PLACES IN KUALA LUMPUR

PLACES IN KUALA LUMPUR

Sights in Kuala Lumpur include the National Memorial, a 15½-meter-high memorial with seven soldiers, holding the Malaysian flag, symbolizing the seven qualities of leadership; Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial, the former residence of Malaysia's father of independence; National Gallery (near the National Museum); the National Planetarium, National Zoo and Aquarium (8 miles outside of Kuala Lumpur); and the Artiquarium.

P. Ramlee Memorial (accessible by light rail and taxi) memorializes one of Malaysia’s most popular actors and singers, whose famous films include ' Bujang Lapok', 'Madu Tiga' or the funny 'Keluarga 69'. He died in 1973 and his house today is under the care of the Malaysian government. The house has been turned into a memorial, dedicated to the preservation of his memory and of his late wife, the talented actress, Saloma. There are collections of personal memorabilia of the late actor; awards, photos, personal artefacts and a rare glimpse into the past of a man who rose from humble beginnings and easily made friends with anyone. Getting There: By Light Rapid Transit (LRT) & Taxi Take the LRT (Ampang Line) and stop at the Sentul Timur station. From here, take a taxi to the P. Ramlee Memorial, less than 4 kilometers away. Contact: Pustaka Peringatan P. Ramlee, Address : 22 Jalan Dedap, Taman P Ramlee (formerly Taman Furlong), Setapak, 53000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tel: 603-4023 1131

The National Science Centre was formally opened in 1996 by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. The centre is located in Bukit Kiara. Housed in a striking green domed building, the National Science Centre is an architectural marvel. It accommodates nine galleries, with exhibits on interesting scientific themes.A Science Educational Park provides hands-on learning for students. Animals such as ostriches, ornamental chickens, rabbits, deer and others can be found in the park. There is also an underwater walk-through aquarium as well as an inventor's corner for budding minds. It is hoped that the centre's exhibits will help nurture a lifelong interest in the sciences for all ages. Getting There: By Bus: Take the RapidKL bus No. U83 (KL Sentral — Government Complex Jalan Duta route). Contact: Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC), Tel: 1 300 88 5050, Fax: 603-2162 1149, Email: enquiries@tourism.gov.my

Golden Triangle of Kuala Lumpur

Golden Triangle is defined Jalan Pudu to the north, Jalan Ampang to the south and Jalan Imbi and Jalan Tun Razak to the west. It includes bustling shopping area of Bukit Bintang, the office towers of Jalan Raja Chulan, the Jalan Sultan Ismail five-star hotel strip, the Jalan P. Ramlee party street, and the entire Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), which is home to the Petronas Twin Towers, Suria KLCC shopping centre, KLCC Convention Centre and the KLCC Park. KL's traditional City Centre is southwest of the Golden Triangle. Chinatown is the main budget hotel and restaurant area. The Golden Triangle is the main top-end hotel and shopping area, with Central Market nearby. Petronas Twin Towers is located at the Kuala Lumpur City Center, a new 100-acre development site formerly occupied by the Selanger Turf Club. This should not be confused with KL's traditional City Centre.

Simon Elegant wrote in Travel & Leisure: “ Stroll down the city's main shopping drag, Bukit Bintang (Star Hill), and you'll witness the dizzying change overtaking Malaysia's capital city. All of the planet's best-known hotel chains — Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Ritz-Carlton — are here, complete with glittering, marble-encrusted lobbies and world-class spas. And they've been joined by their luxury-goods equivalents: Donna Karan, Bulgari, Tiffany, Hanae Mori. The spending power brought by years of stratospheric economic growth (not to mention the abolition of tariffs on almost all consumer goods, making this one of Asia's retail magnets) is visible in the packed shopping centers, where silk-gowned Chinese matrons, turbaned Sikhs, and burka-draped Muslim women elbow one another for Prada and Gucci. [Source: Simon Elegant, Travel & Leisure, August 2006]

“Continue on down to Kuala Lumpur City Centre and 21st-century excess again hits you in the face, in the form of the Petronas Twin Towers, a pair of skyscrapers created by Cesar Pelli and erected in 1998. Two Arabesque octagons, each sharp edge alternating with a semicircle, the towers gradually taper to slim points. The buildings are linked at their midpoint by a bridge that, from a distance, makes them look like a pair of rockets on a launch pad joined by a gantry. At night, the towers are often wreathed in tendrils of mist, with hundreds of spotlights and the light streaming from office windows increasing the otherworldly effect; they really look as if they're leaving for Mars. For a few years, these were the tallest buildings in the world; in 2004, they lost the title by a score of meters to a new building in Taipei, but they remain the most visible symbol of Kuala Lumpur's new forward-looking persona.

“As you stare through the ceiling-high windows at the view from the 27th floor of the self-consciously hip Hilton Hotel (where every room comes with a 42-inch plasma-screen TV, and if you need company, room service will bring a goldfish in a bowl), the raging development that has characterized this swelling urban center comes into focus. Every building visible seems to have sprung up in the past 20 years — or is currently being erected. It's a vista of cranes, half-completed condominiums, and office towers with choked highways snaking among them, all of it reaching out for 20 or 30 miles to the suburbs that now ring the city like a vast sea of concrete poured onto the sites of rubber and oil-palm plantations to house the newly wealthy middle classes in semidetached comfort. The downtown skyline is the usual blockish manifestation of corporate hubris and lack of urban planning.”

