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TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Check out Merdeka
Square, the colonial
center and site of
Malaysian Independence
(1957); Chinatown,
showcasing kitschy
outdoor markets; the
nearby Batu Caves, a
shrine to Hindu deities;
and the Golden Triangle,
a busy commercial center
boasting the Petronas
Towers - the world’s
tallest building.
Browse around or click
on the links below to go
directly to the place
you're most interested
in. Bored of the same
old historical touristy
stuff? Well, for a taste
of modern KL, go to the
Projects page or for the
ultimate in high-tech,
visit my MSC page:)
BATU CAVES
Lying just north of
Kuala Lumpur not far
from Templer Park are
the Batu Caves, another
visually enchanting
natural marvel. Carved
out of limestone, these
meticulously sculpted
caverns are sacred Hindu
shrines. Nevertheless,
visitors are allowed to
visit daily. Inside
you’ll find a Hindu
Temple, as well as an
art gallery featuring
mythological Hindu
statues. Discovered in
1878, the Batu Caves are
part of a large
limestone outcrop and
house several items of
religious significance
to Hindus. An
exhausting, 272-step
climb, during which
scores of cute but
aggressive monkeys
beckon for munchies,
brings you to the Temple
Cave, which features a
Shrine to Lord
Subramania, a Hindu
deity. Inside this cave
it is dark, damp, cool
and a little eerie, but
nonetheless spectacular.
If the climb up is too
daunting, The Museum
Cave on the ground level
has bright paintings of
Hindu gods and other
mythical figures. Real
coconuts are sold at the
bottom of the steps,
too, as a refreshing
treat after the climb up
and down.
The most fascinating
time to visit the Batu
Caves is during the
festival of Thaipusam,
which usually falls in
January or February.
This remarkable festival
features hundreds of
Hindu devotees who make
a journey from a river
near the bottom of the
steps up to the Temple
Cave carrying on their
shoulders "kavadis,"
huge, half-wheel-like
structures which are
hooked into the
devotees' skin. Some
devotees also pierce
their tongues and cheeks
with sharp skewers. This
is done to reflect
gratitude for blessings
received or penance for
past sins. It is an
awesome, if not
gruesome, sight.
CENTRAL MARKET
A bridge across the
Sungai Klang links the
Dayabumi Complex to the
CENTRAL MARKET. Fifty
years ago this site was
occupied by a wet
market. Today, the
art-deco structure of
the Central Market is a
cultural center for the
display and development
of Malaysian culture,
arts and crafts as well
as a haven for local
artists and craftsmen.
The specialty in this
large covered enclave is
Malaysian handicrafts.
Many stores at Central
Market sell clothing and
other goods made from
the colorful,
traditional Malaysian
batik - beautiful and,
in most cases,
hand-drawn and
hand-printed fabrics.
Batik makes wonderful
shirts, dresses, ties
and handkerchiefs. The
shops and stalls within
the extensively
renovated building offer
a heady variety of
antiques, Asian
artifacts, curios,
souvenir items and
handicrafts. Portrait
artists and small-time
craftsmen set up shop in
various corners and
proceed to work,
oblivious to the stares
of curious onlookers.
The riverside
amphitheatre outside is
the venue for regular
performances of
traditional and
contemporary dances and
musical concerts. There
are many performances,
demonstrations, and
activities offered here,
including batik
painting, fortune
telling, shadow puppet
plays, glass blowing,
dance classes, art
classes, and many
others. A unique place
to venture and perhaps
pick up curios and
antiques for a bargain.
Central Market is also
home to one of the many
Royal Selangor outlets.
Royal Selangor is the
largest and oldest
manufacturer of pewter
products in the world,
having been established
since 1885, and its
factory is located just
outside the center of
the city. In fact, the
factory is included on
most city bus tours and
offers the most
comprehensive assortment
of goods at its
adjoining gift shop.
Royal Selangor's origins
are grounded in Kuala
Lumpur's history as the
"tin" capital of the
world; thus, a stop in
one of its stores is a
somewhat symbolic visit
to KL's commercial past.
Today, they make
everything from mugs and
coasters to letter
openers and picture
frames.
Next door is CENTRAL
SQUARE which houses a
Cineplex, antique and
souvenir shops, fast
food outlets and
restaurants. The complex
is an extension of the
development concept
embodying the Central
Market project and
involved the
rehabilitation of a row
of old pre-war shop
houses.
