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Destinations
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Travel Agencies |
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Places of Interest |
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Petronas Twin Towers. Among the
tallest buildings in the world is the Petronas Twin Towers. Designed by the
renowned Cesar Pelli and completed in 1996, it reaches 451.9 metres.
Architecturally, its unique star-shaped floor plate is derived from
Islamic-inspired geometry, while the interior resembles traditional motifs from
Malaysian handicraft weavings. The sky bridge that connects the towers is open
from 10.00am to 12.45pm and from 3.00pm to 4.45pm (except Mondays and public
holidays).
Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park.
Sprawled over 20 hectares, the KLCC Park is a veritable oasis and a favourite
hangout among city dwellers. Its facilities include a wading pool, children’s
playgrounds, a jogging track, shelters, benches and more than 1,700 trees. The
park is part of Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), which comprises the twin
towers and the famous high-end shopping mall, Suria KLCC.
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Petrosains Interactive Science Discovery
Centre. Dedicated to the petroleum industry, the centre offers a
learning experience for visitors through its interactive exhibits. A simulated
helicopter ride, a bubble-car ride and an encounter with a roaring dinosaur are
some of the highlights. The centre is on the fourth floor of Suria KLCC. |
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Menara Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur Tower).
Standing at 421 metres atop Bukit Nenas, Menara Kuala Lumpur is the fourth
tallest telecommunications tower in the world. Visitors get to enjoy a
panoramic view of the city from the observation platform, savour a fine meal at
the Seri Angkasa revolving restaurant and shop for souvenirs at the base of the
tower. |
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Malaysian Tourism Centre.
Formerly known as MATIC, MTC functions as a resource centre for tourists to
book tour packages, bus tickets, pick up free brochures and enjoy delicious
local cuisine at the Saloma Theatre Restaurant. The centre is located near the
junction of Jalan Ampang and Jalan Sultan Ismail. |
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The National Planetarium.
Overlooking the Lake Gardens from a hillock, the National Planetarium houses a
space science theatre, space science and astronomy exhibits, a resource centre,
a viewing gallery and several other facilities related to the country’s efforts
to send the first Malaysian into outer space in the near future. |
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Parliament House. The 18-storey
Parliament House – the seat of the country’s democracy – is at Jalan Parlimen.
Parliamentary sessions may be viewed but only with prior arrangements with the
Secretary to the Parliament. All visitors must be properly attired. |
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Istana Negara (National Palace),
the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (His Majesty the King of
Malaysia) stands majestically at Jalan Istana. Colourful flowers and verdant
lawns heighten the beauty of the palace. However, the palace itself is not open
to the public. |
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National Science Centre. Located
at Jalan Bukit Kiara, the centre features a geodesic dome as a roof and nine
galleries that house exhibits on different scientific themes. Its upper floor
is devoted to automobile engineering pieces. |
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Kuala Lumpur Library. Also
located at Jalan Raja, the library occupies a two-storey colonial building that
dates back to 1899. The ground floor houses the library proper while the first
floor is taken up by a permanent exhibition of the city. |
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Jalan Chow Kit (Chow Kit Road).
The sights and sounds are to be experienced are a wet market, food stalls and
places of worship located within reach. Jalan Raja Muda and Jalan Tuanku Abdul
Rahman roughly bound the area. |
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National Art Gallery – House of Fine Arts.
Lovers of art should not miss visiting the National Art Gallery (Balai Seni
Lukis Negara) located on a 12-hectare cultural belt that includes the Istana
Budaya (Palace of Culture) at Jalan Temerloh, off Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala
Lumpur. The gallery was established in August 1958 under the patronage of
Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. From its humble beginnings
of four donated artworks, the gallery now has a permanent collection of more
than 2,500 pieces of artworks, including works of historical value, indigenous
art and sculpture, textile art and Malaysian contemporary art by many of the
country’s most renowned artists. Since the nineties, multi-media and electronic
art has been included to reflect the rapid economic development in Malaysia.
