20 Free & Cheap Date Ideas In KL To Spend Quality Time With Bae

Free & cheap date ideas in KL

Spending quality time with your partner doesn’t always have to come with a price tag. And no, we’re not talking about spending the night in watching reruns over having an expensive meal for an amazing date. For couples on a budget, we rounded up a list of free and cheap date ideas in KL, including romantic strolls through a park, live music, and more.

You’ll only need to budget for transportation and food, plus RM30 or less for these activities.

1. Anjung Spotter

Watch airplanes take off from an observation deck

Image credit: @yanphang._ via Instagram

Though it requires a roughly 40-minute drive from KL, Anjung Spotter promises a date with bae that’s equal parts underrated and unforgettable. The designated observation deck is where you can spot airplanes taking off and landing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Image credit: Malaysia Airports via Facebook

Couples can soak up the magic of the early morning or evening sky dotted with airplanes, like a scene from a movie. There are just over 10 seats on the deck to sit back on and enjoy the view.

Address: 27, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 64000 Sepang, Selangor
Opening hours: 7am-7pm, Daily

2. Perdana Botanical Gardens

Go on a book date

Image credit: @kualalumpurreads via Instagram

If you and your bae are looking to spend more time reading but need that extra push of motivation, join Kuala Lumpur Reads for one of their quiet reading sessions at KL’s Perdana Botanical Gardens. They host weekly no-commitment reading groups at the garden on Saturdays from 8.30am to 10.30am.

Simply bring along a book you’ve been reading, lay out a picnic blanket, and read in silence among like-minded individuals for a couple of hours. Opt to bring along some snacks and pillows to keep things comfy.

Venue: Perdana Botanical Gardens
Time: 8.30am-10.30am
Contact: Kuala Lumpur Reads Instagram

3. Orkestra Kuala Lumpur

Catch a free orchestra concert by OKL

Image credit: @orkestrakualalumpur via Instagram

Klang Valley folks might have heard of Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL). But we’re here to introduce Orkestra Kuala Lumpur (OKL) to you, a cultural initiative of the city council that hosts free orchestral concerts every month from Menara DBKL’s auditorium.

Over 50 full-time musicians are part of the orchestra, performing a variety of genres for locals and tourists alike. To catch a show, you can keep your eyes peeled on OKL’s Instagram for concert announcements.

4. Baseball Cage

Swing bats in a baseball cage

Image credit: kee seowzhing via Google Reviews

Sporty couples can plan a trip to the Baseball Cage at MyTOWN Shopping Centre. Located on the 3rd storey of the mall, the batting cage welcomes beginners and seasoned players alike to pull off their best swings in an enclosed space, with two pitch speed levels to try. Each game is affordably priced at RM6, which includes 20 balls for 3 minutes.

Address: Level 3, Blue Zone, MyTOWN Shopping Centre, 6, Jalan Cochrane, Seksyen 90, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: Baseball Cage MyTOWN Instagram

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5. Cry Room

Watch an indie film with Couch Potato

Image credit: @ganhw via Instagram

A movie night out is hard to go wrong with for dates. To change things up from your regular cinema visit, catch an independent film screening hosted by Couch Potato at the intimate Cry Room. The initiative aims to bring unconventional and underrated films to Malaysians and unite movie enthusiasts, by showcasing timeless films from around the world every Wednesday night.

There’s a minimum donation fee of RM10/pax to watch a film with Couch Potato, but if you’d like to support the initiative further, you’re welcome to donate more. You can also purchase popcorn and drinks at the venue.

A booking before your visit is a must – you can do so here.

Address: Cry Room, 53-1, Jalan 20/7, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: Couch Potato Instagram

6. Space Panda

Claw out snacks from just RM1

Image credit: @amandalynchen via Instagram

With claw machines coming back in fashion again, there are plenty of spots to try our luck at winning a prize with a jostle of a stick. One of the largest and most affordable arenas in town is Space Panda, which has over 200 machines filled with a variety of snacks – bottled HEYTEA, uniquely flavoured Lay’s, Maltesers chocolates, and more included.

Image credit: @astheryinn via Instagram

A token is priced from just RM1, so you can expect to walk away with a basket full of goodies for you and bae without burning a hole in your wallet.

Address: No. F.16-18 & F.36-37, First Floor, BMC Mall, Jalan Temenggung 21/9, Persiaran Mahkota Cheras 1, Bandar Mahkota Cheras, 43200 Cheras, Selangor
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-11pm | Sat & Sun 10am-12am
Contact: Space Panda Instagram

7. KLCC Park

Catch a music fountain show

Image credit: SURIA KLCC via Website

Instead of just window shopping at Suria KLCC, plan to catch a free music fountain show in KLCC Park at its massive 10,000sqft Lake Symphony. Watch fountains dance in sync to colourful lights and sounds, while the iconic Petronas Twin Towers glitter splendidly in the background – it gives off major rom-com vibes.

