National Museum (Muzium Negara)

Located in the heart of the city of Kuala Lumpur and set amongst its neighbourhood of historical buildings and romantic parkland, Muzium Negara’s architecture is a fine blend of the traditional Malay style and modern lines. The museum building, apart from being stimulative from the point of tradition also presents a panaromic view of the development of Malaysia, as depicted by the two large murals of Italian glass mosaic which extend across the Museum’s facade. Muzium Negara was officially opened on 31 August 1963, is a repository of Malaysia’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

Muzium Negara is a three storied structure of 109.7 meters long and 15.1 meters wide and 37.6 meters at the central point. It is a palatial structure built in the style of Minangkabau architecture. The museum houses four main galleries specialising in ethnology and natural history. Built in the style of a Rumah Gadang, its impressive facade of two large murals depicts scenes of the country's colourful past and rich culture. The displays range from free-standing tableau showing traditional cultural events like weddings, festivals and beautiful costumes; to the rich variety of weapons, musical instruments, arts and crafts, precious ceramics, and flora & fauna.

Muzium Negara attracts some half million visitors annually. The museum is located at Jalan Damansara and is open from 9.00 am – 6pm daily. It is only closed on the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya AidilAdha. Admission is RM2.00 for adults and children above 12 years old. Entrance to the museum is free to children under twelve years of age and children wearing school uniform.

History
It was the site of the former Selangor Museum. It was built by the British and Selangor governments in 1898 following the formation of Federated Malay States in 1896. However, during World War II, the right wing of museum was suddenly bombed and destroyed by Imperial Japanese Navy's air strike during the invasion of Kuala Lumpur in 1941.

After the Second World War, the left wing of Selangor Museum was still in use as a historical site. After Federation of Malaya achieved its independence on 31 August 1957, the federal government decided to build the national museum at the old site of Selangor. Construction began in 1961 and completed in 1965. The National Museum was launched by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong III Tuanku Syed Putra Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail on the 31st of August 1963 and was officially opened on 22 November 1965.

Interior
Displays and exhibits in the museum focus 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 Malaysian culture, from common everyday pastimes to important ceremonial customs. Included in the exhibits are a Malay wedding scene, a royal circumcision ceremony, and a presentation on the heritage of the Peranakan community. 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. In the museum grounds are historical locomotives, vintage cars and other relics of transport. Reconstructed Malay palaces from others parts of the country also grace the expansive grounds. The Muzium Negara also holds regular thematic exhibitions featuring specific aspects of life and culture from all over the world.

BUILDING

Design
The National Museum was designed according to a compilation of aesthetic elements and traditional Malay carving motifs. Y.T.M. Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the Father of Independence, as well as the First Prime Minister of Malaysia, personally chose this exquisite design.

Architecture
The architecture of the National Museum comprises 26 concrete pillars, positioned to reflect the features of a traditional Malay palace. The 26 pillars concept is based on the assembly of 13 pillars to the east and 13 more to the west of the building, which represents the 13 states of Malaysia.

Mural
The mural on the west side of the building illustrates the economic activities, traditional ceremonies and customs inherited by the Malaysian society. The mural on the east side of the building faces Jalan Travers is chronologically documents the significant events of Malay history, including the eminent Malacca Malay Sultanate, colonization and the independence of Malaysia in 1957.

How to get there:
Travelling by Commutor / LRTPutra Disembark in KL Sentral, Muzium Negara is about 0.5 km walking distance.

Central Market (Pasar Seni/ Pasar Budaya)

Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur , Central Market is an entertainment and recreational hub for local citizens and foreigners. Though somewhat commercialized by the rapid developments around it, one can still find much of our Malaysian culture retained in the arts and crafts sold there. Reflecting the typical busy streets in city life, it stands in a remarkable position amongst other modern city skyscrapers. Central Market is kept for its historical value; it was built by the British in 1900 and back then its primary purpose was to serve as a wet market. Currently, it still retains the nostalgic feel of Malaysian history during the pre-independence era. As a matter of fact, the building was honoured with Coronation Architecture Design Award in 1953.