Petronas Twin Towers

Rising to a height of 451.9 meters, the 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers is Kuala Lumpur's most impressive sight and is a symbol of the nation. Majestic by day and dazzling at night, the towers is inspired by Tun Mahathir Mohamad's vision for Malaysia to be a global player. Together with master architect Cesar Pelli, the international icon powerfully captures the nation's ambitions and aspirations. [Source: Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board]

A visit to Petronas Twin Towers begins with interactive displays that showcase the journey, from idea to completion. After that you ride a futurist elevator up 170 meters to the Skybridge, a connecting structure between the towers and the world's highest two-storey bridge. You can ascend even higher to level 86, where there are breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur.

In the old days visitors were not allowed to visit the top; they could only visit the Skybridge that connects the towers at the 41st floor. Admission is free but only 800 tickets are issued daily. People sometimes begin lining up early. MaySome people don’t bother and just visit the six-story shopping mall, Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), located at the bottom.

Petronas Twin Towers is open Tuesdays to Sundays 9.00am-9.00pm. It is closed on Mondays and on some Muslim holidays and between 1.00pm-2.30pm on Fridays. The Last admission: 8.30pm The Ticketing Counter is at 'Concourse' Level in Petronas Twin Towers. For more information, please call 603 2331 8080 or email to skybridge@petronas.com. (daily, from 9.00am to 5.30pm)

Ticket Prices: Non-MyKad, Mykad
Adult (13-60 years): RM80.00, RM28.00
Child (3-12 years): RM33.00, RM14.00
Senior Citizen (61 years & above): RM42.00, RM14.00
Infant (below 2 years old), FREE, FREE

Tickets are issued starting from 8.30am (tickets are limited and issued on a first come, first served basis). Advance purchase is available. For the time being, Petronas Twin Towers Visit Operations does not offer online ticketing for MyKad and MyKid holders. To enjoy MyKad and MyKid ticket prices, you can present your MyKad/MyKid when purchasing the ticket at the Ticketing Counter, Concourse Level, PETRONAS Twin Towers. For visit within the next 24 hours, please purchase the tickets at the Petronas Twin Towers Ticketing Counter, located on the Concourse Level. All tickets are subject to availability. Any discounted rate kindly refer to our ticketing counter, located on the Concourse Level. The rate not applicable in the website. Kindly contact us at twintowersticketing@petronas.com, 603-5039 1915

For more information: Address: Petronas Twin Towers Visit Operation, Lower Ground (Concourse) Level, Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tel: 603-2331 8080, Fax: 603-2331 1723, Email: skybridge@Petronas.com.my

Getting There: By Taxi or Walk: The Petronas Twin Towers are in between Jalan Ampang and Jalan Raja Chulan. It is also next to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and opposite The Ascott. By Light Rapid Transit (LRT): The KLCC station is on the PUTRA LRT line.

When the Petronas Twin Towers Were the Tallest Buildings in the World

Petronas Twin Towers was world’s tallest building from 1995, when it was designated as such by the United States-based Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, until 2004 when it was displaced by Tapei 101, a skyscraper in Taiwan. Built a cost of $1.2 billion, it has 88-floors and is 1,483 feet (452 meters) tall, 29 feet taller than the 110-floor, 1,454 feet (442-meter) Sears Tower in Chicago, the previous claimant to world's tallest building title.

For comparison sake the Jin Maos Tower in Shanghai is 1,389 feet high; the World Trade Center in New York was 110 stories and 1,377 feet tall; the Empire State Building in New York is 102 stories and 1,250 feet tall; and the Central Plaza in Hong Kong is 78 stories and 1,227 feet tall. The tallest building in world is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It rises 828 meters (2,717 ft) and contains 210 floors.

At the time the Petronas Towere were the tallest buildings, there was some controversy over which building was tallest. The designers of the Sears Tower claimed that the two 20-meter steel tubes that supported the TV antennas were part of the building, making the Sears tower the highest building. Chicago architect Gerald Johnson has said the Sears Tower "looks taller. It feels taller. It is taller." It also only cost $150 million to build in 1974.

According to a spokeswoman from Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat the tubes don't meet the standards set by her organization. "Spires count; antennas don't," she told the Los Angeles Times. Measurements are taken "from the sidewalk level of the main entrance to the structural top of the building, including penthouse and tower. Towers include spires and pinnacles; television and radio antennas, masts and flagpoles are not included."

According to this criteria the tubes on Sears Tower are considered part of the antennas, and Petronas is the champ, but not for long. The taller 1,500-foot-high, $1-billion World Financial Center in Shanghai was scheduled to be completed in 2001. An even high skyscraper was built in Shanghai. The proposed 1,640-feet-tall, Nina Tower, commissioned in Hong Kong by the miniskirted billionaire Nina Kung Wang, never made off the drawing board.

Malaysia is (or was) also home to the world's highest Mcdonald' (910 feet), the Asia's third tallest communications tower (1,390 feet) and the world's tallest flagpole. There are plans to build the longest city (7.4 miles), called, appropriately enough, the Linear City and the longest building, the 10-story, 1.4-mile long Giga World on the Klang River.

Design of the Petronas Twin Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers look like a pair of giant corn on the cobs. Designed by American architect Caesar Pelli using geometric principals found in Islamic architecture, the steel and glass towers are cylindrical in shape and set on bases that are shaped like eight-sided Muslim stars. Linking the two towers is a dramatic 58.4-meter-long skybridge at the 41st and 42 floors. The main parts of the building are sheathed in a stainless steel skin. The spires are plated with nickel.

