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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