Dearly known as the one-stop souvenir-shopping central in Kuala Lumpur, you can find any type of souvenir item you can think of here. This art-deco style building showcases all the souvenir stalls in style; ranging from personalized key chains, T-shirts, antique replicas, paintings, costume jewelry to pewter. One could easily spend hours at a time just browsing through all the souvenirs and mingling in the crowd.

If you are looking for very traditional handcrafts like batik (hand painted clothing), rattan, bamboo products or even Wau (traditional Malay kites), Central Market is definitely the place for you. You may even feel astounded by extraordinary displays of porcelain Hindu and Chinese deity statues. All these enticing souvenirs are available to take home at reasonable prices. The Malay Village is also a must “traditional handcrafts” lovers. The conceptual Malay Village fills the space of eight shop lots and only local specialized handcraft traders are allowed to take up occupancy here. Examples are the traditionally woven songket (luxurious fabric with gold & silver threads sewn intricately on it) that is usually seen on the elite Malay crowd; sutera (valuable silk weaving), Batik (dyed silk fabrics that are further enhanced with flower designs by hand painters); Wau Kelantan (a meticulously created Malay kite that is rich in culture) and Kelantan silver and antiques.

Far from merely being a bazaar, Central Market projects insight to incoming visitors, with local diversified cultures such as fortune telling services and wayang kulit, a shadow puppet show. If you have a little time to spare, get your majestic image captured on canvas by talented portrait artists. Central Market also offers fun local street performances as well. For those who yearn to venture further with the performing arts attractions, an outdoor amphitheatre by the riverside presents contemporary dance, music and cultural concerts; all of them evening performances from Thursdays to Sundays.

A visit to Central Market will bestow upon you a vivid sense of Kuala Lumpur city life; combined with traditional and diversified cultures that represent Malaysia . One will be able to effortlessly enrich their palates with indigenous and exotic cultures just by trying out a variety of cuisines at the ground floor. There’s even an old English pub to make merry and have drinks!

HISTORY
The history of Central Market goes back to 1888 where the location it now stands was used as an open wet market. Later when the open market continued to expand, a permanent structure was built to house all vendors. By the 1930s, the permanent structure was further improvised to have the current facade which we can see today and thence on opened its doors to Kuala Lumpur's growing population as a wet market.

Towards the end of the 1970s, the Malaysian Heritage Society decided to preserve the building under its heritage programme and through an allocation of RM9 million granted by the Federal Government, the building underwent another facelift to renovate the building from a wet market to a Centre for Malaysian Culture, Arts and Handicrafts. Ever since then the facade remained unaltered to retain the charm of the yesteryear.

On the 15 April 1986, Melewar Leisure Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Kumpulan Melewar Berhad took over the ownership of the building and used it to promote the Malaysian Culture through the sales of Malaysian Arts and Handicrafts products.

Today Central Market has a new management team who is spearheaded by Mr. Bernard . He and his team are committed to further entrench Central Market as a Centre for the promotion of the Malaysian Culture & Heritage and a must-visit tourist destination.

What are there?
The building has pale blue colour. In front of the Central Market is a square with palm trees. If it's too hot outside you can cool down inside, because there's an air-conditioning.
Inside the building there are two levels. On both levels are shops for souvenirs and handicrafts. At the first level are some artists and you can buy T-shirts.On the second level is even a small hawker center and you can buy antique items.

Amid the stalls selling an array of souvenirs are small outlets where Malaysian artists display their works. Visitors may even have their portrait painted or order custom-made handicrafts.
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 hawker center on the second floor is a good place for lunch. There's a lot of lovely food.On the left you'll see the hawker center. This photo was taken at 10.30 am. They had just opened their stalls.

The opening hours of the Central Market: daily 10.00am - 10.00pm. Some shops are are opening at 11.00am.

Be alert to cultural shows and art exhibitions that are held here from time to time. When we visited the Central Market there was an exhibition of products from Russia.
As from second floor you have a beautiful view of what's happening below.you takes place.At the right you see some stalls with food. At the left you have some handicraft shops. There are also plenty of small specialty shops and eclectic gift shops.

