Kuala Lumpur
Introduction
-Location Map
-Accommodation
Kuala Lumpur, a city covering 243.6 sq km. with a population of 1.3 million people, is situated on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, just about midway between north and south and approximately 35 kilometers from the coast. The days are generally hot and humid but the nights are pleasantly cooler, while the average annual rainfall is about 220mm.
Kuala Lumpur, which is also the capital of Malaysia, function as the center of Malaysia’s political, commercial and social life. It is a city of delightful contrast - a combination of modern cosmopolitan, sophistication and lingering old world charm; a juxtaposition of gracious colonial edifices, pre-war shop houses and gleaming copper domed roofs against a backdrop of towering skyscrapers. Narrow streets of quaint old shop houses open out to wide-open tree-lined avenues. The favorable climate accounts for the lush greenery and profusion of tropical blooms in a riot of colors - a truly fitting background for its happy mix of multi-racial populace of Malays, Chinese, Indians and other races. The end result is unique blend of age-old customs and traditions: colorful festivals, songs and dances and a rich variety of foods to tempt the palate. Experience the multi-faceted fascinations of Malaysia - right here in Kuala Lumpur.
Places of Interest
Aquaria KLCC 
This “ ocean of discovery ” is unveiled at the Aquaria KLCC right in the heart of the city. It is the first commercial aquarium in the Federal capital and a wonderful place to spend the school holidays with the family.
It’s a RM60 million aquarium featuring some 5,000 aquatic and marine animal exhibits of over 150 different species from Malaysia and around the world – some caught, some sourced and some given. Boasting of an area spanning two levels and covering over 5,500 sq m, making it the largest in the world, the Aquaria has 19 tanks with various environments to keep and display fishes from various parts of the world.
Themed around two of the world ’ s major rainforests – Malaysia and the Amazon – Aquaria KLCC exhibits terrestrial, fresh water and marine creatures and it is also the first in Southeast Asia to exhibit the rare Sand Tiger Sharks from South Africa.
According to Aquaria KLCC public relations officer Amanda Chong, they have only been in business for two months and the response has been overwhelming. There will be at least 1,000 visitors per day and up to 5,000 visitors during public holidays.
The aquarium is also home to monkey-eating catfish from Endau Rompin, sharks from Singapore and the endangered fresh water tortoise called “ Chitra-chitra ” which were saved from the cooking pot.
A lot of visitors come here to learn more about the marine life and see what we have to offer, the feeding times are extremely popular with the crowd. Sometimes, there are divers get into the tanks to feed the fishes and marine life, and visitors crowding around the tanks during that times.
Fully loaded with information on the existing exhibits at the aquarium, the information kiosks even provide real “ live ” video footage of some of the most fascinating exhibits.
Open from 10am till 10pm with the last admission at 9pm
Admission fee to the aquarium is RM38 for adults and RM26 for children aged three to 12.
For MyKad holders, the admission fee is RM28 and RM22 for adults and children respectively. Entrance for those aged two and below is free.
Details can be obtained by calling
Tel : 03-23331888
Fax : 03-23800069
Aquaria’s main entrance is at Jalan Pinang opposite UOA Building. The west entrance is through the underpass tunnel connecting from the concourse level of Suria KLCC (next to Tower Records) to the KL Convention Centre.
There is also another west entrance via the KLCC Park leading to the KL Convention. Centre.
Chinatown / Petaling Street
Petaling Street - KL’s very own Chinatown is a hive of sound and activities. Located at the heart of KL’s bustling Chinatown, Petaling Street is the place to head for those who are interested in experiencing the excitement of bargaining for their purchases.
Petaling Street is endowed with a distinct character of its own. Its popular night market is a daily feature. Walk, linger or browse as the sights and sounds capture one’s imagination. Flanking both sides of this treet are shops selling anything from textiles to Chinese Herbal medicines. 
This is a good place to purchase Chinese artifacts lie igurines, incense-holders, paintings, joss-sticks and bric-a-brac. Other interesting items include herbs for traditional remedies and sweetmeats.
Aged craftsmen at work in their shophouses can be seen producing goods such as lanterns, tinware and calligraphy items along the streets. Baskets and bouquets of fresh flowers make a refreshing sight amid the bustle and din of hanggling over prices. 
