Kuala Lumpur, or commonly known as KL, is the national capital of Malaysia as well as its largest city in the country. Sapphire Princess docked 90 minutes away in Port Kelang.
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National Museum
Celebrate Malay culture and historical heritage within the impressive collections of the National Museum. The Museum was built in the style of a Malay palace. It consists of a large central main entrance hall that is flanked by two exhibition wings. The two large murals on the exterior of the exhibition wings depict scenes of the country - the mural on the rights depicts the culture and customs of Malaysian while the one on the left chronicles the historical episodes of the nations. The museum houses various galleries with different themes - Historical Gallery, Cultural Gallery, Metal works and Musical Instrument Gallery, National Sports Gallery and the National History Gallery. In the vicinity of the museum building, there are a number of outdoor displays of transportation in Malaysia, past and present.
We only had 45 minutest to explore the museum, so you need to watch your time and be selective at the exhibits you want to see. The restrooms aren't inside the museum, but are in a separate building on the grounds. Some people used the facilities before going inside the building while we went inside first. Would like to see this tour stop extended so that you aren't as rushed.
National Monument
The National Monument is a sculpture that commemorates those who died in Malaysia's struggle for freedom, principally against the Japanese occupation during World War II and the Malayan Emergency, which lasted from 1948 until 1960.
Our guide explained what we were seeing and then led us to the main part of the monument. Water surrounds the main monument. You'll need to traverses some submerged steps to get to the central platform. If you don't care to do that, you can still get some good photos from the main walkway.
We had about 30 minutes to explore the monument area and get some refreshments, including durian ice cream, or souvenirs at the stores across the street from the monument. Durians are banned from mass transit in Singapore - read this
article to learn more about the fruit.
Merdeka (Independence) Square
The Merdeka Square (Independence Square or Dataran Merdeka) is situated in the centre of the city.
Originally the cricket field for the Royal Selangor Club, today the site includes the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, St. Mary's Anglican Cathedral and the former National History Museum. It was the site of the August 31, 1957 proclamation declaring Malaysia's independence from Britain.
Merdeka Square is also the popular venue for various other events - open air concerts, carnivals, starting/finishing point for marathons etc. Occasionally it will be turned into battle ground for cricket match, just like it used to be during the colonial days.
Petronas Twin Towers
Reaching over 1,400 feet into the air, this architectural wonder is the world's tallest twin towers. A skybridge rising 557 feet above street level connects the two at the 41 and 42 levels.
“ As an internationally recognised landmark,
the PETRONAS Twin Towers symbolise the courage, ingenuity,
initiative, and determination, energy, confidence, optimism,
advancement and zest of a nation. ”
Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad
Former Prime Minister of Malaysia (1981-2003)
Click on the image to the left for more Blog posts about this trip.
Related Album:
National Museum
National Monument
Old Railway Station
National Mosque
Merdeka Square
Petronas Twin Towers
