2020 seems to have changed all our running plans with the Covid-19 pandemic and the Controlled Movement Control Order (CMCO). However, as we always say, ‘training must go on!’

We all miss our parks adorned with lush greenery, which brings cool and crisp air for early morning birds like us. However, we will need to keep a safe distance from the next person as advised by Dr. Pui San – a fellow runner, triathlete, sports and exercise doctor.

The doctor explains in her Instagram post, “At rest, 1 metre between individuals is adequate. But when we do low intensity exercises like walking, that distance increases to 6 metres.”

“As intensity progresses to jogging/running/cycling, the minimum distance to maintain is 10 meters.”

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Overall, remember to take it easy and bring a bottle of water with you. Keep a mask in your pocket to put on when you have finished your exercise. Keep healthy and stay safe.

We’ve updated this list as of May 12th to include places to run in Selangor as the state goverment has announced new rules. We’ve also listed some parks which you cannot access at the bottom too, so please take note.

Read Also: Sports Distancing: How to Protect yourself while Exercising

1. Perdana Botanical Gardens, Kuala Lumpur

We absolutely LOVE that we have such lush greenery in the heart of Kuala Lumpur!

If you work in KL city, the Perdana Botanical Gardens is well within reach, even by MRT. You can also get a quick run in after work, and escape the peak hour jam before you head home.

Formerly known as Lake Gardens, it has always been a part of the green lung of the city and has a history of over a decade. The garden has botanical collections and gives you the feeling of being in a tropical rainforest, despite being in the middle of a bustling metropolis.

Some running clubs use the gardens for training, so hit them up on weekdays and weekends to get a social run in too.

• Opening Hours:
  • 7:00AM – 8:00PM (Hours might differ on special days and public holidays).
• Entrance is free.

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2. Bukit Jalil Park, Kuala Lumpur

Just outside of KL city, the Bukit Jalil Park is a such a gem with many trees to give you fresh clean air. There’s a tarmac route with a slight incline, test yourself to see how many loops you can run there! Consider it interval training. (Hint, that’s our secret to smashing PBs)

One of the best features of the park – and very Instagram-mable – is the International Garden (Laman Antarabangsa) featuring show gardens representing 10 different countries. Take a trip around the world while you’re at it.

• Opening Hours:
  • 7:00AM – 8:00PM (Hours might differ on special days and public holidays).
• Entrance is free.
• Parking available at both entrances.

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3. Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur

Only jogging/running (solo), cycling and some recreational activities are allowed in Taman Tasik Titiwangsa which will be open from 7:00am till 6:00pm.

• • Opening Hours:
    • 7:00AM – 6:00PM.
  • Entrance is free.

4. Permaisuri Lake Gardens, Cheras in Kuala Lumpur

Nestled in the Cheras neighbourhood, just outside of the KL city, the Permaisuri (Queen in Malay language) Lake Gardens so beautiful, no wonder they call her the Queen.

The 98-acre recreational park has a majestic lake, fountains, and is a family attraction especially on weekends.

• Operating hours: 6am – 7.30pm daily
• Entrance is free

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5. Kepong Metropolitan Park, Kuala Lumpur

If you have ever passed by this park on a windy day, the view is pretty amazing with numerous shaped kites adoring the sky. There is a 3km trail around the picturesque lake for you to exercise your legs, while you feast your eyes on the surroundings and enjoy the scenic park with trees aplenty.

• Operating hours: 6am – 8pm daily
• Entrance is free

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6. Taman Tugu, Kuala Lumpur

If you’re yearning for some trail running in the heart of KL city, the main trail (3km) has been open since May 8th under a controlled operating environment, ALL other facilities remain closed. Temperature checks will also be conducted.

• Operating hours: 7am – 6:30pm daily
• Entrance is free.
• Only the Nursery Entrance will be open. Please Google/Waze “Taman Tugu Nursery” for directions.

7. Suria KLCC Park

The evergreen 50-acre garden alongside the Suria KLCC shopping centre in the heart of our shopping district remains open to runners. There is a 1.3km circuit which you can run loops on, or you could set up to the myriad of paths along the skirts of the park.

The man-made Lake Symphony provides a soothing sight amidst the park, which also has water fountains shows in the day and evenings. KLCC Park has over 1,900 indigenous trees from 74 species; 40 of these trees were transplanted from the former Selangor Turf Club racecourse.

• Entrance is free.

8. Shah Alam Botanical Park (Taman Botani Negara, Shah Alam), Selangor

The Shah Alam Botanical Park has reopened (closed from March-July 2019) and is once again the most beautiful park to visit in Shah Alam. You can run, cycle, visit the SkyTrek adventure park, or ornament garden and even the four seasons temperate house in the vicinity.

• Opening hours:
  • 7.30am – 5pm daily.
  • Closed on Mondays except during school holidays or public holidays
• Entrance fee applies.

9. Shah Alam Lake Gardens, Selangor

Sprawled over 43 hectares, the Shah Alam Lake Gardens has a lakeside promenade, raised walkways that extend over the water, reflexology paths, jogging and cycling trails.

There are 3 man-made lake with beautifully landscaped parks and you can also rent kayaks after you’ve finished running in the park. You can also extend a visit to the Wet World Theme Park if you’re feeling adventurous and feel like getting wet especially during this hot, hazy weather.

While on the run, you’ll also be treated to a picture-perfect view of the Shah Alam State Mosque.

• Opening hours: 7am to 7pm
• Entrance is free

List of Parks which are CLOSED / PROHIBITED

Please note that Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya have imposed their own restrictions on public parks. Also, all activities in the forests are off-limits until further notice. We’ve updated the parks listed as prohibited as of May 12th here.

• Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
• FRIM – Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
• Putrajaya Botanical Gardens, Putrajaya (pending Putrajaya’s announcement)
• Taman Saujana Hijau, Putrajaya (pending Putrajaya’s announcement)