Petaling Street is also known for its jewellery shops with their fascinating variety of beautifully crafted gold items set with priceless gemstones. Traders spread out their mats along narrow five-foot ways, offering brightly coloured trinklets, wall hangings, teapots, curios and ornaments from India and Myanmar. 
Shops here stock a variety of goods from dresses and shoes to fabrics, costume jewellery, and many more. There are also a number of restaurants serving authentic regional Chinese cuisine.
Menara Kuala Lumpur
Majestically poised at a breathtaking height of 421 metres, the tower doubles as Kuala Lumpur’s best known ambassador.
Menara Kuala Lumpur was completed in May 1996 and was opened to the public on 23 July 1996. It was officially launched on 1 October 1996, by Y. A. Bhg Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, former Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Surrounding the tower is the Bukit Nanas Forest Recreational Park, an area of 11.05 hectares located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur City. It poses as the oldest gazetted forest reserve in the country. 
The natural surroundings of Bukit Nanas were cared for during the construction of Menara Kuala Lumpur to ensure balance in development and conservation of the environment.
Standing boldly atop Bukit Nanas, Menara Kuala Lumpur is the fourth tallest telecommunication tower in the world, after CN Tower in Canada (553 metres), Ostankino Tower in Russia (540 metres) and Shanghai Tower in China (468 metres).
Built to improve the quality of telecommunication and broadcasting transmission, Menara Kuala Lumpur stands proudly as the symbol of Kuala Lumpur, the ‘Garden City of Lights’.
Discover dome shape arches decorated with galss that illuminates like giant diamonds arranged according to the traditional Islamic ‘Muqarnas’.
This design from Esfahan, Iran forms larger brusque patterns at the bottom to symbolise the seven layers of the sky. The ‘Muqarnas’ can be seen at the lobby entrance, lift lobby and soffit of the tower head.
The Attractions:
Observation Deck
Spectacular views at 276 metres above ground level with a multi language audio guide of Kuala Lumpur’s city skyline.
Seri Angkasa Revolving Restaurant
Dine up in the clouds. Enjoying chic dining with breathtaking views of the city in Malaysia’s tallest revolving restaurant.
Mega View Banquet Deck
Mega View Banquet Deck is an exclusive venue to hold your private functions with absolute privacy.
Shopping
Souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants along with a photo shop and convenience shop provide visitors with peace-of-mind shopping.
Tower Terrace
Relax to the sounds of a cascading pool, the breeze whispering through the trees and mist fans cooling you down.
There’s also an open-air amphitheatre for various events, cultural and musical shows. You’ll also find a mini-theatre where visitors can watch a video presentation on the construction of Menara Kuala Lumpur.
Menara Kuala Lumpur has a lot to offer, from breathtaking views to top-class facilities, activities and events. It definitely has the right ingredients to please everyone. Come see what life’s like at the top. Come and touch the sky!
Admission:
RM8 (Adults), RM3 (Child from 4 to 12 years)
Open: Daily from 10am - 10pm
Petronas Twin Towers
The 88-storey PETRONAS Twin Towers, developed as an integral part of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) project, house PETRONAS’ new corporate headquarters.
The PETRONAS Twin Towers rise like sentinels in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Costing a whopping US$1.2bn and uniquely designed by Cesar Pelli & Associates, it rises to 1,483ft (451.9m) in height and is all of 33ft higher than the Sears Tower.
Cesar Pelli, former dean of Yale University’s School of Architecture, also designed Canary Wharf in London, and the World Financial Center in Manhattan, New York City.
The floor-plate of the Tower is designed based on geometric patterns common in architecture of Islamic heritage. It is composed of two rotated and superimposed squares with small circular infills. These geometric figures have been described by architects as symbolising unity, harmony, stability and rationality - all important principles of Islam. 
Like the exterior design, the Towers’ entrance design was also inspired by the country’s cultural heritage, incorporating contemporary Malaysian motifs adapted from traditional handicrafts such as songket and timber carvings. The overall character of the building is high-tech and international but distinctively Malaysian.