How to get there?
Many modes of transportation are available; take the Putra Line Rail Transit (LRT) and get off at the Pasar Seni station, or hail a cab and travel a direct route to Central Market. Waste no more time and make Central Market your next destination by heading over to Jalan Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur .

Menara Kuala Lumpur/ Kuala Lumpur Tower

Ever wanted to see the whole of Kuala Lumpur an instant? More than just a sight to remember, Menara Kuala Lumpur is poised to be Malaysia's top tourist destination providing both local and foreign tourists with a breathtaking and picturesque view of Kuala Lumpur from a towering height of 276m. Keeping the consumers in mind, Menara KL has developed an exciting program where people get to dine, shop as well as have a bird's eye view of the CITY OF LIGHTS all in one tower. At Menara KL, visitors will also find a theatrette, an amphitheatre, beautiful cascading pools, a fast food restaurant and souvenir shops. A trip to Kuala Lumpur will simply not be complete without a visit to Menara Kuala Lumpur!

Completed in May, 1996 and acting as the country's main telecommunications and multimedia broadcasting tower, Menara Kuala Lumpur is located in the heart of the Golden Triangle at the epicenter of Kuala Lumpur's business and entertainment district, you can reach the Tower from Jalan Sultan Ismail to Jalan P. Ramlee via Jalan Punchak with parking provided for up to 184 vehicles.

Menara Kuala Lumpur stands at 515m above sea level. Majestically poised at a breathtaking height of 421 metres (1403 ft), the Tower doubles as Kuala Lumpur's best known ambassador.

Situated atop Bukit Nanas at 94m above sea level, it is on higher ground than the Twin Towers of Kuala Lumpur. Menara Kuala Lumpur was constructed as a telecommunications tower to upgrade the quality of telecommunications and the clarity of broadcast transmissions. Undoubtedly, Menara Kuala Lumpur marks the start of a milestone in the telecommunications arena.

Menara Kuala Lumpur is one of the tallest concrete towers in the world, standing at 421m and built with 45,000 cubic metres of sturdy concrete. Designed with vertical ribs on the external surface, the Tower weighs 100,000 tonnes and was built on no-piling, freestanding land. Menara Kuala Lumpur opulently stands as the tallest tower in Southeast Asia.

CONSTRUCTION

Menara Kuala Lumpur, the nation's spectacular tower, was designed by the local firm of Kumpulan Senireka Sdn. Bhd. and constructed by Wayss & Freytag to provide the nation with a telecommunications and broadcasting tower. It is one of the tallest concrete towers in the world at 421 metres and also the fourth tallest telecommunications tower in the world.

The construction of Menara Kuala Lumpur which began on October 1991, was a 3-phase process. The first phase was the widening of Jalan Punchak and the excavation of soil from the construction site. This phase went on until 15 August 1992.

Artistry in ConstructionOn 6 July 1992, the second phase began with the construction of the foundation and basement of the tower. Approximately 50,000 cubic metres of concrete were continuously poured for 31 hours thus setting a record in the Malaysian construction industry. The foundation work that required no piling was completed by 15 April 1993.

The third phase was the construction of the 'superstructure' which began in May 1993. The tedious construction of the tower stet with the erection of the tower shaft, then the tower head later. As the finishing touches to the tower head were being done, the construction of the touristic building began.

The touristic building is adomed with designs that reflect the Malaysian Islamic culture. The main lobby of the upper ground floor is decorated with exquisite glass-clad domes that sparkle like giant diamonds. These domes were designed and arranged in the form of the Muqarnas by Iranian craftsmen from Isfahan.

OPENING CEREMONY

On 13 September 1994, Prime Minister, YAB Dato Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad performed the Topping-up Ceremony where the Antenna Mast was installed, thus marking the final height of the tower, 421 metres above the ground. Lastly the Installation of the facilities and amenties executed to ensure comfort and safety.

Menara Kuala Lumpur was officially opened by the Prime Minister on 1 October 1996. Among the distinguished guests to the Tower were the Yang di-Pertuan Agung Tuanku Jaafar and Raja Pemaisuri Agung Tuanku Najihah; the wives of the Sultan of Brunei, DYMM Paduka Seri Baginda Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and DYTM Pengiran Isteri Hajah Mariam.