DATARAN MERDEKA
SULTAN ABDUL SAMAD
BUILDING
While KL is a display of
modernity, the city by
no means has disregarded
its past. To the
contrary, some of the
most brilliant sights of
KL are embedded in
history. Indeed, one of
the most picturesque
spots in the city also
happens to be the most
historically
significant: Merdeka
Square.
The elitist Royal
Selangor Club (it only
allowed whites) was
party central during the
early days of British
colonialism. Booze and
cricket were the main
attractions. All that
changed in August of
1957, when the British
flag came down and the
Malayan flag was raised.
The area became known as
Dataran Merdeka (or
Merdeka Square) and
hosts the festive
National Day celebration
each year.
Formerly known as the
Selangor Turf Club, the
Dataran Merdeka (or
Independence Square) -
the scene of the annual
celebration of
independence - was once
the focal point, and
cricket green (incl.
hockey, tennis, and
rugby matches), of the
British colonial
presence in Malaysia.
Appropriately enough, it
was here, in front of
the impressive and oft
photographed Sultan
Abdul Samad building,
with its unique Moorish
architecture and
foreboding clock-tower,
where the Union Jack was
lowered, the Malayan
flag hoisted up for the
first time and Tunku
Abdul Raman declared the
country independent from
Britain at 12:01 am on
August 31, 1957. In
front of thousands of
jubilant Malaysians,
Tunku Abdul Raman led a
famous chant: Merdeka!
Merdeka! Merdeka!
(Independence!)
signaling Malaysia's
independence as a
nation. A grand parade,
in which just about
every major Malaysian
organization
participates, from the
local post office to
multi-national
corporations (and in
which outlandish
costumes seem to be de
rigueur) is held once a
year to mark the
occasion of the nation's
birth. It is
appropriately known as
Merdeka Day. A 100-meter flagpole ,
the tallest in the
world, marks that spot
with a flat, round black
marble plaque. It is
located at the southern
end of the square
majestically flying the
national flag. Beneath
the newly returfed and
attractively laid out
Dataran Merdeka is the
Plaza Putra, an
underground food,
leisure and
entertainment complex.
The Royal Selangor Club,
overlooks Merdeka
Square. This quasi-Tudor
style timber structure
was built in 1890 and
remains a place to watch
a round of cricket on a
Sunday afternoon.
Also at Merdeka Square
is the Royal Selangor
Club, an old colonial
bastion where the
British elite used to
wine and dine. Its
Tudor-style exterior is
quite a contrast to the
Middle Eastern-looking
Sultan Abdul Samad
government building
across the square, but
it is nonetheless
representative of
Malaysia's colonial
past. You can sometimes
catch a game of cricket
being played on the
grounds in front of the
club, which is still a
private hangout for the
upper echelons of KL
society.
Across the road, the
gleaming copper domes
and 130-meter clock
tower of the Sultan
Abdul Samad Building are
by far the most
impressive architecture
feature of the Dataran
Merdeka, flanking it
from one end to the
other. Like the town
itself, it incorporates
a wide mix of cultural
styles in its
architecture and in
particular, Moorish
styles. This elaborate
edifice is a fantastic
blend of Moghul,
Moorish, Arab and
British neoclassical
architecture. Designed
by architects Norman and
Bidwell, the building
took more than two years
to build and was
completed in 1897. It
served initially as the
center of British
colonial administration
in Malaysia. Today, it
houses the Judicial
Department (Supreme and
High Courts) on one end
and Infokraf, a center
for Malaysian
handicrafts, on the
other. At night, the
building looks as if it
were plucked off the Las
Vegas strip, with bright
lights running up, down,
and around every wall as
the whole building is
lit up as if it were
Christmas, making an
excellent photo
opportunity. Click 1, 2,
3, 4, 5 or 6 for another
view.
DAYABUMI COMPLEX
The massive white modern
complex of the famously
expensive Dayabumi
Complex (picture) was
designed to blend in
with the pervading
Moorish and Byzantine
atmosphere of the
earlier establishments
surrounding it providing
an excellent example of
the marriage between
modern technology and
ancient cultures. The
building is criss-crossed
with latticed grillwork
inspired by Moorish
Islamic architecture.
The complex houses a
shopping arcade, City
Point, offices and the
General Post Office.
