Have you ever wondered what it's like to travel to outer space, see the stars and planets up close, or learn about the mysteries of the universe? If you are fascinated by space and science, then you will love Planetarium Negara, the National Planetarium of Malaysia.
Planetarium Negara is an educational and recreational center that showcases the wonders of astronomy and space science. It was established in 1994 by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) to promote public awareness and interest in space exploration and research.
Planetarium Negara has a variety of attractions and exhibits that cater to different ages and interests. You can watch spectacular shows at the Space Theatre, explore interactive displays at the Exhibition Gallery, experience simulated space travel at the Space Pod, observe the sky at the Observatory, learn about satellite technology at the Microsatellite Station, and enjoy nature at the Recreation Park.
Planetarium Negara is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. It is easily accessible by public transportation and is open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm. The admission fee is only RM 12 for adults and RM 6 for children and students.
If you are looking for a fun and educational way to spend your day in Kuala Lumpur, then Planetarium Negara is the perfect place for you. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this amazing place and how to plan your visit.
Planetarium Negara Attractions
Planetarium Negara has something for everyone, whether you are a space enthusiast, a science lover, or a curious explorer. Here are some of the attractions and exhibits that you can enjoy at the planetarium:
Space Theatre
The Space Theatre is the main attraction of the planetarium. It is a dome-shaped theatre that can seat up to 200 people. It has a state-of-the-art projection system that can display stunning images and videos of the night sky, the solar system, and the galaxy.
The Space Theatre offers two types of shows: the Sky Show and the Movie Show. The Sky Show is a live presentation that explains the basic concepts of astronomy, such as the constellations, the phases of the moon, the planets, and the seasons. The Movie Show is a pre-recorded film that covers various topics related to space and science, such as the history of space exploration, the life of astronauts, and the future of space travel.
The Space Theatre shows are available in English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. The show timings are as follows:
Monday- Friday: Sky Show- 10:00 am Movie Show- 11.00 am
Saturday- Sunday: Sky Show- 10:30 am Movie Show- 11.30 am
The admission fee for the Space Theatre is RM 12 for adults and RM 6 for children and students. You can book your tickets online or at the ticket counter.
Exhibition Gallery
The Exhibition Gallery is a spacious hall that houses various displays and exhibits related to space and science. You can learn about the history and achievements of Malaysian space program, the principles and applications of physics, the wonders and challenges of space exploration, and the diversity and beauty of the universe.
The Exhibition Gallery is divided into four sections: the Space Science Zone, the Space Exploration Zone, the Space Adventure Zone, and the Space Discovery Zone. Each section has interactive and informative exhibits that will engage and educate you.
Some of the highlights of the Exhibition Gallery are:
- The Space Suit that was worn by Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, the first Malaysian astronaut who flew to the International Space Station in 2007
- The Space Pod, a capsule that simulates the experience of launching, orbiting, and landing on Earth
- The Space Ball, a spherical screen that displays high-resolution images and videos of the Earth and other celestial bodies
- The Galeri Pemandangan, a panoramic view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline from the top of the planetarium
- The Mini Planetarium Negara, a miniature model of the planetarium and its surroundings
The Exhibition Gallery is open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm. The admission fee is included in the ticket for the Space Theatre.
Observatory
The Observatory is a dome-shaped structure that houses a 14-inch telescope. It is located on the rooftop of the planetarium and offers a spectacular view of the sky.
The Observatory is open to the public on selected days and nights, depending on the weather and visibility conditions. You can observe the sun, the moon, the planets, and the stars through the telescope and learn more about them from the guides.
The Observatory is also a venue for special events and activities, such as solar and lunar eclipses, meteor showers, and star parties. You can join these events and enjoy the beauty and wonder of the night sky with other astronomy enthusiasts.
The Observatory is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The admission fee is RM 3 for adults and RM 1 for children and students.
Microsatellite Station
The Microsatellite Station is a facility that monitors and controls the microsatellites that are launched by Malaysia. A microsatellite is a small and low-cost satellite that can perform various functions, such as communication, remote sensing, and scientific research.
The Microsatellite Station has a large antenna that can communicate with the microsatellites in orbit. It also has a control room that displays the data and images transmitted by the microsatellites. You can learn about the design, development, and operation of the microsatellites and their applications in various fields.
The Microsatellite Station is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 am to 4:30 pm. The admission fee is RM 3 for adults and RM 1 for children and students.
Recreation Park
The Recreation Park is a green and serene area that surrounds the planetarium. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature after exploring the attractions and exhibits of the planetarium.
The Recreation Park has a variety of plants and trees that create a pleasant and refreshing atmosphere. It also has a playground, a fountain, a pond, and a jogging track that offer fun and leisure activities for visitors.
The Recreation Park is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm. The admission is free for everyone.
How to Reach Planetarium Negara
Planetarium Negara is located at Jalan Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is situated next to the Lake Gardens, the National Mosque, and the Islamic Arts Museum.
There are several ways to reach Planetarium Negara by public transportation:
- By train: You can take the KTM Komuter train to the Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station or the KL Sentral Station. From there, you can walk for about 15 minutes or take a taxi to the planetarium.
- By bus: You can take the RapidKL bus number B115, B112, or B101 to the National Mosque. From there, you can walk for about 10 minutes to the planetarium.
- By metro: You can take the LRT or MRT to the Pasar Seni Station. From there, you can walk for about 20 minutes or take a taxi to the planetarium.
You can also drive to Planetarium Negara by car or motorcycle. There is a parking lot available at the planetarium for a fee of RM 2 per hour.
Related Attractions and Activities in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a lot of attractions and activities for visitors. If you are looking for more things to do after visiting Planetarium Negara, here are some suggestions:
- Visit the National Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Malaysia through various exhibits and artifacts
- Explore the Islamic Arts Museum, which displays the art and architecture of the Islamic world
- Admire the National Mosque, which is a symbol of the Islamic faith and identity in Malaysia
- Enjoy the Lake Gardens, which is a beautiful and tranquil park that features a bird park, a butterfly park, a deer park, and an orchid garden
- Shop at the Central Market, which is a heritage site that sells a variety of local and handicraft products
- Dine at the Jalan Alor, which is a famous street that offers a variety of delicious and affordable food
- Experience the Petronas Twin Towers, which are the tallest twin towers in the world and a landmark of Kuala Lumpur
If you are looking for more travel packages and hotels for Kuala Lumpur, you can check out our website or contact us for more information or assistance. We have a range of options that suit your budget and preferences.
Conclusion
Planetarium Negara is a must-visit place for anyone who loves space and science. It is a fun and educational way to learn more about the universe and its wonders. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find something that interests and inspires you at the planetarium.
We hope that this article has given you a comprehensive guide to Planetarium Negara and how to plan your visit. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below or contact us. We would love to hear from you.