WHAT ARE THERE?

Touristic Building

At the upper ground floor, the two-level touristic area is linked to the 146-metres long pedestrian mall which adjoins the main entrance featuring a cascading reflective pool in its centre. The space at the ground level houses mainly the switch-room, kitchen for the revolving restaurant and administration office for Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn. Bhd. The main public area and entrance is at the upper ground level. At this level there are 9 shoplots, a fast food restaurant, a mini-theatre (47 seats; shows a documentary on the construction of the tower every 15 minutes) and an open-air amphitheatre (222 seats), surau (prayer room), public toilet and office space for MKLSB. The upper ground level is also accessible through the Escalator from the ground level.

Tower Shaft

The Tower Shaft comprises 22 levels, with 4 elevators and 2058 flight of staris. The circular concrete Tower Shaft is designed with vertical ribs on the external surface, fanning out into decorative painted aluminum Islamic pattern at the soffit of the Tower Head. Along the Tower Shaft are twenty-two (22) platforms providing access to the lift lobby for maintenance and rescue purposes. Rooms for the cellular phone radio base station are allocated at level T02 (30m above the ground level). The Tower Shaft is 24.5 m at its widest and narrows to 13.6m near the top. The thickness of shaft walls goes from 1.4 m to 0.6 m.

Tower Head And Antenna Mast

The entire 6-level tower head is clad in glass (double-glazed with gas infilled) arranged in the traditional Islamic form of the "muqarnas". Four high speed lifts (capacity = 800 people per hour) will zoom you up the KL Tower to the Observation Platform in 60 seconds where a breathtaking 360° view of the city by day and by night awaits. Visitors will find an observation platform on the first level and a revolving restaurant on the second level. The Tower Head has a total area of 7,700 sq meters and is 50 m diameter-wide at its widest point. Note: It's 2,058 steps from the Base to the Tower Head! The Tower Head also houses the telecommunication and broadcasting stations.

Restoran Berputar Seri Angkasa (Revolving Restaurant)
Located at Level Two of the Tower Head, serves international and local cuisine 'above the clouds'. At a height of 282 meters above ground level, this 9,172 square feet restaurant offers not only a revolving dining area, but also music area and lounge. The restaurant is open daily from 11.30 am to 2.30 pm for lunch and 7.00 pm to 11.00 pm for dinner. A la carte menus are available for lunch and dinner. A la carte menus are available for lunch and dinner, which are priced at RM50++ for lunch and RM70++ for dinner on weekdays. High tea buffet is also available everyday from 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm. The restaurant capacity is 250 peoples.

World's Highest McDonalds and the Tower Burger

Other attractions at the Tower include the world's highest McDonalds and the Tower Burger! The last section of Menara Kuala Lumpur is an 86 meters long telecommunication and broadcasting antenna mast which also includes RTM's antenna serial for UHF, VHF and FM band at the last 12 m of the antenna mast.

FACTS

The KL Tower is the fifth tallest telecommunication tower in the world (after the CN Tower in Canada, the Ostankino Tower in Russia, the Oriental Pearl Tower in China, and the Borj-e Milad in Iran). Built to enhance the quality of telecommunication services and the clarity of broadcasting, KL Tower represents the symbol of Kuala Lumpur.

The structure is divided into 5 basic sections:

• The foundation base houses 3 basement floors for safety purposes, storage and maintenance work.
• The touristic building bears the administration office, souvenir shops and the 146 meters pedestrian mall with cascading pools.
• The tower shaft comprises 22 levels with 4 elevators and flights of stairs with a total of 2,058 steps.
• The tower head holds the public observation platform (276 m) and revolving restaurant as well as the telecommunication and broadcasting stations.
• The antenna mast crowns the tower and is specially utilized for telecommunication and broadcasting transmissions.