At the podium level, the PETRONAS Twin Towers feature the following :
The 864-seat Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, a venue of architectural and acoustic distinction. It is also home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.
PETROSAINS - the state-of-the-art interactive science discovery centre, carrying the theme "oil and gas". With its entrance at Level 4, Suria KLCC, PETROSAINS is a modern contemporary museum that allows visitors to touch, feel and manipulate displays and exhibits aimed at stimulating interest in science and technology particularly in petroleum science.
Galeri PETRONAS - With its entrance at Level 3, Suria KLCC, Galeri PETRONAS caters to both traditional and contemporary art enthusiasts. The gallery features various types of art ranging from painting, sculptures, multimedia to experimental works.
Twin Towers Fitness Centre - Located at the Concourse Level, the centre spreads over an area of 50,000 sq. ft. The centre houses an array of equipment with facilities for sports like badminton, squash, volleyball and futsal.
A reference library on energy, petroleum, petrochemical and related industries.
The Towers were topped-out in March 1996 and occupation began in early 1997. Tower One is currently being occupied by PETRONAS, the state-owned petroleum corporation. Tower Two is being occupied by PETRONAS’ associate companies while the remaining space is being leased out to multinationals.
The PETRONAS Twin Towers are located on the northern boundary of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) and has state-of-the-art communication facilities. MSC is the launching pad to propel Malaysia into the frontline of the information age.
Kuala Lumpur City Center Park
The beautifully landscaped park at KLCC is the last inspired masterpiece by the versatile and talented Brazilian master of gardens, the late Roberto Burle Marx.
Spread over 50-acres [20-hectares], the lush tropical garden provides a haven of tranquility for those seeking a respite from the stress of city life.
The KLCC Park is unique in its theme and concept. Designed to showcase a heritage of tropical greenery by integrating man’s creation with nature, the beautifully landscaped KLCC Park offers a calm and harmonious environment in the midst of the hustle and bustle of a busy and dynamic city.
The late Roberto Burle Marx uses a combination of trees, shrubs, structures of cement, stones and wood as well as various water features in his creations. Elements of shapes, texture and topography are merged to create attractive and breathtaking masterpieces while at the same time imposing an illusion of space. Colour and form are achieved by using various combination of trees, shrubs and sculptures, thus dispelling the notion of a garden as a static creation. 
The conservation factor was another key consideration in the planning of the park. About 23 of the mature and rarer specimens were saved from the former Selangor Turf Club, and eventually transplanted on to the park grounds.
About 1900 indigenous trees and 66 species of palms have been planted at the park. Much thought proceeded the selection of these plants, with the objective of encouraging bio-diversity. Among other attractions at the park are the magnificent lake symphony fountains, programmed to provide numerous different dramatic animations following a Symphony Overture sequence, the ornamental water features, the children’s pool and the children’s playground.
The park is well interspersed with various amenities such as shelters, benches, rest areas, drinking fountains and public toilets. For health enthusiasts, there is also a 1.3 km jogging track encircling the park.
Another interesting element of the park is the 43 meter elevated bridge. The centrally located bridge provides visitors with a vantage view of the park and the majestic PETRONAS Twin Towers.
Part of the park is also designed as a haven for birds and other local fauna. Much research and thought went into the selection of indigenous tree species whose fruits attract local and migratory birds. Through such careful effort, it is expected that the KLCC Park in the heart of bustling Kuala Lumpur will become an important link in the ‘bird corridors’ of the region. 
Lake Symphony
The Symphony Lake with an approximate area of 10,000 square metres features mesmerising fountain displays. The displays consist of 5 programmes with over 380 individually sequenced effects shooting up to a maximum height of 42 metres. These effects are displayed along the arc and the two rings totalling 80 metres in length. The Lake Symphony fountains are on from 12 noon till 2.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. till 11.00 p.m. on weekdays. Especially for weekands and public holidays, the fountains are on from 10.00 a.m. till midnight.
Jogging Track
A 1.3 km. long jogging track is laid with EPDM, a special rubberised material to ensure comfort and safety for fitness enthusiasts.
Rest Areas
Rest areas are located on various nodes of the interconnecting footpaths. They are numbered as shown on the maps found on the Park’s entry and feature identification signs. The numbering system can be used as points of reference for wayfinding and setting a rendezvous.
