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Kuala Lumpur Architectural Landmarks
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Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC)
The Petronas Twin Towers are Kuala Lumpur¡¯s most prominent landmark. At 452
meters-high, it is the world¡¯s second highest structure and was built in 1998.
The towers¡¯ design and architecture are inspired by Islamic art with a modern
outlook, reflected by its steel and glass façade. A sky bridge connects the two
towers mid-way, and it is here that visitors can come up and catch a bird¡¯s eye
view of the surrounding city. At the base of the Twin Towers is a popular upmarket shopping mall, mostly for tourists and
society¡¯s upper class. Called Suria KLCC, the mall houses a
large array of expensive fashion shops and other elite stores such as Marks and
Spencer. The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra is also located
inside the Towers¡¯ base. Outside, there is a beautifully-landscaped park where
visitors can conduct recreational exercise or simply stroll around the marble
paths and admire the fountains and flowers. There¡¯s also a wading pool that¡¯s
free for children to swim in.
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Parliament
The Parliament Building is where Malaysia¡¯s
Senate and Parliamentary Committee sit and discuss
bills. Built in 1959, the building has a jagged outward appearance in contrast
to its square shape, cast in a white hue. Inside, the hallway is decorated with
portraits of past Sultans and Prime Ministers in an elegant setting of wood and
art. Outside is a park where rare species of plants are planted and deer roam
free. A visit inside requires an application letter but visitors are free to
take photos outside the main entrance of the Parliament
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KL Tower
The KL Tower, or Menara Kuala Lumpur, is the world¡¯s fifth tallest structure
at 421 meters-high. A telecommunications tower, it was completed in 1995 and
houses a revolving restaurant at the top. Visitors can climb Bukit Nanas to
access the building and head by lift to the observatory deck on top. Here, there
are built-in telescopes that they can use to zoom in on parts of the surrounding
city.
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Sultan Abdul Samad Building
The Sultan Abdul Samad Building was built in 1896 and named after the reigning
Sultan at that time. A historically-significant building, it was used to house
the Federal Court before they moved to Putrajaya. The building¡¯s architecture
reflects Moorish themes with plenty of copper dome minarets. A 40-foot clock
tower rests in the middle. During National Day, it is often a backdrop for the
parades that take place past Dataran Merdeka, just opposite the
building. Today, it is no longer used for official purposes but is an important
tourist attraction and historical landmark in KL.
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Kuala Lumpur Railway Statoin
The KL Railway Station was built in 1911 and was once the central point for
Malaysia¡¯s railway networks and service, especially for Keretapi Tanah Melayu –
Malaysia¡¯s first railway service provider. The Moorish-styled building is
located along Hishamuddin Street and during its heydays, was packed with people
and housed a few outlets and restaurants. Today, its role has been superseded by
KL Sentral, the high-tech and modern railway station in Brickfields and remains
solely as a tourist attraction.
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Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square)
The Independence Square was originally part of the Royal Selangor
Club¡¯s cricket field but was converted into a landmark when it was used
to announce Malaysia¡¯s independence in 1957, when the Union Jack was lowered. A
95-meter flagpole, one of the highest in the world, was erected on top of a
large, square marble base to commemorate the event. The field is often used for
tourist and national celebrations while the Royal Selangor Club
that fronts it is still in operation today.
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National Monument
The National Monument in Lake Gardens, also called the Tugu Negara, was built
to commemorate the service of soldiers during Malaysia¡¯s international struggles
and internal conflicts, especially during the Communist period. The monument,
which consists of seven bronze statues of soldiers in various poses, each
symbolizing an element of virtue, stands at around 15 meters on a marble base
that is surrounded by a reflecting pool complete with fountains.
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Agong's Palace ament
The Istana Negara or Agong¡¯s Palace is the official residence of Malaysia¡¯s
King, called the Agong. It is located on a sprawling 18-acre garden where there
are tennis courts, a 6-hole golf course, swimming pool and a lake. Outside, at
the main entrance, the Royal Guards stands erect, akin to the British Royal
Guards in Buckingham Palace. Sometimes, they come on horses. Visitors can watch
them change guards in a marching display daily.
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