MALAYSIA - Places of interest

NATIONAL MUSEUM
Located on the fringe of the Kuala Lumpur lake Gardens, the National Museum serves as the principal museum in the country. The design of this palatial building is based on the classical Malay architecture. The various galleries in the Museum provide interesting insights into the history, political development, culture, economy, arts, and flora and fauna of the country. Located on the museum's grounds are static displays including old locomotives, vintage cars and a replica of an ancient Malay palace. open: 9am-6pm (Daily) ,Admission: RM1, Children below 12 years: Free.

ISTANA NEGARA
The Istana Negara is the official residence of His Majesty, the Yang di Pertuan Agong, the King of Malaysia. It is located on a hillock at Jalan Istana, just outside the city center. The extensive grounds is enhanced by immaculate lawns and colorful gardens. The palace is also the venue for official and ceremonies. Visitors can witness the changing of the guards daily.

PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS
Currently the world's tallest two freestanding towers, the 88-story Petronas Twin Towers soars to a dizzying height of 452m above the city skyline, This gleaming architectural delight inspired by the Five Pillars of Islam is the centerpiece of the ultra-modern Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Situated within the towers is the Petronas Philharmonic Hall, home of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and the Petronas Performing Arts Group.

GALERI PETRONAS
The PETRONAS Art Gallery, an elegant International class fine art gallery located at Suria KLCC is the realisation of PETRONAS' aspiration of a world class art venue, complementing the Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS and PETOSAINS, Designed as a multifunctional and flexible space, the Galeri is divided into three galleries, namely the Main Gallery, the Annexe gallery and the Experimental Gallery which allow a number of exhibitions to be displayed simultaneously. Opening Hours: 10am-8pm (Monday-Sunday), Close: Friday, Tel: 03-207 7770.

MALAYSIA TOURIST INFORMATION COMPLEX (MATIC)
Built in 1935 as the residence of Eu Tong Seng, a wealthy tin miner, this historical landmark served as the war office of the British Army and the headquarters of the Japanese Army during World War ll. It was also the venue for the first sitting of Malaysia's parliament and the installation ceremonies of several kings of the country. It was renovated in 1988 for its present use as a one-stop tourist information complex. The complex houses other facilities including an auditorium, a souvenir shop and a restaurant. Open: Sunday, From 3.30pm-4.15pm, Admission:RM2

NATIONAL ZOO AND AQUARIUM
Located 13km northeast of Kuala Lumpur, the National Zoo houses some 200 species of animals, birds and reptiles while the aquarium has 80 species of marine and fresh-water life. Within the extensive grounds is an area for sea lions where visitors can see them being most active during feeding time. There are also train rides for children. Open: 9am-6pm Daily, Admission: RM5 (Adults) RM2 (Children).

CENTRAL MARKET
Spend a morning wandering through what was once a busy 'wet market'! The many shops housed in this heritage building will enchant tourists with their offerings such as antique clocks, jewellery, gems, woodcarvings, batik and pewterware. Those with an eye for the unusual will enjoy buying or browsing through the market's extensive range of novelty items such as jade trees and blown glass souvenirs.
The visitor will be able to see portrait artists, glass blowers in action, batik painters transforming a white material into vivid colours. Or simply relax at one of the many restaurants here and sample local or western food. During the weekends, at 7.30pm, cultural performances are held. Admission: Free, Enquiries: 03-2274 6542 (10am - 10pm).

JALAN MASJID INDIA
Anther colourful street of sidewalk artists, street trades and shops. The street takes it name from the Indian Muslim mosque here. Along this road are shops selling Indian brass oil lamps, silver tableware, glass bangles and gold jewellery.

MASJID JAMEK
Situated at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers, the mosque forms a startling contrast against the modern buildings behind it. It was built in 1909, making it the oldest mosque in the city. It features graceful arches and domes, reminiscent of the Moorish era.

MENARA KUALA LUMPUR
Situated atop Bukit Nanas in the vicinity of KL's hotel district, this 421m high concrete tower is Asia's tallest and the fourth tallest of the city from its observation deck as well as the revolving restaurant. The tower also serves as a transmission station for telecommunications, radio and television. Admission: RM8 (Adults), RM3 (Child from 4 to 12 years), Open: Daily from 9.00am-10pm, Tel:03-208 5448.

KUALA LUMPUR CITY CENTER PARK
The 20 hectare Park a beautiful mosaic of a peaceful garden offers visitors a reprieve. Designed by the late Roberto Burl Marx, the park is planned as a haven for flora and fauna. About 1900 indigenous trees and palms have been planted to provide biodiversity for the park. Aesthetically pleasing to the senses are the sculptures, murals and striking 'Lake Symphony' which comprises of two fountains located at the esplanade outside the Suria LKCC Shopping Complex.

DEWAN FILHARMONIK PETRONAS
Malaysia's first classical concet venue, Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, takes its inspiration from the traditional shoe-box shape of the great 19th Century European concert halls. The Dewan Filharmonik combines modern and traditional values of Malaysian culture seating an audience of 885 which includes box seating at stalls level and 20 luxury suites at Circle and Upper Circle levels. A magnificent klais pipe organ provides the backdrop for this intimate yet stunning venue.

NATIONAL SCIENCE CENTER
Perched atop a hill on 8 hectares of landscaped grounds at Bukit Kiara on the northwestern fringes of the city, the National Science Centre was established in 1996 to promote greater understanding and interest in science and technology. The building resembles a truncated cone capped with a geodesic dome. Among the fascinating themes featured in the exhibition galleries are an environmental odyssey, pathways to discovery, future world and thinking machines. Open: 10am-5pm. Friday Closed, Admission: RM6.00(Adults) RM3.00(Children), Enquiries: 03-252 1150

ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM MALAYSIA
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia located at Jalan Lembah Perdana houses various themed galleries. Among the galleries found here is the Islamic Architecture Gallery which showcases miniature replicas of renowned buildings such as the Taj Mahal, Iman Ismail Albukhary mosque and museum and the Amir Timur Mausoleum. Apart from this gallery is the Standard Chartered Ottoman Room which displays objects from the reign of the Ottoman Empire of Turkey and Syria. In the Al-Quran and Manuscript Gallery is a collection of more than 200 rare Islamic manuscripts which include a 30-Judz' Al-Quran from the Ming Dynasty. Tel:03-2071 2020.

PETALING STREET
Petaling Street (known as KL's Chinatown) is endowed with a distinct character of its own. This colorful street of shops, restaurants and hawker stalls bustles with vitality. Walk, linger or browse as the sights and sounds capture one's imagination. Flanking both sides of this street are shops selling anything from textiles to Chinese herbal medicines. There are also a number of restaurants serving authentic regional Chinese cuisine.

KOMPLEX BUDAYA KRAF
This handicraft complex located at Jalan Conlay houses top names in local handicrafts. Here, one can look out for chic batik outfit, ponder over the variety of home decor items or delight in finding the perfect gift to take back home!
On the ground floor of the complex, visitors can dabble in some paints and wax to create their own batik pieces. At the far end of the its landscaped grounds is the artists colony where one can watch artists at work. Paintings are available for sale.
The complex is equipped with visitor facilities, including a restaurant.