When constructing the KL Tower, the builders took special care to construct a retaining wall around a 100-year-old jelutong tree (Dyera costulata). The tower was moved at a cost of RM430,000 to avoid harming the monumental tree, which is found near the pedestrian mall.
Menara Kuala Lumpur ranks fourth amongst the tallest telecommunications towers in the world and was constructed over a period of four years and completed in May 1996. Menara Kuala Lumpur is designed to withstand wind pressuresof up to 90mph. Menara Kuala Lumpur is a member of the prestigious World Federation of Great Towers.

The four tallest towers in the world are CN Tower in Canada at 553m, Ostankino Tower in Russia at 537m, Shanghai Tower in China at 468m followed by Menara Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia at 421m.

Technical Data

• Construction Period : 1992 – 1995
• Tower :Height - 421 m above ground
• Outer diameter of shaft - 24.5 m to 13.6 m
• Thickness of shaft walls - 1.4 m to 0.6 m
• Foundation and basement - 17 m deeep
• Maximum foundation diameter - 54 m4 lifts and staircase serving the tower head from the ground level.
• Number of steps, 2058(from basement to tower head 11 , TH11)
• Head :6 storeys7,700 m square floor area
• Revolving restaurant & observation platform, technical & service floorMaximum diameter - 50 m
• Entrance Level :Touristic Building, Entrance Mall
• Principal Quantities :Concrete 45,000 m, Reinforcements,5,300 tonnes, structural steel 1,300 tonnes
• Total Weight of Tower :100,000 tonnes

Open:
Monday – Friday = 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday, & Public Holidays = 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Entrance Fee = RM 8.00 (US$2) adult and RM 3.00 (US$.75) children (4-12) and Free = children ages 3 and below

Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)

KLCC - KUALA LUMPUR CITY CENTRE

KLCC is sited on a piece of land that was formerly the Selangor Turf Club race course. This real-estate development is an area of 40 hectares, with the estimated value at RM4 billion. It is a self-contained, city-within-a-city. The integrated mixed-use development provides more than 1.67 million sq. meters (18 million sq. feet) of commercial, retail, hotel, residential and entertainment facilities. The winning Masterplan submitted by Klages, Carter, Vail & Partners delineated the site into 22 freehold lots located around a 20 hectare (50 acre) park. 7,000 people worked on the site at its peak of construction.

KLCC comprises of:

• 88 storey Petronas Twin Towers
• Suria KLCC - the six-level, 1.5 million sq. feet shopping centre
• 49 storey Menara Maxis
• 30 storey Menara Esso
• 32 storey Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur Hotel
• 20 hectare (50 acre) Public Park
• Masjid As-syakirin, a mosque which can accommodate 6,000 people
• 2 District Cooling Centres, which use natural gas to chill water for air-conditioning

PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS

The world's tallest twin building - Petronas Twin Towers is the anchor project of KLCC. Standing at 451.9M high, it has two towers of 88-storey office building. The 1.8bil Ringgit Petronas Twin Towers building was officially opened on August 31, 1999 by Malaysia's 4th Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad. The Petronas Twin Towers was designed by Argentinian architect Cesar Pelli. The original design was 421M tall but later reworked to the present height.

Below the Petronas Twin Towers is the premier shopping mall of Kuala Lumpur City Center - Suria KLCC. The design of the mall utilizes maximum skylight form the spacious center court for natural lighting, to befit the name Suria KLCC - "Suria" means sunshine. Its huge 6-level crescent shaped shopping mall contains over 200 shops of specialty stores, 3 departmental stores, fashion boutiques, cinemas, a 1200-seat food court on the second floor and a 300-seat local food court and theme restaurants on the fourth floor. At the ground floor of Suria KLCC there are several cafes facing the beautiful KLCC Park.

Outside Suria KLCC is the 20-hectare KLCC Park, part of the KLCC project designed by the late Brazilian landscapist Roberto Burle Marx. The KLCC Park includes a Symphony Lake with its 2 playful musical fountains at the esplanade just outside Suria KLCC. A 2-acre kiddie playground with colourful child-safe play equipment, a public wadding pool, patterned footpaths and a soft and well design jogging track. Close to 2000 indigenous trees from 74 species are planted in the KLCC park with about 40 trees preserved and replanted from the former Selangor Turf Club.

