public and non-worshippers are welcome to enjoy the quiet and peaceful environment, as well as take photos there. There’s also a wishing tree within the temple, where people throw red ribbons written with wishes onto the branches. If you’re lucky, you can even see trees blooming with pretty pink flowers in front of the temple!
Kinta RiverFront @ Ipoh
i-City at Shah Alam is a popular place for night time photoshoots, but folks in Ipoh don’t have to go all the way to Shah Alam for that, because they have (almost) the same thing at the Kinta RiverFront! The area, which is part of a recreational park, doesn’t look very Instagram-worthy during the day, but come night time, the coloured LED trees lined up in two rows along the river bank and the bridge that goes across the river are lighted up. With the colourful lights reflected on the river, it definitely makes for very pretty photos. There are wide paths along the river bank for jogging or cycling, and there is also a large space next to the river under some big shady trees that can be used for mini concerts or events. Children can also play in the recreational pool nearby, while landscaped gardens around are great for leisurely walks or even picnics. At night, many food stalls are set up to cater to the evening crowd.
‘Bestnya Malaysiaku’ Murals @ SS2
Go all the way to Penang just for the murals in George Town? Ain’t nobody got time for that! Well, you definitely will have time for these amazing murals in SS2, which were painted as part of the ‘Bestnya Malaysiaku’ Wall Art Competition in March this year. There are 9 in total, scattered in back (or rather, side) lanes within SS2’s commercial center. Each of the murals are unique, celebrating the theme of Malaysian life and ideals. However, as the murals in SS2 are painted on the sides of shops in the lorongs, more often than not you will have cars parked against the wall blocking the view.
Laman Seni Seksyen 2 & 7 @ Shah Alam
If you thought the only artsy fartsy places in the Klang Valley are Publika or Bangsar, you’ve got another think coming. Shah Alam has always been regarded as an industrial area by many, but it is trying to reinvent its image with the addition of several two art-centric areas, Laman Seni Seksyen 2 and Laman Seni Seksyen 7. Much like the SS2 murals, the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) is turning ordinary boring back-lanes fun and extraordinary, with bold and innovative street art and interactive art installations. The designated area for the street art project may be small (you can browse all the street art in about 5 minutes), but it has been nicely cleaned up and provide lots of inspiration and fun street photography opportunities for the avid Instagrammer.
Photos credit to AzuanZahdi.com
Sky Park @ Nu Sentral
Ever since the Gardens by the Bay opened in Singapore, everybody wants a slice of the ‘gardens in the sky’ cake, and honestly, can you blame them? Imagine a lush green environment around you while the hustle and bustle of city life goes on far away below you. The Sky Park at Nu Sentral mall (which is linked to KL Sentral) aims to do just that, so that weary travelers can catch a breath of fresh air between transit, or just for the public to enjoy some peace and quiet. It’s not open to the public yet, but looking at pictures of the Sky Park, just imagine all the #architecture, #geometry, and #OOTD shots you can take there!
P/S: If you’re looking to explore Malaysia’s Little India @ Brickfields, you can also take a walk down to street level and explore the area!
Sakura Street @ Bayan Lepas, Penang
Just like there’s no need to fly all the way to Holland to see windmills, Penangites likewise can enjoy an equally beautiful version of ‘sakura‘ season without going to Japan. Fondly known as Penang sakura trees, the Tabebuia Rosea, Pink Tecoma, or Rosy Trumpet Tree blooms throughout the month of March each year, bearing a majestic canopy of white, pink or pastel purple flowers, attracting droves of visitors to take photographs or simply enjoy the pretty view. They are planted along a stretch of road in Bayan Baru as well as in Bukit Mertajam. Girls will love the chance to take photos here, while the guys… may get annoyed at having to sweep fallen blossoms off their cars, haha!
