Kuala Lumpur Science & Nature

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.