Aquaria KLCC

Aquaria KLCC is a large modern aquarium set beneath the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, a few minutes' walk across KLCC Park from the Petronas Twin Towers. It opened in August 2005 after two years of construction and covers about 5,600 square metres over two levels. More than 5,000 land and aquatic animals from over 250 species live here, which makes it one of the most popular indoor attractions in the city, particularly with families.

The layout follows the journey of water from the land to the sea. You start in the highlands and follow streams and rivers down through rainforest and mangroves to the coast, coral reefs and the open ocean. Named zones along the way include the Evolution Zone, home to red-bellied piranhas, The Stream, a Shipwreck display, the Flooded Forest, where giant arapaima glide past, and The Coastal. The highlight for most visitors is the 90-metre underwater tunnel, which the aquarium describes as the longest in Malaysia, where the larger marine animals swim above and around you.

Feeding times are scheduled through the day and are worth planning around, as they are when the animals are most active. The aquarium also runs a dive programme for visitors who want to get into the water, along with education programmes for schools and the public and conservation work, including interactive displays on fish and turtle conservation. Tickets can be bought online, and a timeslot reservation system helps spread visitor numbers, so booking ahead is sensible on weekends and school holidays.

Opening hours are 10am to 8pm daily, with last entry at 7pm. Allow around two hours. The aquarium is fully indoors and air-conditioned, which makes it a good plan for a rainy afternoon or the hottest part of the day, and it suits young children, couples and anyone who enjoys marine life. Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit.

Aquaria KLCC is easy to combine with the Petronas Twin Towers, the Suria KLCC mall and a walk in KLCC Park. There is a large food court just outside the aquarium for a quick meal before or after your visit. The nearest rail station is KLCC on the LRT, from where it is a walk through the park, and the Bukit Bintang shopping district is also within reach on foot.