Planetarium Negara

Location: Within KL Lake Garden
Established in: 1994
Highlights: Merdeka Sun Clock, Observatory, Arianne IV space engine
How To Reach: One can easily reach Planetarium Negara by hiring taxis, or by boarding trains, buses from the city.

Planetarium Negara Malaysia, literally the National Planetarium of Malaysia, is a centre for space science studies. Located atop a hill in Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens, the planetarium provides an insight of outer space - the evolving frontier. The planetarium was formally opened on 7 Feb' 1994 by the former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. Sprawled in 32 acres of area, the National Planetarium is owned by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment of Malaysia.

Corresponding to country's endeavors of sending its first astronaut into the space, the Planetarium Negara plays a significant role of promoting space science to the public at large. This striking blue-domed structure offers electrifying exhibitions on astronomy. The planetarium's structure is a rare combination of Islamic architecture and astronomy, which actually makes it appear like a mosque though with revolutionary looks.

The National Planetarium encompasses Space Theatre, Space Science Exhibit, Resource Centre, Viewing Gallery, & Observatory Park. While heading towards the main entrance, you fill see a fountain area along with the Merdeka Sun Clock, which is a bowl-like and crescent shaped sundial that tells accurate time. Earlier this sundial was located between Merdeka Stadium and Stadium Negara; it was named 'Merdeka' to commemorate the country's independence in 1957.

Move further and enter the working observatory, which boasts of a 14-inch (35.5cm) telescope. Whilst being there, don't afford to miss the Space Theatre that screens Space Science and Sky Movie Shows every day. Also check out the permanent exhibits that are displayed in the main hall. One amongst them is Arianne IV space engine, which is one of the engines that were used to launch MEASAT 1-Malaysia's first satellite. There is one space theme park too, which houses the replicas of ancient observatories.

Moreover, this building is connected by an overhead pedestrian bridge to the National Museum. So, going to the planetarium, along with the museum, would be all the more beneficial and informative.

 

more info :  http://www.voyage99.com/tourist-attraction/kuala-lumpur/attractions/national-planetarium.html

Desa Waterpark

Location: Taman Danau Desa, KL - Seremban Highway
Started In: 1998
Highlights: Thunderbolt, Shock Wave and Tarzan In Town
How to Reach: Desa Water Park can be reached from the Federal Highway via Taman Desa, Jalan Kunchai Lama via Taman Bakti or the KL- Seremban Highway via Taman Desa junction.

Desa Waterpark is one of the largest amusement parks in Malaysia. Located in between the KL - Seremban Highway, the water park is built over an area of 12.6 acres and is bordered by 50 acres of lake. This fun-filled waterpark makes the best choice for people in quest of leisure and enjoyment. Due to a brilliant network of roads, Desa Water Park is easily accessible from most of the parts of Kuala Lumpur. It offers wholesome family entertainment and owing to its commendable features, it serves as an ideal place for hosting gatherings and family get-togethers.

In fact, Desa Waterpark has become preferred choice of families and corporate group functions because of its great features, such as, huge space, amphitheatre, free parking space, and cutthroat pricing. Several attractions at the water park are Thunder Bolt, Surf Shack, Tarzan In Town, Action River, Water Factory, Clown-A- Round, Pink Slide, Shock Wave, etc. Where the Thunder Bolt attracts the most patrons being the longest and the first gravity-defying water coaster in Asia, children get the most out of the Surf Shack.

The Tarzan In Town is a water based activity where you get to jump from one tube to another. Take it as a challenge and balance yourself on the tubes, while hanging on the ropes without getting wet. Enjoy the cascading waters of Action River which is 1200 meter long. And get ready to get into a water fight at the Water Factory, where you can shoot water at your friends. Get wet and set your mood to swing in the Clown-A-Round. The Pink Slide is a set of multiple slides for children where fun never ends.

