If you’re a digital nomad living in Kuala Lumpur (KL) or visiting for a short trip, it’s useful to know the best spots to get some work done. With a population of over 8 million, KL has a variety of member-only co-working spaces, some of which offer day passes. However there are some great low-cost or free alternatives that are just as good, if not better.
Here’s a quick rundown of the best places to work in KL for free, or almost free!
Kuala Lumpur Library (Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur)
Kuala Lumpur Library is the main library of KL, located next to Merdeka Square and a 10 minute walk from Masjid Jamek station. It’s free to visit and open to all, with useful facilities including free wifi, self-service lockers and a café. There’s lots of space, comfortable chairs (including reading pods), charging points and it’s designed to let in a generous amount of natural light. The library is open all days of the week except Mondays and on Public Holidays. It’s also closed on Saturday and Sunday of the first week of every month. Visit KL Library if you’re looking for a spacious and quiet place to get some work done.
Kuala Lumpur’s Coffee Shops
Kuala Lumpur has a thriving coffee shop scene that has given rise to the term “café hopping”, which means visiting multiple cafés in one outing. Many of these coffee shops are ideal places to bring your laptop and get down to work. Of course, this depends on your preference. With music and other people having conversations, you won’t get the silence you’ll find at the library. But for some people, this is just what they need, preferring to work in coffee shops where there’s a more vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
If you like a lively environment and the sight of large crowds passing by as you work, finding a coffee shop along Jalan Bukit Bintang is a good choice. Also Jalan Tun H S Lee is a road near Masjid Jamek station with several coffee shops that are popular with digital nomads such as LOKL Coffee Co, Timothy Cafe and Kafe Kleptokrat.
Another lively area that has a flourishing coffee shop scene is the Chinatown area in and around Petaling Street. Along with modern coffee shops, there are various kopitiams. These are coffee shops where people come to hang out and socialise, and are part of the fabric of Southeast Asian society.
Of course, whichever coffee shop you choose, you’ll have to buy something, so it won’t be completely free like the library. But when it comes to work, coffee and laptops tend to go together well!
Suria KLCC & KLCC Park
Sometimes one needs a bit of creative inspiration for their work and not all work is done on a laptop. A good place to get your thinking cap on is at KLCC Park, an ‘urban oasis’ next to the Petronas Towers that has fountains, waterfalls and a lake. It can get pretty hot during the day, so try to find a good spot under the shade of many trees.
In the evenings, KLCC Park comes to life with the Lake Symphony fountain show, an enjoyable performance of choreographed music and fluorescent fountain lights. It’s great to sit back, take in the show and stimulate your creativity.
Bathrooms can be used and refreshments purchased at the adjacent Suria KLCC mall. And if you need a table, there’s a large food court on the 2nd floor of Suria KLCC with a view overlooking KLCC park.
Mitsui Shopping Park, LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre
Lalaport Bukit Bintang City Centre is a hidden gem if you’re looking for a good place to work. Located between Imbi and Hang Tuah stations, and next to Berjaya Times Square, Lalaport BBCC is a 12-floor Japanese concept shopping mall. On Level 4, there’s the Garden Dining Food Court that’s designed for the digital nomad in mind. There’s lots of space with various types of seating, tables and desks. There are even secluded work spaces with dividers, as well booths for group work. And of course, as it’s a food court, you have a wide variety of food and drink options.
The Garden Dining Food Court has been designed for those looking to stay for a bit longer than the time it takes to have a drink. There are charging points, free wifi, bathrooms and lots of natural light. Also there’s the Rooftop Garden outside, which is great for taking a break with urban greenery, water fountains and a panoramic view of the city.
Summary
Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant city with each area having its own unique character. If you want to work in peace and quiet, Kuala Lumpur Library is a good choice. If you prefer to take in the energetic vibe of the capital, check out the coffee shops around Bukit Bintang, Masjid Jamek and Petaling Street. If you need some creative inspiration, KLCC Park is a good spot, particularly in the evenings when the Lake Symphony fountain show is on. And if you want a mix of all of the above, with facilities for a long work session, head over to the Garden Dining Food Court at LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre.
