Recreation

KL may seem like a concrete jungle, but recreation and leisure attractions are far from lacking. For those who relish the sunshine and fresh air (going through a bit of exhaust fumes sometimes – hey, we are not perfect, we are a city!!), we do have some interesting choices to get your adrenaline flowing.

Theme Park

Gymnasiums
(Photo from True Fitness)

Golfing
KL offers a variety of attractive courses for the avid golfer. To name just a few; the more renowned courses are the Bukit Jalil Golf & Country Club, which is an 18 hole golf course sprawled over 165 acres of lush tropical greenery; the Royal Selangor Golf Club, located in the heart of the city has two 18-hole courses with a short 9-hole course; and the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club at Bukit Kiara offers an excellent 36-hole course just 15 minutes from the city centre.

Gymnasiums
For those who wish to keep right on track with their fitness, there is a wealth of local and international fitness centers throughout KL to keep you occupied.

Rock Climbing
For the less warmongering amongst us, there is same adrenalin pumping action with rock climbing, both indoors and outdoors. The limestone outcroppings of Batu Caves (of the cave temple fame) hold a few climbing spots for both the novice and the professional climbers. Although more famous for its role as a religious centre for Hindus, Batu Caves does offer more than 100 climbing routes, which are scattered all around the hillsides of Batu Caves. At the outskirts of KL, there is the Summit Climbing Gym, an indoor climbing facility where you can meet local enthusiasts.

Jungle Trekking & Camping
The Forest Research Institute (FRIM) offers four jungle tracks, which will take visitors through some spectacular greenery (no exhaust fumes here!!). Thrill junkies can opt for the Canopy Walk, which is a fragile looking walkway built atop trees, and only the 3rd of its kind in Malaysia. Prior arrangement with FRIM is necessary, as the number of people allowed on the Canopy Walk is limited to 250 people per day. Camping is also available here, for visitors wishing to experience a night in the wilderness but prior permission is needed.

Another place for jungle trekking, within a short drive from KL, is at Templer’s Park.

Paintball
Located within the National Sports Complex at Bukit Jalil, there is the Xtion Paintball Park. There is another paintball park in Bandar Sunway, at the outskirts of KL, for those who crave the adrenalin rush in some war game action.

Equestrian
The Bukit Kiara Equine & Country Club, the Royal Selangor Polo Club and the STC Equestrian & Sports Centre offer facilities like stables, paddocks, horse tracks and polo fields. There are also riding schools that offer riding lessons by experienced instructors.

Spa
The mere mention of a spa relaxes the entire body, soul and mind. KL has fast become a centre for both international as well local spa attractions, catering for both modern and traditional SPA treatments. Most of the international hotels offer spa facilities, with renowned international brands like Thalgo Marine and Martha Thilaar. Major shopping complexes within the city, also offer spas which are located within. Be it Thai, Balinese or traditional Malay treatments, you will feel rejuvenated and your senses awakened, with the invigorating treatments that are offered.

Theme Park
Last but not least, for the kids (and the kids in all of us), theme parks!

Cosmo’s World Theme Park, located inside Berjaya Times Square, is the largest indoor theme park in Malaysia, with two differently themed areas, one for adults and teenagers and the other for kids and families.

Desa WaterPark located within the KL city limits is quite easily accessible from the city and caters for wholesome family entertainment.

Slightly out of the city, the cool Genting Highlands houses theme parks, both indoor and outdoor, catering to all – thrillseekers, family rides and children’s rides. Visitors can also indulge in some splashing fun with the heated pools in the water park. Genting Highlands also houses the largest casino in the region, with recreational facilities, such as golfing and a major theatre that showcases both local and international acts.

The Mines Wonderland, located within the Mines Resort City, hosts the first winter wonderland in Malaysia. There is also an open air musical fountain theatre, displaying the spectacular ‘water dance’, incorporating light, music and water. Other attractions here include the coin garden, light fantasy on water, 3D aqua laser show, the koi pond and the dragon sculptures.

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park is located just at the outskirts of KL and comprises the Water Park, Amusement Park, Wildlife Park and the Extreme Park, catering for both thrillseekers and families.