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Kuala
Lumpur is situated midway
along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia,
at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak
rivers. It is approximately 35 km from
the coast and sits at the centre of the
Peninsula's extensive and modern transportation
network. Kuala Lumpur is easily the largest
city in the nation, possessing a population
of over one and a half million people
drawn from all of Malaysia's many ethnic
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Declared as
Malaysia's and the world's tallest buildings,
the Petronas Twin Towers, are the inspired
symbol of Malaysia's new landmark to the world,
situated in the north-west corner of the Kuala
Lumpur City Center (KLCC) development. The
buildings were built to house the headquarters
of PETRONAS, Malaysia's national petroleum
corporation. Soaring 452 meters up to the sky,
the Petronas Twin Towers mark both in time
and space an historic achievement and the national
pride of Malaysia.
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Kuala
Lumpur Railway station
is located at Jalan Hishamuddin This Moorish-style
terminal was designed by architect A.B.
Hubbock, who also designed the Masjid
Jam. Built in 1910, it underwent extensive
renovations in 1986. 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. |
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The Dataran
Merdeka (formerly the Selangor Club Padang)
was once the focal point, and cricket green,
of the British colonial presence in Malaysia.
Like the surviving Dutch buildings in Malacca,
the structures edging the Dataran Merdeka are
startling testimony to colonial residents'
desire to recreate the physical environment
of their native land. Situated on one corner
of the square is the Selangor Club, which once
served as the social centre for British residents.
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National
Library is located at
Jalan Tun Razak. The blue-roofed building
was inspired by a tengkolok, the traditional
Malay headgear, and songket, 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. Open: 1Oam-5pm
(Sat-Sun), Closed on Monday. |
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The center
of Kuala Lumpur's original Chinatown. 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
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Istana Negara
The official residence of the Yang Di-Pertuan
Agong (The King), located on a hillock at Jalan
Istana. The palace is surrounded by green lawns,
ponds and trees. On ceremonial occasions, the
palace and its grounds are gaily lit-up.
National Zoo and Aquarium
Thirteen kilometers north-east of Kuala Lumpur
is the National Zoo. It contains hundreds
of different species of animals, birds, and
reptiles. The aquarium has an extensive collection
of marine and freshwater species.
Central Market
Fifty years ago this site was occupied by a wet
market. Today, the art-deco structure of the
Central Market is a centre for the display and
development of Malaysian culture, arts and crafts.
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. The building won the Coronation
Architecture Design Award in 1953.
Malaysian National Monument
Also within the Lake Gardens, one of the world's
largest freestanding bronze sculptures. The
monument commemorates those who died in Malaysia's
struggle against Communist insurgency in the
1950s. Beside the National Monument are the
ASEAN Gardens and the Memorial Tun Razak, which
houses memorabilia of Malaysia's second Prime
Minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein.
National Museum
The National Museum, located atop a hill at
Jalan Travers, 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 colourful past. The museum houses
various galleries, each with its own theme.
The Historical Gallery traces the different
periods in the history of Peninsular Malaysia.
National Art Gallery
Located at Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin (opposite
The Kuala Lumpur Railway Station), the
National Art Gallery is housed in a 1932
building which is conserved under the
National Heritage Trust. The building
was formerly the Majestic Hotel. The art
gallery showcases the works of contemporary
artists, and a permanent collection of
works of local and foreign origin are
also displayed.
National Planetarium
Located atop a hill in the Lake Gardens,
this centre 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. A Space and Sky Movie is screened
daily.
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