MALAYSIA-KUALA LUMPUR (PART 2)

TUN ABDUL RAZAK HERITAGE PARK

Encompassing 173 acres, Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park is a sprawling area with raintrees, lakes, flower gardens and trails. Visitors can explore the park on foot, take the tram service or rent a bicycle to get around the park. Attractions within the park include Perdana Botanical Gardens (formerly known as the KL Lake Gardens), KL Bird Park, Butterfly Park and many more.

PERDANA BOTANICAL GARDENS

A refreshing oasis of greenery, Perdana Botanical Gardens is the city’s premier park, sprawling over 200 acres. This tropical garden features exotic blooms, luxuriant foliage, impressive sculptures and majestic trees. Visitors can enjoy a stroll along the lake, go boating or put their stamina to the test at the jogging trails.

NATIONAL SCIENCE CENTRE

Housed in a futuristic looking building, the National Science Centre has various galleries that promote the understanding of Science and Technology.Visit the various galleries, such as Flight, Thinking Machinese, Kid’s World,Science Wonderland, Pathways to Science, Fascinating Tunnel and Wonderspark. Learn everything from how ariplanes float in the air and how robots work and watch a mind blowing 3D documentary!

ISTANA NEGARA (NATIONAL PALACE) JALAN DUTA

Istana Negara or The National Palace is the official residence of the King of Malaysia.This majestic edifice at Jalan Duta officially became the National Palace in 2011, replacing the old palace became the old palace in Jalan Istana. Covering 97.65 hectares, the palace boasts a traditional Malay design with Islamic art work that was created by renowned sculptors from Terengganu and Kelantan. The palace is graced by 22 domes, with the largest standing at 44 meteres in height.

TUGU NEGARA (NATIONAL MONUMENT) JALAN PARLIMEN

Situated overlooking the Kl Lake Gardens, the huge bronze monument was built to pay tribute the soldiers who gave their lives defending the country during the Communist insurgency in the 1950s. The National Monument was designed by Felix de Weldon, the architect of the famous Iwo Jima Memorial.

KL BIRD PARK

Sprawling over 20.9 acres, the KL Bird Park houses more than 3000 birds from 200 local and foreign species. Kl Bird Park is reputed to be the world’s largest free flight walk in aviary. This beautifully landscaped park is home to the Changeable –Hawk Eagle, Bird of Paradise and many more. After a visit, enjoy meal at the restaurant and café, built in the style of a traditional Malay house.

NATIONAL MUSEUM ( JALAN DAMANSARA)

Malaysia’s premier museum serves as a repository for the nation’s rich history and heritage. Built in 1963, the museum’s façade features a Minangkabau style roof with 2 impressive front murals. The museum has 4 main galleries, showcasing a collection of keris or the Malay dagger, musical instruments, ceramics and many other artefacts.

ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM

The museum showcases the beauty of Islamic arts in Malaysia and around the world. Highlights include Islamic architecture and replicas of famous building such as the Taj Mahal in India. , Masjid AL – Haram in Mekah and the Amir Tmur Musoleum in Uzbekistan .

MASJID NEGARA (NATIONAL MOSQUE)

This is the main mosque in the city, boasting a star shaped dome and a 73 metre high minaret. The beautifully landscaped grounds are dotted with pools and fountains. The mosque is situated at the fringes of the Perdana Lake Gardens. Visitors are advised to dress modestly when visiting the mosque and avoid prayer times.

LITTLE INDIA @BRICKFIELDS

This Indian enclave  has various social,culture, educational and religious establishments. Among the unique landmarks here are the Vivekananda Ashrama. Building which was constructedin 1904, the YMCA building was founded in 1905, old shophouses, schools, temples, churches , a mosque and a Chinese Temple.

SAINTMARY’S CATHEDRAL,JALAN RAJA

A fine example of early English Gothic architecture, this cathedral features stained glass windows and tasseled tile paving. A unique feature here is the pipe organ built in 1895 by Henry Wills, one of the greatest organ builders of his day.

SULTAN ABDUL SAMAD BUILDING, JALAN RAJA

Sultan Abdul Samad Building one of the city’s most enduring attractions. Built in 1897, the building is said to have been the finest in the Malay  states.It features an imposing porch, graceful horsehoe shaped arches, shiny copper domes and a 41.2 meter clock tower. The Ground Floor of this building houses a Tourist Information Centre.

DATARAN MERDEKA ( MERDEKA SQUARE) ,JALAN RAJA

Dataran Merdeka is one of the most important heritage sites in the city. The  Union Jack was lowered  hereto mark the country’s independence from Colonial rule. Hence , the name Dataran Merdeka, which means “ Independence Square “.

MASJID JAMEK (OFF JALAN TUN PERAK)

Built in 1909, Masjid Jamek is the city’s oldest surviving mosque. It features design elements that are inspired by the Mogul architecture in Northern India. Cupolas and minarets top the brick walls ad arched colonnades, while a 70 feet dome surmounts the prayer hall. This mosque occupies a historic location at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers, which is the birthplace of Kuala Lumpur.

KL CITY GALLERY, JALAN RAJA

KL City Gallery gives an overview of the city’s past, present and future through a collection of prints, miniatures and photographs. The gallery is situated in a 114 year old Moorish styled building. Visitors can watch artist at work, stand beside the largest wood veneer mural in the world and join a DIY workshop to assemble their own souvenirs.