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City Guide - Kuala Lumpur - Excursions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Excursions For a Half Day National Zoo and Aquarium: This popular zoo is located 12km (seven miles) east of the city centre, just off Jalan Ulu Kelang. The focus of the massive 62-hectare (155-acre) site is the central lake, and many of the species native to Malaysia are on show. Visitors should be warned, however, that some of the confines of the animals, although good by Asian standards, can be upsetting to Western visitors. The zoo can be reached by KTM Komuter train to Setapak Jaya, then taxi; or by bus 170 from Jalan Ampang, bus 17 from Jalan Raja Laut, or bus 20 from Central Market. It is open daily 0900-1700 and costs RM6. Forestry Research Centre: This is a tract of wild jungle only 16km (ten miles) northwest of the city centre, run by the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (tel: (03) 634 2633). The multi-functional site contains a museum and offers visitors the chance to discover the jungle landscape that still covers much of Malaysia; but it is also used for research. The Rawang-bound KTM Komuter train from KL Railway Station runs to the park at Sungei Buloh. Admission costs RM3 per vehicle and the park is open Monday-Friday 0800-1615 and Saturday 0800-1245. For a Full Day Batu Caves: The limestone Batu Caves, 13km (eight miles) north of KL, are the most popular excursion from KL. Today, much of the most visited part of the cave complex is made up of Hindu temples. It is a steep 272-step climb to the main Temple Cave, while the Dark Cave boasts some stunning rock formations and the Museum Cave recreates scenes from Indian mythology. Every February, during the holy festival of Thaipusam, the caves attract as many as 80,000 Hindu devotees and curious onlookers. The journey to the Batu Caves takes 30 minutes by bus 11D from Central Market. Templer's Park: Established by the British during the colonial years, Templer's Park, 21km (13 miles) north of KL, is a 1200-hectare (3000-acre) section of Malaysian jungle where visitors have the chance to explore jungle trails, swim in the jungle pools and relax by waterfalls. Templer's Park (tel: (03) 691 0022) can be reached by bus 66 from Puda Raya bus station in the city centre. |
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