KLCC PARK
Outside the building is a park with jogging and walking paths, a fountain with incorporated light show, wading pools, and a children's playground. The 20-hectare (50-acre urban sanctuary) tropical landscape is conceptualised by the world famous Brazilian landscape artist, the late Roberto Burle Marx. Roberto Burle Marx. The green spaces of the KLCC Park are carefully contrived to dispel the notion of the garden as a static creation.

The park is unique in its theme and concept. This verdant area accentuated with specially designed water features is a work of art, an 'unnatural garden'. Its special features include a playful fountain pool, 2-acre children's playground, wading pool, patterned footpaths, sculptures, murals, shelters, benches and jogging track set among carefully chosen trees and shrubs native to Malaysia. The children's playground consists of colorful child-safe play equipment which is thoughtfully placed under large shady trees in the middle of the park.

Approximately 1,900 indigenous trees and palms representing 74 species are planted to encourage bio-diversity within the park areas. Out of this number, some 40 trees were preserved and transplanted from the former Selangor Turf Club. A series of murals and sculptures have been installed on the pavement surrounded by trees and palms in the lake area. Another striking features of the park is the Lake Symphony which comprises two water fountains.

A series of murals and sculptures have been installed on the pavement surrounded by trees and palms in the lake area. Approximately 1,900 indigenous trees and palms representing 74 species are planted to encourage bio-diversity within the park areas. Out of this number, some 40 trees were preserved and transplanted from the former Selangor Turf Club. Part of the park is a haven for birds and other local fauna. Much research preceded the selection of indigenous tree species whose fruits attract local and migratory birds. Through such careful effort it is expected that the KLCC park will become an important link in the 'bird corridor' of the region.

LAKE SYMPHONY
Located at the esplanade outside Suria KLCC, the Lake Symphony is programmed to provide 150 colourful, magical and dramatic animations. The total effect is a lighthearted and gregarious atmosphere. The fountain would be most captivating during sunset and against the night sky. The calming effects of the colourfully lit 'water features' is both soothing and relaxing to the mind.

Suria KLCC

Suria KLCC is a six floors shopping complex located in Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC). All the six levels of retail outlets with each level of a distinctive character and style. This luxurious shopping complex is below the Petronas Twin Tower. Suria KLCC has a spacious centre court, two large department stores, 280 speciality stores and a good number of boutique and accessories; like Armani, Gucci, Ferragamo, Cartier, Mikimoto, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Chopard, D & G, Marks & Spencer, BritishIndia, Escada, Christian Dior, Chanel, Zara, Mango etc.

The anchor tenants in this complex are Isetan and Parkson- departmental stores that caters to all your needs. Aside from these 2 department stores, theres a couple of food court such as Scotts picnic on the 3rd floor (just below Tanjung Golden Village - a cinema) and Asian Flavour on the 6th floor, a big book store, sports retail, etc. Restaurants are also available on the lower ground floor where you can get fast food outlets such as A&W, Strudel, Cinnabon, KFC, Burger Kings, etc. while the 6th floor also houses posh restaurants such as Madam Kwan, Chakri White House, Kelantan Delights. Suria offers an array of goods and services to please and pamper the needs of shoppers. From fashion and entertainment, to electronics and homeware, from local delicacies to international fare, the choice is endless.

Suria KLCC is surrounded by hotels, office buildings. Inside the shopping complex is also a discovery centre to explore, Petrosains. Petrosains is an interactive science discovery centre that open to public. Designed as a modern museum that allows adults and children alike to interact with the exhibits on display. You can begin your visit with a fascinating ride and then proceed through 7,000 square metres of exhibition area featuring interactive displays and fun activities. There's a real Formula 1 car that used by the Red-Bull-Sauber Petronas Team.

Beside all the shops and the discovery centre, there's Dewan Philharmonik Petronas, a concert hall, where the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) give their performances, with the famous Dutch conductor Kees Bakels. The ceiling of the hall is of acoustically transparent material. On top of this visible ceiling exists an adjustable ceiling which is acoustically reflective. This means the hall itself can be "tuned" prior to a performance, making it the biggest instrument in any orchestra holding a concert within it. The second largest instrument in the hall is a Klais pipe organ which features 4,740 pipes. The concert hall was also host to some of the world's leading artists and orchestras, as well as international jazz performances and traditional Malaysian music and dance. Since its inaugural performance, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, with 105 musicians from around the world, has consistently impressed audiences with its excellent performances.