The light and sound water fountain show takes place at 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm daily, so plan to come by at these times.

Address: 241, Petronas Twin Tower, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 03-2382 2828 | SURIA KLCC website

8. Good Weekend Club

Thrift for goods at low prices

Image credit: @goodweekendclub via Instagram

Find a good bargain with bae at Good Weekend Club. They hold thrift markets around Klang Valley every week, including a pasar at Jalan Conlay that opens from 6pm to midnight on Saturdays. Expect to weed out something special at low prices from the piles and racks of apparel, knick-knacks, accessories, and more from local vendors.

Venue: Jalan Conlay, Bukit Bintang (Behind Pavilion KL, across Pullman Hotel)
Date: Saturdays
Time: 6pm-12am

9. Taman Tasik Titiwangsa

Go night paddle boating

Image credit: @ninaescanillan via Instagram

If you’re the chill low-effort, high-reward kind of couple, then a picnic date followed by a brisk bicycle ride and a night paddle boat ride at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa will be perfect.

Spread out a picnic blanket by the lake, unpack your snacks, and let the panoramic city skyline do the rest. When night falls, and the scorching morning heat is gone, go on a paddle boat ride out on the lake to enjoy even more mesmerising views of KL’s skyline while working on your teamwork with bae.

Image credit: @adcxcvii via Instagram

White & Black Aquasports offers paddle boat rentals for RM15/pax, on Fridays and the weekends from as early as 8am to 9.15pm.

Address: Jalan Kuantan, Titiwangsa, 53200, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Sat-Sun 6.30am-10pm (Closed on Fridays)

10. Restoran G.S. Nathan Corner

Soak up sunset views at a roadside mamak

Image credit: @lixu.wang via Instagram

Dinner at a mamak might not be for every couple. But it’s worth considering Restoran G.S. Nathan Corner in Ampang, a roadside mamak stall that boasts some of the best sunset views and unblocked views of KL’s skyline, including the Petronas Twin Towers.

They have your classic mamak fare – including teh tarik (RM2), naan biasa (RM4.50), and a long list of goreng specials (from RM5.50) like maggi goreng and nasi goreng to enjoy with the view.

Image adapted from: Vel Murugan via Google Reviews

Keep in mind that there’s often a queue to snag the best seat in the house at the roadside mamak. It’s highly recommended to show up slightly before sunset hours to get a good seat for the rest of the night.

Address: 29, Jalan Taman Saga, Taman Saga, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Opening hours: Thu-Tue 5pm-2am (Closed on Wednesdays)

11. TRX City Park

Hunt for art installations at a rooftop park

Image credit: @theexchangetrx via Instagram

There’s always the option to keep things wallet-friendly, even at KL’s buzzing The Exchange TRX. Just head up to the shopping mall’s rooftop, where TRX City Park is. The free-entry 10-acre garden offers an inexpensive date experience, where you’ll get to spend quality time with your SO nevertheless.

Image adapted from: @theexchangetrx via Instagram

There are ample amount of seats at the rooftop park, from steps to benches. Besides just taking photos of the Apple Store here, there are several creative public art installations scattered around the park. Go on a stroll through the garden that’s filled with 150,000 plants, to spot a cool mirror piece by British artist David Harber and upcycled mosaic animal sculptures by Alice Chang.

Address: Level 3, Park Level, Plaza The Exchange TRX, Persiaran TRX, Tun Razak Exchange, 55188 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 7am-11pm, Daily

12. GMBB

Explore free art exhibitions

Image credit: @gmbb.kl via Instagram

An art gallery date is giving cultured and just the right amount of romantic. Picture this: wandering through a contemporary art exhibition, soaking up creativity from the artist, and letting the colours, textures, and stories spark all the deep thoughts so you discuss them with your SO later.

A good spot to experience this is at KL’s creative community mall, GMBB. There are often a good amount of free-admission exhibitions by local and regional artists on show, with nine floors of exhibits, artsy shops, and pop-up events.

Before you visit, you can check out the full list of all the shows happening at GMBB on their website to see which one piques your interest.

Address: 2, Jalan Robertson, Bukit Bintang, 50150, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 11am-7pm | Sun 11am-5pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 03-2181 3003 | GMBB website | Facebook

13. Forest Reserve Institute of Malaysia

Go hiking at FRIM

Image credit: @cs.arw via Instagram

Just a short drive from the KL city centre, the Forest Reserve Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) in Kepong offers nature lovers all the thrills of the outdoors without the direct glare of the sun and lengthy hikes. The rainforest reserve has beginner-friendly activities like easy-level jungle trekking in a dense forest, a short trek up paved steps to marvel at a waterfall, and scenic strolls across canopy walks under the shade of trees.

There’s a small entry fee of RM1 for adults and children to FRIM, which can be paid at the door.

