TTHE PETRONAS Twin Towers is definitely the star attraction for any KL visitor. What may surprise you is that it’s also so the place where you’re likely to find things to do that won’t force you to rob the bank. While the towers are definitely on any visitor’s list, nothing beats the view from the ground than the one from high above. Specifically, the panoramic view you can enjoy for free on the Skyway Bridge. You can make your way up by collecting your bridge pass every Tuesdays to Sundays, from 8.30am. But come early because ‘tickets’ are limited and the queue can be long.

The free pass lets you up to the skyway located on the 41st floor where you can view the towers’ surroundings behind glass windows. While the Skyway Bridge does not offer the best KL panorama, many guests are just happy to have had the chance to access the tower and take snapshots from the top, rather than below.

Once you’re back on ground, head to the Suria KLCC Shopping Centre for a few more surprises. Up on the third floor, Galeri Petronas offers visitors a quiet reprieve from the city’s cacophony. Admission to this art gallery is free, and even if you’re not an art buff, you would still be able to find the exhibits interesting, as they provide you a look into an ever-evolving Malaysian culture. The gallery opens from 10am to 8pm, and you may want to check out its ClassArt where classes are offered to the public for a nominal fee.

For a different kind of gallery experience, stroll over to Pucuk Rebung a few doors away from Galeri Petronas. This delightful cavern of sorts is filled with some of the most unique and rare Malaysian cultural artifacts. One can literally trace Malaysia’s history at this gallery-museum, beginning from the nation’s early days as a Hindu civilisation to today’s Islamic country, from the many artifacts on display, including ceramics from 14th century Bujang Valley.