The 88-storey PETRONAS Twin Towers, developed as an integral part of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) project, house PETRONAS' new corporate headquarters.
The PETRONAS Twin Towers rise like sentinels in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Costing a whopping US$1.2bn and uniquely designed by Cesar Pelli & Associates, it rises to 1,483ft (451.9m) in height and is all of 33ft higher than the Sears Tower.
Cesar Pelli, former dean of Yale University's School of Architecture, also designed Canary Wharf in London, and the World Financial Center in Manhattan, New York City.
The floor-plate of the Tower is designed based on geometric patterns common in architecture of Islamic heritage. It is composed of two rotated and superimposed squares with small circular infills. These geometric figures have been described by architects as symbolising unity, harmony, stability and rationality - all important principles of Islam.
Like the exterior design, the Towers' entrance design was also inspired
by the country's cultural heritage, incorporating contemporary Malaysian motifs adapted from traditional handicrafts such as songket and timber carvings. The overall character of the building is high-tech and international but distinctively Malaysian.
At the podium level, the PETRONAS Twin Towers feature the following :
• The 864-seat Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, a venue of architectural and acoustic distinction. It is also home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.
• PETROSAINS - the state-of-the-art interactive science discovery centre, carrying the theme "oil and gas". With its entrance at Level 4, Suria KLCC, PETROSAINS is a modern contemporary museum that allows visitors to touch, feel and manipulate displays and exhibits aimed at stimulating interest in science and technology particularly in petroleum science.
• Galeri PETRONAS - With its entrance at Level 3, Suria KLCC, Galeri PETRONAS caters to both traditional and contemporary art enthusiasts. The gallery features various types of art ranging from painting, sculptures, multimedia to experimental works.
• Twin Towers Fitness Centre - Located at the Concourse Level, the centre spreads over an area of 50,000 sq. ft. The centre houses an array of equipment with facilities for sports like badminton, squash, volleyball and futsal.
• A reference library on energy, petroleum, petrochemical and related industries.
The Towers were topped-out in March 1996 and occupation began in early 1997. Tower One is currently being occupied by PETRONAS, the state-owned petroleum corporation. Tower Two is being occupied by PETRONAS' associate companies while the remaining space is being leased out to multinationals.
The PETRONAS Twin Towers are located on the northern boundary of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) and has state-of-the-art communication facilities. MSC is the launching pad to propel Malaysia into the frontline of the information age.
Kuala Lumpur City Center ParkThe beautifully landscaped park at KLCC is the last inspired masterpiece by the versatile and talented Brazilian master of gardens, the late Roberto Burle Marx.
Spread over 50-acres [20-hectares], the lush tropical garden provides a haven of tranquility for those seeking a respite from the stress of city life.
The KLCC Park is unique in its theme and concept. Designed to showcase a heritage of tropical greenery by integrating man's creation with nature, the beautifully landscaped KLCC Park offers a calm and harmonious environment in the midst of the hustle and bustle of a busy and dynamic city.
The late Roberto Burle Marx uses a combination of trees, shrubs, structures of cement, stones and wood as well as various water features in his creations. Elements of shapes, texture and topography are merged to create attractive and breathtaking masterpieces while at the same time imposing an illusion of space. Colour and form are achieved by using various combination of trees, shrubs and sculptures, thus dispelling the notion of a garden as a static creation.
The conservation factor was another key consideration in the planning of the park. About 23 of the mature and rarer specimens were saved from the former Selangor Turf Club, and eventually transplanted on to the park grounds.
About 1900 indigenous trees and 66 species of palms have been planted at the park. Much thought proceeded the selection of these plants, with the objective of encouraging bio-diversity. Among other attractions at the park are the magnificent lake symphony fountains, programmed to provide numerous different dramatic animations following a Symphony Overture sequence, the ornamental water features, the children's pool and the children's playground.
The park is well interspersed with various amenities such as shelters, benches, rest areas, drinking fountains and public toilets. For health enthusiasts, there is also a 1.3 km jogging track encircling the park.
Another interesting element of the park is the 43 meter elevated bridge. The centrally located bridge provides visitors with a vantage view of the park and the majestic PETRONAS Twin Towers.
Part of the park is also designed as a haven for birds and other local fauna. Much research and thought went into the selection of indigenous tree species whose fruits attract local and migratory birds. Through such careful effort, it is expected that the KLCC Park in the heart of bustling Kuala Lumpur will become an important link in the 'bird corridors' of the region.
Lake Symphony 
The Symphony Lake with an approximate area of 10,000 square metres features mesmerising fountain displays. The displays consist of 5 programmes with over 380 individually sequenced effects shooting up to a maximum height of 42 metres. These effects are displayed along the arc and the two rings totalling 80 metres in length. The Lake Symphony fountains are on from 12 noon till 2.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. till 11.00 p.m. on weekdays. Especially for weekands and public holidays, the fountains are on from 10.00 a.m. till midnight.
Jogging TrackA 1.3 km. long jogging track is laid with EPDM, a special rubberised material to ensure comfort and safety for fitness enthusiasts.
Rest AreasRest areas are located on various nodes of the interconnecting footpaths. They are numbered as shown on the maps found on the Park's entry and feature identification signs. The numbering system can be used as points of reference for wayfinding and setting a rendezvous.
Ornamental Water Features
Waterfalls, Cascades, Reflecting Pools and Bird's Pool add to both the excitement and tranquility of the respective zones in the park.
Children's Pool
The Children's Pool is a safe and fun place for children 12 years and below.
The opening hours are as follows :
• Weekdays (Tuesdays to Fridays) ->10.00 a.m. - 7.30 p.m. (Pool will be closed for maintenance on Mondays when it is not a public holiday).
->The Pool is open throughout the week during school holidays.
• Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays ->10.00 a.m. - 9.30 p.m.
->Parents and guardians are advised to refer to the rules and regulations listed on the usage of the pool to ensure children's safety and enjoyment.
Other Amenities
The KLCC Park has been provided with various amenities such as:
• Toilets complete with modern fittings and facilities for the disabled and baby change.
• Male and female changing rooms annexed to the toilet near the Children's Pool.
• Drinking fountains with filtered water.
• Shelters and benches.
Children's PlaygroundThe Children's Playground is all 2 acres of unbridled fun meant for children 12 years old and below. Not only are the play equipment varied and exciting, the whole playground has been laid with Ethylene Propylene Deine Modified (EPDM) rubber, a child-safe material. Due to the nature of this material, eating, drinking and smoking are strictly prohibited in this area.
Opening Hours
The KLCC Park is open from 7.00 a.m. till 10.00 p.m. daily
(except for the Children's Pool - please refer to information on Children's Pool)
Each country has its own historical artifacts and thousands of rare items depicting its past glory, culture, arts and many other distinct items. In this post I would like highlight another tourist attraction in Malaysia, The National Museum of Malaysia.
There are five main galleries inside the Museum provide interesting and different insights as to how Malaysia has culturally evolved over the years. These five are the Historical Gallery, Metalwork & Musical Instruments Gallery, Cultural Gallery, National Sports Gallery and the Natural History Gallery.
Its facilities include a conservation laboratory where ancient works of arts can be preserved and cleaned by art experts. There is also a library containing more than 6,500 titles for purposes of research and study in archaeology, ethnology, natural history and other similar fields. Inside, a photographic studio contains slides and negatives on various subjects of interest and importance to the museum. There are also impressive replicas of grand Malay palaces on the grounds. Many other types of displays and exhibits enable visitors to relate to the rich cultures and traditions of Malaysia. Among these are olden weapons, currency, arts and crafts.
