Planetarium Negara — Attraction in Kuala Lumpur

READ THIS FIRST.

This is my unbiased, honest review. Save your time by going elsewhere. This place has gone to ruins. It definitely isn't the same as it was 20 years back. Things were much more exciting back then. Today this place can be summarized in two words: dark & dull. Yes, parking and entrance fee is free except for the movie screening and space pod which is a NIGHTMARE if you are unprepared.

The exhibition filled with drab items that doesn't quite catches anyone's attention. There are only one or two things in there that look interesting at first like the rocket engine replica but for how much longer are you going to stare at something you don't understand?

A lot of facilities there were under maintenance. A lot of exhibition items there don't even work the way they are supposed to. Buttons dont work, lights dont light up. You can pretty much finish this entire place between 20 - 30 minutes but it will be the most boring tour of your life.

Now then, the so called "space pod" tells you that you will get a chance to experience space. This is BULLSHIT. That space pod is from a company called MaxFlight. Google what company is that and you will get a better understanding of what that machine actually is. It isn't a space flight simulator, it is just a regular flight simulator, albeit a very advanced commercial flight simulator. It could have been a nice space flight simulator, but they didn't program it that way. They say it will give you an experience of what space feels like, but the truth is you don't see anything about space. It rather gives you the thrill of a roller-coaster ride which is freaking MAD. I was not prepared for a gravity defying ride in that machine. This is outright misleading. What on earth has a roller-coaster ride got to do with a space mission? I'll say that again, they programmed it to be a roller-coaster simulation. This machine can rotate in all directions, 180, 360 up and down, left and right. It has the ability to throw you off your seats, which then the belt will try very hard to hold you in place. Be warned, there is nothing "relaxing" about this machine. It can make you pass out, puke, induce claustrophobia or can make you seriously dizzy. This is what happened to me. For the first few seconds, my wife could not take it already. LUCKILY, thank the Lord, there is an emergency stop button which worked. The machine stopped, settled down, and then attendant will open the machine to check if you are okay. She got out but regrettably I didn't. I thought it couldn't be so bad, so i continued for a painstaking 2 - 3 minutes more. Turns out my head was spinning for the entire day and I had to burn my movie tickets because I cannot continue any further. I usually enjoy thrill seeking rides like roller-coasters or tall water slides, but this time i was caught off guard.

Be warned, the space pod is INTENSE. I can sum it up as a Top Gun simulator rather than a space simulator which explains why there are fighter jet style control sticks on each seat. Btw, there is a minimum height required to be in that machine. To my disbelieve, I saw a very small kid, probably 5 or 6 years old sitting in that machine without an inch of smile, staring downwards on the floor. Why would they let a child into such a machine?

Anyway, this is my review. The free admission shouldn't entice you to come here. You would probably have more fun visiting the police museum right below it. The space pod requires a ticket, but before you purchase the ticket, go inside and watch a demo of how it works, then decide if you want to risk your perfectly clear head for a thrill that will make you go upside down.

As for the rest of the place, I really think the government should invest much more into improving the overall exhibition and facilities. If you live nearby, perhaps it isn't so bad. If you plan to come here from somewhere far, trust me when I say make your time count by visiting elsewhere. If you are into some science fun, go visit Petrosains at KLCC. Admission isn't free, but it is far better...

The Planetarium Kuala Lumpur offers a celestial journey unlike any other in the heart of Malaysia's capital. Nestled within the serene Lake Gardens, this educational facility beckons visitors of all ages to explore the wonders of the universe through immersive displays and engaging exhibits.

Upon entering the planetarium, one is immediately struck by its modern architecture and welcoming atmosphere. The spacious lobby sets the stage for what lies ahead—a captivating exploration of astronomy and space science. The main attraction, the dome theater, is where the magic truly unfolds. With its state-of-the-art projection system, the dome transports viewers into the depths of space, showcasing stunning visuals of planets, stars, and galaxies. Whether it's a simulated journey through the solar system or a deep dive into the mysteries of black holes, each show promises to inspire wonder and awe.

The exhibits surrounding the dome offer further insights into astronomy, featuring interactive displays that explain cosmic phenomena in an accessible manner. From the formation of stars to the dynamics of planetary orbits, visitors can engage with hands-on activities that make learning about space both fun and enlightening.

The Planetarium Kuala Lumpur also plays a crucial role in education, hosting workshops, seminars, and school programs that nurture an interest in science among the youth. Its dedication to public outreach extends to regular stargazing sessions and astronomy talks, enriching the community's understanding of the night sky.

In conclusion, the Planetarium Kuala Lumpur is a gem for both locals and tourists seeking to expand their knowledge of the cosmos. With its engaging exhibits, awe-inspiring dome theater shows, and commitment to education, it offers an enriching experience that leaves a lasting impression on...

the planetarium negara is still a quaint And interesting bit of facility since I was a young kid having been there twice in my lifetime and today being the second time.

they should really have more budget or corporate sponsorship to upgrade their facility and programs to be more publicly engaging. people expect way more for STEM exhibitions today.

the planetarium exhibition is definitely a highlight of the facility but sadly I'm disappointed that they no longer use the laser projection system as it sits lifeless in the center of the "dome" using instead a digital projector which I suspect is too underpowered as I had to squint most of the way throughout the show .... if it was like 30-50% brighter would make for a much more engaging show. I checked out the same video they played in the dome on YouTube at my home and yeh the content had way more color brightness, contrast and color value.

I distinctly remember how fascinated I was when the laser projection system would beam and rotate onto the dome screen making it look like they were painting the walls with light live.... now it's kinda like a very well projected projector screen that albeit kinda dim.

conclusion, I do hope that the planetarium negara gets a huge amount of money to upgrade and expand their facilities, there's so much more...