Menara: A towering achievement of Malaysian ingenuity
Uditha KUMARASINGHE in Kuala Lumpur
 MALAYSIA:
Standing proudly at a breathtaking height of 421 metres, Menara Kuala
Lumpur promises to be a highly visible and most prestigious landmark
situated in the heart of bustling metropolitan city of Kuala Lumpur.
This latest and most conspicuous landmark is the tallest tower in
Southeast Asia and the fourth tallest tower in the world after CN Tower
in Canada (553m), Ostankino Tower, Russia (540m) and Oriental Pearl
Tower in Shanghai, China (468m).
The structure of this unique creation consists of five basic sections
- the foundation base, touristic building, tower shaft, tower head and
antenna mast.
The circular concrete tower shaft is designed with vertical ribs on
the external surface, fanning out into a decorative painted aluminium
Islamic pattern at the summit of the tower head.
The Menara Kuala Lumpur has more to it than just being a
telecommunications and broadcasting tower.
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A breathtaking view of the Kuala Lumpur city from the Observation
Deck of Menara.
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This premier landmark in Malaysia has been completed in May 1996 and
opened to the public in July 1996. Then Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun
Dr.Mahathir Mohamed officially launched the tower on October 1, 1996.
Since its inception, over nine million people have visited the tower.
Menara is a wholly owned subsidiary of Telekom Malaysia Berhad. There is
always something special at Menara Kuala Lumpur, from breathtaking views
to top-class facilities, activities and events.
It definitely has the right ingredients to please everyone. Tourist
attractions at the Menara are the Observation Deck, Seri Angkasa
Revolving Restaurant, Mega View Banquet Deck, Muqarnas, Tower Terrace,
Mini Theatre and Amphitheatre.
The observation deck of the tower has unmatched views at 276 metres
above ground level with a multi-language audio tour of Kuala Lumpur's
city skyline from 12 locations. It is also the best location to view the
world's tallest building - the Petronas Twin Towers.
Seri Angkasa Revolving Restaurant, Malaysia's tallest revolving
restaurant situated within the tower has provided an opportunity to
enjoy chic dining with breathtaking views of the city of Kuala Lumpur.
The new Mega View Banquet Deck has fulfilled the meaning of privacy
and exclusivity as an ideal place where the guests can be treated to
something unique and special.
At the height of 288 metres above ground level, the Mega View Banquet
Deck combined with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology is perfect
for any function that calls for undeniable chic and class that will
leave an indelible impression.
It would be a totally new experience - holding a function 288 metres
above ground level. At the Mega View Banquet Deck, you can always expect
something different.
The Muqarnas of the tower discover dome shape arches decorated with
glass that illuminates like giant diamonds arranged according to the
form of the traditional Islamic "Muqarnas." This design from Isfahan,
Iran forms larger brusque patterns at the bottom to symbolise the seven
layers of the sky.
We can experience another breathtaking view of the tower from its
base at the 146 Metre long Tower Terrace. Relax to the sounds of a
cascading pool, the breeze whispering through the trees and misty fans
cooling you down.
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A picturesque view of the Menara Kuala Lumpur.
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In addition to this there is also an open-air Amphitheatre for
various events, cultural and musical events. You will also find a Mini
Theatre where visitors can watch a video presentation on the
construction of Menara Kuala Lumpur.
Menara tower has provided avenues for telecommunications,
broadcasting, cellular telephony, paging, radio and traffic
surveillance. Surrounding the tower is the Bukit Nanas Forest
Recreational Park, an area of 11.05 hectares located in the heart of the
Kuala Lumpur city.
This is the oldest gazetted forest reserve in the country. The
natural surroundings of Bukit Nanas have been very well preserved during
the construction of the tower.
A 100-year-old Jelutong tree (Dyera costulata) was preserved where a
retaining wall was constructed at a cost of RM 430,000 to protect the
tree.
Those who enjoy shopping for souvenirs and local handicraft and
snacking on fast food can get all these at the touristic floor which
includes Menara Kuala Lumpur Souvenir Shop, convenience store, chakri
Terrace, White Knight Tower Deli, Modesto's D'Tandoor Restaurant, Pewter
Shop and Scene to Believe Kiosk.
The latest attractions of Menara include adventure activity products
such as the G-Force X and the Flying Fox, whilst Skywalk X, Mastclimb
and Sky Jump are coming attractions.
Don't forget to visit the Menara Tower the next time you are in Kuala
Lumpur. It will be an unforgettable experience. |
