KL Tower comes alive!

"KL Tower Entrance"

Would you believe me if I say I have a “tall” story to tell? And let’s skipped the formalities and just get right down to business! Kuala Lumpur Tower (KLT) had finally consented to “meet me”.

“KLT, could you tell me something about yourself?” I asked, breaking the ice.

“I am one of the icons of Malaysia,” KLT said with pride. “Standing majestically at a height of 421metres, I’m the fifth tallest freestanding telecommunication and broadcasting tower in the world right now! I was officially opened on 1st June, 1994 by Tun Mahathir Mohamad when he was the Prime Minister,” revealed KLT.




That is true, Kuala Lumpur Tower stands proudly as the symbol of Kuala Lumpur, “Garden City of Lights” and doubles as the city’s best known ambassador.

Without wasting anymore time, I cheekily jumped to the next question. “Are you lonely up here?” KLT was quick in his reply.
“Should I? Look here; do you think I’m lonely with so many tourists from all over the world coming to visit me every day?” I guessed not and I looked defeated! It was silly of me to have asked.

“Let me take you on a walking tour,” KLT insisted. “As you can see, there are many activities going on here. There’s the Flying Fox Park where you could literally “fly in the air”. This adventure is not for people who are afraid of heights,” KLT reminded me.



"Flying Fox in action"

“But do not be disheartened. There’s always the Pony Rides and also if you want to break the speed limit without running foul of the law, you can do just that! We have the F1 Stimulator right here! You do not need a super license to drive.”

KLT even reminded me that there are two international sports events held yearly here. One is the Kuala Lumpur International Towerthon Run and the other is the Kuala Lumpur International (BASE) Jump. Many local and international athletes would be here for these two events.

We then headed for the “KL Animal Zone”. It was more like a “mini zoo” where one would find many species of spiders like the Brazillian Smokey Grey; the Salmon Pink Birdeater and the Mexican Fire Leg. These are really huge spiders which I’ve not seen in my entire life!


"Entrance to animal zone"


"Caricature Artist at work"

“If these spiders do not scare you, let’s see if these would,” KLT said, trying to frighten me with the Vipers, Adders, Albinos and the Snow Cornsnakes. “These slithery reptiles are mostly from South East Asia, Africa, Middle East and North America.


"Mangrove Snake on display at KL Tower"

“You can even see some jungle fowls, birds and some species of monkeys like the Albino Pigtailed Macaque from Asia,” said KLT, and readily admitted to me that these were his “friends”.


"Hornets on display"


"Albino Pigtail Macaque"


"Some giant tortoise"


"Burmese python"

I saw one solitary tree in the immediate vicinity and out of curiosity, I enquired about it.
“Oh, you meant ‘Granpa’ Jelutong (Dyera costulata). He was here long before me! He’s more than a hundred years old; much older than many of us.” KLT was enthusiastically enlightening me.
“And I bet you won’t know this,” KLT continued, “I was to be here,” and KLT pointed to me the actual spot where it is now the permanent ‘home’ for Granpa Jelutong, who some say, is the guardian of the surrounding area. Believe it or not!


"A 110 years old Jelutong Tree (Dyera Costulata)"

“There, in front of us, is the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve,” KLT told me as a matter- of-fact, pointing to the direction of the forest reserve. “It is the only remaining tropical rainforest with an area of approximately 9.3 hectares from the original 17.50 hectares. Rich with flora and fauna and it is one of the networks for GREEN HERITAGE OF MALAYSIA in the city.
“So, for all nature lovers; do not forget to visit this forest. Camping is allowed but permission is needed.”



"Entrance from KL Tower to Bukit Nenas Forest Reserve"


"A new coming attraction, One Malaysia Cultural Village"

It was getting hotter outside and I said to KLT, “Shall we enter the lobby?” Once inside, I could see there were a number of souvenir shops that sell gifts, perfumes, leather bags and Malaysian batik.
“You can always browse through all the shops and buy anything that suits your fancy,” remarked KLT, “and there are so many things to choose and buy for keepsake. You’ll be spoilt for choice. And there’s a cafeteria and a restaurant too!” KLT added.



"Raintree Forest Cafe"


"Visitors waiting in queue to access the observation deck"

“Shall we head for the Observation Deck (OD) now?” KLT asked me. “It’s at Level 1of the seven Tower Heads (TH),” KLT continued. “And do you know how long does it take to reach there?” KLT asked me again.

“I don’t know,” was my reply.

“58 seconds to be exact!” KLT said. “This is a very high speed lift. And you’d not even feel it moving because it is so silent.”

“Wow! That was fast!” I was amazed. I was at the OD even before I could catch my breath.

“In case you want to know, only TH01 to TH03 are accessible to the public.” KLT said. “An award-winning restaurant is at TH02 and TH03 is the Mega View Banquet Hall. Many wedding dinners were held at this banquet hall.” KLT continued.
“There are four elevators and a total of 2,058 steps in the tower shaft that remained ‘unseen’ from the public,” KLT explained.
“From the OD, we would be able to see the entire city,” said KLT, with an air of confidence.

“I agree totally with you,” I replied, with surprising nonchalance. “The view from here is absolutely beautiful. And look, see how magnificent the Petronas Twin Towers is!” I could not contain my excitement. I gave a squeal of delight!



"Observation Deck"


"A view of the Petronas Twin Tower from the observation deck"

“I also act as the Islamic falak observatory to sight the new moon to mark the beginning of the Muslim month of Ramadhan, the Shawal and the Zulhijjah,” KLT said.

I saw there were even more souvenir and gift shops here selling leather goods, gems and even postcards.


"One of the souvenir shops"

“This is the famous ‘Seri Angkasa Revolving Restaurant’ that I was telling you,” said KLT. “They served lunch buffet, afternoon tea and dinner buffet ‘up in the sky’! And again, if you dine long enough, you would be able to see the entire city without getting out from your seat!
“You don’t have to pay ‘sky-high’ for your gastronomic delights here!” KLT convinced me. And KLT was right. Superb view and superb food! What more could one ask for?



"Inside the revolving restaurant"

Before we ended the tour, KLT showed me the “Time capsule” that was placed by Tun Mahathir Mohamad when he was the Prime Minister on 1st.October, 1996. This capsule (at the lobby) would be opened one hundred years from that date.


"Time capsule schedule to be open in year 2096"

We bade each other goodbye and this time I would depart using the free shuttle service provided. It took me 15 minutes and 930steps to reach the Kuala Lumpur Tower lobby from the security base at the entrance just now.

Ushering in the New Year.



"Glowing tower ushering 2010"



"One of the local BASE jumper"