ISTANA NEGARA
ISTANA NEGARA (picture),
the official residence
of the DYMM SPB Yang
Di-Pertuan Agong (The
King) is located on a
hillock at Jalan Istana.
The formal grounds is
enhanced by immaculate
green lawns and formal
gardens ablaze with
blooms. A lily-filled
pond contributes to the
serene atmosphere. The
palace is also the venue
for official functions
and ceremonies. On
ceremonial occasions,
the palace and its
grounds are gaily
lit-up.
KUALA LUMPUR RAILWAY
STATION (OLD)
The KUALA LUMPUR RAILWAY
STATION, located at
Jalan Hishamuddin,
provide further examples
of Moorish inspired
architecture (picture 1,
2, or 3). Architect A.B.
Hubback continued to
feature arches, domes
and minarets with
relish, creating what
has come to be described
as a Byzantine Arabian
nights fantasyland. It
was built in 1910 and
underwent extensive
renovations in 1986
which also linked it to
the General Post Office
at Dayabumi. It is
equipped with
air-conditioned waiting
halls, snack kiosks,
money changing booths,
souvenir shops,
restaurants and a
tourist information
counter. Across the
street is the MALAYAN
RAILWAY ADMINISTRATION
BUILDING, another fine
example of the British
colonial adaptation of
Moorish architecture. It
is linked to the station
by an underground
thoroughfare. The
railway station was
transferred to the
spanking new KL Central
in Brickfields on April
16, 2001.
LAKE GARDENS (TAMAN
TASIK PERDANA)
Located off Jalan
Parlimen, Kuala Lumpur
Lake Gardens (Taman
Tasik Perdana) is the
greenbelt of KL, the
city's most popular and
scenic park, and a green
sanctuary nestled deep
in the city center with
a host of attractions,
many of them unique to
the region. Built in the
late 19th century around
an artificial lake, it
encompasses 230 acres of
undulating greenery
interspersed with
flowering shrubs, shady
trees, exceptional
botanical gardens,
flowers, lakes and other
notable features. There
is a children's
playground, jogging
tracks, exercise
stations, and rowing
boats. The popular
gardens offer plenty of
recreational
opportunities and
attractions. Among the
notable gardens and
places of interest in
the Gardens are the
following:
The Orchid Garden
showcases thousands of
international varieties
of the most beautiful
flower in the world. The
garden contains over 800
species from Malaysia
alone. The Hibiscus
Garden is a small
terraced garden which
provides a strikingly
colorful panorama of
countless varieties of
hibiscus. The Butterfly
Park houses some 6,000
butterflies of over 120
species. The park is an
imitation of the
butterfly's natural
habitat. It includes
more than 15,000 plants
from 100 species that
have been used to
recreate a Malaysian
rainforest atmosphere.
Bird Park, the largest
bird park in South-East
Asia, holds thousands of
tropical and exotic
birds representing
nearly every major
species of this part of
the world.
Deer Park is located in
the undulating slopes
and sprawling valley of
the Lake Gardens. Close
to the bubbling stream
at the edge of the
valley are several
mousedeer. The mousedeer
is the world's smallest
hoofed animal and a
popular figure in local
folklore due to its
legendary wit.
TUGU NEGARA (picture)
means National Monument.
The Malaysian National
Monument, which
commemorates the
struggle to resist
Communist aggression in
the 1950s and early 60s,
is also found in the
Lake Gardens. The
massive sculpture honors
the memory of those who
gave their life in the
battle and is one of the
largest freestanding
bronze sculptures in the
world. Tugu Negara
mirrors precisely the
famous monument
depicting the fall of
Iwo Jima.
CARCOSA SERI NEGARA
Set within 40 acres
of landscaped gardens
and perched on a hilltop
overlooking the Lake
Gardens is Carcosa Seri
Negara, a pair of
nineteenth- century
British colonial
mansions. The resort's
two mansions, Carcosa
and Seri Negara, were
built in traditional
colonial style at the
turn of the century for
the British Governor of
the Malay States and his
honored guests. In
October 1989, both
mansions were
administered together
forming what is now
Carcosa Seri Negara and
opened to guests from
around the world. There
are seven suites in the
Carcosa Mansion and six
in the Seri Negara
Mansion.
