KUALA LUMPUR - Looking for a nearby escape from the city's hustle and bustle to unwind and clear your mind? There are, indeed, several ‘oases’ in Kuala Lumpur that can offer tranquillity and relieve a tired mind.
Here are five locations where visitors can feast their eyes on lush greenery and stunning panoramas without the need to drive far, especially on weekends:
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
This 8.5-hectare park, open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, houses over 2,000 birds comprising more than 100 local and international species. Visitors can take photos and interact with the beautiful winged creatures by feeding them food provided by the park management and also watch bird shows at 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm.
This recreational spot serves as an educational platform for the public, offering detailed information about various bird species and their habitats through informative signboards.
Kuala Lumpur Tower
About 4.9 kilometres from the bird park is the Kuala Lumpur Tower. This 421-metre-tall tower, the seventh tallest freestanding tower in the world, offers an exciting experience. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the capital from the Sky Deck for RM37 (children) or RM71 (adults), while the Sky Box is priced at RM10.
TikTok influencer Alya Dyna Zulaiqha Azrin, 18, was visiting KL Tower for the first time when Bernama interviewed her recently. She was mesmerised by the breathtaking 360-degree view of the city from the Sky Deck.
"When I reached the Sky Deck, it felt like a dream as I didn’t realise I could enjoy views of the entire city from above. I was also able to take photos at the Sky Box as a memory,” she said, adding she plans to bring her family to the telecommunications tower in the future.
Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park
Believe it or not, smack in the middle of the bustling city lies a tropical rainforest that provides a calming and refreshing atmosphere, making visitors feel as though they are on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.
The 9.37-hectare Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park (formerly known as Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve), open daily except Fridays from 8 am to 3 pm, attracts both local and international visitors. It features a 200-metre-long suspension bridge, a bamboo walk and nature trails. The park is also equipped with sirens to alert visitors to vacate the area in case of heavy rain.
The park is also home to reptiles and migratory birds such as magpies, owls and eagles, as well as langurs, though visitors are advised not to feed them.
Titiwangsa Lake Gardens
If you are a fan of water sports, White & Black Aquasports located at the 46.13-hectare Titiwangsa Lake Gardens, open daily except Mondays, might be the perfect choice. The facility offers kayaking and paddle boating activities, suitable for the whole family.
The park, located on a former tin-mining site, also provides jogging and cycling paths and picnic spots as well as scenic views of the lake with the Petronas Twin Towers in the background.
The park is fitted with 51 closed-circuit television cameras and is also accessible to persons with disabilities, making it easier for them to enjoy the park's facilities.
River of Life (ROL) Masjid Jamek
Visiting River of Life Masjid Jamek, one of the most iconic parts of Kuala Lumpur, at night can be a truly breathtaking experience, with blue LED lights illuminating the river and surrounding areas. Not only is it an Instagrammable spot but the atmosphere is also romantic.
ROL is a government initiative to rehabilitate and beautify the Klang and Gombak Rivers flowing through Kuala Lumpur. River of Life Masjid Jamek is pedestrian-friendly and is ideal for family or group outings.
What's more, it is located near Dataran Merdeka and has seating areas, perfect for visitors to relax and enjoy the beauty of this historic site. - BERNAMA