Looking for a Tranquil Escape with Friends or Family this Weekend? Check Out These Free & Relaxing Picnic Spots in KL

After spending at least 40 hours per week in front of the screen for work, there’s truly nothing more enjoyable than to escape to the serene embrace of nature for a weekend picnic.

Kuala Lumpur is known for its iconic twin towers, towering skyscrapers, and bustling streets. But did you know that this vibrant capital also has pockets of green oases that are perfect for picnics?

These picnic spots don’t require any DBKL (Kuala Lumpur's City Hall) permit or admission fees and they're super easy to access. All you have to do is pick a location, pack your favourite foods and fill up your Montigo double-wall insulated bottle with your favourite cold drink to keep it cold up to 28 hours, prepare essentials like picnic basket, a picnic blanket or picnic tables, and head on over for a good time!

So if you’re a fellow city dweller yearning for a few hours of picnic fun under the sun with your friends and family or a picnic date, here are some of my favourite picnic areas in KL that have turned ordinary weekends into fun and vibrant memories that previously felt like they were only in movies.

10 Relaxing & Free Picnic Spots in KL that are Perfect for Family Outings, Picnic Dates, and Quality Time with Friends

1. Bukit Jalil Recreational Park (Bukit Jalil Park)

Bukit Jalil Park has been around for years but only gained popularity over the recent years. Part of it is from the new housing and retail developments surrounding it (Pavilion 2, anyone?).

That said, it’s a well maintained park with its highlight being the International Gardens, which is the perfect setting for a romantic stroll with your partner. The International Gardens feature 11 stunning landscapes and structures that are beautifully designed per their namesake like the popular English Garden.

The park is also home to a small group of monkeys who are more present during early mornings and late evenings. So the best picnic times here would be about 9am for morning picnics, and approximately 5pm onwards for evening picnics. That way you’ll skip chances of having your picnic food and drink stolen by them!

Your senior family members will appreciate the reflexology footpath if that is something they are interested in. Think walking on a concrete surface with raised pebbles as a form of wellness activity. You’ll likely have seen or experienced it in your local community park during your younger years.

Public washrooms are available at no cost with ample free parking available on-site. Unfortunately no pets are allowed so your furry friends will have to sit out on this one.

Opening Hours: 7am - 8pm, daily.

Address: Jalan 13/155C, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

2. The Central Park @ Desa Park City

It’s no surprise really, Malaysia’s most well-known dog-friendly park is also one of the loveliest picnic spots in Kuala Lumpur. It’s formally known as “The Central Park”, but most locals collectively refer to it as “Desa Park City”.

This park boasts a beautiful and serene landscape that surrounds a large lake where dog owners can sometimes be found training their dogs to enjoy a good swim amongst the resident fishes and tortoises. It also has a great balance of shaded and sunny areas for picnics.

Some of you may be hesitant to have a picnic there as there’s the worry of poopy situations but fret not. Disposable poop bags are readily available along with the respective bins for pet owners to clean up after their pets. Most, if not all pet owners are seen to be incredibly considerate here as it is after all, a rather affluent area.

Desa Park City is located between popular haunts Plaza Arkadia and The Waterfront Mall, so you’ll have a range of local and international dining options after your picnic within walking distance (if you’re still hungry). Simply put, you’ll never go hungry or be short of food here!

The only downsides to this place are how far out of town it’s located, and how only paid parking is available on the premises. I’d recommend going early as the carpark can get full quickly during the weekends, so you may find yourself having to park at a significant distance if that’s the case.

Opening Hours: 6am - 11pm, daily.

Address: 5, Persiaran Residen, Desa Parkcity, 52200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

3. KLCC Park

This famous park in Kuala Lumpur City Centre located at the base of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers makes the list as one of the best tranquil and free picnic spots in Kuala Lumpur. The park offers jogging pathways and a mini water park and playground that your younger family members can enjoy at no cost, with restrooms readily available for a quick rinse nearby.

Feel free to take a leisurely stroll along the park’s 1.3km track before laying your picnic blanket or setting out your picnic tables. With abundant soft grassy fields and ample shaded areas, the KLCC Park is the perfect park to lay your picnic blanket out.

You’ll also never have to worry about running out of food for your picnic, because the KLCC Park is simply a stone’s throw away from the mall with plenty of dining options and a supermarket too.