The Petronas Towers were built on the site of a former horse racing track and are double the height of any other buildings in Malaysia. Explaining the appeal of Petronas's height, Pelli told the Los Angeles Times, "Very tall buildings touch us intimately, in deep chords of our psyche. It's a very old human urge to point toward heaven."

The towers are the headquarters of Malaysia's national oil and gas company, also known as Petronas. The CEO of Petronas has his office on the 81st floor in Tower 1. Above him are some meeting rooms. On the 87th and 88th floor are equipment to wash the towers’ 32,000 windows and polish the 76,000 square meters of stainless steel skin. The top 85 meters are empty spires.

Construction and Use of the Petronas Twin Towers

Making a super tall skyscraper is no easy task (producing two 44-story buildings is much is easier than making one 88-story one). One of the biggest problems is the elevators: the heavy cables can sustain their weight only to about 2,000 feet and the risk of failure becomes greater as one approaches that height. To get around this problem, each Petronas tower has two elevators and a "sky lobby" about halfway up, where passengers change form one elevator to the other. Another problem is tilting, which architects say its not occurring but they do admit it is settling but "within allowable limits."

One of the most difficult engineering feats was placing the 65-meter, 30-ton stainless nickel pinnacles on top of each building. This was done over a two months period in several complicated stages that involved raising the pinnacles to the 88th floor with a crane and then inching them upwards with hydraulic lifts. Once the pinnacles were in place, Petronas was declared the world's tallest building even though they weren't finished.

The Petronas Towers have been the site of a number of publicity stunts. In 1996, Alain Robert, the infamous building-climbing "Spiderman" was arrested for trying to scale one of the towers without permission. During a New Year’s Eve celebration to mark the end of the year 2000, 15 skydivers leapt simultaneously off ledges, balconies and window-washing gondolas at 242 meters, 296 meters and 336 meters. The skydivers had been given permission for the stunt. All jumped with only one parachute. If something had gone wrong there was not enough time for a second one to be deployed.

Two or three times a year maintenance workers climb up yo the very top of the towers, using a set of rungs, to change the lightbulb that warns passing aircraft to watch out. After the September 11th attack, airport-style metal defectors and X-ray machines were installed to screen people as they entered the building. Tenants are required to undergo training for emergency evacuations. The entire complex can reportedly be emptied in 32 minutes. The building’s architects claim that the building’s concrete supports and circular form would keep the buildings standing even if they were subjected to a September 11th-style attack.

It is not clear that the Petronas Towers was a wise investment. As of the early 2000s, due to a city-wide office glut in Kuala Lumpur and rents double the market rate, much of Tower 2 was empty. Tower 1 is occupied almost completely by Petronas oil company

Spiderman Finally Scales Malaysia's Petronas Towers

In 2009, in the third attempt, the Frenchman, Alain "Spiderman" Robert finally has scaled Petronas Towers. Ian MacKinnon wrote in The Telegraph: “Mr Robert, 47, scaled the 88-storey Tower 2, triumphantly unfurling a Malaysian flag as he stood on its 1,483ft pinnacle (452m) on the country's national day. He took just over two hours to reach the top after setting off in darkness before dawn to avoid the security that had thwarted his previous bids. But when he came down to the 80-floor viewing deck shortly after 7.30am he was apprehended by security and arrested. [Source: Ian MacKinnon, The Telegraph, September 1, 2009]

“Mr Robert is being held by police in Kuala Lumpur. He has not been charged but is being investigated for criminal trespass, which carries a maximum jail term of up to six months and a £521 fine. "With due respect to Malaysia, I came to finish something," Mr Robert told Reuters before setting off. "You know, climbing the Petronas [Towers] all the way to the top is one of my dreams, maybe because I am having the motivation, maybe also I am a little bit stubborn." On his two previous attempts in 1998 and 2007 Mr Robert was seized by security guards when he reached the twin Petronas Towers' sixtieth floor, prompting secrecy this time.

“It meant there were few spectators to witness his feat, though it was captured on video by a cameraman, Ee Wee Kiat, who was tipped off. "He climbed using his bare hands and reached the top very fast as no security personnel noticed him or stopped him," said he cameraman. The climber has scaled more than 80 tall buildings around the world, including London's Canary Wharf building, Paris Eiffel Tower, and New York's Empire State Building, always without ropes and has suffered several falls resulting in serious fractures.”

Petrosains 'The Discovery Centre'

Petrosains (inside the Petronas Twin Towers) is a Science Discovery Centre that uses a fun and interactive approach to tell the story of the science and technology of the petroleum industry. Its concept and contents revolve specifically around the science of petroleum, yet embrace all the general sciences. The hands-on approach adopted by Petrosains puts an emphasis on the fun and excitement of learning rather than on the rigorous memorisation of scientific facts.

Petrosains Sdn. Bhd. was incorporated to extend Petronas' commitment as a socially responsible corporate citizen in providing a rich and stimulating environment aimed to enhance science literacy and instill in Malaysians a passion for acquiring scientific knowledge. In addition to opening a window of information on the history and development of petroleum and its related products, the centre also creates more awareness on the enormous career opportunities in the industry.

