LOCATION

KUALA LUMPUR � THE GARDEN CITY OF LIGHTS
A gamma world city refers to a minor world city status, a city deemed to be an important node point in the global economic system. As a gamma world city, Kuala Lumpur is a capital city with geographical and economical significance and home to more than 5 million people.

Besides being a World city, Kuala Lumpur is also tagged as ‘The Garden City Of Lights� for its beautiful and brightly lit streets, landscapes and buildings. Marvel at the wonderful architecture, from the world’s tallest twin towers � the PETRONAS Twin Towers, old heritage buildings to places of worships and other magnificent buildings.

(Excerpt from ‘Passport to Malaysia� � a Kuala Lumpur Tourist Association publication)

KUALA LUMPUR WEATHER
June to August is considered the best time to visit South East Asia, as the best weather is noted around August. Temperatures hover between 23ºC and 32ºC with average rainfall of 120-140cm. If it does rain, it won’t last for long.
Most buildings are air conditioned, and if you are to stay for long periods of time inside, it would be recommended to bring along a sweater or thin jacket.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN KUALA LUMPUR
(Courtesy of ‘Passport to Malaysia� � A Kuala Lumpur Tourist Association publication)
Listed below are a list of tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur:

PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS
Rising 88 stories high, the Petronas Twin Towers loom 452 metres into the sky. The towers are linked by a skybridge between the 41st and 42nd floors. Visitors can take the lifts to the 41st floor between 10am to 12:45pm and 3:00pm and 4:45pm, Tuesdays to Sundays. Completed in 1998, these glass and stainless steel towers are unique in design.
The ultra-modern minimalist design has distinct Islamic influences such as each tower’s five tiers that represent the five pillars of Islam. The topmost masts crowning the towers resemble the minarets of a mosque with the star symbol of Islam. The towers are actually office blocks within a larger development called the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) set in a lush beautifully landscaped park with fields, trees, palms, fountains, ponds, children’s swimming pool and playground, jogging and walking tracks, decorative sculptures, murals, bridges, rest areas and picnic spots.
The development also includes a cinema complex; Suria KLCC, one of Kuala Lumpur’s largest shopping centres; Galleri Petronas, an art gallery showcasing contemporary paintings and photography (Tel: +603 2051 7770) ; and oil and gas museum; the Petronas Philharmonic Hall, which is the venue for regular performances by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra; and the unique Petrosains Centre (Tel: +603 2331 8787) with interactive exhibits on everything related to petroleum. A bubble car ride and a simulated helicopter ride are among the main attractions of the centre. For more details, access www.petronas.com.my/petronas.

MENARA KUALA LUMPUR
Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower), standing at 421 metres high, is the fourth tallest telecommunications tower in the world. This distinctive landmark standing atop Bukit Nanas overlooks the city and on clear days, Genting Highlands can be seen in the distance.
Watching the sunset from the viewing gallery at an altitude of 276 metres (equivalent to an 80-storey building) is a must or better still, go up one level to dine at the tower’s enchanting revolving restaurant, the Seri Angaksa (Tel: +603 2020 5055). It serves fine cuisine buffet style for lunch and a la carte for dinner. The KL Tower is set in a beautifully landscaped grounds with fountains. At ground level, there are souvenir and handicraft shops, as well as restaurants and snack shops.
Another surprising attraction in the area is the little city jungle, the Bukit Nanas Forest Recreational Park which makes for refreshing jaunts amidst rich tropical foliage. A guided educational tour of the forest can be arranged with the Federal Territory Forestry Office via the management of the KL Tower. For more details, call +603 2020 5448.

ROYAL SELANGOR VISITOR CENTRE
A dramatic glass-clad foyer within scenic lush landscaping greets visitors upon arrival at the Visitor Centre along with Royal Selangor’s giant Tankard; the world’s biggest as certified by Guiness Book of World Records. The Visitor Centre comprises of three sectors; the Gallery, Factory Tour and Retail Store. The experience begins as one ascends the travelator to the Gallery that consists of a collection of interactive and educational exhibits, including a replica of the Petronas Twin Towers, assembled from 7,062 Royal Selangor Pewter tankards.
The Factory Tour brings visitors directly into Royal Selangor’s manufacturing heart, allowing visitors a first-hand view of, and even participating in Royal Selangor’s pewter crafting process. Visitors with time to spare may not want to miss out making their own pewter product. For a nominal fee, visitors can enroll in Royal Selangor’s School of Hard Knocks pewtersmithing workshop.
In a fun half-hour session, participants will learn to create their own pewter dish, using traditional tools as done by pewtersmiths more than a hundred years ago. Concluding the visit is the massive Retail Store, having the widest selection anywhere of Royal Selangor’s pewter collections, and includes fine jewellery by Selberan and sterling silver by Comyns, another member of the Royal Selangor Group.