While the KLCC Park is a no-pet zone, it’s certainly a wonderful place for families, couples, and friends to bond over a lovely picnic, then concluding it with a Musical Water Light Show from 8pm onwards at Lake Symphony.

Various parking options are available around the KLCC Park, with the nearest one being KLCC itself which starts from RM5 with an hourly rate.

Opening Hours: 7am - 10pm, daily. Suria KLCC itself opens from 10am - 10pm.

Address: KLCC, Lot No. 241, Level 2, Suria, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

4. Kepong Metropolitan Park (a.k.a Taman Tasik Metropolitan Kepong)

Not as popular as the first three, but the Kepong Metropolitan Park or Kepong Metropolitan Lake Garden is the largest recreational park in Kuala Lumpur that is also home to regular kite-flying events.

Picnickers will be treated to a scenic, lush, green environment that surrounds a lake, so a tranquil or fun picnic moment is almost guaranteed. The Kepong Metropolitan Park is often praised by visitors for being well-maintained and clean, even though it gets crowded during weekends because of the kite-flying events.

Food stalls are available on-site so you can easily replenish your picnic treats should you run out. Prayer rooms and public washrooms are available for those who’d like to extend their picnic hours.

You can rent bicycles for a fun ride around the Kepong Metropolitan Park when your legs get a little stiff from being seated over the picnic, or bring your own. A multi-level car park is available so parking is no issue.

Opening Hours: 6am - 7pm, daily.

Address: Jalan Lingkaran Tengah 2, 7, Pavement, Taman Metropolitan Kepong, 52100 Kepong, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

5. Bukit Kiara Federal Park

Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) residents are truly lucky to have this lush park only a stone’s throw away. It’s home to the popular Kiara Hiking Trail and rich greenery that surrounds a lake that is home to fishes, the odd monitor lizard, and a number of tortoises.

It’s also home to monkeys that can be found playing on the treetops and frolicking about, but they generally keep to themselves. Just make sure to keep away and do not offer them food and you’ll be fine.

There is a flowing stream with fishes that kids simply love playing there - if only to catch fish and release it. So families will not be short of activities here.

You’ll find the occasional food truck and drink stalls just outside the park during weekends to get food as you go, if you’re not too keen on preparing your picnic meals beforehand.

Public restrooms are available on-site at the free parking area. But be warned that the parking lots fill up pretty quickly during weekends so go as early as you can!

Opening Hours: 7am - 8pm, daily.

Address: 78, Jalan Abang Haji Openg, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

6. Titiwangsa Lake Garden (a.k.a. Taman Tasik Titiwangsa)

Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur is also the Titiwangsa Lake Garden, a popular recreational park with ample picnic spots frequented by families for picnics during weekends.

A few fun activities you can do at the Titiwangsa Lake Garden include: 

• A reading booth where you can contribute old books or enjoy a good read or two during your picnic,

• Kayaks available for a fun kayaking session in the huge lake,

• Bicycles available for rent so you don’t have to lug yours around and enjoy the cycling paths.

Heaps of street food options are available just outside and along the park which you can tapau from so you’ll certainly not be short of yummy bites for your picnic mat!

Parking is not a problem as there are ample parking spots available around the park, with washrooms available at a small fee of 20 cents. This little fee ensures that the washrooms are clean and well-maintained.

I’d recommend skipping the Titiwangsa Lake Garden on Sundays and Public Holidays as it gets very crowded. But if you’d like to be around the area, stay on for a nearby alternative that’s just as lovely. ;)

Opening Hours: 6:30am - 10pm, daily.

Address: Titiwangsa, 53200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

7. Taman Tasik Ampang Hilir

Did you think the alternative to Titiwangsa Lake Garden would come later? Well you’re in for a treat!

Taman Tasik Ampang Hilir is known as the green lung of Ampang Kuala Lumpur, with a lake set in its centre where park-goers can feed the fishes. It’s great for family picnics as there are 3 different playgrounds for kids, which guarantee them so much fun. This park is also the recommended tranquil alternative to Titiwangsa Lake Garden.

Picnickers will be treated to a beautifully green and scenic view with ample shady trees for a picnic spot that stay cool even on bright, sunny days. If you’re lucky you can even spot the occasional ducks and tortoises.

Food stalls serving local popular delights are found around the park during weekends so you can even skip out on packing picnic meals if you’re visiting on Saturdays and Sundays.

