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: Historical
Buildings and Sites in Kuala Lumpur : :
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Historical Buildings |
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Historical Buildings
As capital cities go Kuala
Lumpur is a youngster and as such doesn't have all that much history
to draw on or much diversity of architectural styles.
That said, and fortunately for the visitor, most of Kuala Lumpur's
more interesting buildings are conveniently located in the vicinity
of Dataran Merdeka (Independence Sqaure) - thus you can easily see
most of them in a single afternoon.
As with the newer landmarks, KL Tower and Petronas Twin Towers both
in the Golden Triangle are also close enough to one another to walk.
Petronas Twin Tower
The icon of Kuala Lumpur these cone shaped towers are symbol of
a new Malaysia and hardly need an introduction. At 452 meters or
88 stories it is the tallest building in S.E. Asia and 2nd tallest
in the World and easily visible from anywhere in the city. Replete
with the KLCC Suria Shopping Centre on the ground floor and a massive
garden with man made lake and fountains it is not only a commercial
centre but also a gathering point and recreational venue for local
residents.
Menara Kuala Lumpur
(KL Tower)
Address: Jl. Puncak
Description: Another distinctive
landmark that can be seen from just about anywhere in the city is
the Kuala Lumpur Telecommunications Tower (or more simply, KL Tower).
Located right in the heart of the golden triangle at the top of
Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, the tower reaches up 421 meters,
reportedly making KL Tower the tallest concrete tower in the world.
Complete with an observation deck and revolving restaurant Menara
KL offers some of the best views of Kuala Lumpur and on a clear
day you can see as far as the Straits of Malacca.
Be advised that the revolving restaurant, with only 150 seats, is
often fully booked so it is best to call early for a reservation.
Opening hours: daily 10.00am -
8.00pm.
Observation Deck: Adults RM15.00/Children
under 12 RM9.00
Public Transport: Monorail to
Raja Chulan Station, exit the station turning north along Jl. Raja
Chulan. At Jl. P. Ramlee turn left about 500 meters, Jl. Puncak
will be on your right (it's quite a steep incline about a kilometer
or so up, at night for dinner, take a taxi.)
Kuala Lumpur Railway
Station
Address: Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin
Description: Old train depots
are fascinating and Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is no exception
- perhaps more so. One of Kuala Lumpur's most famous (and favorite)
colonial period landmarks the station was built in 1910 and served
as KL's main train depot until the last intercity train pulled out
of the station on 15 April 2001. Designed by A B Hubbock (the same
man who designed Gedung Sultan Abdul Samad) it is another grand
example of neo-Moorish architectural style with its mixture of spires,
minarets, towers, cupolas and arches.
Whilst the building underwent extensive renovation in 1986, unfortunately
it has not been kept up as well as it deserves to be - nonetheless
being easy enough to get to it is still worth visiting. And for
those looking for a bit of nostalgia take a moment and have a cupper
or cold beer at Charley's and listen for one of KTM locomotives
that still pass through from time to time.
Hours: 24 hours daily
Public Transport: Putra LRT to
Pasar Seni Station exit south along Jl. Sultan Mohamed about 1 kilometre.
Sultan Abdul Samad
Building
Address: Jalan Raja
Description: With its distinctive
neo-Moorish design and 43 meter high clock tower, red and white
brick facade and copper domed towers, Gedung
Sultan Abdul Samad is perhaps Kuala Lumpur's most photographed
landmark. Just across the street from Merdeka
Square, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building was designed by
A. B. Hubbock and built in 1897 to house British government offices.
Nowadays it is home to Malaysia's Supreme Court.
Hours: Not open to the public.
Public Transport: Star LRT to
Masjid Jamek Station. Exiting the station turn north walk 1 block
to Jl. Raja, turn left and you'll see the building. Using the Monorail,
go Hang Tuah station, transfer to the Star LRT and follow above
directions.
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