Ornamental Water Features
Waterfalls, Cascades, Reflecting Pools and Bird’s Pool add to both the excitement and tranquility of the respective zones in the park.
Children’s Pool
The Children’s Pool is a safe and fun place for children 12 years and below.
The opening hours are as follows :
Weekdays (Tuesdays to Fridays)
->10.00 a.m. - 7.30 p.m. (Pool will be closed for maintenance on Mondays when it is not a public holiday).
->The Pool is open throughout the week during school holidays.
Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays
->10.00 a.m. - 9.30 p.m.
->Parents and guardians are advised to refer to the rules and regulations listed on the usage of the pool to ensure children’s safety and enjoyment.
Other Amenities
The KLCC Park has been provided with various amenities such as:
Toilets complete with modern fittings and facilities for the disabled and baby change.
Male and female changing rooms annexed to the toilet near the Children’s Pool.
Drinking fountains with filtered water.
Shelters and benches.
Children’s Playground
The Children’s Playground is all 2 acres of unbridled fun meant for children 12 years old and below. Not only are the play equipment varied and exciting, the whole playground has been laid with Ethylene Propylene Deine Modified (EPDM) rubber, a child-safe material. Due to the nature of this material, eating, drinking and smoking are strictly prohibited in this area.
Opening Hours
The KLCC Park is open from 7.00 a.m. till 10.00 p.m. daily
(except for the Children’s Pool - please refer to information on Children’s Pool)
Istana Negara
The Istana Negara is the official residence of His Majesty, the Yang di Pertuan Agong, the King of Malaysia. It is located on a hillock at Jalan lstana, just outside the city centre.
It stands on a 28-acre (11 hectare) area. The Istana was originally a double storey mansion built in 1928 by a local Chinese millionaire, Chan Wing.
After the Japanese occupation, it served as a residence of the Sultan of Selangor until 1957, when the Federal Government acquired it for use as the official residence of our King after some major renovation and extension. 
Balairong Seri is a hall located in the East Wing. It is only used for official and customary functions. It sometimes serves as a banquet hall.
The second hall on the 1st floor is the Dewan Mengadap where the King receives honoured guests such as Head of States and foreign dignitaries.
While, Bilik Duta is where the King grants audience to the Prime Minister and also where honoured guests are received. The Queen receives her guests at the Bilik Permaisuri while the Bilik Menteri is the rest room for guests. 
In the ground of the palace is a guard house for the body of household troops. There is also a 6 hole golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool and a lake in the far end of the ground.
The extensive grounds is enhanced by immaculate lawns and colourful gardens. Visitors can witness the changing of the guards daily.
The nearest LRT Station would be Pasar Seni. It is about 20 minutes walk from Pasar Seni Station to Istana Negara.
Merdeka Square
Facing the Sultan Abdul Samad Building is Dataran Merdeka or Merdeka Square, an immaculately-turfed 8.2 hectare area of historical interest.
A 100 metre-high flagpole rising from Merdeka Square is the tallest in the world, and marks the spot where the Malayan Flag was hoisted on August 31, 1957 signifying the independence of the country from British rule.
You may able to see the Malaysian Armed Forces and Royal Malaysian Police bands take turns to perform at the square every third Saturday of the month from 5pm to 6pm. 
The Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square), a field fronting the Royal Selangor Club, resounded to the cries of "Merdeka" on that night and Malaysias converge on the square each year to relive the moment the country gained its independence.
Formerly known as the Padang, the field was extensively used for cricket, hockey, tennis and rugby matches until the mid-nineties when the whole area was rebuilt to accommodate an underground parking lot and shopping, restaurant, complex. Today, it is still used for cricket matches.
The Tudor-style Royal Selangor Club built in 1910 rests on one corner of the square, where KL’s elites meet. You may see a large video screen displaying religious messages and advertisements here.
The Club served as a social centre for Kuala Lumpur¡¦s British residents; its doors are now open to anyone who can afford the membership fees. In keeping with die-hard customs women are still not allowed entry to the bar, except by invitation. 
