So you’ve seen the Petronas Twin Towers, shopped at Bukit Bintang and walked around Dataran Merdeka and Chinatown. What’s next? Satisfy your craving for culture and art at these lesser-visited attractions that not many Malaysians or even KLites have set foot on.
Compiled by: Abby Yao
1. RUMAH PENGHULU ABU SEMAN
A Malay house is a rare find in the city, and this renovated structure is a treat indeed. Under the auspices of Badan Warisan Malaysia (Heritage Trust of Malaysia), this former village headman’s house from Kedah has been restored to its former glory. It’s only a stone’s throw away from Kompleks Kraf, so you can still fit batik painting into your itinerary.
2, Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur. Monorail: Bukit Bintang station. Short tours of the house are conducted at 11am and 3pm, from Mondays to Saturdays, for a donation of RM10. www.facebook.com/heritagemalaysia
2. ROYAL SELANGOR VISITOR CENTRE
A tour of KL won’t be complete without Royal Selangor’s world-class (and free) factory tour that will open your eyes to the world of pewter artisans. The centre offers hands-on experiences where you can work on your own handcrafted items. The pretty cafe is a perfect place for chilling out with friends on a lazy afternoon.
4, Jalan Usahawan 6, Setapak Jaya, Kuala Lumpur. Open daily, 9am-5pm, daily. Shuttle service available for selected hotels. Admission is free. Reservations and minimum 4 participants required for a session at the School of Hard Knocks (RM60 per person) and The Foundry (RM150 per person). visitorcentre.royalselangor.com
3. GALERI PETRONAS
Galeri Petronas right inside Suria KLCC hosts a powerhouse lineup of exhibitions every two to three months. With conversation starters aplenty, it’s always worth a look around before heading outdoors to the Symphony Lake for the colourful light-and-sound fountain show or take the requisite selfies with the Petronas Twin Towers from KLCC Park.
Level 3, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. LRT: KLCC station. Open Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am – 8pm. Admission is free. www.galeripetronas.com.my
4. ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM MALAYSIA
Perhaps the most international of these jewels, the IAMM houses an impressive collection of illuminated Qur’ans, artefacts from Islamic civilisations, and scale models of famous mosques. It’s right next to the (Masjid Negara) National Mosque, should you be interested in stepping into the umbrella-shaped mosque.
Jalan Lembah Perdana, Kuala Lumpur. KTM: Kuala Lumpur station. Open daily, 10am-6pm. Admission: Adult RM14, Concessions RM7, Child under 6 free. www.iamm.org.my
5. BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY
Tucked away in a leafy corner of Kuala Lumpur, this museum makes for a pleasant afternoon to admire the Malaysian central bank’s collections and the building’s architecture. If you’re more interested in money than art, there’s also a numismatic museum with various currencies from different periods and a children’s gallery that teaches the value of saving.
Sasana Kijang, 2, Jalan Dato’Onn, Kuala Lumpur. KTM: Bank Negara station. Open daily, 10am-6pm. Admission is free.www.museumbnm.gov.my
6. MUZIUM DIRAJA (ROYAL MUSEUM)
For a peek into the lives of the monarchs, step into the old royal palace, the home of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (king) of Malaysia until the current Istana Negara (National Palace) was completed in 2011. Gold and yellow are everywhere in this former mansion of a tin tycoon and later occupied by Japanese and British forces.
Jalan Istana, Kuala Lumpur. Open daily, 9am-5pm. Admission: Malaysian RM5, Non-Malaysian RM10. www.jmm.gov.my
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