Petrosains is housed in the world's twin towers, the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur. Occupying level 4 and 5 of both Tower 1 and Tower 2 of the Twin Towers, Petrosains covers a total exhibit area of more than 7,000 square meter. Entrance to Petrosains is through Level 4 of the Suria KLCC mall. The mall is accessible via various modes of public transportation. Contact: Address: Petronas Twin Towers, Level 4, Suria KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur., Tel: 603 2331 8181, Fax: 603 2331 1212,

Getting There: By Train: Take a train from any station within Klang Valley area and make your way to KLCC Station (KJ10). The integrated train system is the most convenient way to travel around the city centre. By Taxi: Numerous and convenient, taxis are a popular way of travelling. Always request the driver to switch on the fare meter before your journey. The taxis can easily drop you off around Suria KLCC's main entrance. By Car: Access KLCC through Jalan Ampang, Jalan P. Ramlee and Jalan Kia Peng. Tunnels at Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Tun Razak and the Ampang — Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH) are also directly connected to the KLCC Parking Bays.

Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC)

Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC) is development project completed in the early 2010s. Located on a 100-acre site formerly occupied by Selangaer Turf Club, it is the home of the Petronas Twin Towers, a six-story retail and entertainment center, Ampang Tower (with 700,000 square feet of office floor space), and the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur Hotel.

It is also the home of the Esso Tower (the new 30-story headquarter for Exxon in Malaysia designed by Malaysian architect Kumpulan Senireka), the District Cooling Center (a plant using non-CFC refrigerants and powered completely by natural gas), and a 50-acre park (designed by landscape artist Roberto Burle Marx) with a lake, fountains, gardens, modern children's playgrounds and shady walkways.

The crescent-shaped KLCC shopping mall contains two major department stores, 300 specialty shops, two spacious food courts with a wide selection of local and international food, an indoor theme park and amusement center, a multiscreen cinema complex, a prominent center court, two outer courts featuring major promotions, and a framed skylight following the crescent shape of the small.

The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra performs at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, an 850-seat concert hall between the Petronas Towers. There is also a Petroleum Discovery center and science center and an art gallery. In the garden area are a “dancing” fountain and a water playground for children

Aquaria KLCC

Aquaria KLCC (In the Golden Triangle, within walking distance of Petronas Twin Towers) is a state-of-the-art aquarium with over 5,000 different exhibits of aquatic and land-bound creatures over a sprawling multi-level space in the Concourse Level of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. From the tropical waters of the Asian region to the rainforests of the world, Aquaria KLCC takes you on a journey to discover the fascinating nature of aquatic life as well as the unique behaviour of animals and crawly creatures above water.

An educational study charting the course of natural waters flowing from the highlands to the streams and deep sea is devised to help visitors appreciate water as a habitat and ecosystem. Highlights include a 90-meter tunnel tank with a moving travelator where you can marvel at Sand Tiger sharks, stingrays, marine turtles, sea snakes, blue rays, bright coral fish, seahorses, massive arapaimas, giant groupers, gar fish and other sea creatures swimming around unhindered in the vast oceanarium, a spectacular live show of divers feeding these creatures at meal times and a rare opportunity to come into contact with live starfish and bamboo sharks at the Touchpool area.

Aquaria KLCC is open daily including public holidays from 10:00am — 8:00pm (last admission 7:00 pm. Admission in RM 69 (US$ 14) for adults and RM 59 for children (3 to 12). Contact: Concourse Level, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre,: Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tel: 603-2333 1888, Fax: 603-2380 0069, Email: marketing@aquawalk.com

Getting There: Walk: Aquaria KLCC is located on the Concourse Level of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) at the main entrance along Jalan Pinang. West Entrance through the underpass tunnel connecting from the Concourse Level of Suria KLCC (next to Maybank) to Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. West Entrance via the KLCC Park leading to Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. By Bus: • Stop at the Impiana KLCC bus stop and walk from here. KL Hop-On-Hop-Off Double Decker Tour Bus Service: Stop at the KLCC Garden Park stop (West Wing KL Convention Centre). By Light Rapid Transit (LRT): Take the PUTRA Line and disembark at the KLCC station. By Monorail: Board the KL Monorail and get off at the Raja Chulan station. The KL Convention Centre is just a short walk from here. Parking: Parking is available in the adjoining outdoor car park and multi-level covered car park at the entrance.

KL Tower

KL Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur) is a huge tower built on a hill that hovers over the city offering views equal to those from the top of the Petronas Towers. Standing majestically atop Bukit Nanas at 421 meters and 94 meters above sea level, KL Tower is a prominent feature of the city’s skyline.

The architecture of KL Tower reflects the country's Islamic heritage, It has Arabic scripts, Islamic tiles, classic Islamic floral and abstract motifs and Islam-friendly soothing color combinations. The tower is situated in Bukit Nanas Forest, the only oldest forest reserve in the country. It covers an area of 10.05 hectares and is considered the green lung of Kuala Lumpur. It is also sanctuary for a wonderful array of flora and fauna, unique to the country's tropical climate. Bukit Nanas is open daily from 9:00am to 10:00pm. Contact: Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn. Bhd., Tel: 603-2020 5444 ; website: menarakl.com.my

Getting There: Address: Jalan Punchak at Jalan P. Ramlee; By Car or Taxi: Visitors can use their own vehicles or public transportation. The main road is Jalan Ampang, Jalan Gereja and Jalan Raja Chulan. By Free Shuttle: The free shuttle service runs every half an hour from the main gates through the hilly forest to the Menara KL entrance. By Light Rapid Transit (LRT): The KL Tower station is on the PUTRA LRT line (Dang Wangi station). By Monorail: Board the KL Monorail and stop at Bukit Nenas stop.

