In the heart of modern downtown Kuala Lumpur, at the foot of the famous Petronas Twin Towers, lies KLCC Park, locally known as Taman KLCC. Unlike the historical Perdana Botanical Gardens (Lake Gardens), this park is a modern, meticulously planned project, created as an integral part of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) development. It opened in 1998 simultaneously with the Petronas Towers and has become a prime example of the harmonious integration of urban design and nature.
Area and Structure
The Park covers an area of approximately 20 hectares (50 acres). It is a perfectly manicured, landscape-architectural space with a clear geometric layout. Its key feature is symmetry and open views of the surrounding skyscrapers. The area can be divided into several zones:
• Water Zone: The central feature is an artificial lake with the Symphony Fountain.
• Children`s Zone: One of the best children`s playgrounds in the city, featuring a pool, slides, and play structures.
• Sports Zone: Dedicated jogging and cycling tracks, outdoor fitness equipment, and a squash court.
• Recreation Areas and Gardens: Shady groves, palm tree avenues, a sculpture garden, and specially designed picnic lawns.
Things to Do for Tourists:
• Watch the Fountain Show: The main lake with the Symphony Fountain (Lake Symphony Fountain) is the heart of the park. In the evening (typically at 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM, and 10:00 PM), a captivating light and music show takes place, with water jets "dancing" to classical and contemporary tunes.
• Have a Picnic with a View of the Petronas Towers: The spacious, well-kept lawns are a popular spot for laying out a blanket and enjoying a meal with stunning photos of the towers as your backdrop.
• Stroll Along the Footbridge and Promenade: The paved pathway circling the lake and a scenic bridge offer ever-changing angles for photography.
• Relax in the Shade: Seek refuge from the tropical sun in the park`s specially designed shady groves.
• Exercise: Make use of the free-to-use sports facilities, popular with both tourists and locals.
• Visit the Children`s Playground: Even if traveling without kids, this expansive play area is impressive for its design and scale.
The Lake and Banyan Trees
The artificial lake in Taman KLCC is a feat of modern engineering. Its water circulates in a closed system, and its banks are lined with granite. To soften the urban landscape, however, designers planted majestic Banyan trees (Ficus benghalensis) along part of the promenade. Their sprawling canopies with aerial roots create a powerful contrast with the glass and steel of the skyscrapers.
These trees, specially brought in and planted here, are now established "old-timers" of the park, offering cool shade and that vital connection to nature for which this oasis was created. They look particularly picturesque by the water`s edge, and their silhouettes reflected in the lake are a favorite shot for photographers.
Architectural Surroundings
The Park sits within a "stone canyon" of modern Malaysian symbols, which creates its unique atmosphere:
Petronas Twin Towers: The dominant architectural element. They loom directly over the park from the north, and their reflection in the lake is an iconic cityscape. Beneath one of the towers is the Suria KLCC shopping mall.
Other Skyscrapers: The Park is framed by prestigious office towers such as Avenue K, Esso Tower, and Maxis Tower, which form a futuristic skyline.
Masjid As-Syakirin (As-Syakirin Mosque): This important city mosque is located near the park`s southeastern corner. Its architecture blends modern lines with traditional Islamic elements, and its large golden dome is clearly visible from many parts of the garden.
KLCC Park (Taman KLCC) is not a historical forest but a thoughtfully designed urban oasis for the 21st century. It was created as the "lungs" and a recreational space in the very center of the financial district.