Address: Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 68100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 6am-7pm, Daily

14. Taman Metropolitan Park Kepong

Fly kites and take photos with a rainbow arch

Image credit: @kelvinlittleplanet via Instagram

Relive your childhood by flying kites at Taman Metropolitan Park Kepong. The sprawling park in KL is a popular destination for a whole bunch of nature activities, including picnicking, jogging, cycling, relaxing by the lake, and kite-flying.

You can snap photos at this popular photo spot in the park too.
Image credit: @asophian1 via Instagram

There are vendors at the park selling kites for under RM10, which you can purchase to heal your inner child with your SO. It’s recommended to come during the evenings when the sun goes down so you can watch the multitude of kites flying in the sky without the blaze of the sun.

Address: Jalan Lingkaran Tengah 2, 7, Pavement, Taman Metropolitan Kepong, 52100 Kepong, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 6am-10pm, Daily

15. Dataran Merdeka

Go on a night walk at a KL landmark

Image credit: Hotel Royal Signature via Facebook

A night walk at Dataran Merdeka offers date nights that feel straight out of a classic romance movie. Stroll past beautifully illuminated historical buildings hand in hand with your SO, and soak in the charms of KL at night when the city starts to feel a little less hectic.

With iconic landmarks as your backdrop, you can bring along a disposable camera and try that viral Instagram trend by snapping adorbs photos of your laidback night out.

16. Bukit Gasing

Breathe in fresh air while on a hike

Bukit Gasing - Free date ideas to try this Valentine’s
Image credit: Raisa Reviews

For couples that enjoy a little challenge, a hiking date at Bukit Gasing will be perfect. Surrounded by lush greenery and fresh air – with a side of heavy breathing and the occasional are-we-there-yet glance, of course – a date here will be all about you, bae, and the best of nature.

Enjoy the hike with a sweaty selfie moment for keepsakes or a well-earned water break. Plus, this date comes with the bonus of working those leg muscles together to crush your fitness goals.

Address: Bukit Gasing, 46000, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily

17. Kwai Chai Hong

Snap photos with art murals

Image credit: @littlemisshappyfeet via Instagram

If you and your bae are the kind of couple who don’t take enough photos together, then a night out at Kwai Chai Hong should be your next date plan. Filled with a little throwback magic, the George Town-vibes alley in KL lets you go on a romantic stroll with your SO with public art murals of nostalgic scenes in Malaysia as a backdrop.

A photoshoot will be waiting to happen, with the aesthetics on point for creative photos – so make sure to bring along a fully charged phone. Along the alley are rows of cafes and bars, which you can pop into for a sweet treat or a nightcap after taking a galore of photos.

Address: Kwai Chai Hong, Lorong Panggung, City Centre, 50000, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9am-12am, Daily
Contact: 010-388 3882 | Kwai Chai Hong Instagram

18. Bukit Tunku Viewpoint

Catch sunsets while on a drive

Image credit: Aereon Wong via Facebook

A sunset-viewing date at Bukit Tunku Viewpoint is the definition of effortlessly romantic. A scenic drive up the hill, windows down, the music playing, and the two of you soaking in the peaceful vibes and golden-hour skies at the hilltop. This is one of those date ideas in KL that feels cinematic without even trying.

Address: 35, Jalan Bukit Tunku, Taman Tunku, 50480, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily

19. Desa ParkCity Waterfront

Go on a bike ride by a lake and coo at doggos

Image credit: Desa ParkCity

Picture this: you and bae cycling away with the wind in your hair, while a serene lake unfolds in front of you and the happiest little doggos zoom past you. That’s what you’ll get while riding bikes at Desa ParkCity Waterfront.

The popular waterfront park in KL not only features cafes and bakeries to grab a bite at, but it also lets you enjoy a brisk activity and a good view. It’ll be one of those dates that feel light, easy, and effortlessly fun – no pressure or fancy plans, just good company and wagging tails.

Address: 5, Persiaran Residen, Desa Parkcity, 52200, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily

20. Amcorp Mall

Uncover quirky gems at a preloved and antiques shopping hub

Image credit: Amcorp Mall via Facebook

Step into a nostalgic time warp at Amcorp Mall, but make it romantic. Wander through stacks of time-worn books, flip through timeless vinyl records, and uncover quirky vintage knick-knacks – it’s giving treasure hunt for grown-ups, especially if you manage to sniff out cool finds.

The old-school mall also has a good number of shops selling apparel, toys, and collectibles, at low prices.

Address: 18, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050, Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 03-7966 2488 | Amcorp Mall Facebook

Free and cheap date ideas for couples in KL

At the end of the day, it’s not about how much you spend – it’s about the memories you make together. Whether you’re stargazing, exploring hidden gems, or just enjoying each other’s company, these free date ideas prove that romance doesn’t need a receipt.

For more things to do ideas, read:

Cover image adapted from: @yanphang._, @adcxcvii, @astheryinn via Instagram