Adorning the summit of Kuala Lumpur's Pineapple Hill, the Menara Kuala Lumpur rises phenomenally over the city's landscape. This needle-like telecommunications tower measures 421 metres (1,381 feet), offering visitors extraordinary views of the city from its spacious sky deck, which can also be enjoyed from the on-site revolving restaurant. Besides offering avenues for recreation, it also brilliantly operates as a lunar observatory, allowing devout Muslims to observe the moon throughout the holy month of Ramadan. Declared open to the public since 1996 when it finished construction, the Kuala Lumpur Tower was also misunderstood as the city's tallest building, because of its perch atop a hill. It is recognized, however, as the 7th tallest self-supporting tower in the world.
Aside from the usual greeting cards and photo frames, Gift Lane offers an extensive range of board games, such as Scrabble, backgammon and chess. You will also find an array of pewter items ideal for your dressing table, such as creatively designed jewelery boxes. For the young, there is a wide selection of soft toys, ranging from the popular Mickey Mouse to the classic Winnie the Pooh.
Asian Heritage Row is a long row of refurbished buildings that house a wide variety of cuisine. Locals and tourists alike head to the Asian Heritage Row for entertainment and dining. For Malaccan Portuguese head to Kristao Restaurant and Bar or for a snack the Bisou Bake Shop can't be beat. The Asian Heritage Row contains various nightclubs, including the Loft KL and the Rupee Room.
This Kuala Lumpur institution in its present form has been around since 1937. Central Market is a treasure trove of handmade items, souvenirs, custom-made crafts and art. At this wonderful shopping center/market, you'll find various stalls and small shops offering unique wares. Batik textiles can be found throughout and make for a great souvenir. A nearby theater puts on traditional wayang kulit (shadow puppet shows).
Established in 1998, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is an attractive blend of modern architecture and traditional Islamic design. This gleaming white structure stands imposingly just next to the National Mosque and behind the Malayan Railway administration building. Housed within the center is an impressive collection of Islamic art objects from Malaysia as well as other Islamic countries. There is also a library and research facility for public use. Also, enroll in one of their many educative programs to know the regional art and culture.
After gaining its independence in August of 1957, the Federation of Malaya, the Malaysian federal government, decided to build the museum on the site of the old Selangor Museum. Construction began in 1959 and the doors opened in August of 1963. It is a place that houses and recounts Malaysia's rich cultural and historical heritage.
A world-class giant aquarium, Aquaria KLCC houses a wide range of marine life from around the world. Along with the Discovery Zones are projectors that present facts about the many species found here. Arguably, the highlight of Aquaria KLCC is the Aqua Theatre, where visitors can see daily feedings through a large acrylic window. Spend a day discovering the wonders of the deep at this fascinating aquarium.
Once set in virgin jungle, the National Zoo now stands like an oasis amidst a concrete jungle. The zoo features about 400 species of Malaysian and exotic mammals, reptiles and birds. There are numerous paths meandering between wooded groves and tree-lined enclaves where the animal enclosures are located. Among the more exotic exhibits are the Sumatran tiger, orangutans and gibbons. All are extremely rare outside this part of the world. There are also scheduled pony and elephant rides as well as a sea lion show daily.