ISTANA BUDAYA (NATIONAL THEATRE)
This beautiful kite-shaped building with a Minangkabau roof is a work of art. Its interior is based on the design of a traditional Malay house. Local and foreign artistes hold regular cultural and contemporary performances here. There is a traditional costume gallery on the second floor. The theatre is located along Jalan Tun Razak. (Tel: +603 4025 5932)

BALAI SENI LUKIS NEGARA (NATIONAL ART GALLERY)
Of unique architecture, the gallery is located at Jalan Temerloh, off Jalan Tun Razak. View permanent and temporary exhibits and works of art by Malaysian artists. There are also rotating exhibitions by international artists. (Tel: +603 4025 4990)

KOMPLEKS BUDAYA KRAF (CULTURAL CRAFT COMPLEX)
Located on Jalan Conlay, it houses several galleries having permanent exhibits of local crafts like batik and songket. Special promotions, exhibitions and craft demonstrations are held regularly. An Artists� Colony enables visitors to mingle with local artists. Visitors can also try batik printing, silver and copper tooling. A souvenir shop and several kiosks offer delightful local crafts. (Tel: +603 2162 7533)

RUMAH PENGHULU ABU SEMAN
A restored traditional Malay house belonging to Penghulu Abu Seman (Village Headman) at Jalan Stonor not too far from the Kompleks Budaya Kraf gives an insight into the traditional culture and architecture of the Malays. Guided tours are conducted from 11am to 4pm on Mondays to Saturdays. (Tel: +603 2144 9273)

MALAYSIA TOURIST CENTRE
Housed in a well-preserved old mansion along Jalan Ampang, the centre is open 24 hours to provide assistance to tourists. Built in 1935 by a wealthy Chinese tin and rubber tycoon Eu Tong Sen, the building was once occupied by the British Army and, later, the Japanese Army.
In 1957, it was the venue for the nation’s first sitting of Parliament. Over the years, it continued to play hosts to many historical and national events. Within its beautifully landscaped compound are the Saloma Restaurant and Bistro, souvenir shops and theatres where regular cultural performances are held. (Tel: +603 2164 3929)

TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN PUTRA MEMORIAL
It showcases the memorabilia of Malaysia’s first Prime Minister. The memorial is located at Jalan Dato� Onn. (Tel: +603 2694 7277)

THEAN HOU TEMPLE
Perched atop a hillock along Jalan Klang Lama, Teah Hou Temple enchants visitors with its sculptured dragons and decorative roofs. The temple is dedicated to Thean Hou (Queen of Heaven). Get a good view of the city skyline from its pagoda. (Tel: +603 2274 7088)

INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST PAGODA
The Pagoda is located in Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple which was built by Sinhalese Buddhists from Sri Lanka in 1800s. It houses Buddha relics and images given to the temple from the world over.

NATIONAL SCIENCE CENTRE
Located at Jalan Bukit Kiara, the centre takes visitors on a discovery of science with its 3,000 over interactive exhibits. (Tel: +603 2092 1150)

AQUARIA KLCC
This attraction offers a watery journey into the undersea world of sharks, fishes and turtles. A 10-foot long gigantic Arapaima and touches of frenzy shark-feeding makes this one of the region’s top aquariums. (Tel: +603 2333 1888)

MUZIUM NEGARA (NATIONAL MUSEUM)
Located at Jalan Damansara, the National Museum displays a Minangkabau roof and a massive mural on its façade. Inside the museum, dioramas and artifacts given an insight into the history of the country as well as its culture, wildlife and economy. (Tel: +603 2282 6255)

ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM
The Islamic Arts Museum is a treasure trove of Islamic calligraphy, Islamic ceramics, Islamic artifacts and ancient documents. The pride of the museum is an Ottoman room furnished with materials from the Ottoman Empire (1845-1923) of Turkey and Syria. (Tel: +603 2274 2020)

NATIONAL TELECOM MUSEUM
Divided into the historical gallery and modern gallery, National Telecom Museum reserves the history of telecommunications in the country through its artefacts. Interactive displays showcase the industry’s advancement and future development. (Tel: +603 2031 9966)

ROYAL MALAYSIAN ARMED FORCES
View weapons and military equipment in this museum which is located at Jalan Padang Tembak. (Tel: +603 2692 1333)

BANK NEGARA MONEY MUSEUM
Foreign and Malaysian notes and coins as well as replicas of ancient coins fill the showcases of the museum. (Tel: +603 2690 7461)

ROYAL MALAYSIAN POLICE MUSEUM
Situated at Jalan Perdana in the Lake Gardens, the museum displays police equipment as well as weapons used by criminals. (Tel: +603 2272 5689)

MAYBANK NUMISMATIC MUSEUM
This museum, housed in Menara Maybank at Jalan Tun Perak, exhibits a collection of Malaysian coinage and notes.

MISC MUSEUM
Located at Jalan Conlay, this museum exhibits maritime equipment and replicas of ships.