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Batu Caves
Batu Caves, separated from "Titiwangsa" central
mountain range by "Gombak" and "Batu"
rivers, is the Hindu Temple Complex, consisting of 3 grand
caves: Dark Cave, Museum Cave and Temple Cave. Dark Cave
contains brilliant rock formations, while Museum Cave
recreates scenes from Indian mythology. Climb up 272 steps
to Temple Cave and see the shrine, where devotees gather
during Hindu Festival of Thaipusam. This world-renowned
annual event is held sometimes in January or February.
Bid Park
Daily 9-18
Covering 3.2 hectares of landscaped streams and pathways,
Kuala Lampur Bird Park is one of the world's largest
walk-in aviaries. It is located in Taman Tasik Perdana
(Lake Gardens) and houses over 5000 free-flying birds of
100 different species within netted enclosure.
Butterfly Park
Daily 9-17; weekends and holidays 9-18
It is fascinating walk-in tropical park in the heart of
the city. It is to 6000 butterflies from over 120 species.
Central Market
Daily 10-22
It was once the city's biggest fresh produce market. It
was built in 1928 and now enjoys new life as popular
tourist stop for art and craft, restaurants and cultural
performances, similar to London's Convert Garden or
Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco.
Craft Complex
Daily 8:45-18
Craft Complex in Jalan Conlay exhibits and sells variety
of Malaysian ethnic craft, ceramic and batik. In weekends,
you could visit artists at work, craft workshops as well
as cultural performances.
Istana Negara
This is the official residence of DYMM Yang DiPertuan
Agong (Malaysia's head of State). It is not open to the
public, but visitors can witness the changing of the royal
guard daily. Rulers Conference, various royal and national
ceremonies, investitures and official banquets are held
here.
Jamek Moaque
It is one of the most photographed building in the country
and is situated at the confluence of Klang and Gombak
rivers. It is designed by colonial British architect A. B.
Hubbock, in 1909 and incorporates many features of Moorish
architecture.
KL Railway Station
It was built in 1910. Islamic influences in the design of
graceful arches and minarets, make this one of the most
distinctive railway stations in the world. The building
underwent extensive renovations in 1986 to upgrade
facilities. This is the nerve center of Malaysian railways
that stretches from North to South and Eastward to
Kelantan.
Lake Gardens
Developed in 1880s, these gardens cover 170 acres of
rolling lawns, gardens and 2 lakes. The bird, butterfly
and deer parks, as well as orchid and hibiscus gardens are
located within its grounds. It is one of the prime natural
landmarks of Kuala Lampur.
Menara KL
This structure, the tallest tower in Southeast-Asia,
stands 421 meters high at the pinnacle of Bukit Nanas.
Tower-head houses revolving restaurant and observation
platform that gives bird's-eye view of Kuala Lampur.
Merdeka Square
One of the turf at Merdeka Square, a marble plaque marks
the spot, where Union Jack was lowered at midnight on
August 30, 1957, and Malayan flag hoisted up for the first
time, marking the birth of the nation. The flagpole is the
tallest in the world and live entertainment and cultural
shows are staged at the amphitheatre on festive occasions.
Royal Selangor Club and St. Mary's Cathedral are 2 famous
landmarks close by.
National Mosque
Daily 9-18
The unique modern design of National Mosque embodies
contemporary expression of traditional Islamic art,
calligraphy and ornamentation. The main dome in the shape
of 18-pointed star, represents 13 states of Malaysia and
their unification by 5 Pillars of Islam. Visitors must
dress conservatively and remove their footwear before
entering.
National Monument
This sculpture in bronze depicts 7 soldiers of Malayan
infantry. It was designed by American artist "Felix
Weldon" and cast in Italy. It commemorates the memory
of servicemen, who lost their lives during the struggle
against communist insurgency in 1950s.
National Museum
Daily 9-18
Featuring classical Malay architecture, it houses
collections on history, local culture and customs, natural
history, as well as outdoor display of artifacts from the
country's past.
National Planetarium
10-17 Wed-Sun; Tel.: 2273 5484/5/6
Located close to the National Mosque, the attractions here
include exhibits on space science and astronomy, a theatre
screening 3-Dimensional movies, a viewing gallery and
observatory,...
National Science Center
Tel.: 252 1150
This striking green-domed building is an architectural
marvel that has 9 interesting galleries, each housing
exhibits on different scientific themes. Interesting
interactive displays illustrating laws of science provide
hours of learning and entertainment.
National Zoo
Daily 9-17; Tel.: 4108 3427
One of 3 zoos in Peninsular Malaysia, Zoo Negara (National
Zoo) houses a large collection of local birds, mammals and
reptiles. It is approximately 12 km from the city center,
just off Jalan Ulu Kelang.
Matic
Tel.: 2164 3929
This tourist information complex offers a glimpse of
Malaysia's attractions and culture through audio-visual
presentations, exhibitions and shows. Traditional dance
performances are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
and Sundays at 15:30. It was built in 1935 and was once
the home of wealthy tin-miner and planter, Eu Tong Seng.
During World War II, it served as British War Office for a
short time in 1941 (until Japanese invasion) and later
became Japanese Imperial Army HQ until 1945.
Petronas Twin Towers/Petrosains
Malaysia's pride and testimony of achievement, Petronas
Twin Towers is the world tallest building standing 451.9 m
high. It is designed by the renowned Cesar Pelli. The
tower sits amidst 500 acre landscaped park. The sky bridge
joining the two towers at the 41st floor is open to the
public daily 10-12:45 and 15-16:45, except Mondays and
public holidays. KLCC Suria, shopping complex located at
the base of the towers, also houses Petrosians science
center. Focusing on Malaysia's oil an gas industry, it
applies high-tech and interactive approach to learning.
Enjoy the Dark Ride, walk through giant molecules at
Molecular Magic or travel back in time some 200 million
years through Geo-time Formation.
Royal Selangor
Malaysian pewter has gained international acclaim for its
fine design and craftsmanship. In recognition of its
quality, Royal Selangor received royal warrant from his
Royal Highness, Sultan of Selangor, conferring the title
of "Royal Pewtere". You could visit the factory
to see how pewter is crafted. A popular attraction here is
the giant tankard, the world's largest, listed in Malaysia
Book of Records and Guinness Book of World Records.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Originally the offices of Colonial Secretariat, they later
served as the first administrative center of Malayan
government. It was built in 1848, by British architects,
A. C. Norman and A. B. Hubback. This heritage landmark is
framed for its Islamic-inspired architecture. It, now,
houses Court of Law The 40-meter high clock tower is a
popular gathering-point for New Year and National Day
countdown celebrations and parades.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
It was built in 1893. Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, on Jalan
Tun H S Lee, is one of the oldest and most ornamented
Hindu temples in the country. The intricately adorned
portico of deities, decorated with gold and precious
stones, depicts stories from early Hindu history. This is
the starting point of the annual Thaipusam festival
procession. Footwear must be removed, before entering the
temple.
Thean Hou Temple
It is situated on hilltop off Jalan Seyd Putra. The temple
is one of the largest and most ornate Buddhist temples in
the region. Its impressive architecture combines
traditional Chinese elements with modern architectural
techniques. This picturesque temple is an active center of
Buddhist culture and learning, where devotees gather to
celebrate major religious festivals.
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