Masjid Jamek

Masjid Jamek (accessible by LRT light rail) is Kuala Lumpur's oldest and most important mosque. Situated at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang rivers, this wonderful red-and-white mosque features onion domes and arched colonnades. It is particularly attractive at night when it is all lit up. Built in 1909, also known as Jamek Mosque, it sits at the meeting point of the Klang and Gombak rivers, which is also the birthplace of Kuala Lumpur.

The architecture of Masjid Jamek is inspired by Mogul architecture of northern India (the Moguls made the Taj Mahal). In 1965, it was officially declared as the national mosque of Malaysia. Today, there is a new National Mosque not far away, but Jamek Mosque remains important due to its strategic location in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Getting There: By Light Rapid Transit (LRT): Both the PUTRA and STAR lines have stops at the Masjid Jamek station. The mosque is just around the corner. Contact: Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC): Address: 109 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: 1 300 88 5050, Fax: 603-2162 1149, Email: enquiries@tourism.gov.my

Merdeka Square and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur) is where the national flag was raised for the first time in 1957 to celebrate Malaysia's independence. Today this event is commemorated with world's tallest flagpole (a 300-foot-long steel pole). Dataran Merdeka means Independence Square. Many call it Merdeka Square. It has traditionally been a place where parades were held and large numbers of people gathered for various kinds of events. There is large parade here to mark Independence Day on August 31st. At other times open-air performances are held here.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building (facing Merdeka Square) is one Kuala Lumpur's most famous building. It is known for its delicate and intricate Moorish decorations and clock tower. Formally the Secretariat Building for the British administration, it now houses the Malaysian Supreme Court. It was built in the late 1800s and designed by the British architect A.C. Norman. Other Moorish-style buildings include the Sultan Abd Samad Building, Infokraf and the railway station.

The iconic building is located in front of Dataran Merdeka and Royal Selangor Club, along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. It was completed in 1897, it housed several government departments. On important occasions, the building is decorated with colorful lights and flags. The historic Dataran Merdeka, where the Union Flag was lowered and the Malayan flag hoisted for the first time on 31 August 1957, is also just across the street from the Sultan Abdul Samad building. Contact: Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC): Address: 109 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tel: 1 300 88 5050, Fax: 603-2162 1149, Email: enquiries@tourism.gov.my

Getting There: By Light Rapid Transit (LRT): Take the PUTRA line and get off at at Pasar Seni or Masjid Jamek. Ask for directions to this building.

Chinatown and Petaling Street

Chinatown (centered around Petaling Street) features Chinese herbal medicine shops, good restaurants, numerous street vendors and stalls, funeral stores and shops that sell souvenirs and handicrafts. It still has the feel a Chinatown even though many Chinese families can longer afford to both live and work there.

Petaling Street, the centre of Kuala Lumpur's original Chinatown, maintains much of its traditional atmosphere, particularly at night when vendors fan out their merchandise along the street. While you can shop for anything from gems and incense to toys and t-shirts, the true allure of this night market is in wandering about and enjoying its sights, sounds and energy. Food is plentiful with many delicious varieties to choose from; some of the restaurants here have been in business for generations. Locals flock to Petaling Street primarily for bargain accessories and great Chinese food.

At the end of Petaling Street is the Chan See Shu Yuen Temple which dates back to 1906. The interior of this building features open courtyard pavilions, intricate carvings and paintings. On the exterior, the temple depicts elaborate glazed ceramic sculptures which grace the facade and roof ridges.

Further down from Petaling Street is the South Indian Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. This temple is situated at Jalan Tun H.S. Lee which is within walking distance from Chinatown. Built in 1873, the temple is said to be the most ornate and elaborate Hindu temple in the country. The design and decorative features include intricate carvings of Hindu deities, gold embellishments, precious stones and hand-painted motifs. Exquisite Italian and Spanish tiles provide further ornamentation. A silver chariot housed within the premises features prominently in religious processions, transporting the statue of the deity through the city streets. Outside the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple are stalls selling garlands and strings of sweet smelling jasmine. Additionally, the strong aroma of Chinese traditional herbs and that of freshly brewed coffee waft through the air from across the street.

Thean Hou Temple is regarded as Kuala Lumpur’s best examples of Chinese architecture. Located outside of Chinatown, it is one of the largest Chinese temples outside of China and sits on a hilltop overlooking Jalan Syed Putra.

Getting to Chinatown: By Taxi or Walking: Petaling Street is opposite the Kotaraya Shopping Complex and Central Market. By Light Rapid Transit (LRT): Take the PUTRA line and stop at the Pasar Seni station. Petaling Street is just a short walk from here.

Little India (Brickfields)

Little India (around Jalan Pahang) has a lot nice shops and restaurants and is home to a number of shops selling hand-blocked batik fabrics and kain singket cloth (interwoven with gold threads, traditionally used to make elegant ladies’ sarongs). Also known as Brickfields, it is many things to many people: a concentrated wedge of Indian culture; a bewildering smorgasbord of different worship houses; a haven of blind massage centres; the crossroads for commuters coming in from all parts of the country; and a perfect study in contrasts and a vibrant community with a soul of its own.

Brickfields began as the centre of brick-making in the late 19th century, after a huge fire and flood swept through Kuala Lumpur in 1881. The double disasters took turns destroying the town’s wooden and thatched structures. Sir Frank Swettenham, British resident at that time, responded by ordering the use of brick and tile in the construction of buildings. The area soon developed as the nation’s main locomotive depot for the Malayan Railway during the colonial administration. Many of the people that lived there then were the same people who helped build it.