The local authorities have also installed safety features along the park, which include CCTVs and emergency buttons, so solo picnickers or joggers can be at ease as they enjoy a momentary respite in the park.

Free parking is available with spacious lots allowing larger cars to park with ease, with washrooms available nearby for post-picnic cleanups just before you leave the park.

Opening Hours: 6am - 10pm, daily.

Address: 115, Jalan Ampang Hilir, Desa Pahlawan, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

8. Taman Saujana Hijau

If you’ve always wanted a picturesque picnic, for instance, a Bridgerton themed English afternoon tea setting with scones, jam, cream, and tea - Taman Saujana Hijau is simply the perfect spot.

Taman Saujana Hijau is located in Putrajaya, not Kuala Lumpur. But it is still part of the Federal Territories which include Kuala Lumpur, which is why it made it into our list today!

This stunning park features themed gardens that are beautifully designed based on its namesake, such as the English Garden, European Garden and Oriental Garden. It’s also home to flora you won’t see in public parks like sunflowers and pine trees.

You’ll get access to shaded gazebos found along the park in situations where the weather takes an unpredictable turn (it’s been crazy of late!) with restrooms available at the entrance of the park. 

Unfortunately cycling and skating is not allowed as the place can be a little hilly, but not steep. So wear comfy shoes!

Ample free parking is available on-site at this magical park, and it is wheelchair-friendly so friends and family who otherwise couldn’t join your picnics can now do so for much needed fresh air together.

Opening Hours: 7am - 7pm, daily.

Address: Jalan P11, Presint 11, 62000 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, Malaysia.

9. Perdana Botanical Garden, formerly known as Lake Gardens

Perdana Botanical Garden, formerly known as Lake Gardens, is the OG picnic park in Malaysia and is said to be one of the best parks in Kuala Lumpur due to its themed gardens, exotic floral features, and beautiful lake. It was also once home to the country's famed Hibiscus Garden which is yet to be reopened.

The beautiful lake is home to various fauna where one can occasionally spot the rare otters frolicking about the waters, swans, tortoises, and resident fishes.

Small waterfall features littered around the Perdana Botanical Garden, which adds an air of tranquility you can enjoy without having to drive out of town. While the national bird park is found here and is used as a picnic spot for some, an admission fee is required so we didn’t include it into our list.

What’s free are the shaded gazebos so you can continue your picnic rain or shine, and entry to the deer park to visit the adorable animals. The park also features ample trees for shaded picnics on the grassy patches for a true picnic experience.

Ice cream sellers are present during weekends, so picnickers can enjoy a nice, cool treat before or after the picnic. Much like the Titiwangsa Lake Garden, there is also a public reading booth available near the lake’s dock that you can leave your pre-loved books in or enjoy a good read while you’re there.

You can also spend some time taking IG-worthy photos at the photogenic Sunken Garden, whose maze garden looks straight out of an Alice in Wonderland scene.

Multi-level car park and outdoor parking spots are available, but be aware that double parking is rampant outside. So I’d recommend avoiding the hassle of dealing with double parkers by parking in the multi-level parking area.

CCTVs and emergency buttons are installed throughout the park for the safety of picnickers, solo joggers, and solo visitors, making this park a safe and tranquil one where you can ease away the worries of yesterday over a lovely picnic.

Opening Hours: 7am - 7pm, daily.

Address: Jalan Kebun Bunga, Tasik Perdana, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

10. Taman Dusun Bandar

This underrated park is a quiet, green space in Kuala Lumpur that is perfect for picnickers who prefer to be away from the crowd.

It is well-maintained and beautifully landscaped like an orchard with a man made narrow lake, and a quirky zig-zag bridge for park-goers to have a go at snapping IG-worthy photos.

While you don’t need a permit to have your picnic here, it is recommended to get permission from the stationed Garden Officer so as to ensure a peaceful, uninterrupted picnic session.

Washrooms are available on-site and parking as well. But with limited parking spaces available, be prepared to park along the roadside during weekends.

Visitors may sometimes find the main gate closed, but not to worry as you can enter through the rear entrance next to Ikan Bakar Medan Selera, a food establishment nearby.

Opening Hours: 7am - 7pm, daily.

Address: TM Bukit Petaling, 121, Lorong Bellamy, Istana Negara, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia