Despite rapid development,
KL has managed to retain her charm, with a skyline that blends
the old world with the new. See the contrast of the distinctive
Mughal-Victorian architecture of the Bangunan Sultan Abdul
Samad against the ultra modern edifices, namely the Petronas
Twin Towers, which was once the world's tallest building,
and remain the world’s tallest twin edifices. While
the city’s congested traffic system can be a logistical
headache for rush hour commuters, it is nevertheless handy
for tourists, with a number of bus and rail options for travel
in the city, making navigation in the sprawling city much
easier. The real pleasure, though, is walking around to savour
the sights and sounds of this colourful city. Feel free to
ask if you are unsure; Malaysians are sometimes a rather shy
lot but there will always be locals who will be happy to point
you the way.
Kompleks
Budaya Kraf
Kuala
Lumpur Bird Park
KLCC
Park
Kuala
Lumpur Tower
Railway Administration Building
Kompleks
Budaya Kraf
This popular handicraft complex gives
the visitors the opportunity to explore Malaysian culture
in one-stop, shop and maybe try your hand at making some craft
items. The complex comprises four main blocks that houses
boutiques
and stalls, a craft museum, an exhibition area and workshops.
Some of the interesting things that visitors can
buy are, export quality batik outfits, decorative ornaments,
woodcarvings, silverware, mengkuang weavings, pottery,
songket (woven brocade cloth), wooden blowpipes, traditional
rattan fish traps and beadwork, to name a few. One of the
main attractions here is that the visitor can learn the way
in which batik is made or maybe have a hand at their own creation.
The Artist Colony
located at the end of its landscaped grounds, is a place of
gathering for many aspiring artists.
Visitors can also purchase the paintings and artworks. Alternatively,
families can enjoy a picnic in the midst of the lush greenery
or in the gazebo by the fountain. Adults can learn to play
a traditional game like ‘congkak’ while the children
enjoy themselves at the playground.
Location
63, Jalan Conlay, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (03) 2162 7459 / 7533 Admission
Free Opening Hours
Daily, 9.00 am to 8.00 pm
Kuala Lumpur
Bird Park
World renowned as the largest covered
bird park or free flight aviary, the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
is home to more than 3,000 birds from more than 200 species
worldwide. Located within the Lake Gardens, the sprawling
20.9-hectare
beautifully landscaped bird sanctuary was established in 1991.
This will truly be an experience as visitors see the various
birds perched on trees or free in flight, in an environment
that mimics their natural habitat. Some of the birds that
you can expect to see here are various hornbills,
parrots, cockatoos, storks, flamingos, pheasants, mynahs,
unique pigeons, macaws, ducks, and many more. Some
of the facilities available here are the hatchery and education
centre, a souvenir shop, refreshment kiosks and restaurant,
baggage services, rest and picnic area. Be sure to look out
for the bird performances
Location
Jalan Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: KL Tourism Office (+603) 2615 8188;
Tourism infoline toll free – 1300-88-5050 Admission
Normal – RM15.00 for adults; RM8.00 for children;
Locals – RM5.00 for adults; RM3.00 for children. Opening Hours
Daily, 9.00 am to 6.30 pm
KLCC Park
This picturesque 50-acre urban park is
located within the Petronas Twin Towers area. Amidst the hustle
and bustle of
cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur, this park provides visitors a peaceful
reprieve with its greenery, colours and patterns
among its well manicured gardens and fountains. There are
approximately 1,900 indigenous trees including flowers
and palms to showcase Malaysia’s bio-diversity within
the park area. Amongst these, some 40 trees were preserved
and transplanted from the former Selangor Turf Club, which
was located on this very site. Be sure to look out for the
Symphony Lake, which comprises two water fountains, programmed
to provide 150 dramatic and magical water
animations. A beautifully designed mosque, Masjid Asy-Shakirin,
adorns the park like ‘a jewel in the crown’ and
is unique as it does not have the usual minaret.
Location
Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (+603) 2380 9032 Admission
Free Opening Hours
Tuesdays to Sunday, 8.30 am to 7.00 pm
Istana Budaya
This is the first theatre in Asia to
be equipped with full state of the art stage equipment, thus
making it one of the
most sophisticated theatres in the world. The theatre has
a floor area of 21,000 square metres and is part of a large
cultural complex covering 5.44 hectares. The inspiration for
the design is a traditional moon kite in flight, while the
interior makes extensive use of Langkawi marble. High-quality
tropical wood is used for the doors, featuring hand-carved
flower and leaf motifs. The Istana Budaya is responsible for
the development of all forms of theatrical arts in Malaysia,
and holds many different performances.
