Kuala Lumpur City Centre, commonly known as KLCC, is the centerpiece of Malaysia’s modern and dynamic capital city. This integrated complex is home to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC Park, Suria KLCC shopping mall, and a host of other notable attractions that make it a premier destination for both locals and tourists.
Overview of KLCC
Kuala Lumpur City Centre is located right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, adjacent to the beautiful KLCC Park. It covers 100 acres of prime real estate and is part of the Kuala Lumpur central business district. The development was undertaken by Petronas, Malaysia’s national petroleum company, as part of an urban renewal project starting in the 1990s.
The centerpiece of KLCC is the magnificent Petronas Twin Towers, which were the tallest buildings in the world when completed in 1998. Today, they remain an iconic landmark dominating the Kuala Lumpur skyline. Surrounding the twin towers is a large complex housing the Suria KLCC shopping mall, the Petronas Philharmonic Hall, the Petrosains science discovery center, and numerous office towers occupied by multinational corporations.
Key Attractions at KLCC
Petronas Twin Towers
The Petronas Twin Towers stand at 451.9 meters tall with 88 storeys each. Designed by renowned architect Cesar Pelli, the towers feature a distinctive postmodern style and are clad in stainless steel and glass. Visitors can go up to the Skybridge connection on the 41st floor to enjoy panoramic city views. At the base of Tower 2 is the Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park and the beautifully designed wading pools and fountains.
Suria KLCC Shopping Mall
With over 240 shops and restaurants spread across 6 floors, Suria KLCC is one of the premier shopping destinations in Kuala Lumpur. The mall is directly connected to the Petronas Twin Towers through a series of walkways. Shoppers can find a wide range of luxury brands, popular chains and high-street fashion. The mall also has an excellent food court and fine dining options.
Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park
This 50-acre urban park right in the heart of KLCC provides a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Designed by Brazilian architect Roberto Burle Marx, it contains jogging tracks, footpaths, children’s playground, lush greenery and a large manmade lake. The interactive fountain show is especially fun for families. The park regularly hosts public events and celebrations.
Aquaria Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Billed as one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia, Aquaria Kuala Lumpur City Centre contains over 150 different marine species including sharks, stingrays, seahorses and others. Walking through the 90 meter transparent tunnel with fish swimming all around is an incredible experience. This is a very popular attraction with families and school groups.
Petrosains Science Discovery Center
Petrosains aims to inspire interest in science and technology through interactive exhibits and demonstrations. Visitors can learn about the science behind petroleum extraction and the various technologies developed by Petronas. The center also features exhibits on robotics, aviation, biology and more.
Dining and Shopping at KLCC
KLCC offers no shortage of dining and shopping options for visitors. For shopping, Suria KLCC is the main attraction housing a wide variety of retail outlets, food court and restaurants. Luxury brands like Burberry, Versace and Piaget cater to the upscale shopper.
There are also many dining options scattered throughout KLCC including halal food courts, cafes and fine dining restaurants serving international and local cuisine. Delicious satay and noodles can be found at the food courts while restaurants like Marini’s on 57 and Mandarin Grill offer marvelous city views with the cuisine.
Nightlife is concentrated along Jalan P Ramlee nearby that contains many bustling bars, pubs and lounges.
Getting to KLCC
KLCC is conveniently located adjacent to several major highways including Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Ampang and the SMART tunnel. Visitors coming from KLIA airport can take a taxi or use the efficient KLIA Ekspres rail link to KL Sentral and transfer to the LRT.
The LRT and Monorail trains both have stations at KLCC making it very easy to get here via public transport. Riding the train is recommended to avoid traffic congestion in the city center area. Trains run frequently from early morning to past midnight daily.
For those driving, there are several parking garages located within the Kuala Lumpur City Centre complex. Rates range from RM5 per hour for non-tenants. Streetside parking is scarce and limited.
Conclusion
Kuala Lumpur City Centre is truly the heart of Malaysia’s capital city. The iconic Petronas Twin Towers paired with the lush Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park create a distinctive modern skyline. Shopping, dining, attractions and entertainment are all concentrated in this integrated complex. For tourists and locals alike, no visit to Kuala Lumpur is complete without spending time at KLCC to experience the energy and vibe of the city.