These days, the old government quarters (The Hundred Quarters, built in 1905) can still be found around Jalan Rozario. As you walk along the roads and alleys, the smell of curries drift to entice passers-by, while popular Indian songs blast from family-run businesses that also seem to run round the clock. In 2009, Little India was moved from the area surrounding Jalan Masjid India to Brickfields, in recognition of the township’s status as one of the pioneer Indian settlements in Kuala Lumpur, and its potential to further develop as a centre for Indian culture.

Visit the Vivekananda Ashram (1904), which is still used for spiritual education classes, prayer meetings and yoga. The Temple of Fine Arts (TFA) can be found closer to the river along Jalan Berhala. Famous Southern Indian restaurant, Annalakshmi, is housed in the TFA building. Other notable attractions are the Sri Lankan Hindu Temple, Sri Kandaswamy Temple on Jalan Scott and the Buddhist Temple Maha Vihara. The Zion Lutheran Church (1924), St Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church and Holy Rosary Church (1903), as well as the Madrasathul Gouthiyyah Surau, a mosque built in the 1980s catering mostly to Indian Muslims can also be found in the area.

These attractions can be visited through the Brickfields Guided Walking Tour, held every first and third Saturday, starting at 9.30am from the YMCA. Run by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Brickfields’ fascinating history is explained in detail through the walk. Sri Mahamariamman Temple is considered Kuala Lumpur’s best example of Indian architecture but it is in Chinatown. It is a bit cheesy but interesting. The roof is adorned with colorful statues and Hindu images. Contact: Tourism Unit @ Kuala Lumpur City Hall: Address: Level 14, DBKL Tower 3, Bandar Wawasan, Jalan Raja Abdullah, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tel: 603-2617 6273, Fax: 603-2698 3819, Email: noraza@dbkl.gov.my

Getting There: By Monorail: Board the KL Monorail and stop at Tun Sambanthan station. By Light Rapid Transit (LRT): Take the Kelana Jaya Line and stop at KL Sentral station. By Train: KTM Komuter: stop at KL Sentral station. Express Rail Link (ERL): stop at KL Sentral station. By Bus: Many RapidKL buses pass through Brickfields. Check the RapidKL website: myrapid.com.my/ site for details. KL Hop-on Hop-off: Stop at Little India, Brickfields (station 11A). Check the KL Hop-on Hop-off site (website: myhoponhopoff.com/ ) for details.

National Monument and National Mosque of Kuala Lumpur

The National Monument (next to Lake Gardens and is right off Jalan Parlimen) was built to recognize and honor those who gave up their lives in the cause for peace and freedom, particularly during the nation's struggle against the threat of communism. Within the National Monument grounds is one of the world's largest free-standing bronze sculptures. It was sculpted in 1966 by Felix de Weldon, who was also the creator of the famous Iwo Jima monument in Washington DC.

There are seven bronze human figures atop an oblong base; each figure denoting one of seven qualities: courage, leadership, sacrifice, strength, suffering, unity and vigilance. The topmost figure, at the centre, holds aloft the Malaysian flag. He is flanked on the left and right by two other soldiers, both armed; the figure on the left is armed with a machinegun, while the other carries a rifle and a bayonet. Next to the National Monument are the ASEAN Gardens and the Tun Razak Memorial, which houses memorabilia of Malaysia's second Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein.

Getting There: By Taxi: The National Monument is located next to Lake Gardens and is right off Jalan Parlimen. Contact: Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC): Address: 109 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: 1 300 88 5050, Fax: 603-2162 1149, Email: enquiries@tourism.gov.my

National Mosque (Jalan Kinabalu, opposite the old KTM train station) is a splendid example of modern architecture. It is a spectacular assemblage of angles and concrete. The main dome of is designed in the shape of an 18-point star to represent the 13 states of Malaysia and the five central Pillars of Islam, and has the appearance of a partly opened umbrella roof which symbolises the aspirations of an independent nation.

As one of Southeast Asia's largest mosques, National Mosque’s unique modern design embodies a contemporary expression of traditional Islamic art, calligraphy and ornamentation. It is located next to the architecturally accomplished old railway station, and just a short walk to the sprawling Lake Gardens and National Monument. If is nice to visit them all with a short walk. Getting There: By Taxi: The National Mosque is on Jalan Kinabalu, opposite the old KTM train station.

Istana Negara (National Palace)

Istana Negara (National Palace) is the official residence of His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong. It was built in 1928 and was originally the residence of a millionaire, Mr. Chan Wing. During the Japanese Occupation from 1942-1945, it was used as the Japanese Officers’ mess. After the surrender of the Japanese, the building was bought by the Selangor State Government and after being renovated, it became the palace of His Majesty the Sultan of Selangor until 1957. [Source: malaysianmonarchy.org ]

The Federal Government then bought the palace in 1957, to be converted into the Istana Negara. Since then it had undergone several renovations and extensions. But the most extensive upgrading was carried out in 1980, as it was the first time that the Installation Ceremony of His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong was held at the Istana Negara. Prior to this the Installation Ceremonies were held at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Hall in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

This majestic building is nestled within a serene and beautiful 11.34-hectare compound with a variety of plants and flowers, swimming pool and indoor badminton hall. It is located at Syed Putra Road right in the heart of the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. The building has several halls for specific purposes such as the two main halls, the Throne Hall (Balairong Seri) and the Audience Hall (Dewan Mengadap) on the ground floor.