Jump into an awesome wave pool, Shock Wave, and test your strength while conquering the waves as high as 1.5 meters. Another attraction is Ripple Bay which is just next to the Shock Wave; it is an open space for tele-match activities and lap swimmers. Get into the Bubble Pool and relax together with your family or friends. Last but not the least, access the Super Tube which is a hardcore concept of tropical slides and let your body free in the 30-ft high twisting and turning twin water slide. In short, Desa WaterPark, which is a lagoon of fun and excitement, is a not-to-be-missed-out place in Kuala Lumpur.

 

more info : http://www.voyage99.com/tourist-attraction/kuala-lumpur/attractions/desa-water-park.html 

Petaling Street

Location: Close to Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Attraction: Amazing range of products for shoppers
Highlights: Road-side restaurants
How To Reach: One can reach Petaling Street by hiring taxis, or by boarding buses, trains from the city.

Petaling Street, called Jalan Petaling in Malay, is actually a Chinatown that is notorious for pirated clothes and accessories in Kuala Lumpur. Situated in the west of Bukit Bintang, the street though doesn't only offer bootleg products but also amazing local delicacies. Bargaining is a common spectacle here and the street is generally crammed full with locals and tourists. This place has restaurants and food stalls galore, offering local favorites, such as, hokkien mee, ikan bakar, asam laksa, and curry noodles.

Here most of the traders are Chinese though Indian, Malay, and Bangladeshi traders also thrive. Recently in 2003, the street underwent a major renovation and got two Chinese arches placed at its both ends. The best part about this street is, people know that they are buying fakes still this market fascinate not only tourists but locals as well. And that's what, which makes Petaling Street a distinguished place to shop for counterfeit branded products.

If you're looking for cheap clothes, fabrics, handbags, souvenirs, electronic items, watches, CDs, Chinatown is the just right place to aim for. While buying things from this market, prepare yourself to bargain a lot because things, like watches, clothing and all other counterfeit items, are quoted on higher prices. It is very much possible that you might get things on half or one-third of the quoted rates using right techniques of haggling.

Chinatown, along with its distinct shop houses, colorful temples, great restaurants and bustling night market, still retains the charm and character of the times past. The area is also known for housing many budget hotels that are smaller family owned hotels, which offer clean rooms and personalized services. In a nutshell, Petaling Street is a place that virtually never sleeps; the activities of haggling and eating can be seen here until the wee hours of morning.

 

more info : http://www.voyage99.com/tourist-attraction/kuala-lumpur/attractions/petaling-street.html

Istana Budaya

Location: Next to the National Art Gallery, Jalan Tun Razak
Founded In: 1999
Attraction: Operas, Plays, Musical shows
How To Reach: One can easily reach Istana Budaya by hiring taxis, or by boarding trains, buses from the city.

Istana Budaya is the eminent venue for all forms of theatre, including operetta, classical concert, musical theater and opera, in Malaysia. Located next to the National Art Gallery in Jalan Tun Razak, Istana Budaya or the Palace of Culture is a major landmark in the city of Kuala Lumpur. This cultural center was founded in Sep' 1999 to promote the artistic and cultural heritage of the country. Sprawled in an area of 54,400 m², the Istana Budaya was formally inaugurated by the ex-Prime Minister of Malaysia -Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed, in 1999.

Its construction began in 1995 only to get completed within 3 years. As soon as, the construction was completed, Panggung Negara-the earlier national theater, was relocated here. Istana Budaya is also the abode of the National Theater Company and the National Symphony Orchestra. This cultural centre is intended to raise the standard of theater, to develop artistic excellence in performing arts, to popularize first-rate theater productions, and to develop the intellect of artistic gratitude.

Muhammad Kamar Ya'akub designed this innovative building, taking inspiration from the traditional moon kite. Its interior was built using local resources, like marble and premium tropical wood from Langkawi. A few of the edifice's interesting features comprise of the turquoise folds on the roof and the intricate design of the foyer. However, the focal structure takes its shape from the 'Sirih Junjung which is a conventional arrangement of betel leaves used during Malay ceremonies.

