7 Best Free Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur

Buddhist temples are a popular and free sightseeing option in Kuala Lumpur, and Thean Hou Temple is the city's largest and most visited complex. Located a 10-minute drive from Mid Valley Megamall and The Gardens Mall, this stunning 6-tiered temple is dedicated to Tian Hou, a goddess believed to protect fishermen, and also houses a statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. 

The temple grounds feature traditional designs such as bold red pillars adorned with ornate carvings and hand-painted murals. In addition, visitors can explore a Chinese medicinal herb garden, a tortoise pond, and a sacred Bodhi tree.

Central Market, one of Kuala Lumpur's most iconic landmarks, is renowned for its shopping opportunities. There are also plenty of free things to do for budget-conscious travellers. 

In addition to a warren of boutiques, handicrafts, and souvenir stalls, the market hosts free cultural performances and art exhibitions throughout the year. In the evenings, visitors can watch locals perform traditional dances, sketches, and music in vibrant costumes at Central Market's Outdoor Stage.

Batu Caves has been a hub for rock climbing in Malaysia for over 10 years. Located approximately 11 km north of Kuala Lumpur, this limestone formation boasts 160 climbing routes scattered throughout its 150-metre-tall hill face. The crags are easily accessible from ground level, with some suitable for beginners. However, in the morning, the hill can get crowded with climbers vying for specific areas. 

To ensure you get a good spot, we recommend arriving early and selecting the appropriate area for your skill level. While you need to bring your own gear (unless you join a tour outfit), the open-air setting makes climbing here an absolute pleasure.

The KL Forest Eco Park, formerly known as the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, is a unique and treasured gem located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur City Centre. As the only remaining tropical rainforest in the area, it has been protected since 1906 and is situated adjacent to the Menara KL Tower.

Visitors can explore the park's diverse collection of trees, herbs, bamboo, and creepers along the well-maintained walking trails that range from 300 to 500 metres in length. Admission to KL Forest Eco Park is free, and tickets to the KL Tower observation deck include a guided tour of the forest reserve.

KL City Centre is known for its often chaotic traffic conditions, but on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month, most roads are completely closed to motorized vehicles for 2 hours. This initiative called the 'Go Green Car-Free Morning', allows visitors to enjoy a variety of activities from 7 am to 9 am, such as cycling, jogging, rollerblading, and skateboarding. 

On special occasions, free Zumba or aerobic sessions are also held at the Dataran DBKL Square, which is about a 10-minute walk from Kuala Lumpur City Gallery.

From 7 am to 10 am every Sunday, all roads within Publika Shopping Gallery are closed to cars, allowing families to cycle, skate, and jog in a safe and clean environment. Called Wheelie Sunday, you don’t have to bring your own set of wheels as there's a large selection of bicycles (including tandem bikes) provided at The Square at Publika, all free of charge. 

The 1,200-metre-long loop along Publika’s main roads is also a great way to meet people, and there are plenty of cafes within the shopping mall to get your fix afterwards.

It's the weekend, and you're watching your budget, feeling bored, and stuck in your hotel room. What to do when all the happening clubs in the city charge an entry fee... or do they? Well, there are quite a few places in Kuala Lumpur that don't charge you a dime and host free-entry nights. A small number of these places even offer drinks on the house. 

For example, the award-winning SkyBar at Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur and other cool bars at 5-star hotels offer free entry, no matter what day of the week you visit. On certain days of the week, most nightlife spots in KL offer free drinks for ladies. Some restaurants and bars in Bukit Bintang offer free cocktails on certain days within a week from 9 pm through 2 am. If you're in Bangsar, some cool spots offer free selected cocktails between 9 pm and midnight.