If I have to say what one thing I like the most in Kuala Lumpur, it is about its parks! Especially because I was coming from Jakarta–before I got to KL–where parks are rarity. Indeed, for the last few years there have been new parks built in Jakarta. Since they are relatively new, you can’t expect tall shady trees though.
Suria KLCC Park
Earlier KLCC park was one of my favourite hangout place where I could chill out while reading books, listening to music, and breathing fresh air. It is located in the heart of the city that can be conveniently accessed via LRT and Monorail public transit. And I could visited the park a few times every week.
Bukit Gasing
Bukit Gasing is not really a park as in city park, but more a forest on a hill. This is a hiking area where you walk through the forest on a dirt pathways and stairs. During rainy weather the path may be slippery. When I went there I saw seasoned visitors were jogging and running along the path and stairs like a pro.
The forest is quite popular for hiking and walking a dog in the morning. What’s interesting is that people coming to this place seems very nice. Or it could be a culture that has grown on its own in this place. Whenever you pass somebody on your way, they would happily greet you a good morning. After you walk a while you might be naturally greeting anyone passing by.
Taman Jaya
Just one week ago I hopped on Kelana Jaya LRT line to explore its newly opened extension route. On my way to Subang I saw a big park on my right side. Turned out it was Taman Jaya park and it’s so close to the next LRT station!
Driven by an urge to explore, I got off at Taman Jaya LRT station. Thanks to the prepaid RapidKL card I could simply get on and get off anywhere I want. With a token purchase I must decide my destination beforehand during purchase.
I was surprised with how big the park is. And one side of the park is filled with water (read: lake). Not only the park is good for jogging or strolling, it also has a few playground arenas and outdoor gym equipments. There I sat on recycled tire swing while watching kids playing… until they came to me wanting to use the swing. Alright kids there you go.
Taman Rekreasi Bukit Jalil
While I am astonished with how big and well maintained parks in Kuala Lumpur are, there is an even bigger park in Bukit Jalil. This park is rather far from LRT station so I needed to grab a cab to reach the park. If you get off at Bukit Jalil LRT station you could easily find a taxi. It may be harder to find one on your way back though. Instead I took Uber for 5RM to get there and another 5 for going back. The park is worth the cost to visit though. If you like parks and nature, this park is a must-visit.
This huge and sloppy park is filled not only with trees and grasses, but also with various animals. There I walked passing a flock of birds. Children having fun feeding doves and parents feeding turtles and catfish. I also saw squirrels jumping out from bushes and running around.
Many families, old and young, were taking a walk here. Along the track I saw people jogging during the evening. The track is quite long with uphill and downhill slopes. If you are just taking a walk, be prepared with long stairs as well. It’s located on a hill anyway.
On the lower side of the park you could view miniature cottages and arches of many countries around the world. Some of the are well maintained, and a few of them–especially ones with running waters–are not so good. The worstly maintained building when I went there was Japanese hut. It was messy.
It’s too bad that it began raining just when I was about to go uphill so I didn’t get to explore the entire park. Surely later I will come back to Taman Rekreasi Bukit Jalil again!