In KL but don't know where to get a run in? Why not zoom in to the 2nd
tallest building in the world? Yup, the KLCC. Visible from nearly
anywhere, it's an easy landmark to find even for most
out-of-towners.
The beautifully landscaped park at KLCC is the last inspired
masterpiece by the versatile and talented Brazilian master of
gardens, the late Roberto Burle Marx. About 23 of the mature and
rarer specimens were saved from the former Selangor Turf Club, and
eventually transplanted on to the park grounds.
Children’s Wading Pool
Water Fountain
Whale Sculpture at KLCC Park
Home not to only the swanky Suria
KLCC, many are unaware of the large park located just behind the
sprawling complex. Designed to showcase a heritage of tropical
greenery by integrating man's creation with nature, the beautifully
landscaped KLCC Park offers a calm and harmonious environment in the
midst of the hustle and bustle of a busy and dynamic city. If you're
at the Dome Restaurant, look beyond the dancing fountains and you'll
be able to see some joggers doing their thing. That's where the
track is.
Parking space is plentiful though a little on the expensive side.
Indoor parking is at the usual KLCC standard and the 2 large outdoor
spaces (around the mosque areas) are no cheaper. Thankfully not all
is lost! A good option would be the open space directly next to
Wisma Central (flat RM3 after 5pm) or Menara TR/Celcom (where it's
just a short walk via the rear entrance to the park). If you're
working slightly further away, the PUTRA Light Rail Transit (LRT)
would be a wise choice.
If you've grown weary running on the hard tarmac or bricked surface,
you will welcome the rubberized track and grassy surfaces of the
KLCC Park. The main loop is 1.3 km and you have the option along the
route to run on the grass. Casual joggers and walkers are advised
not to underestimate the loop as the elevation is undulating
throughout the distance.
Aerial View of KLCC Park
Aerial View of KLCC Park
There are 4 water fountains (with chilled water!) to serve thirsty
runners. As the trees in the park mature over the years, they would
be able to offer even some shade. The park's public toilets are very
clean and large - suitable to jump out of your work attire into your
running gear! There's even a stretch of straight about 150 metres in
length just beside the Exxon building where you can do plyometric
drills and stridings.
Children's Playground
Among other attractions at the park are the magnificent lake
symphony fountains, programmed to provide numerous different
dramatic animations following a Symphony Overture sequence, the
ornamental water features, the children's wading pool and the
children's playground.
If you've been doing your workouts here, you will notice some
regulars. Most are folks working in offices in the vicinity but
there are equally many who make it their stopover on their way home.
There are even some fast expats. On Wednesdays, you'll be able to
catch Ronnie See aka "Der Pacemaker", Grace Lee, Azwar and I there.
Perhaps the only time when running here proves a challenge would be
during the school holidays when hordes of school children and adults
alike converge in the park for Kodak moments. Weekends too are
crowded due to the children's playground and wading pool.
This park has been a blessing. Office folks would have been able to
cook up excuses not to get outdoors if not for this park. Your first
few runs will have you taking in the spectacular twin towers and who
knows, you may just end up being a regular here.
The KLCC Park is open from 7.00 a.m. till 10.00 p.m. daily.
Getting There:
This is not supposed to be a question because if you can’t get here,
you can’t go anywhere else. Anyway, if you are taking the PUTRA LRT,
just stop at the KLCC Station.
