City centres are not often associated with green spaces, but it may be surprising to learn that you can find little pockets of nature within Kuala Lumpur! Parks, gardens, and even forest reserves not only serve as green lungs, they are much-needed breaths of fresh air for city dwellers seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
You don’t need to go very far in search of your next spot for a jog with friends, picnic with the family, or some solo meditation sessions. Here are some refreshing green refuges you can visit the next time you need to clear your mind for a renewed, refreshed you.
Green space #1: Taman Tugu
Credit: Taman Tugu
Spanning 66 acres, Taman Tugu is one of Kuala Lumpur’s newer parks. Nestled within a forest marked for conservation, visitors will find many indigenous trees such as jelutong, tembusu, pulai, and gaharu (agarwood) — with some potentially 100-years old!
There are several well-marked trails to follow in the park, and the communal space is often packed with activities such as group fitness sessions, educational programmes, arts and crafts classes for children, and more.
This makes Taman Tugu a great place for families with young children or city workers looking for a quick change in scenery after clocking off.
History buffs may also like to know that the park is a stone’s throw away from Tugu Negara, a national monument commemorating the heroes who fought for Malaysia’s freedom and independence.
Green space #2: Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park
Credit: forestry.gov.my
Formerly known as Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park is one of the oldest forest reserves in Malaysia. Here, you can take a stroll along its iconic canopy walk where you will be treated to an amazing view of the whole forest and the city skyline.
Gazetted as a wildlife reserve and a bird sanctuary, keen-eyed and nature-loving visitors can try to spot flora and fauna that are endemic to Malaysia’s tropical rainforest.
The park is right next to the KL Tower, a must-see monument especially for first-time travellers. Other neighbouring landmarks are KLCC and the world’s tallest twin towers.
Green space #3: Perdana Botanical Gardens
Credit: KL Botanical Garden
Known to locals simply as Lake Gardens, Perdana Botanical Gardens boasts Kuala Lumpur’s largest flower gardens and animal park.
It is located within the Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park and features attractions such as gardens of orchids, herbs and spices, and hibiscus, to name a few. The park also comprises collections of forest trees, exotic plants, and fruit trees. An island sits in the lake and is home to cycads and succulents as well as a series of gazebos.
Animal lovers can have their pick from the Deer Park, Bird Park, or Butterfly Park, all located within the same grounds.
Green space #4: Permaisuri Lake Garden
Credit: GoKelah
Training for your next marathon? Head over to Permaisuri Lake Garden, a picturesque recreational park featuring a lotus and waterlily-covered lake, fountains, cycling tracks, and jogging trails. The trails are designed to help marathon runners train and track their running distance.
The main attraction is the Traditional Malay Royal Garden in Laman Iskandar Puteri, which is blooming with beautiful flowers and rhythmic water fountains.
Shaded tables are available for picnics and a relaxing time by the lake.
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Against this lush backdrop of rainforests, our partner Pok Kobkongsanti, founder of TROP Studio, was inspired to bring this tropical green to new heights, leading to the thoughtful design of our Green Refuge on the 44th floor.
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Conceived as a leafy sanctuary and a multi-tiered park in the sky, the Green Refuge features the only hanging garden in a branded residence located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Among the landscape of beautifully-curated ferns and other local flora, residents have unparalleled access to almost 1 acre of paths for jogging and walking.
Paying homage to our natural surroundings, the Green Refuge aims to serve as a space to rekindle connections with oneself, nature, and the 8 Conlay community.
Learn more about the Green Refuge and other facilities here.
Sources:
https://tamantugu.my/
https://www.forestry.gov.my/en/wp-kuala-lumpur/taman-eko-rimba-kuala-lumpur
http://www.klbotanicalgarden.gov.my/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permaisuri_Lake_Gardens