The National Art Gallery serves as a custodian to the nation’s art heritage and
is responsible for the promotion of Malaysian art. |
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The building of the National Art Gallery is
itself a work of art, specially designed to blend traditional Malay
architecture with contemporary lines. With a built-up area of 13,500 square
metres housing five spacious galleries, the National Art Gallery is one of the
most established national art museums in South East Asia. Gallery 1, which is
the biggest at 1,650 sq. metres, is devoted to exhibitions from the gallery’s
permanent collection while the other four galleries, ranging from 208 to 1,300
sq. metres, play host to exhibitions by local and foreign artists. |
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The gallery has a Resource Centre with an
information archive of its permanent collection and also data of Malaysian
artists and their works. The centre is equipped with Internet facilities and
offers numerous publications in Bahasa Malaysia and English for sale. Another
interesting feature is the Artscafe, which serves Malaysian snacks and light
meals throughout the day. |
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Istana Budaya – The Palace of Culture.
The venue for both national and international dance and cultural performances,
Istana Budaya is at par with the Royal Albert Hall in London and is a sight to
behold. Cats, Fame and The Merchant of Venice are just a sample of the great
plays that have been performed at the Istana Budaya, the centre of the
Malaysian Performing Arts scene.
Malaysia ’s National Theatre has spiritually been in existence for a thousand
years as its origin stretches back to the storytellers of old. Istana Budaya
takes pride as being the first theatre in Asia, and among the ten in the world
with sophisticated state-of-the-art stage mechanism. Opened on 15 September
1999 by former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the Istana Budaya was
built at a cost of RM210 million and covers an area of 5.44 hectares, with a
floor area of 21,000 square metres. The Istana Budaya auditorium, called the
Panggung Sari, can accomodate 1,412 people – 797 in the Balai Hadapan (Front
Circle) on the first floor, 312 in the Balai Utama or the Grand Circle on the
second floor and 303 people in the Balai Peninjau or Upper Circle. The
orchestra pit can accommodate 98 people when not in use.
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The Istana Budaya is more than a grand
edifice. Its magnificence and relevance to the times is centred on the
high-tech nature of the performing stage. The stage comprises of four
proscenium stages measuring 28m by 25m that can be modified and adjusted to
suit any performance in only a few minutes. In front of the stage and concealed
underneath is the orchestra pit that separates the main stage and the audience. |
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Besides being a great venue for spectacular,
cultural performances, the Istana Budaya is an attraction in its own right.
Local architect Muhammad Kamar Ya’akub, a graduate of the University of
Newcastle in Australia, designed it. Muhammad incorporated many Malay cultural
symbols into the design of the building, one of which is the base of the
Panggung Sari, which is shaped like the traditional Malay kite, the ‘Wau Bulan’
or moon kite. |
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Be it from any direction, the patron is
welcomed by the magnificent roofs of Istana Budaya that rise majestically above
the treetops, portraying the ‘sirih junjung’, a multi-tier floral arrangement
of betel leaves used for Malay weddings and welcoming ceremonies. The quaint
steps leading into many kampung houses inspired the staircase that takes you to
the main entrance of the Istana Budaya, while the entrance itself was designed
after a royal Malay court. The building’s ‘Anjung Kenamaan’ or VIP lobby on
both sides of the auditorium was made to look like the wide-open spaces
typically found in rural Malay houses, while the main lobby on the third floor
was designed to resemble a ‘rebana ubi’, the traditional Malay drum. |
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In addition, a total of six paintings by
Malaysia’s famous artist and Seniman Negara (National Arts Laureate), Dato’
Syed Ahmad Jamal adorn the walls of the lobby, from the first floor right up to
the third floor. The paintings, although displayed separately, are actually one
piece of work that depicts the legend of the Princess of Gunung Ledang. |
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Istana Budaya is committed to the staging of
world-class performances, constantly pushing the art form for the most
innovative and creative performances that appeal to both the emotions and the
intellect. Performances that not only entertain but also provide a window
through which all can view the human world, the ancient and the modern, the
physical and the spiritual, the melancholia and the joyous, in an attempt to
better understand oneself. |
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Historical & Heritage |
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Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square).
