Royal Treatment

Since its inauguration three years ago, the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre (4 Jalan Usahawan 6, Setapak Jaya, 4145‑6122) has since won the Malaysian Tourism Best Tourist Attraction Award 2004 in the category of attraction with national identity or heritage. Explore the space and its three main sections—The Gallery, Factory Tour and Retail Store—which lets you in all you need to know about Royal Selangor’s majestic and world famous pewters.

Nightlife Revelry

Definitely stop at Zouk (113 Jalan Ampang, 2171-1997), the KL sister of Singapore’s most famous club. If exclusivity is your middle name, don’t miss the posh and classy Luna (34/F, Menara Pan Global, Off Jalan P. Ramlee, 2332-7777). What sets this chill out bar apart is its exclusive blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, which feature ample seating space, plush sofas and even a swimming pool.

Out of This World

KL offers a myriad of top attractions that are comparable to some of the best in Asia. On the top of our list is PETROSAINS, The Discovery Centre (Level 4, Suria KLCC, 2331‑8181, www.petrosains.com.my), an interactive science discovery center for the whole family. It engages you through sight, sound, touch and smell and all aspects of science. Equipped with hundreds of interactive exhibits and other programs keeping you happily entertained for hours, it’s science like you’ve never seen before!

At the 120,000 sq. ft. National Planetarium (Lake Gardens, Jalan Perdana, 2273-7277), feast your eyes on permanent exhibits related to space science, including the Arianne IV space engine, one of the engines that was used to launch MEASAT 1, Malaysia’s first satellite, into space. After that, head towards the observatory and explore the space and stars through its 14-inch telescope.

For an outstanding view of KL, check out Menara Kuala Lumpur (2 Jalan Punchak, Off Jalan P. Ramlee, 2020‑5446). This communication and broadcasting tower is 1,389 feet high and offers an observation deck at the 911 feet mark, which provides a 360‑degree view of the city.

If you’re a history fan, don’t miss out on the magnificent 27,600 sq. yards Islamic Arts Museum (Jalan Lembah Perdana, 2274-2020), one of the best museums in Asia, if not the world. The landmark showcases rare artifacts such as a collection of miniature replicas of famous buildings like the Taj Mahal. Other noteworthy relics found here include those from the Ottoman Empire of Turkey and Syria, and a large collection of Islamic manuscripts from the past.

Animal fans must not miss out on the National Zoo (Jalan Ulu Kelang, Ampang, 4108-3422 and the KL Bird Park [920 Jalan Cenderawasih, Taman Tasik Perdana, 2272-1010). The former features over 400 rare species of Malaysian and exotic mammals, reptiles and birds, while the latter features approximately 800 birds of 60 local and foreign species, housed in semi-natural, man-made environment. Aquatic lovers, on the other hand, must check out the 60,000 sq. ft. Aquaria KLCC (Concourse Level, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Complex, 2333‑2888, www.klaquaria.com) which features over 5,000 freshwater and marine animal exhibits viewed from a 297‑foot underwater viewing tunnel.