Petrosains the Discovery Centre

It’s easy to see why Petrosains Kuala Lumpur is busy on a regular basis – it’s not a simplified tourist attraction but it still presents lots of information in a fun and entertaining way, and what’s more, there are two IMAX 3D cinemas and an iWerks theatre here. Weekends are crowded so the best time to visit Petrosains is on weekdays in the late afternoons, when the school excursions are over. Visitors who aren’t captivated by the exhibits shouldn’t spend too much time trying to find meaning in the museum – rather, enjoy it for what it is: a tribute to the petroleum science industry. Exploration: Once you have purchased your ticket, it’s time to discover the Exploration section – here hi-tech tools and techniques used for petroleum exploration are displayed; it’s the perfect place for budding geologists or seismologists to catch a glimpse of life on the job. Next up is a visit to Speed, an area where Formula One (F1) fans can find hands-on exhibits on the science and technology behind the vehicles. Besides that, there’s a mini theatre – The Molecule Nano World – that seats up to 32 people, which showcases 3D movies. Dark Ride at Petrosains: Next up is the Dark Ride – truly the beginning of your journey into Petrosains Kuala Lumpur. This ‘ride’ is shaped like an oil drop, and takes you through the tranquil rainforests of Malaysia, up mountains and diving into seas in an effort to show you Malaysia's transformation and its advancement into the new millennium. Meanwhile, the Sparkz zone has a ‘grain pit’, a little inventor’s section and an interactive art display at Tot Spot. Beginning at the Molecule Stairway, the Molecule Nano World takes visitors around exhibits in the ‘nano’ world of atoms and molecules; its basically chemistry-type attractions and displays with kitschy but cute ‘guides’ Moly and Poly. Petrojaya: The next section is Petrojaya, a ‘village’ with cartoon-oriented exhibits introducing the effects that petrochemicals play in local daily life – this display intersperses dynamic high technology with the Malaysian art of wayang kulit (shadow play) to create a unique showcase. Another attraction in the same vein is the Geotime Diorama – this exhibit takes you back about 200 million years, with a ‘singing’ dinosaur and also showcases of earthquakes, fossils and petroleum. One of Petrosains Kuala Lumpur’s last displays is the Music and Art zone – a showcase that seamlessly blends music and art into the field of science and last but not least, is the Exit Ride – a parting journey that presents some of Malaysia’s greatest achievements projected in an audio visual display, ending beneath a star-studded ‘sky’.