There is also an art gallery within Suria KLCC called Galeri Petronas. It is recognised as one of Malaysia's leading venues for art exhibitions. This gallery is famous with its exhibitions of the art of local artists. It’s open for public with no charge.

There are customer-friendly facilities, which include well-trained customer service staff. There are also taxi's, and bus stops, ample parking bays, a post office which opens throughout weekends, a Bureau de Change, a cobbler, a locksmith, florist and ATM centres.There is always something for everyone to savour at Suria KLCC.

Petronas Twin Tower (Located in KLCC)

Overview

The Petronas Twin Towers (also known as the Petronas Towers), in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were once the world's tallest buildings when measured from the level of the main entrance to the structural or architectural top. The Petronas Twin Towers are the tallest twin towers in the world, and they lay claim to being the world's tallest high rise of the 20th century.

History
These towers, which were designed by César Pelli, an Argentinian architect, were completed in 1998 and became the tallest buildings in the world on the date of completion. The 88-floor towers are constructed largely of reinforced concrete, with a steel and glass facade designed to resemble motifs found in Islamic art, a reflection of Malaysia's Muslim religion. They were built on the site of Kuala Lumpur's race track. Because of the depth of the bedrock, the buildings were built on the world's deepest foundations. The 120-meter foundations were built by Bachy Soletanche, and required massive amounts of concrete.

In an unusual move, a different construction company was hired for each of the towers, and they were made to compete against each other. Eventually the builders of Tower 2, Samsung Constructions (the Construction Division of Samsung Corporation), Kukdong Engineering & Construction (both of South Korea), won the race, despite starting a month behind Tower 1, built by Hazama Corporation.

Due to a lack of steel and the huge cost of importing steel, the towers were constructed on a cheaper radical design of super high strength reinforced concrete. High-strength concrete is a material familiar to Asian contractors and twice as effective as steel in sway reduction; however, it makes the building twice as heavy on its foundation than a comparable steel building. Supported by 23-by-23-metre concrete cores and an outer ring of widely-spaced super columns, the towers use a sophisticated structural system that accommodates its slender profile and provides from 1300 to 2000 square metres of column-free office space per floor.

Skybridge
The towers feature a skybridge between the two towers on 41st and 42nd floors. The bridge is 170 m high and 58 m long. The same floor is also known as the podium, since visitors desiring to go to higher levels have to change elevators here. The skybridge is open to all visitors, but passes (limited to around 1400 people per day, which usually run out before noon) must be obtained on a first-come, first-served basis. Passes are free. The skybridge is closed on Mondays. The skybridge also acts as a safety device, so that in the event of a fire or other emergency in one tower, tenants can evacuate by crossing the skybridge to the other tower.

KLCC Park
Outside the building is a park with jogging and walking paths, a fountain with incorporated light show, wading pools, and a children's playground. The 20-hectare (50-acre urban sanctuary) tropical landscape include a playful fountain pool, 2-acre children's playground, wading pool, patterned footpaths, sculptures, murals, shelters, benches and jogging track set among carefully chosen trees and shrubs native to Malaysia. The children's playground consists of colorful child-safe play equipment which is thoughtfully placed under large shady trees in the middle of the park.

Approximately 1,900 indigenous trees and palms representing 74 species are planted to encourage bio-diversity within the park areas. Out of this number, some 40 trees were preserved and transplanted from the former Selangor Turf Club. A series of murals and sculptures have been installed on the pavement surrounded by trees and palms in the lake area. Another striking features of the park is the Lake Symphony which comprises two water fountains.

Interesting facts:

• Completion date : 1998
• Cost : 1.6 million
• Height : 452 meters (1483 feet)
• The tower tooks 36910 tons of steel to build both the tower.
• Both tower have 32000 windows – it takes window washer an entire month to wash each tower just once!