Thursday, March 11, 2010

PETRONAS Twin Towers

KLCC attractions

The 88-storey PETRONAS Twin Towers were once the world’s tallest twin structures. Inspired by Islamic architecture, this gleaming mega-structure – standing 452 metres tall – retained its claim to fame until 2004 when Taipei's 101 was built measuring 508 metres – and with 101 floors.

Declared the tallest buildings in the world when they were completed in 1998 – surpassing the 442-metre-tall Willis Tower in Chicago, U.S.A – these twin wonders, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, contain a complex of office buildings, conference halls, a sprawling 50-acre park and an upmarket shopping complex. Designed by Cesar Pelli & Associates, the buildings primarily house the corporate headquarters of the PETRONAS Company and are joined at the 41st and 42nd floors (175 metres above street level) by a 58-metre long double-decker Sky Bridge.

A View From Above

The Sky Bridge tour is an amazing attraction as the view from this awe-inspiring bridge is spectacular. Entrance is free but visitors do need a pass – of which a limited number are issued each day and a useful tip would be to get there as early as 07:00 as queues tend to be long. Apart from allowing tenants of the towers to move from one building to the other without having to go to ground level, the Sky Bridge also functions as an emergency exit route.

Tower One is fully occupied by the Malaysian state oil company, PETRONAS, and its subsidiaries and associate companies. Tower Two is mostly inhabited by multinational companies, which include Accenture, Al-Jazeera, Barclays Capital, Bloomberg, Boeing, IBM, McKinsey & Co., Microsoft and Reuters.

Classical Tour de force

One of the most notable features of the PETRONAS Twin Towers is the Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS concert hall – Southeast Asia’s leading venue for classical music. Located in between the two towers, the architectural design of the facility – which has garnered praise as one of the world’s best concert halls – is based upon the time-honoured design of 19th century European concert halls. The hall has played host to some of the world’s most respected musical talents and is home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.

Stunning Scientific Success

Another major attraction of the Twin Jewels of Kuala Lumpur is the Petrosains Science Centre – an interactive science discovery centre. The gallery showcases exhibits related to the petroleum industry, from petroleum’s origin in the age of the dinosaurs to its latest oil-based products. Located at level 4 of KLCC the centre has many interesting attractions including a 3-D theatre – one of its most popular attractions.

Fun for Everyone

Stretching out to the side of the PETRONAS architectural masterpiece is the spacious and beautifully landscaped KLCC Park which features a jogging track, walking paths, a water fountain and a wading pool for children. Other attractions include the Suria KLCC – which is situated underneath the Towers – the PETRONAS Art Gallery and the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre – where The Aquaria Oceanarium is located. So it goes without saying that the Twin Towers have something for everyone.

Location: Near Concorde Hotel Monorail stop, in between Jalan Ampang and Jalan Raja Chulan
Open: 09:00 – 19:00 (closed for Friday Prayer 13:00 – 14:30

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Penang Beaches

Penang beaches are some of the loveliest in Malaysia. Although the water quality has degraded over the years, sceneries along Penang beaches are still drawing tourists from all over the world. Most of the sandy beaches in Penang are located along the north coast of the island, as the eastern side was formerly mangrove swamp. There are also sandy beaches along the south and southwest coast while the western coast is also covered with mangrove swamp. The northwest side has a few secluded beaches such as Pantai Kerachut.

On the whole, the most famous beaches in Penang are Batu Ferringhi and Tanjong Bungah. These are where you find the highest concentration of beach resorts and luxury condominiums. Since the northern coast is hilly, much of the construction are on the hill slopes overlooking the beaches.

The beaches on other parts of Penang have so far escaped tourism, and are used only by the locals. On weekends, you will find families picnicking by the seaside. On weekdays, it is normal to see an angler or two perched on the rock with a fishing rod.

On this page, we present to you a list of the beaches in Penang. Click on the thumbnails to enter.


Batu Ferringhi
North Coast


Tanjung Bungah


Tanjong Tokong
Northeast Coast


Gurney Drive
Southwest Coast


Sungai Pinang East
East Coast


Batu Maung
Southeast Coast


Teluk Tempoyak
Southeast Coast


Permatang Damar Laut
Southeast


Sungai Batu
South Coast


Teluk Kumbar
South Coast


Gertak Sanggul
Southwest Coast


Pasir Panjang
Southwest Coast


Pantai Kerachut


Teluk Ailing


Teluk Duyung (Monkey Beach)

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Mount Lambak Recreational Forest (Johor, Malaysia)


"Located at the foothill of Gunung Lambak, some 5km from the town of Kluang is this recreational forest. It is a favourite retreat for picnics, bathing and mountain-climbing."

Just 5km from Kluang town centre, the Mount Lambak Recreational Forest is a convenient destination for those seeking a nature-getaway. Located at the foothill of Mount Lambak, this recreational forest is perfect for picnics, swimming and mountain-climbing. There is also a small children's playground here.

At 510m above sea level, Mount Lambak is accessible via footpaths and wooden bridges which makes for a relaxing and rejuvenating trek uphill. Apart from the variety of wild flora and fauna, there are waterfalls for those wanting a refreshing dip. Modern chalets are available for those who wish to stay overnight here.

How to get there?
From the North South Expressway (NSE), take the Ayer Hitam exit (Interchange 244) onto the Kluang - Jemaluang trunk road (Highway 50), headed towards Kluang town. Gunung Lambak Recreational Forest is close to Kampung Dato' Abdul Rahman Yassin, just south of Kluang town centre.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Johor Tourism: Rambah Beach


"Bird singing competitions, bird watching, picnicking and fishing are the recommended activities at this beach located close to Kukup and Tanjung Piai."

Located close to Tanjung Piai, Rambah beach is naturally a good place for birdwatching, particularly during the birds migratory season in the months of September and March. Fishing and picknicking are also popular activities here. Once in a while, the local folks hold bird singing competition on this beach. This beach is in close proximity to Pulau Pisang and Kukup fishing village.

This beach is easily accessible by road and offers visitors all the absic facilities to make your visit here pleasurable. Facilities available include rest shades, changing rooms, shower rooms, washrooms, car parks, restaurants, food outlets and accommodation. Swimming, jet skiing, boating, banana boat ride, windsurfing, fishing, sun-bathing, beach games and camping are popular activities here