Previously a cricket pitch, the Dataran was where Malaysia’s Independence was
proclaimed with the raising of the national flag and the lowering of the Union
Jack on August 31, 1957. The centre of attraction at the square is the world’s
tallest flagpole, which reaches over 1,000 metres. |
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Sultan Abdul Samad Building.
The photogenic Sultan Abdul Samad Building at Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin was
built in 1848. Its copper domes, horseshoe arches and minarets are the works of
British architects A.C. Norman and A.B. Hubback. Originally the offices of the
Colonial Secretariat, it later served as the first administrative centre of the
Malayan government. The building now houses the Supreme Court. The road
fronting the building is often the centre of National Day parades and other
major celebrations. |
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Masjid Jamek (Jamek Mosque).
Founded in 1909, Masjid Jamek is situated at the confluence of the historically
significant Gombak and Klang rivers. Designed by A.B. Hubbock, the mosque
typifies North Indian Islamic architecture at its finest. Its entrance is at
Jalan Tun Perak and is a must-visit for those that appreciate heritage
buildings. |
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Masjid Negara (National Mosque).
Occupying a beautiful garden that spans some five hectares at Jalan Sultan
Hishammuddin, Masjid Negara features a 74-metre high minaret. Its
umbrella-shaped main dome with an 18-pointed star represents the 13 states in
the country and their unification under the Five Pillars of Islam. There are 48
smaller domes within the courtyard. |
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Thean Hou Temple. Nestled on a
hill off Jalan Syed Putra, the Thean Hou Temple is a picturesque Chinese temple
with impressive architecture. A popular venue for wedding photography and film
shootings, it also houses a registrar of marriage. Souvenir stalls and a
vegetarian restaurant are also housed in the complex. An excellent view of the
city can be enjoyed from the pagoda. |
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Chan See Shu Yuen Temple. The
temple is located at the southern end of Petaling Street. Built in 1906, it is
adorned with paintings of dragons, deities and ceramic sculptures of mythical
creatures.
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Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. This
Hindu temple ranks as one of the most ornate in the country with intricate
images of Hindu deities adorning the gate tower, while Italian and Spanish
tiles adorn the floor and walls. A silver chariot that is paraded during
Thaipusam is kept in a building next to the temple. Inside, the statue of Lord
Subramaniam is embellished with precious stones. |
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St. Mary’s Church. Built in
1895 and renovated in the 1950s and the 1980s, the church is the city’s biggest
Anglican cathedral. Located at Jalan Raja, it is just a 10-minute walk from the
Royal Selangor Club. |
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Tugu Kebangsaan (National Monument).
This monument is dedicated to the heroes who sacrificed their lives during the
struggle against the communist insurgency in the 1950s. Designed by American
sculptor, Felix de Weldon, whose other work was the Iwo Jima Memorial, the
15.5-metre monument is surrounded by a moat filled with water lilies and
fountains. |
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Former Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.
Built in 1910, the former Kuala Lumpur Railway Station features turrets, arches
and minarets that reflect Arabian designs. Its glass and iron interior however,
are based on train coaches of the old England. |
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Muzium Negara (National Museum).
The National Museum is the guardian of the nation’s historical and cultural
heritage. Giant murals adorn the façade of this palatial building, with its
prominent Minangkabau roof. The ground floor is filled with dioramas depicting
snippets of Malaysian life. Stuffed birds and animals occupy one section of the
upper floor. In other sections, weapons and traditional musical instruments are
displayed. Outside its grounds locomotives, vintage cars and other modes of
transport from the past are exhibited. |
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Islamic Arts Museum The Islamic
Arts Museum displays an impressive collection of Islamic texts, manuscripts,
porcelains, objects d’art, weapons and Chinese Muslim calligraphies. Replicas
of famous mosques in the world are among its main attractions. |
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Muzium Bank Negara (Central Bank Museum).
