Petrosains

If you asked me what the highlight of my stay in Kuala Lumpur was, I could say standing on the Skybridge between the Petronas Towers and catching a bird's-eye view of the city. But I wouldn't be honest with you.



My favorite part of KL lies inside the monstrous Suria KLCC shopping center on the top floor. Petrosains is an interactive science and discovery center. It's exhibits are geared toward children and anyone with a thirst for knowledge. Admission will cost you $4 US. It's a steal.



The great thing about Petrosains is that you get to be hands-on with all the exhibits. Ever wonder what it's like in the middle of a hurricane? Just step inside the Hurricane Booth! I'll let you in on a secret. It's a little windy.



There's a section of games that you can play to teach you principles of physics, geology and chemistry. One interesting game is MindBall. You and another person put on a headband which is attached to a machine with a ball inside. By using your brainpower, you can control the ball's movement. The first to push the ball across the other's goal line wins. It's a fascinating game. Too bad the kids playing wouldn't let me in. They were vicious.

Besides learning about science, you also get to know more about Petronas. The oil company's presence is felt throughout the exhibit. The bottom line: Petronas is awesome, and don't you forget it!

You can go on a simulated helicopter ride to one of Petronas' oil derricks in the middle of the ocean!



From there, you can experience what life is like on the derricks. I'll let you in on a secret. It's a little desolate. And the mannequins don't make it less so. But at least they eat well.

Remember, when you're in KL, make sure to check out Petrosains. It's a bargain, it will keep you cool from the Malaysian humidity and you might actually learn something.