The whole area is fenced up and the Royal Insignia of His Majesty is placed on each steel bar between two pillars of the fence. At the front of the Istana Negara, there is the main entrance which resembles a beautiful arch. On each side of the arch, are two guard posts to shelter two members of the cavalry in their smart full dress uniform similar to the ones at Buckingham Palace, London. As the palace grounds are not opened to members of the public or tourists, the Main Palace Entrance is a favourite picture spot for tourists.

Kampong Baru

Kampong Baru (north of Petronas Towers) is traditional Malay kampong nestled in the middle of Kuala Lumpur. It feels like a little village in the middle of the city. Kampung Baru or "Kampong Bharu" means "New Village". It sits on one of the most valuable pieces of land in the capital, with an estimated worth up to US$ 1.4 billion. Kampung Baru's elders have repeatedly turned down offers by developers, saying they want to preserve the traditional ethnic Malay lifestyle. A Kampong has traditionally been a Malay village built on the water. [Source: Wikipedia]

Colonial British administrators gazetted Kampung Baru as a Malay agricultural settlement in 1900 to allow the Malays to retain their village lifestyle within the city. Since then Kampung Baru has held out against development and modern-city living, turning into a political symbol of Malay culture. The area held a special place for Malay politics during the pro-independence movement that grew up after World War II. Anti-colonial protests were held there, and founders of Malaysia's dominant political party, the United Malays National Organisation, held their early meetings there.

Kampung Baru, which sprawls over almost four square kilometers, also played a part in the May 13 Incident in 1969, where bloody racial clashes occurred between ethnic Malays and Chinese. The riots started after Chinese-led opposition parties marched through the village to celebrate their good showing in general elections of that year.

Royal Selangor Visitor Centre

Royal Selangor Visitor Centre (accessible by free shuttle buses from major hotels) is a popular tourist attraction. Royal Selangor is the world's largest pewter company, renowned for its innovative design and craftsmanship to create objects of desire in precious pewter. In the days of Royal Selangor's founder, pewter was polished with a stone leaf (tetracera scandens), a wild tropical leaf of a fine, abrasive nature. Malaysian pewter is acclaimed internationally for its exquisite craftsmanship. In recognition of its quality, Royal Selangor received a royal warrant from His Royal Highness, the Sultan of Selangor, who conferred the manufacturer the title of "Royal Pewter".

Visitors to the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre can try their hand at shaping (or knocking) the pewter set aside at the School of Hard Knocks. This is a hands-on attempt at making your very own treasured pewter, so make every knock count! A popular attraction at the site is the giant tankard, the world's largest and listed in the Malaysian book of records and the Guinness World Book of Records. The giant tankard stands at 1.987 meters tall, weighs 1, 557 kg and has a capacity of 2,796 litres. It has travelled round the world to places such as Canada, Australia, Singapore and China. To further excite your senses, there are interactive exhibits at the Chamber of Chimes, Hall of Finishes and Giant Weighing Scale. Computer buffs may want to check out the Game Port that has specially designed games.

Getting There: Free Shuttle: The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre is located at Setapak Jaya. A free shuttle service is available from leading hotels in Kuala Lumpur — please contact them for more information. By Taxi: A taxi from the city centre takes approximately 20 minutes. By Light Rapid Transit (LRT): If travelling by PUTRA LRT, get off at at Wangsa Maju station and hop into a taxi to take you to the Visitor Centre. It takes approximately 10 minutes. Contact: For more information, Tel: 603-4145 6122

National Museum

National Museum (near the Central Market) is the biggest and oldest museum in the country. Housed in large Malay style building, it has some interesting historical, cultural and ethnic exhibits. Of particular interest is the skull of an elephant that derailed a train. Other attractions include the bust of Sir Francis Light, the founder of Penang, as well as the first cable car from Bukit Bendera, Penang.

Muzium Negara used to be the site of the Selangor Museum, established in 1898. After the country's independence in 1957, the new federal government built a newer, larger museum on the same spot. Once completed, the reigning King at the time, the Yang di- Pertuan Agong III, Tuanku Syed Putra Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail officially opened the museum on 31 August 1963.

Today, the museum houses various exhibits depicting the historical background of the country. The exhibits are on a rotational basis, so it is best to call the museum ahead to check out what their exhibits are at the time. A walk through the museum grounds will also unveil various national treasures including the istana (palace) of Sultan Zainal Abidin III, Sultan of Terengganu in 1884. The palace, Istana Satu, is built entirely of hardwood, and built in the museum compounds in 1974.

Getting There: By Taxi: The National Mosque is on Jalan Kinabalu, opposite the old KTM train station. Contact: Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC): Address: 109 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tel: 1 300 88 5050, Fax: 603-2162 1149, Email: enquiries@tourism.gov.my

Islamic Arts Museum

The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (near the National Mosque) houses more than seven thousand artefacts, as well as an exceptional library of Islamic art books. Interest in the Islamic arts has grown tremendously in recent years. Reflecting this awareness, in December 1998 Malaysia became home to Southeast Asia’s largest museum of Islamic art. The building occupies 30,000 sq.m., situated amid the leafy surroundings of Kuala Lumpur’s Perdana Botanical Gardens.

The art objects on display range from the tiniest pieces of jewellery to one of the world’s largest scale models of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. The aim is to create a collection that is truly representative of the Islamic world. Instead of concentrating on works from the heartlands of Persia and the Middle East, IAMM also puts the emphasis on Asia. China and Southeast Asia are especially well represented. The third component of the Malaysian melting pot is India, which is also given special status. India, China and the Malay world are in an exclusive category.

