Petrosains Science Discovery Centre

Located at Level 4 of Suria KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, Petrosains is a science discovery centre where you will be brought back to the age of the dinosaurs, discover about earthquakes and how human life has changed with the discovery of petroleum. The centre is interactive in nature, and visitors are able to use their five senses in exploring science. See, hear, smell, touch and feel as you travel in the dark tunnel, experience the helicopter flight simulation and getting on an oil platform. There are over hundreds of interactive exhibits and programmes spread over the 7,000 square metres at the Petronas Twin Towers.

I discovered the centre quite by accident while shopping at Suria KLCC. The entrance is situated between a series of boutique shops and, at first glance, appears to be simply another shop front. As I had some time to spare I decided to check it out. I had absolutely no idea of the wonderful world I was about to experience as I purchased my ticket and began my tour on the Dark Ride. I enjoyed the experience so much that I have since been back for a second visit, and it most certainly won't be my last. The helicopter flight simulation is not to be missed. A fascinating adventure for adults and children alike.

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Malacca (Melaka)

Looking for something different whilst staying in Kuala Lumpur I decided to take a full day bus tour down the north-south highway to Malacca (Melaka). Malacca is the third smallest Malaysian state, after Perlis and Penang and is located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, on the Straits of Malacca.

A highlight for me was visiting St Paul's Church on top of St. Paul's Hill, once the prayer house of the Portuguese Catholics, then turned into a burial ground for their noble dead by the Dutch. The tombstones have Latin and Portuguese inscriptions on them. St. Francis Xavier was buried here in 1553 before his body was moved to Goa in India. After the Portuguese captured Melaka, they built a fortress to defend themselves. This fortress, called A'Famosa, suffered severe destruction during the Dutch invasion and what remains today is just the entrance walls, albeit still well preserved.

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Batu Caves

Batu Caves is one of Malaysia's most famous tourist destinations. It is a limestone hill, consisting of a series of caves and cave temples, located in Gombak district, 13 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The caves are home to numerous macaque monkeys which have a tendency to be quite aggressive at times, Liphistiidae spiders and Eonycteris and Rousettus fruit bats.

An impressive statue of Lord Murugan stands at the entrance welcoming visitors to the area. There are 272 steps leading up to the caves entrance which, for some, can be somewhat taxing in the oppressive humidity. The largest and best known cave is the Temple or Cathedral Cave, so named because it houses several Hindu shrines beneath its 100 m vaulted ceiling. Every year hundreds of thousands of Hindu devotees congregate here for the colourful Thaipusam festival.

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Royal Selangor Pewter Factory

The Royal Selangor Pewter Factory is one of the oldest and largest in the world. It has become a well known name in the manufacturing of Pewter based products. Founded in Malaysia in 1885 by Yong Koon, the factory is based in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur with a workforce of more than 300 skilled craftspeople. It is always interesting to see such skilled craftsmen at work and it was a worthwhile visit to see this world famous product being manufactured. Visitors are asked not to converse with workers but are more than welcome to watch them crafting their skills close up. The factory is open between 9-5 daily. Admission is free and includes a knowledgeable guided tour.

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