PARLIAMENT HOUSE
Standing on elevated
ground commanding a
panoramic view of the
Lake Gardens is the
modern Parliament House
with its distinctive
oval-shaped windows. It
is situated in one of
the greenest and most
beautiful areas in KL
and is superbly lit at
night. The main building
and its adjoining tower
block accommodate the
two houses of
Parliament, a banquet
hall, library, various
offices and committee
rooms. Visitors may view
Parliamentary sessions
by prior arrangement
with the authorities,
who will advise on
protocol and dress code.
NATIONAL PLANETARIUM
One of KL's latest
attractions, the
planetarium offers
visitors a better
insight into mankind's
new frontier, outer
space. Located atop a
hill in the Lake Gardens
surrounded by the
National Mosque,
National Museum and the
Bird Park, this center
for Space Science
Studies is indicative of
Malaysia's efforts to
create a scientifically
and
technologically-inclined
society. It is also a
fun way to spend an
afternoon. Among the
attractive facilities
that can be found are
the Space Theater, Space
Science Exhibition,
Theoretic, Resource
Center, Viewing Gallery
and Ancient Observatory
Park. A Space Science
Show and Sky Movie is
screened daily at the
Space Theater. There is
also a working
observatory equipped
with a 14-inch
telescope. Don't miss
the extraordinary lift
ride that will give you
a spectacular bird's-eye
view of Kuala Lumpur.
MASJID JAMEK
Near Dataran Merdeka are
two important mosques,
the Masjid Negara
(National Mosque) and
the Masjid Jamek (Jamek
Mosque), which stand as
prominent symbols of the
country's religious
history. As is custom
for Muslims, a call to
prayer occurs five times
a day, and many Malays
break their work day at
each calling. Emanating
from the mosques at
these times is what is
known as the "azan," a
sing-songy chant -- sung
by the "muezzin" -- that
echoes over the area.
Friday prayers, held in
the afternoon, are the
cause of many a traffic
jam in KL as worshippers
rush to the nearest
mosque.
Masjid Jamek, which
dates back to 1909, is
KL's oldest mosque.
Located in Jalan Tun
Perak, this Moorish
mosque - inspired by the
Indian Muslim style of
architecture - rests on
the confluence of the
Klang and Gombak Rivers,
the birth-place of Kuala
Lumpur. This is the very
spot where the first
settlers of Kuala Lumpur
in search of tin built
their shacks. The
red-bricked structure of
Masjid Jamek features
attractive gold
onion-shaped domes,
numerous arched
colonnades, and shiny
marble floors designed
by A.B.Hubback. See
history of KL.
Mosques welcome visitors
to peruse the grounds as
long as they wear the
appropriate garments,
which are provided at
the entrances. (Both men
and women must cover any
"bare" body parts, such
as arms and legs, and
women are asked to cover
their head.) Unlike the
Western church, where
the interior is clogged
with pews, mosques offer
an airy floor space on
which to kneel, and men
and women worship in
separate compartments.
Although prayer times
provide a unique
opportunity to observe
Islamic worshippers, and
listen to the azan, you
will not be allowed into
the premises of any
mosque at these times
unless you are a Muslim.
MATIC
The MALAYSIA TOURIST
INFORMATION COMPLEX
(MATIC) at Jalan Ampang,
was formerly known as
the TUANKU ABDUL RAHMAN
HALL. Built in 1935, it
was originally the
mansion of a Malaysia
planter and tin-miner.
It served as the
headquarters of the
British Army in 1941 and
later the Japanese
Imperial Army. One of
the numerous historical
events to take place
under its roof was the
installation of the
first Yang Di Pertuan
Agong. After undergoing
extensive restaurant,
this building now houses
the tourist information
complex which include an
exhibition hall,
information counter,
mini auditorium, a
restaurant and travel
services counters.
NATIONAL LIBRARY
Located at Jalan Tun
Razak. The blue-roofed
building was inspired by
a tengkolok, the
traditional Malay
headgear, and songtet, a
richly-designed brocade
fabric. The library is a
very recent addition to
Kuala Lumpur, having
opened only in 1992. The
extensive holdings
include a collection of
publications on Malaysia
by Malaysian authors as
well as ancient Malay
manuscripts.
NATIONAL MOSQUE
The National Mosque,
with a capacity of 5000,
is situated among five
acres (13 hectares) of
beautiful gardens.
