The great things to do in Kuala Lumpur on a small budget are fun ways to spend your day, especially when you have no cash to splash. When deciding on which places should make the list, we thought of those of you who want to explore the city on a very strict budget.

As a result, we've compiled a list of free things to do in Kuala Lumpur. The only thing you will be short of is free time to hit all these hotspots. So be sure to arrange your schedule well when you are in the Malaysian capital.

  • 1

    Petronas Art Gallery

    Petronas Art Gallery
    • Budget

    The Petronas Art Gallery is home to over 1,000 works of art, ranging from contemporary paintings and photographs to traditional costumes and crafts. This free gallery was established in 1993 to support the development of arts in the country.

    It features an elegant and brightly-lit space with a regular program of rotating art, craft and design displays. We love the fact that the place hosts themed exhibitions throughout the year. Despite its free admission, the attention to detail is evident.

    Location: 341-43, Suria KLCC PETRONAS Twin Towers, Persiaran Petronas, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +60 (0)3-2051 7770

    Map

    photo by choo chin nian (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 2

    Free clubbing

    Free clubbing
    • Budget
    • Nightlife

    Many nightclubs in Kuala Lumpur are free to enter, making them excellent for partying on a budget. Some examples include the award-winning Sky Bar at Traders Hotel and Zeta Bar at Hilton Kuala Lumpur, both of which offer free entry no matter what day of the week you visit. 

    On certain days of the week, most Kuala Lumpur nightspots offer free drinks for ladies – some even offer free cocktails on certain nights.

  • 3

    KL Car-Free Morning

    KL Car-Free Morning
    • Adventure
    • Budget

    The KL Car-Free Morning is a free event that takes place every first and third Sunday of the month. It closes several roads in Kuala Lumpur City Centre between 7 am and 9 am, allowing you to enjoy a variety of activities. 

    Cycling, jogging, rollerblading, and skateboarding are among the many things to do during the KL Car-Free Morning. On special occasions, free Zumba or aerobic sessions are held at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall Square, about a 10-minute walk from Kuala Lumpur City Gallery.

    Map

    photo by WPSamson (CC0 1.0) modified

  • 4

    Rock climbing at Batu Caves

    Rock climbing at Batu Caves
    • Adventure

    Batu Caves has also been the centre of rock climbing in Malaysia for decades. Located approximately 11 km to the north of Kuala Lumpur, this limestone formation has 160 climbing routes scattered throughout the 150-metre-tall hill face. There’s also free access to the crags and some are easily within reach from ground level, making it a great spot for beginners. 

    In the morning, expect lots of people staking a claim for specific areas of the hill – we suggest arriving early to pick just the right area for your level of expertise. You also need to bring your own gear (unless you join a tour outfit), but the open-air feel makes climbing an absolute pleasure.

    Map
  • 5

    Fitness community classes

    Fitness community classes
    • Adventure
    • Budget

    Fitness community classes are plentiful in Kuala Lumpur, ranging from running clinics and boot camps to outdoor yoga and Pilates. International fitness brands such as Lululemon Athletica Malaysia and Lorna Jane Malaysia host free yoga sessions at their flagship stores in Kuala Lumpur, usually during the weekends. While classes are free, do note that you’ll need to bring your own mat and refreshments.

    Map
  • 6

    Thean Hou Temple

    Thean Hou Temple
    • Budget
    • Photo

    Thean Hou Temple is widely known as the largest (and most visited) Buddhist complex in Kuala Lumpur. A 10-minute drive from Mid Valley Megamall and The Gardens Mall, this stunning 6-tiered complex commemorates Tian Hou, a goddess said to protect fishermen. It also houses a statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. 

    Within the temple grounds, you can see traditional designs such as bold red pillars adorned with ornate carvings and hand-painted murals, as well as a Chinese medicinal herb garden, well, tortoise pond, and a sacred Bodhi tree.

    Location: 65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Open: Monday from 8 am to 2 am, Tuesday–Wednesday from 6 am to midnight, Thursday–Sunday from 7 am to midnight,

    Phone: +60 (0)3-2274 7088

    Map
  • 7

    Central Market

    Central Market
    • Budget
    • Shoppers

    Central Market is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most familiar shopping spots. Even so, you can find plenty of free things to do if you’re travelling on a budget. Not only does it house a warren of boutiques, handicrafts and souvenir stalls, the market is also a good place to enjoy free cultural performances and art exhibitions all year long. 

    In the evening, you can watch a wide range of traditional dances, sketches, and music. Locals in vibrant costumes perform at the Central Market’s Outdoor Stage.

    Location: Lot 3.04-3.06, 06, Jalan Hang Kasturi, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +60 (0)3-2031 0399

    Map
  • 8

    KL Eco Forest Park

    KL Eco Forest Park
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Photo

    The KL Forest Eco Park, formerly known as the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, is the only remaining tropical rainforest in the middle of Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Gazetted in 1906, it’s located beside the Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower, where visitors can find a variety of trees, herbs, bamboo, and creepers, as well as well-maintained walking trails ranging between 300 and 500 metres in length. 

    Entrance to the KL Forest Eco Park is free of charge, and you get to enjoy a guided tour of the forest reserve if you purchased tickets to the KL Tower observation deck.

    Location: Lot 240, Jalan Raja Chulan, Bukit Kewangan, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Open: Saturday–Thursday from 8 am to 4.30 pm, Friday from 8 am to noon and from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm

    Phone: +60 (0)3-2020 1606

    Map