Like any traditional Malay house, the structure is divided into three areas: the "serambi" (lobby and foyer), the "rumah ibu" (main house or the auditorium), and the "rumah dapur" (kitchen as the stage and rehearsal hall). Its huge theater hall "Panggung Seri" can accommodate up to 1,412 viewers at a time. It is actually Asia's first theater which is outfitted with high-tech stage equipments. It is its class facilities and interiors that make Istana Budaya rated amongst the top ten theaters of the world.

 

more info : http://www.voyage99.com/tourist-attraction/kuala-lumpur/attractions/istana-budaya.html 

Zoo Negara

Location: Ulu Klang, near Taman Melawati
Established In: 1963
Highlights: Performances by animals
How To Reach: One can easily reach Zoo Negara by hiring taxis, or by boarding trains, buses from the city.

Zoo Negara Malaysia, literally the National Zoo of Malaysia, is amongst the most exciting zoos of Southeast Asia. Sprawled in 110 acres of land, this zoological park is located in Ulu Klang near Taman Melawati on the north-east of Kuala Lumpur. It was opened on 14 Nov' 1963 by the then Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. Since then, it has been managed by the Malaysian Zoological Society. The National Zoo has a total of over 5000 animals from over 450 species of birds, reptiles, mammals, amphibians and fish.

Above and beyond showcasing the animals, the Zoo stresses on the four areas of Conservation, Education, Research and Recreation. With the times, it has transformed into an open-concept habitat seeing that more than 90% of its animals are kept in spacious exhibits having natural landscaping. This first national zoo of Malaysia has a commendable aquarium display, a primitive park and a reptile house. People usually throng the place on weekends and public holidays.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Aquarium, sited in the park, is the country's first ecological-based freshwater aquarium that highlights the Malaysian River and Wetlands. Mini Bee Museum is another nice place where one can learn about various types of bees in the country. Birds Photo Corner at the Bird Aviary is the best place to catch birds so that you can click your pictures with the colorful macaws and cockatoos. Further, check out the Malaysian frogs and toads at the Reptile Park.

Zoo authorities also organize performances of elephants, orangutans, seals and sea lions. The Zoo has managed to breed more than 200 highly endangered Milky Stork. Some other remarkable breeding achievements comprise hornbills and freshwater crocodile- False Gharial. Moreover, the Zoo aims to provide free educational services to schools and group visits. The best part about this zoo is that it is entirely financed by its gate collection. Recently, the Zoo Negara has received MS ISO 9001:2000 certification for doing great in breeding animals.

 

more info : http://www.voyage99.com/tourist-attraction/kuala-lumpur/attractions/zoo-negara.html 

Bukit Bintang

Location: Alongside Jalan Bukit Bintang
Attractions: Shopping Centers, Bintang Walk, Cafes & Restaurants
How To Reach: One can reach Bukit Bintang by hiring taxis or by boarding monorail from the city.

Bukit Bintang is a renowned shopping and entertainment district in Kuala Lumpur. It stretches along the famous road-Jalan Bukit Bintang, and slots in the areas of Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Imbi, Jalan Pudu, Jalan Sultan Ismail, and Jalan Ampang. Bukit Bintang has always been well-liked by people. With the changing times, it has undergone refurbishment to suit the tastes of people. And today, it appears simply incredible as it has got both, conventional as well as fashionable outlook.

Besides being a part of the Golden Triangle, Bukit Bintang is quarters to numerous prominent shopping centers, cafés, clubs, shops, malls, and specialty shops. The region is also known for having a number of lavish hotels and restaurants. Here one can see heaps of hawker-styled eateries, where delectable dishes can be enjoyed at really cheap rates. As one of the major shopping districts, Bukit Bintang proffers a selection of merchandise to go well with every budget.