Please visit www.istanabudaya.gov.my for listing of events.
Location
Istana Budaya, Jalan Tun Razak, 50694 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (+603) 4026 5555
Kuala Lumpur
Tower
This telecommunications tower sits atop
a hill in the centre of the city, Bukit Nanas at 421 metres
and 94 metres above sea level, which translates to a spectacular
view for visitors from the Tower’s observation platform.
The Tower is designed to withstand wind pressures of up to
90 mph and is a member of the prestigious World Federation
of Great
Towers. Just above the observation deck is the Revolving Restaurant,
where the floor makes a complete revolution in one hour as
you enjoy your meal. If a lighter meal is your preference,
the Pedestrian Mall below is the place for you to relax with
the breeze and the sounds from the reflecting fountain pool.
Location
Jalan Punchak, Off Jalan P Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (+603) 2020 5444 Admission
Normal – RM15.00 (Adults); RM9.00 (Children);
Locals – RM8.00 (Adults); RM3.00 (Children) Opening Hours
Daily, 9.00 am to 10.00 pm
Lake Gardens
(Taman Tasik Perdana)
Also known as the Taman Tasik Perdana,
this is the oldest and most popular park in Kuala Lumpur,
dating back to the 1880s. Today, city dwellers venture out
here for a jog along the beautiful trails or for some early
morning t’ai chi. This 92-hectare parkland provides
a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of the city,
with its close-cropped lawns, undulating hills and carefully
cultivated gardens, showcasing the harmony, beauty and tranquillity
created by both nature and man. Built around two lakes, this
pleasant oasis within the city provides a cool and soothing
ambience, as one walks through a vista of exotic blooms, luxuriant
foliage, imposing sculptures, creative theme parks and majestic-looking
raintrees. The Lake Gardens also encompasses the
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Orchid Garden, Hibiscus Garden, Deer
Park and the National Monument. The historic Carcosa
Sri Negara boutique hotel is located within the Lake Gardens,
where it is reputed that they serve scones that melt in your
mouth with English tea on the verandah in the
tropical afternoons.
Location
Jalan Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: KL Tourism Office (+603) 2615 8188; Tourism infoline
toll free – 1300-88-5050 Admission
Free
Malayan Railway Administration Building
Once when trains were the main carriers, this was a busy transportation
hub. Somewhat forgotten by locals, this is now a famed must-visit
spot for tourists. Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, formerly known
as Victory Avenue, was developed by the British as a train
hub area and across the station is the equally impressive
Railway Administration Building. The Kuala Lumpur Railway
Station, completed in
1910, incorporates the Mughal influences seen in many other
buildings of the British era in Malaya. Housed within the
building is a lovely hotel catering for the railway and nostalgia
lovers. This building is linked to the other side by an underground
access road. Today, this station caters mainly for the commuter
trains and long distance express trains must be boarded at
the spanking new KL Sentral Station.
Location
Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (+603) 2274 6063 Admission
Free
Malaysian
Tourism Centre
(MTC, formerly known as MATIC)
This one-stop visitor centre offers a wide range of facilities,
services and warm hospitality to assist tourists in planning
an enjoyable and eventful holiday in Malaysia. MTC also enables
visitors to experience the essence of Malaysia within
the Complex itself through shows and demonstrations of various
aspects of its culture. This distinctive colonial style
building is a historical and architectural landmark in Kuala
Lumpur, and a striking contrast to its modern surroundings.
The main building to the complex was built in 1935, as the
residence of a Chinese miner and planter named Eu Tong Seng.
Later, it housed the war office of the British Army. When
the Japanese invaded Malaya during World War II, it became
the headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Army till the war
ended in 1945. Known once as MATIC, the MTC
has been open to the public since 1989. Some of the services
and facilities here include the tourist information counter,
tourist police counter, ticket counter for executive buses,
craft centre, Saloma Theatre Restaurant, ATM achine, money
changer and more. There are also 3 units of personal computers
to assist tourists looking for travel information through
the state tourism websites. MTC also organises a host of programmes
throughout the year, ranging from regular Malaysian dance
performances to theatre to musicals. Check with the centre
for the current programmes listing.
Location
No. 109, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (+603) 2163 3664/2164 3929 Opening Hours
Monday - Friday : 7.30am - 5.30pm
Enak KL