Other parts of the collection are displayed according to type of artefact rather than geographical origins in the museum’s 12 galleries. The museum is said to have an excellent Middle Eastern restaurant. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00am to 6:00pm.

Getting There: By Car/Taxi/ Walk: The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is located right in between the Lake Gardens and the National Mosque. Contact: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia: Address: Jalan Lembah Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tel: 603-2274 2020, Fax: 603-2274 0529; website: iamm.org.my.

National Textiles Museum

The National Textiles Museum (accessible by light rail, LRT) houses a unique collection of clothing, accessories and textiles. The museum has four main galleries: Pohon Budi Gallery, Pelangi Gallery, Teluk Berantai Gallery and the Ratna Sari Gallery.

The Pohon Budi Gallery showcases the origins of textiles from pre-historic times as well as its growth through trade. Also on exhibit here are tools, materials and traditional techniques of textile-making. Video screenings educate visitors on processes such as keringkam, songket and pua kumbu. The Pelangi Gallery exhibits selected heritage collections such as types of clothing worn by the various communities in Malaysia. This includes clothing worn by the Baba Nyonya community of Melaka, as well as various clothings of the Sabah and Sarawak ethnic communities.

The Teluk Berantai Gallery showcases the rich heritage of the Malay songket, including collections such as kain tenun (weave), kain berayat (verses), songket tenggarung and other cloths. The Ratna Sari Gallery is perhaps the most adorned with its intricate exhibit of rich jewelry items and personal adornments. On exhibit are earrings, hair pins, bracelets, anklets as well as accessories worn by the various ethnic communities throughout Malaysia.

Getting There: By Light Rapid Transit (LRT) Take the PUTRA or STAR LRT and get off at at the Masjid Jamek Station. The museum is within walking distance of Dataran Merdeka and just after the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. It is about a 15 minutes' walk from the station. Contact: For more information, Tel: 603-2694 3457/ 3461, Fax: 603-2694 3466

Parks, Zoos and Gardens in Kuala Lumpur

Lake Gardens (near the National Park) is home to an Orchid Garden, the Bird Park, the Hibiscus park, the Butterfly Park, and the Deer Park. Officially known as Perdana Botanical Gardens, it is the oldest and most popular park in Kuala Lumpur. It lies just on the edge of the city and used to be where the British elite built their fine homes in colonial times. Today, its landscaped hills and beautiful trails provide an escape for city dwellers out for a jog or some early morning t'ai chi. Its main attraction is the lake surrounded by lush greenery in a 92ha. (227 acres) parkland that provides a refreshing ambience. The aviaries at the Bird Park and Butterfly Park and the beautiful Deer Park and Orchid Garden can be reached on foot or by regular shuttle buses. From the gardens, you can also visit other attractions such as the National Monument, the Planetarium and the Islamic Museum. Getting There: By Taxi: Entrances to the Perdana Botanical Gardens are on Jalan Parlimen and behind the National Mosque.

Zoo Negara (five kilometers from the city of Kuala Lumpur) was officially opened by the country's first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. At the time, entrance rate was 50 cents for adults and 20 cents for children. Among the attractions at the zoo are Akuarium Tunku Abdul Rahman, Bird house, Reptile House, Ape Centre, Savannah Walk, and Mammal Kingdom. There is also Zoo Negara by night. Catch a glimpse of many animals who are at their most active at night. There are more than 5137 animals from 459 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Zoo Negara covers 110 acres of land Getting There: By Light Rail Transit System (LRT) Alight at Wangsa Maju Station, Kelana Jaya Line. Board a taxi to Zoo Negara. By Bus: Metrobus number 16 from Central Market, Kuala Lumpur. Contact: Zoo Negara Malaysia: Address: Zoo Negara Malaysia Hulu Kelang, 68000ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Malaysia., Tel: 603-4108 3422, Fax: 603-4107 5375/2070

KL Bird Park (within Lake Gardens) is home to more than 3,000 birds of 200 local and foreign bird species, including Mandarin ducks, hawk eagles, hornbills, and ostriches. The main feature that distinguishes KL Bird Park from other bird parks is the concept of free-flight. Visit the Egg Incubation Room and Nursery and see how chicken eggs are artificially incubated using incubators. There is feeding program and daily bird shows taking place at the semi-open air amphitheater at 12.30pm and 3.30pm daily.

Getting There: By Train: By KTM Commuter Train, disembark at the KTM Old Railway Kuala Lumpur Station located near the National Mosque. KL Bird Park is just a 5-minute walk from the National Museum. By Car: From Jalan Bangsar, head straight towards the KTM Railway Station round-a-bout, then turn left towards Masjid Negara. From Jalan Mahameru, turn left into Jalan Parlimen. At the traffic light, turn right towards the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens. By Bus: Take the Rapid KL Bus No. B115 from Kotaraya to Jalan Parlimen. KL Hop-On-Hop-Off Double Decker Tour Bus Service: Disembark at Station No. 14 in front of KL Bird Park Main Entrance. Buses available every 30 to 45 minutes Contact: Safari Bird Park & Wonderland Sdn. Bhd., Tel: 603-2272 1010 There are many other lovely and well maintained parks throughout the city that are nice to visit.

Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons,

Text Sources: Malaysia Tourism websites, Malaysia government websites, UNESCO, Wikipedia, Lonely Planet guides, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, National Geographic, The New Yorker, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press, AFP, Japan News, Yomiuri Shimbun, Compton's Encyclopedia and various books and other publications.

Updated in August 2020


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