Sightseeing

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.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building
This is one of the most well-known landmarks in the city and has tremendous historical significance. The construction of this building started in 1893 and was completed in 1896. Initially the building was designed to house the colonial State Government of Selangor but when it was completed, it housed the entire Federated Malay States (FMS) administration. The exterior design of the building is a mixture of European function and Mughal Islamic form, with a 40 meter high clock tower and other parts topped by copper domes. Among the historical events held in front of this building are, the declaration of independence at 12.01 am, on 31st August, 1957, with the lowering of the Union Jack. On 1st January 1982, the clock tower became the venue for another historic event when the time between West Malaysia, East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) as well as the Republic of Singapore were standardized. Although over a century old, this building still retains an imposing presence in Kuala Lumpur and is where thousands of Malaysians, from all walks of life, gather in celebration, to usher in the New Year at the stroke of midnight. This year, the grand parade in conjunction with the Merdeka Day celebrations was held here, where it all started in 1957.

Location
Jalan Raja, 50050 Kuala Lumpur

National Sports Complex, Bukit Jalil
The venue for the XVI Commonwealth Games held in Kuala Lumpur in 1998, the complex comprises five stadiums, which are the National Stadium, National Aquatic Centre, National Squash Centre, National Hockey Stadium and the Putra Indoor Stadium. There is also a Family Park and International Garden. The breathtaking view of the National Sports Complex and the Kuala Lumpur skyline on top of the Commonwealth Hill park is a photo opportunity not to be missed. A man-made lake surrounded by trees, the hill park is ideal for picnicking or just an easy day out with the family.

Location
Sri Petaling, Bukit Jalil, 57700 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (+603) 8994 4660
Admission
Free
Opening Hours
Daily, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

Parliament House
A symbol of democracy of Malaysia, the Parliament House is located near the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens. The complex comprises of two parts, the main 3 storey building and its 18 storey annexe, was the brainchild of the nation’s Father of Independence, the late YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. Visitors can visit the Parliament House only with permission, which must be obtained in advance.

Location
Bangunan Parlimen, 50680 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (+603) 20721955

Petaling Street (Chinatown)
KL’s own Chinatown is a real blast to your senses – the sights, sounds and smells. It seems that this place never sleeps. The night market is a daily feature here. This is great shopping haunt – from leather goods, souvenirs, cheap clothes, fabrics, electronic items, flowers and watches to pet shops, restaurants serving regional authentic Chinese cuisine, Chinese artefacts, figurines, traditional and herbal remedies, you can find almost anything here. Look out for aged craftsmen, working along this street from their shop houses creating and producing quality calligraphy, lanterns, tinware and other crafts. There are also traders with their mats spread out along narrow five-foot ways, offering brightly coloured trinkets, wall hangings, teapots, curios and ornaments from Malaysia, India, Myanmar and elsewhere. It can get crowded at times and with the local hot and sunny weather, it is best you keep yourself hydrated. Remember the fun is in the bargaining here – so ‘bargain, bargain and bargain!!!’ At the end of Petaling Street, you can further explore the Chan See Shu Yuen Temple which dates back to 1906. The interior of this unique temple features open courtyard pavilions, intricate carvings and paintings. On the exterior, the temple depicts elaborate glazed ceramic sculptures which grace the facade and roof ridges.

Location
Jalan Petaling, 50000 Kuala Lumpur

Petrosains, at Suria KLCC
Petrosains is an interactive Science Discovery Centre that presents a story of science and technology, especially of the petroleum industry. in a fun way. The concept and content not only revolve around petroleum science, but also embrace all other aspects of general sciences. Petrosains is a community effort of Petronas, the national petroleum corporation. A visit begins with a fascinating ride and then proceeds in a linear sequence through 7,000 square metres of exhibit area featuring interactive exhibits, fun activities and displays. The front-line personnel act as guides, presenters and demonstrators as well as facilitators to ensure that visitors’ enjoyment and learning experience are maximised.

Location
Level 4, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (+603) 2331 8787
Admission
Adults – RM12.00; Youth (13-17 years) – RM7.00; Children (5-12 years) – RM4.00;

P Ramlee Memorial
The memorial was established to pay tribute to one of Malaysia’s most prominent sons, a talented and internationally award-winning actor, singer, composer, director and comedian. Situated in Taman P Ramlee, this house was the actual home of the late P Ramlee and was preserved by the National Archives as a memorial to this talented and versatile artiste for his vast contributions to the performing arts. The sections of the exhibit here cover different perspectives of the great man’s life and work, with audio visuals. P.Ramlee died here in 1973 and many of the items on display include his personal memorabilia.

Location
No. 22, Jalan Dedap, Taman P.Ramlee, 53000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (+603) 4023 1131
Admission
Free
Opening Hours
Daily, 10.00 am – 5.00 pm; Closed on Mondays, except on School and public holidays

Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman and Badan Warisan Malaysia
This local headman’s house, originally from a small village called Kampung Sungai Kechil, in Kedah, was dismantled, transported and restored at the premises of Badan Warisan Malaysia (National Heritage Trust) at Jalan Stonor in Kuala Lumpur, after it was found to be abandoned and overgrown with creeper plants. Guided tours give visitors an insight to a traditional Malay timber house decorated with intricate wood carvings and is reflective of a authentic house in the early 1900s. Don’t give this a miss as you will not see such structures in modern days. Do visit the Badan Warisan building itself and check out the books, antiques and current events.

Location
No 2, Jalan Stonor, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel
KL Tourism Office (+603) 2615 8188; Tourism infoline toll free – 1300-88-5050 or direct to Badan Warisan Malaysia (+603) 2144 9273
Admission
Donation of RM5.00 per person
Opening Hours
Mondays to Saturdays, guided tours at 11.00 am and 3.00 pm, closed on public holidays.

Saint Mary’s Cathedral
Dating back to 1894, this church is located across from the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Dataran Merdeka. It was designed and built in early English Gothic design. One of the main attractions of this Anglican Church is its rare pipe organ, built in 1895.

Location
Jalan Raja (Dataran Merdeka), 50050 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (+603) 2692 8672 , 26945470

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
Located on a road parallel to Petaling Street, this South Indian styled Temple was established in 1873, and is said to be one of the most ornate and elaborate temples in the country. Visitors will be greeted by the sweet smell of jasmines, as lined up outside the temple are stalls selling flowers for worship. Inside the temple itself, visitors can view some intricate carvings of Hindu deities, all decked with fineries. A silver chariot is housed within the premises and is featured prominently in religious processions, transporting the statue of the deity through the city streets and the most prominent of these processions is Thaipusam, celebrated by Hindus on 23rd January 2008.

Location
No. 163, Jalan Tun HS Lee, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: KL Tourism Office (+603) 2615 8188; Tourism infoline toll free – 1300-88-5050
Admission
Free

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