Sunday, January 31, 2010

Kuala Lumpur 2 - Lake Garden [30/01]

I managed to set aside one day to visit some sights in KL. From our hotel, we took a cab to the National Monument in the Lake Gardens. Along the way, we passed by the Jamek Mosque. This is one of the recommended sight in the Historic Heart of KL. The architecture is remarkable.

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We alighted along Jalan Parlimen and walked northwards towards the Tugu Negara (National Monument). Along the way, we passed by some stonehedge structure.

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There is a quiet pond in the area. The midday sun is not up and the pond gave a clear reflection of the surrounding trees.

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Walking along the path and appreciating the diverse vegetation of the equatorial climate.

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Here is a memorial for the world wars.

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The building leading to the National Monument. The sun cast perfect shadows in the building.

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A symmetric national monument feel from the front (with a lady pretending to be a monkey on the right)

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Let's take a closer look at the sculpture. This symbolises triumph over communism.

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We took another path down from the National Monument southwards. Just in front is the ASEAN Sculpture Garden with a lot of funny looking exhibits and stonehedge like sculpture.

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The national flower of Malaysia is hibiscus. Of so many flowers, I like hibiscus the most. There is a certain grace to it.

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Through the Lake Garden, we came upon a dinosaur park. This is perfect for kids.

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The plants are shaped like dinosaurs.

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There are many water coolers around.

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I find this part of the garden to be very special. It is circular and perfectly symmetrical. That is what I like about islamic art and architecture, everything is so beautiful.

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Here is the start of Lake Garden. It is also a perfect venue for wedding shots.

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Visitors can rent boats from here. It is very cheap, only RM6 for 30mins.

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There are several bridges and pavilion in the park, so visitors can slowly cross it and rest under the pavilion. Ideal to visit the park in the early morning or evening, and avoid the hot afternoon sun.

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We walked up the hill. It's quite a climb and I'm surprised that Lake Garden is quite hilly. Along the road in front of the Memorial Tun Razak, there is a sign telling motorist of monkeys crossing.

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A family of monkeys (man's best friend).

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The Memorial Tun Razak, it seems to be closed though.

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Next, we decided to visit the Orchid Garden, since Orchid is the national flower of Singapore. The entrance on weekends is only RM1.

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Walking along the covered walkway to the nursery and bazaar.

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Multi-coloured orchids lined the bazaar.

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A nursery where orchids are being grown.

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We returned back to the bird park which is just opposite the Orchid Garden. We noticed there were different pricing between foreigners and locals. Locals who have a MyKad (Malaysia IC) only need to pay RM15 for adults, while foreigners have to pay a whooping RM42!!

Anyway, from there we hop on a taxi back to our hotel to wash up and get ready to check out. Along the way, we pass by the National Mosque.

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The taxi driver told us the coming Monday is a City Day, where cities in Malaysia celebrate their holiday. So here in the open field, they are preparing for the City Day celebration. Notice the large flag pole in the distance.

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After lunch in Chinatown, I decided to visit the Guan Gong temple in the area. I always like to visit places of worship as these are places where locals seek solace and peace.

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The main entrance to the temple.

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A dragon ready to soar.

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The many incense hanging at the entrance of the temple. I learned this perspective from FP the last time we were shooting images in a similar temple in Singapore.

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