Some of the major shopping outlets of Kuala Lumpur are located in this region, including Bukit Bintang Plaza, Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur Plaza, Imbi Plaza, Low Yat Plaza, Sungei Wang Plaza, Starhill Gallery, Lot 10, and Pavilion KL. Bukit Bintang is not only a favorite place to hangout amongst people but also a great place to shop and dine. Whether it's bright sunshine or dark hours, the place remains occupied with people who come here for different reasons but with a common drive of roaming in the glittering market.

Bintang Walk
Alongside the shopping strip of Jalan Bukit Bintang is Bintang Walk. From the past 5 years, this wide pedestrian walkway has got transformed into an exciting meeting point with open air cafes and restaurants. It also has a muddle of fast food outlets, Indian coffee shops, and individual stores. Bintang Walk observes rousing nightlife, in the company of clubs and cafes. This region also makes the venue for the major night events, like New Year's Eve, Merdeka Eve, Fashion Shows, Street Concerts and Parties, as well.

 

more info : http://www.voyage99.com/tourist-attraction/kuala-lumpur/attractions/bukit-bintang.html

Pusat Sains Negara

Location: Bukit Kiara
Established in: 1996
Highlights: 11 different galleries housing more than 1,000 exhibits
How To Reach: One can easily reach PSN by hiring taxis, or by boarding trains, buses from the city.

The National Science Centre, literally Pusat Sains Negara (PSN) in Malay, is a noteworthy science centre of Malaysia. It is set atop a hill on 8 hectares of landscaped grounds at Bukit Kiara, an affluent suburban area on the northwest of Kuala Lumpur. On 29 November 1996, this science centre was formally inaugurated by the earlier Prime Minister-Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad. This non-formal educational institution is managed by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The purpose behind the establishment of this centre is to nurture interest in the constant learning of science and technology among Malaysians. Located in the lush green belt having pleasant environment, the Pusat Sains Negara is a novel national landmark that boasts of distinctive architecture. Its marvelous building, which is four-storey aerodrome, bears a resemblance to a shortened cone topped by a geodesic dome.

The PSN comprise of 11 galleries that are based on different themes, though these can be segregated into two groups-Basic Science and Technology. It addresses no less than 1,000 different exhibits that intend to inspire, excite and encourage visitors to take an active interest in science and technology. Some of the themes featured in the galleries are environmental odyssey, pathways to discovery, future world, and thinking machines. To sum up, a trip to the National Science Centre would be an enlightening experience.

 

more info : http://www.voyage99.com/tourist-attraction/kuala-lumpur/attractions/national-science-centre.html 

Petronas Twin Towers

Location: Kuala Lumpur City Center
Built During: 1992-1998
Height: 452.0 m (1,482.9 ft) including spire
No. of Floors: 88
No. of Elevators: 78
Significance: It is the tallest twin buildings in the world.
How To Reach: One can reach Twin Towers by hiring taxis or by boarding trains, buses from the city.

The Petronas Twin Towers are acclaimed to be the tallest twin buildings of the world. Located at KLCC complex in Kuala Lumpur, Twin Towers undoubtedly are the pride of Malaysia. These buildings were constructed during 1992-1998 though were officially opened in 1999. They were assumed to be world's tallest structure from 1998 till 2004, however, the construction of Taipei 101 surpassed them with its additional 13 floors in 2004. Petronas, the national oil company of Malaysia, embarked to build the tallest building in the world.

Cesar Pelli, an Argentine-American architect, designed these towers that were tallest in the world on the date of completion. The 88-floor towers are raised mainly of reinforced concrete, with their façade crafted in steel and glass. Petronas Towers are a glistening example of modern hi-tech architecture and reverence of established religion, as the marvelous facade bears motifs found in Islamic art. Since the bedrock was deep, the buildings came to be known as the towers erected on the world's deepest foundations.

The 120-meter foundations called for huge amounts of concrete and were laid by Bachy Soletanche. Whilst Tower 1 was built by the South Korean multinational-Samsung Engineering & Construction, Hazama Corporation of Japan constructed the Tower 2. They were built on a cheaper radical design of high strength reinforced concrete as a consequence of lack of steel and massive cost of importing steel. However, this high-strength concrete made the building twofold heavy if compared with a steel building.