Originally built in
1965, it was recently
refurbished, and now
features marble floors,
reflecting pools,
fountains and a 73-meter
high minaret, sleek and
stylish against the
Kuala Lumpur skyline. An
underground passage
leads to the boldly
modern National Mosque
located near the railway
station, along Jalan
Sultan Hishamuddin. Its
bright blue jagged
rooftop, designed in the
shape of an
eighteen-pointed star,
has the appearance of a
partly opened multi-fold
umbrella-like roof which
symbolizes the
aspirations of an
independent nation. Its
unique modern design
embodies a contemporary
expression of
traditional Islamic art
calligraphy and
ornamentation.
NATIONAL MUSEUM
The NATIONAL MUSEUM just
outside the Lake
Gardens, is a palatial
structure built in style
of old Malay
Architecture. Located
atop a hill at Jalan
Travers, it provides an
interesting introduction
to the history and
culture of Malaysia.
Built in the style of a
Malay palace, its
impressive facade of two
large murals depicts
scenes of the country's
colorful past and rich
culture. Inside are
interestingly laid out
displays and exhibits on
local history, culture
and traditions, arts and
crafts; economic
activities; local flora
and fauna; weapons and
currency.
The museum houses
various galleries, each
with its own theme. The
Historical Gallery
traces the different
periods in the history
of Peninsular Malaysia.
The Cultural Gallery is
a collection of various
aspects of the Malaysian
culture, from common
everyday pastimes to
important ceremonial
customs. Included in the
exhibits are a Malay
wedding scene, a royal
circumcision ceremony,
and an presentation on
the heritage of the
Straits-born Chinese.
The Metalwork and
Musical Instruments
Gallery showcases
various objects and
utensils from
kitchenware and
ceremonial ornaments to
weapons and traditional
instruments of Malaysian
music.
Other galleries include
the National Sports
Gallery and the Natural
History Gallery.
Outside, are old
locomotives, vintage
cars and other relics of
transport from days gone
by. Reconstructed Malay
palaces from others
parts of the country
also grace the expansive
grounds. The National
Museum also holds
regular thematic
exhibitions featuring
specific aspects of life
and culture from all
over the world.
NATIONAL SCIENCE
CENTER
Located in Bukit Kiara,
the huge geodesic dome
of the National Science
Center provides an aptly
futuristic setting for
nine galleries depicting
various scientific
exhibitions. A fusion of
modern architecture with
Islamic design, a space
theme park at the
National Science Center
presents a Space Science
Show and Sky Movie on a
20m diameter dome
screen. Other facilities
include an exhibition
hall, observatory with a
14-inch telescope and
viewing gallery with
binoculars.
NATIONAL ZOO &
AQUARIUM
Thirteen kilometers
north-east of Kuala
Lumpur is the National
Zoo. The National Zoo is
home to countless
varieties of rare
animals, reptiles, and
birds, all of which are
contained within a vast
landscape of specially
recreated gardens. The
Aquarium at the back of
the zoo contains an
exotic array of
multicolored tropical
fish. Tours are
available daily.
PETALING STREET &
CHINATOWN
PETALING STREET - The
heart of Kuala Lumpur's
original CHINATOWN and a
bustling night market
serving as a bargain
hunter's paradise and
one of the premier
shopping areas in the
city with its distinctly
oriental atmosphere.
Petaling Street
maintains much of its
traditional atmosphere,
particularly at night
when vendors spread
their wares out on the
street. While it is
possible to purchase
anything from gems and
incense to toys and
t-shirts here, enjoying
the night market is
really a matter of just
wandering about and
enjoying its sights,
sounds, and energy.
Incredible bargains
amidst a melange of
signs, shops, noise and
roadside food stalls
open until the wee hours
of the morning. A must
for any tourist. Another
scene of KL's famous
night markets.
At the end of the street
is the CHAN SEE SHU YUEN
TEMPLE which dates back
to 1906. The interior of
this highly stylized
building features open
courtyards pavilions,
intricate carvings and
paintings. Outside,
elaborate glazed ceramic
sculptures grace the
facade and roof ridges.
The SRI MAHAMARIAMMAN
TEMPLE at Jalan Tun
H.S.Lee, is close to
Chinatown. Built in
1873, the temple is said
to be the most ornate
and elaborate Hindu
temple in the country.
The design and
decorative features
include intricate
carvings of Hindu
deities, gold
embellishments, precious
stones and hand-painted
motifs. Exquisite
Italian and Spanish
tiles provide further
ornamentation. A silver
chariot housed within
the premises features
prominently in religious
processions,
transporting the statue
of the deity through the
city streets.
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