Sometimes, being present during the golden hour is all you need to rejuvenate your soul. What’s the golden hour you asked? It is that magical period shortly after sunrise or before sunset.
In case you’re wondering, the morning golden hour in East Malaysia is usually 6am (7am for West Malaysia), while the evening golden hour mostly occurs at 6pm (7pm for West Malaysia).
To all sunrise/sunset-chasing adventurers, here are some helpful tips to take note. The best lighting often takes place 10 minutes before and 15 minutes after sunrise/sunset. Keeping that in mind, do arrive early so you’d have ample time to select the best spot to prepare.
The early bird catches the worm – or this case, the perfect sunrise. Whether you’re watching it from on top of a hill, in a garden, or in the city, stop what you’re doing, relax, take a deep breath and soak up the golden scene that we often take for granted.
Here are some trails in the Klang Valley to watch the sunrise and sunset:
1. Bukit Tabur
Located between Taman Melawati and UIA Gombak, Bukit Tabur is a popular spot among hikers due to its scenic view overlooking the Klang Gate Dam and the Kuala Lumpur skyline. There are various trails that lead up to different peaks at Bukit Tabur. The most common and longest route is situated behind Zoo Negara, at a clearing along Jalan Taman Zooview. The hike is approximately 3 hours, so start early and you’ll be rewarded with a nice sunrise.
- Getting there: Exit MRR2 at Taman Melawati. Follow the road along the hill until you get to the Puncak Niaga facilities.
2. Broga Hill
Famed for its panoramic view, Broga Hill is another sought-after landmark for those near and far who travel to this place for the breathtaking view. Unlike Bukit Tabur, there is only 1 route up and down Broga Hill, with 3 viewing points – at 880 feet, 1150 feet, and at the top at 1312 feet – marked by RHB signs. The hike will take between 40-60 minutes, depending on your fitness level. After descending from Broga, you can enjoy a refreshing drink at the nearby coconut stall.
- Getting there: For those traveling by car, you will pass the University of Nottingham. Drive straight until you reach Rabbit Fun Land. The entrance to the car park is directly opposite.
3. Batu Caves
Batu Caves is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Malaysia. Thousands of people gather at this Hindu shrine to celebrate Thaipusam every year. Even from afar, you’d be able to notice giant Hindu god statue of Murugan. Whenever you visit, allocate time to tour the Temple Cave. In order to view the stunning skyline of the city centre, you’d have to climb a cardiac stress test of 272 steps. We assure you, the pay off is worth it.
P/S: Monkeys are known to frolic Batu Caves, so be on the lookout for them.
- Getting there: Batu Caves is accessible by the KTM Komuter train service from KL Sentral.
4. Taman Tasik Ampang Hilir
We’ve gotten mix reactions in regards to Taman Tasik Ampang Hilir. Morning birds would naturally prefer to catch the sunrise when a colour combo of pink, purple, orange, and red is reflected on the water. Having said that, others would argue that the lake reflection past sunset is stunning – especially when the city lights come alive.
- Getting there: Coming from the city along Jalan Ampang, U-turn at the light under the MRR2 flyover. Take Jalan Ampang back towards the city, turn left after Shell and Petronas (before Lorenzo) – Lorong Ru. Turn right at Jalan Ampang Hilir.
5. Masjid As-Salam Puchong
Known to commoners as the floating mosque, Masjid As-Salam is unique for its architecture design and construction at the lake. The building has 2 1/2 levels and a capacity to house as many as 4,000 people. Whether you’re here during the blue hours of twilight or in the evening, the moment when the sunlight touches the mosque is just spectacular.
- Getting there: The nearest LRT station is Puchong Perdana.
6. Putrajaya Pink Mosque
Facing the scenic Putrajaya Lake, the Putra Mosque – or the Pink Mosque – is one of Putrajaya’s most distinctive landmarks. The modern mosque is fashioned after Persian Islamic architecture that blends traditional designs and local craftsmanship. Looking at the mesmerising mosque is really breathtaking, but it’s even more splendid to witness its beauty during sunset.
- Getting there: Travel from Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya is by KLIA Transit (don’t confuse it with KLIA Express). Once you arrive at Putrajaya Sentral, you can either take a bus or a cab.
7. Tadom Hill Resorts
If you happen to be looking for a holiday/day trip that doesn’t require flying or driving a long distance, then you should include Tadom on your list. Take part in Tarzan-swinging and platform-jumping at the tranquil turquoise lake with a limestone hill as backdrop. As you wind down from a day’s worth of activities, climb up the treehouse and admire the golden sun as it vanishes beyond the horizon.
- Address: Bukit Tadom, Kampung Labohan Dagang, 42700 Banting, Selangor
- Tel: 012-5225728
- Website
8. AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort
This may just be the perfect place for some dolce far niente (the Italian phrase for a pleasant relaxation in carefree idleness). Many have called AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort the Malaysian version of Maldives. Thanks to this cheap getaway, KL-ites don’t have to travel far to enjoy some peace, sunshine, and glimmering sea breeze.
Tip: Request a room that faces the west if you’re a sunset lover. But if you prefer seeing the sunrise every morning, go for the rooms on the east side.
- Address: No. 67, Jalan Pantai Bagan Lalang Kg Bagan Lalang, 43950 Sungai Pelek, Selangor
- Tel: 03-3182 3600
- Website
9. KLCC Park
KLCC Park may not be your first choice when looking for a quiet spot, but watching the dancing fountains at dusk as the sun sets can be one of the most therapeutic experiences. It can’t get any better for those who work and live in the hustle and bustle of the city. Popular spots here include the jogging track, excellent playground, and swimming pool for kids.
- Getting there: The nearest LRT station is KLCC.
10. Heli Lounge Bar
You can’t beat the experience of sipping on your favourite drink while perched on a helipad. Situated on top of Menara KH, Heli Lounge Bar offers visitors a stunning 360-degree view of KL city. It’s even more gratifying when you’re able to snap a few fantastic photos of the sunset and post it up on Instagram without using any filters.
- Address: Bukit Bintang 34th Floor, Menara KH, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
- Tel: 03-2110 5034
For those into bar hopping, feel free to check out our list of rooftop bars that offer the best views of KL’s cityscape.
Sources: i Shafizan, Kian’s Photography, Malaysia Traveller.
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