Enjoy discovering science and nature through Kuala Lumpur's many
parks and science centres. From the National Zoo that houses exotic
wildlife to the National Planetarium where you can see stars through
a telescope, Kuala Lumpur has it all for the whole family to enjoy
and learn!
National Zoo
The National Zoo in Ulu Klang has an extensive array of wildlife,
both local and overseas. Be amazed by species from Africa such as
the majestic lion to towering elephants and pink flamingoes to gentle
zebras. Then there are local species to gawk at such as the Malaysian
tiger, Slow Loris, Tapir and Hornbills. Besides birds and mammals,
visitors can also visit the reptile exhibits and catch a glimpse
of the world's longest venomous snake, the king cobra and
other fascinating species such as dwarf caimans, mangrove vipers,
monitor lizards and giant turtles.
Children will also love coming here with the opportunities to ride
elephants, shake hands with Orang-Utans and feed flying foxes. There
are plenty of souvenir shops and restaurants scattered around the
entrance. Also don't forget to visit the aquarium where you
can see a wide variety of local freshwater fish.
Address: Hulu Kelang,
Ampang,
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel: (603) 4108 3422
Opening Hours: Daily, 09:00-17:00
Aquaria KLCC
The Aquaria KLCC is Kuala Lumpur's very first dedicated aquarium
with over 5,000 freshwater and marine creatures on display. Located
in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre nearby the Twin Towers, Aquaria
KLCC has an amazing display of fish, from sand tiger sharks to blue
rays and giant arapaimas to gar fish.
Besides finned creatures, there are reptiles such as snakes and
lizards on display along with a wide variety of insects. There's
also a special section where visitors can pick up and feel the texture
of live corals and star fish.
Address: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Complex,
Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Malaysia
Tel: (603) 2333 1888
Opening Hours: Daily, 11:00 – 20:00
Deer Park
The Deer Park is a small haven for deer in the Lake Gardens. Entrance
is free and visitors can come in to marvel at a variety of local
deer that include hinds, does and fawns. Of special note is the
mousedeer, or 'kancil', which is an extremely small type of deer,
no bigger than a house cat. Visitors can get up, close and personal
to the deer, petting and feeding them.
Address: Jalan Perdana
Tel: (603) 2693 6661 (Kuala Lumpur Tourist Information Centre)
Opening Hours: Daily, 09:00 – 18:00
Bird Park
The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park in Lake Gardens is reputed to be one
of the biggest in the world. Spanning an area of 20 hectares, over
3,000 birds from over 200 species roam the park. Most are free-flying
in the covered park, which is shaped like one huge aviary.
Visitors can walk on the tiled paths and gaze at birds in their
element; storks and flamingoes frolicking in the water, finches
and thrush chirping among the trees and owls roosting in barns.
There are opportunities to photograph yourself holding birds such
as eagles and macaws.
You can even feed some of the birds, such as the pelicans which
are always greedy for a snack. Later, visit the souvenir shop for
some tokens of remembrance or have a meal at the restaurant.
Address: Jalan Perdana
Tel: (603) 2273 5423
Opening Hours: Daily, 09:00 – 18:00
Butterfly Park
The Butterfly Park is also located in Lake Gardens, housing more
than 6,000 butterflies from 120 species. Landscaped like a bushy
garden with lots of flowers, the park will enthrall visitors as
butterflies float to your shirt and hand, sticking like badges.
Also check out the nursery and breeding area where you can see butterfly
larvae emerging from their cocoons.
Besides the butterflies, a wide
range of insects such as rhinoceros beetles and praying mantises
are on display. There's also a souvenir shop where you can
purchased frames of preserved butterflies, scorpions and other insects.
Address: Jalan Cenderasari
Tel: (603) 2693 4799
Opening Hours: Daily, 09:00 – 18:00
Planetarium
The National Planetarium is another attraction in Lake Gardens.
The blue dome which covers its building is its trademark, which
you can see from surrounding roads as you take a drive. The Planetarium
is dedicated to all things related to space and astronomy.
This
is a popular place for schoolchildren to learn about the planet
and the universe as there are many interactive displays. There's
also a theatre where visitors can watch documentaries on space or
clips from famous films such as 'Star Wars'. Also check
out the observatory where you can gaze into the sky to look at distant
planets through a telescope.
Address: Jalan Perdana
Tel: (603) 2273 7277
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 – 17:00 (Closed on Monday)
National Science Centre
The National Science Centre is shaped like a futuristic, green
mosque with a large dome in the middle. The centre sits on a hill
in Mont Kiara.
Established in 1996, the National Science Centre
is a large gallery of exciting exhibits that display scientific
and technological information. There's even a hall where you
can watch a science show beamed straight onto the dome from inside.
A large aquarium filled with local freshwater fish greets you as
you make your way into the main exhibits. Other facilities include
a cafeteria, multimedia library, lecture hall and multi-purpose
hall.
Address: Pesiaran Bukit Kiara,
Bukit Kiara,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (603) 2092 1150
Opening Hours: Daily, 09:00 – 17:00 (Closed on Friday)
Petrosains
The Petrosains Discovery Centre is a state-of-the-art interactive
museum that is dedicated to the petroleum industry, especially in
Malaysia.
Located inside the Suria KLCC shopping mall, Petrosains
has over 150 exhibits that educate visitors with dioramas, rides
and replicas. There is also plenty of staff around to provide impromptu
explanations and mini-tours.
Address: Petronas Twin Towers, Level 4, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (603) 2331 8181
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Friday, 09:30 – 17:30
Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays, 09:30 - 18:30
Monday, Closed
Lake Gardens
The Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens, also called Taman Tasik Perdana,
is located in a tranquil area with some remaining secondary forest
in Perdana Street. The history of the park dates back to the 1880s'
and remains a popular recreational spot for locals till this day.
Much like a botanical garden, there are many flowers, plants and
trees landscaped into the park, complete with captions that explain
their scientific data. Marble paths line the 91-hectare park which
has two lakes for recreational rowing, playgrounds and exercise
stations. Other attractions in the adjoining areas of the park include
the Bird Park, Butterfly Park and more flower gardens.
Getting There: If you do not mind walking, take the KTM Komuter and stop at Bank Negara station. The Lake Garden is approximately 15 to 20 minutes walk from the station.
Tel: no phone
Opening Hours: Daily, 07:00 – 18:00
Bukit Jalil
Bukit Jalil is a hill where Malaysia's largest outdoor stadium,
which can fit up to 100,000 people, is located. It is also here
that you will find a nice recreational park on top of the hill,
along with some nice ponds below. The National Sports Complex, which
has a variety of stadiums and courts for different sports, is also
located on Bukit Jalil.
Getting There: Take a Putra LRT, and stop at Seri Petaling Station or Bukit Jalil Station.
Tel: no phone
Opening Hours: Daily, 07:00 – 20:00
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