At the opposite end of the square is an inviting spot where visitors can relax amid soothing rushing waters of fountains, elegant colonnades and colourful beds of zinnias and marigolds.
Beneath the square is Plaza Putra, an underground food, leisure and entertainment complex.
National Zoo and Aquarium / Zoo Negara 
The National Zoo located thirteen kilometers north-east of Kuala Lumpur. Laid out around a central lake the zoo houses a collection of Fauna and Flora native to Malaysia as well as from other parts of the globe. 
The National Zoo houses hundreds of different species of animals, birds and reptiles. The aquarium has an extensive collection of marine and fresh-water life. Within the extensive grounds is an area for sea lions where visitors can see them being most active during feeding time. 
There are elephant rides and other amusements for the young at heart. There are also train rides for children. Though a good zoo by Asian standards some enclosures are cramped despite all the open space. 
Open: 9am - 6pm Daily.
Admission: RM5 (Adults) RM2 (Children)
National Monument
As you travel along Jalan Parlimen and towards the Lake Gardens, close to Parliment House stands the National Monument or Tugu Negara.
It is a great bronze sculpture erected to commemorate the soldiers who gave up their lives in the triumph during World War II and the Emergency (1948-60).
It was designed by the famous sculptor, Felix de Weldon, who also designed the Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington. The 15.54 metre high bronze monument depicts seven soldiers symbolising the seven qualities of leadership. 
The seven men from the Malaysian Armed Forces holding the national flag, each symbolising one of seven qualities: leadership, unity, strength, vigilance, suffering, courage and sacrifice.
It is one of the largest freestanding sculptures in the world. In honour of the nation’s heroes, the "last post" is sounded every Saturday from 6.00 p.m.to 6.10 p.m. (except on public holidays).
Beside the National Monument are the ASEAN Gardens and the Memorial Tun Razak, which houses memorabilia of Malaysia’s second Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein.
Asean Sculpture Garden
Waterscape and landscape combined harmoniously in this garden located just below the National Monument. It looks like one of the favourite spot of Malaysian to get away from the busy centre.
There are many completely different sculptures in the park. It has a collection of prize-winning sculptures by some of the finest artists in the ASEAN region. It is nice to explore the area and relax under the sunny sky!
National Museum
Located on the fringe of Taman Tasik Perdana (the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens), top a hill at Jalan Travers, the National Museum is the principal museum in the country.
This palatial building was designed based on classical Malay architecture. It was set up in 1963 to serve as a repository of Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage and as the centre for imparting knowledge on the country’s historical past.
It consist of a large central main entrance hall that is flanked by two exhibition wings. The two large murals on the exterior of the exhibition wings depicts scenes of the country - the mural on the rights depicts the culture and customs of Malaysian while the one on the left chronicals the historical episodes of the nations.
Enter the vast building through its imposing entrance and you will find an impressive collection of artifacts on local history, culture and customs, art and handicraft, economic activities, flora and fauna, weapons and currencies.
The various galleries housed within the Museum provide interesting insights into the country’s development - Historical Gallery, Cultural Gallery, Metalworks and Musical Instrument Gallery, National Sports Gallery and the National History Gallery.
The Historical Gallery traces the different periods in the history of Peninsular Malaysia. The Cultural Gallery is a collection of various aspects of the Malaysian culture, from common everyday pastimes to important ceremonial customs. The Metalwork and Musical Instruments Gallery showcases various objects and utensils from kitchenware and ceremonial ornaments to weapons and traditional instruments of Malaysian music.
Apart from the permanent exhibits, the musueum also holds regular thematic exhibitions, most noteably its Treasures from the Graves, Enduring Beauty and World of Ghosts exhibits that drawn large crowd of curious visitors. 
Facilities include a conservation laboratory, a library with more than 6,500 titles catering to researchers, students and individuals in the field of archaeology, ethnology, natural history and other similar disciplines, and a photographic studio containing slides and negatives on various subjects of interest to the museum.
Outdoor static displays include old locomotives, vintage cars and replicas of ancient Malay palaces. Representing the museum’s raison d’etre are two huge murals flanking its doorway. Guided tours by appointment.
Open: 9am - 6pm (Daily)
Admission: RM1, Children below 12 years: Free