The Twin Towers make use of sophisticated structural system, supported by 23-by-23 meter concrete cores and an outer loop of widely-spaced super columns, which maintains their slender profile. This entire forecast now crafts 1300-2000 square meters of column-free space for office at each floor. Regarding the tenants, Tower One is utterly occupied by the Petronas and its subsidiaries and associate companies. In Tower Two, the office spaces are mainly obtainable for lease to other companies.

The towers encompass a skybridge, which was built by Kukdong Engineering & Construction. This skybridge lies between the two towers on 41st and 42nd floors, making itself the world's highest 2-story bridge. The bridge is 170 m above the ground, 58 m long and weighs 750 tons. The same floor is also called Podium because the visitors, wishing to go to the higher levels, have to change elevators here. It is open to all visitors, though entry is limited to 1700 people per day.

The skybridge also works as a safety device, seeing as in case of fire or other emergency in one tower, tenants can evacuate by crossing the bridge to the other tower. Up till 2004, Petronas Towers were the world's tallest buildings on measured from the main entrance to the structural top, the initial height reference used by the US-based Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat from 1969. Since the height computation reference is vague, at times, controversies have cropped up regarding the procedure.

Interesting Facts about the Petronas Towers

• Petronas Towers were built at a whopping cost of US $ 1, 2 billion.
• The towers are built on the site of earlier race track of Kuala Lumpur.
• The towers, together, have 1,000,000 square meter of floor space.
• The towers, combined, have 32, 000 windows, 1,800 doors, and 765 staircases.
• They were designed to represent grace and strength using geometric principles illustrated in Islamic architecture.
• Without the pinnacle, the towers measure 378 meter (1,240 feet).
• Petronas, the national oil-company, is the main occupant of the towers.
• Though the construction was completed in 1998, the towers were officially opened on 28 Aug' 1999.
• The buildings contain 80,000 cubic meters concrete, almost 11,000 tonnes of reinforcement, and 7,500 tonnes of structural steel beams and trusses.
• Twin Towers are part of the 100-acre KLCC Development.
• The Skyway, connecting the towers, is closed on Mondays. Free passes to visit the towers must be obtained on first-come, first-served basis.
• Visitors are allowed to access the bridge at 41st level because 42nd level is occupied by tenants. 
• more info : http://www.voyage99.com/tourist-attraction/kuala-lumpur/petronas-towers.html

Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial

Location: Jalan Dato' Onn
Established In: 1994
Highlights: Tunku's own collection of books and artifacts
How To Reach: One can easily reach here by hiring taxis, or by boarding trains, buses from the city.

As the title suggests, the Memorial was established in the cherished memory of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the leader who freed the nation from the colonial power with his determination. Sprawled in 3 hectares of well laid-out garden, the memorial was formally opened on 10th Nov' 1994. It represents the nation's gratitude towards the great statesman. Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial is situated along Jalan Dato' Onn in Kuala Lumpur.

The Memorial features the Residency, flanked by two additional blocks. However, the Residency was the official residence of the late Tunku Rahman during his tenure as the first Chief Minister of Malaya and then, as the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. One amongst the two new blocks encompasses a rebuilt version of the leader's office, while the other block houses the memorabilia and artifacts that give a picture of his life and activities.

This permanent exhibition gives a valuable insight into the life of the prodigy, whose resolve continues to inspire the present generation. The exhibits consist of Tunku's collection of materials, mementos, books, biographies, and letters. His cartoons, newspaper coverage and granite display of the 'Proclamation of Independence' are also put on show. Researchers, who are keen upon to study about the life and period of the great leader, can have the privilege of viewing things from close and conduct research.

 

more info : http://www.voyage99.com/tourist-attraction/kuala-lumpur/museums/abdul-rahman-memorial.html