Located at Jalan Sahabuddin, off Jalan Mahameru the Bank Negara Money Museum
displays Malaysian currency from coins to notes, tokens and rare local and
foreign coins. |
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Muzium Zamrud (Jade Museum).
This private museum located at Jalan Bukit Bintang boasts of world’s largest
pieces of carved jade. Exhibits include jewellery items, figurines, vases and
collectibles. Antique pieces from the Soong and Ming dynasties can also be
purchased here.
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Muzium Telekom (Telecom Museum).
Located at Jalan Raja Chulan, the museum is housed in a beautiful building of
Greek architecture. It is divided into two sections, the historical and the
modern galleries. The former displays olden equipment while the latter
showcases current technologies and the future of telecommunications.
Interactive displays with touch screen monitors promise an educational
experience. |
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Biomedical Museum. The
Institute of Medical Research (IMR) was founded in 1900 as the Pathological
Institute and has a long and illustrious history of conducting innovative
biomedical research. The museum houses several unique items including bygone
laboratory equipment and various pathological specimens. It also boasts to have
among the oldest and best collections of both dry specimens of small mammals
and wet, preserved specimens of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. The museum
is located next to Kuala Lumpur Hospital at Jalan Pahang. |
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Muzium Polis (Police Museum).
Located at Jalan Perdana, the museum traces the development of law enforcement
from the days of the Malaccan Sultanate in the 15th century till today. Ancient
and modern weapons, uniforms and communications equipment are on display. |
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Museum of Asian Arts. Set up in
1973, the museum is situated in the campus grounds of Universiti Malaya, one of
the most illustrious institutions of higher learning. Exhibits displayed here
are local and Asian art objects comprising sculptures, textiles, woodcarvings
and ceramics of Islamic and Malay origins.
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Royal
Malaysian Air Force Museum. The Royal Malaysian Air Force Museum in
Sungei Besi features photographs and texts on the RMAF, including exhibits on
aircraft, uniforms, engines and communications equipment. |
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Royal Malaysian Armed Forces Museum.
Located at Padang Tembak, the museum has pictures, paintings and exhibits of
weapons, military vehicles, uniforms and decorations of the country’s military
forces. |
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Flora & Fauna |
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Zoo Negara (National Zoo).
Situated 12km from the city along Jalan Ulu Kelang, the National Zoo covers
more than 60 hectares and houses more than 4,000 animals. The aquarium has an
interesting collection of freshwater and saltwater fish, including exotic
marine life. |
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Deer and Bird Parks. A favourite
with children, the Deer Park is a valley-like enclosure where deer, fawns and
does roam freely. The Bird Park is a massive aviary covering about three
hectares and is home to more than 2,000 birds of over 200 species. |
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Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Farm. The
Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Farm is a miniature jungle where more than 3,000
butterflies flit about. There is also an insect museum and a souvenir shop. |
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The ASEAN Sculpture Garden. The
Asean Sculpture Garden, below the National Monument, is a landscaped garden
displaying a collection of prize-winning abstract sculptures by ASEAN artists. |
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Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens.
Nestled within the Lake Gardens, the Kuala Lumpur Orchid Garden is ablaze with
more than 800 species of orchids. On weekends, it becomes a lively orchid
bazaar. Nearby is the Hibiscus Garden. More than 500 varieties of the National
Flower, bunga raya (hibiscus) are found here. |
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Lake Gardens. The Lake Gardens is
a popular spot for sightseeing, evening strolls and other recreational
activities. Also known as Taman Tasik Perdana, the green lung of the city spans
over 100 hectares. It was completed in 1890 and contains several interesting
sights as well as a myriad of flora. |
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Tasik Titiwangsa (Lake Titiwangsa).
Boating facilities, jogging tracks, exercise stations and a traffic playground
are found in this sculptured garden with beautiful lakes. A paddock has ponies
for hire and also offers horse-cart rides. Lake Titiwangsa is located at Jalan
Kuantan. |
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