Since it’s now school holiday, I took J and K to National Planetarium (Planetarium Negara) Kuala Lumpur and Police Museum for a tour yesterday.
It was a half day trip. And the trip is highly affordable. If you are looking for cheap but educational trip ideas for your kids, this is it.
National Planetarium Kuala Lumpur
The planetarium is nestled in the beautiful and peaceful settings of the Lake Gardens.
The main objective of the visit was the show. Once we decided which show to watch, we started planning our trip there.
The awesome thing about National Planetarium is the admission is free. The exhibits cover one floor of the Islamic-inspired building – ranging from history of astronomy to space exploration.
The area is of moderate size and you can finish walking in one hour or so.
If you will, you can take a lift up one floor for a panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur city skyline.
As for the show, we chose Earth, Moon and Sun. It was the first time J and K watched a movie at a planetarium in which the viewing experience is so different from that of cinema. A dome is used as the screen and the show looks so real that you feel like you are being part of the documentary.
It was quite an eye-opening experience for the kids and they loved the show. The show lasted 30 minutes.
For the latest shows at Space Theater, check out its official website.
Since it’s now holiday, the planetarium was packed with students. Some of them came in buses.
We didn’t know this until after our visit. There’s an outdoor park and one of the features is a miniature Stonehenge.
National Planetarium Kuala Lumpur (Planetarium Negara)
53 Jalan Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
Telephone: 03-22735484
Fax: 03-22735488
Opens daily: 9.00 am to 4.30 pm (except Mondays, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and Hari Raya Aidil Adha)
Admission to exhibition gallery: Free
Planetarium Show Tickets:
Malaysians – Adults (13 years and above) RM6.00. Children (below 12 years) RM4.00
Non-Malaysians – Adults (13 years and above) RM12.00. Children (below 12 years) RM8.00
Website: http://www.angkasa.gov.my/planetarium/
Royal Malaysian Police Museum (Muzium Polis Diraja Malaysia)
Police Museum is located adjacent to National Planetarium just across the street within a short walking distance.
If you drive, there’s a car park next to the museum which is accessible via a small gate. You can park your car there as within the museum’s compound, there are limited parking lots.
The museum located at current location started in 1997.
There are 3 galleries altogether in the Police Museum – namely A, B, and C.
I must say the management of the museum has done an excellent job. Visitors can learn about the history of the police force as far back as Malay Sultanate of Malacca, Dutch and Portuguese settlements.
You’ll see the uniforms the police worn, weapons they carried, communications gadgets they used, and many other things that helped the police to carry out their tasks.
There’s even one section dedicated to weapons. Various types of rifles, shotguns, pistols, and homemade weapons are also on display.
Despite the stern image we have about police, the staff we met at the museum are friendly and helpful.
Overall, it’s a good learning experience for J and K as they took a closer look and study of the peacekeeping force of Malaysia.
One interesting fact: Did you know that in the 1950’s, the police had confiscated pornographic handkerchiefs from the communists. At a glance, a picture on the handkerchief looks normal. But if you fold the handkerchief at certain angle, a porno picture is revealed. Magical? Check them out while you are there (but make sure your kids aren’t looking).
Also, don’t forget to visit the compound of the museum. One can find many various types of transportation vehicles used by the police – including armored vehicles and train.
The Police Museum is worth a visit. After all the admission is free and what can you ask for?
Royal Malaysian Police Museum (Muzium Polis Diraja Malaysia)
5, Jalan Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-22725689 / 03-22725690
Fax: 03-22737850
Email: muziumpolis@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.muziumpolis.com (the site seems not working at time of writing)
Admission is free
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm except Mondays. Friday 10.00 am to 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm to 6.00 pm.
For more road trip and family travel ideas, get a copy of “The Nonconformist’s Guide
to Parenting” at:
http://www.parentwonder.com/nonconformists-guide/
Of course, you’ll find other useful parenting tips too in the book.
