The National Planetarium (Planetarium Negara KL) is dedicated to all things related to science and astronomy. It?s a fun and educational place for kids to learn about the planet and universe. Set on a hill to the east of Lake Gardens, it is topped by a blue dome easily visible from nearby roads.

It may not be as high tech as the planetariums of New York or London standards, but it still merits a visit. The main entrance is evocative of a teleport chamber which leads into a series of halls containing two planetariums that have interactive exhibits (touch-screen interactive computers and hands-on experiments) plus a Space Theatre.

If you are feeling adventurous give the Space Ball at National Planetarium a go: it is a human-sized gyroscopic device that spins volunteers around. However only try it if you have a cast-iron stomach. There is also an eerie UV-lit lift labelled the Galeri Pemandangan (Observation Gallery) that takes you up a minaret-like tower to the Viewing Gallery. You are provided with binoculars here and from this advantageous position you get the best views of the Lake Gardens and the rest of downtown.

Space Theatre

The Space Theatre shows short, wide-screen IMAX international science and space films and generic documentaries at regular intervals throughout the day: it even shows clips from famous movies like Star Wars. However, hands down, the best place in the National Planetarium is the Observatory Park with models of Chinese and Indian astronomy systems and you can see distant planets through a telescope. Being located in Lake Gardens, you could include a visit to the National Planetarium as part of my Lake Gardens walking tour. Entrance to the Exhibition Gallery is FREE.

The film show costs are:

Adult (age 13 and above): RM 12 (MyKad RM 6)

Children (ages 2-12): RM 8 (MyKad RM 4).

Opening Hours

9:30am to 4:30pm daily. Closed on Mondays

The film shows screen on the hour, every hour. Currently the schedule is as follows:

1. 10AM Perfect Little Planet
   
2. 11AM Cosmic Collisions
   
3. 12PM Astronaut
   
4. 1PM We are Astronomers
   
5. 2PM Perfect Little Planet
   
6. 3PM Cosmic Collisions
   
7. 4PM Astronaut
   

No shows at 1pm and 2pm on Fridays (Friday Prayers).