KLCC & Jalan Ampang

Petronas is the acronym for Petroliam Nasional Berhad, which is the Malaysian state-owned petroleum company (it sponsors an F1 racing car, so the branding is internationally recognised). The Petronas Twin Towers dominate the skyline and once were the world’s two tallest buildings. Now the national spin doctors refer to it as the world’s tallest twin towers, to maintain national pride and not to be outdone by 101 Tower in Taipei which is higher, and the Burj Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, which, although incomplete, is now officially the tallest building in the world.

The parkland, office and entertainment area was once home to the Royal Selangor Turf Club (now relocated to Sungai Besi, see page 238). The club moved just before 1992 when the KLCC development commenced. In April 1996, the pinnacles were installed to top out the towers at 451.9 metres
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Designed by Boston-based Cesar Pelli & Associates, the towers are now the most photographed building in Malaysia. They are also a magnet for tourists and shoppers, as well as a beacon for Malaysian nationalism and its desire to be part of the developed world.

Access to the towers is strictly controlled and only accredited visitors are allowed inside for security reasons. The highest point any other visitor can go is the 58.4 metre-long, two-storey Skybridge: this is 170 metres above the ground (at levels 41 and 42).

While access to the Skybridge is possible from 08:30 to 17:00 from Tuesday to Sunday, visitors need to be at the ticket office (open at 08:30) early to queue to be allocated one of a very limited number of free tickets (reportedly just 1,300 a day) for a guided tour. Weekends are almost impossibly busy, with weekdays being a better option, but be prepared to queue even then.

The views from the Skybridge are impressive but should you miss out, all is not lost. Head off to the adjoining Traders Hotel and ride the elevators to the 33rd floor where the SkyBar serves cool cocktails and has intoxicating views of the Twin Towers. The bar opens at 17:00 so plan to arrive before sunset when the lights to the towers are turned on at about 18:30. Order one of the designer martinis (try the lychee) and enjoy the uninterrupted views of the towers and the parklands (do this even if you manage to obtain a ticket to the Skybridge).

Of course, everyone can visit the six retail floors of Suria KLCC (at the base of the Twin Towers). This is the place where Malaysians meet and socialise at all times of the week, but especially at weekends. They come here to be with friends, take in a movie, eat, and of course shop – one of the leading national pastimes. Tour groups are also dropped here for several hours. Such a well-known address attracts leading international brands such as Marks & Spencer, Chopard, Raoul, Adidas, FCUK, Zara, Naf Naf, Christian Lacroix, Gap, Diesel, Polo, Guess, Max & Co and Converse. Several local brands are here, along with the Parkson and Isetan department stores.

For a change from all the retail action of Suria KLCC, art is on display at Galeri Petronas on level three. The art gallery is open daily (except Mondays) from 10:00 to 20:00. Entry is free and it stages regular exhibitions of international and local artists.

At the street-level entry is the box office for the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. The concert hall for the philharmonic orchestra is a world-class space for live music. Ticket prices are very reasonable and often special matinees are conducted for families. Respectable clothing is required – no jeans, T-shirts or sandals at any time and long-sleeved shirts for men in the evening. Annual programmes are arranged well in advance.

Petrosains is on level four of Suria KLCC and is a hands-on science discovery centre with a focus on the oil and gas industry. A fun approach to learning is taken and the exhibits are well maintained – kids love it. It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00. On Fridays you can visit between 09:00 and 13:00, and 14.30 and 17:00.

A short underground walk from KLCC through to the Convention Centre, leads to Aquaria KLCC with over 5,000 aquatic and land-based animals on display. The highlight is the walk-through glass tunnel where it’s possible to safely eyeball sharks, rays and many colourful fish. Charges for adults are RM38, and with a MyKad the price is RM28. For kids (aged 3 to 12) it costs RM26, or with a MyKad, RM22. Those younger than 3 get in free. It is open from 11:00 to 20:00 daily; last admissions are at 19:00. MyKad is a Malaysian identification card, so it is a good way of disguising the fact that foreigners pay a premium.

The parklands immediately in front of the Convention Centre and the Twin Towers are a multipurpose area with lots of paths beneath carefully positioned mature rainforest trees. The trails have a special surface for joggers and there are several recreational areas like a big pool and playground which are frequented by families at the weekends.

Several other office towers are on the periphery of the park, and modern premium condominium blocks reach ever skyward around the whole area. Inner city living is on the increase.

Tourists can stay in several hotels in and around the area – Mandarin Oriental, Traders Hotel, Impiana, Crowne Plaza, Ascot, Hotel Equatorial, Corus, or Hotel Nikko, with the luxurious Four Seasons currently under construction.

The area is well served by public transport with the KLCC station on the Putra LRT line being the closest railway station, connected via an underground tunnel to KLCC. There are several recognised taxi stands where queuing is expected.

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