Everything You Need to Know about Aquaria KLCC in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a gold mine when it comes to family-friendly activities and you won’t have to look farther than its city centre to find them! If you’re visiting with kids, however, Aquaria KLCC stands among the rest and it’s the secret to being the best parents ever.
Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but let’s be real—what wouldn’t your kids love about this place? It ticks all the boxes from underwater tunnels to jaw-dropping sea creatures to colourful schools of fish, you truly can’t ask for anything else.
Except maybe a comprehensive guide that tells you everything you need to know before visiting this place. From where to stay and eat to what to expect inside Aquaria KLCC, we’ve listed everything down below.
Where is Aquaria KLCC?
Aquaria KLCC is located in the city centre and it can be accessed via the Jalan Pinang Road. To its north are famous attractions like the KLCC Park and the Petronas Twin Towers and The Pavillon Mall can be found to its south.
How to Get to Aquaria KLCC
By car: Driving is amenable thanks to its accessible location in the city centre (pin Aquaria KLCC on Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps, etc.) There are also ample parking spaces at the attraction itself or you can park at the nearby Suria KLCC if there aren’t any spots left.
By train: You can also take the MRT and depart at the Bukit Bintang Station if you want to skip the traffic and save money. From there, you can follow the shaded walkway that will take you straight to Aquaria KLCC.
If you’re riding the Monorail, you have to depart at the Raja Chulan Station. You’ll also find the shaded walkway as soon as you descend the station and the walk going to Aquaria KLCC will take around 10 minutes.
By bus: Taking the GoKL bus is the cheapest way to get to Aquaria KLCC because it’s FREE (RM1 for foreigners). Look for the bright green buses slapped with huge GoKL stickers that operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays and 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekends.
By Grab/Uber: We don’t exactly recommend taxis anymore because a large portion of drivers take advantage of tourists and charge a ridiculous flat rate. Instead, we recommend using ride-hailing apps like Grab/Uber.
What to Do and See in Aquaria KLCC
Witness feeding sessions
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Seeing the different creatures in Aquaria KLCC get all excited about feeding time is one of the coolest things you can witness here. You can use this page as a cheat sheet so you don’t have to miss a single feeding session.
During these designated times, scuba divers will submerge in the marine animals’ tanks and hand-feed them! You’ll be amazed to witness how each creature differs in eating their meals but most of all, seeing these creatures come out in huge numbers is a spectacle.
Pass through the Living Ocean Tunnel
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If you look up Aquaria KLCC, chances are you’ll be presented with a photo of the Living Ocean Tunnel. It’s among the most iconic attractions inside, allowing visitors to walk underneath the marine animals as if they were underwater themselves.
Walking through this tunnel offers an unexplainable soothing feeling, especially when you catch stingrays, turtles and sharks swimming above you.
There are several of these tunnels inside Aquaria as well. For instance, there’s a smaller version that kids will love that features cute freshwater fish.
Say hi to the pretty mermaids
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Aquaria KLCC is the closest way you can meet mermaids—well, sort of. During the holiday season, a show called Mermaid Moments will commence on various dates at the Aquatheatre.
The best way to describe it is like going on a mermaid meet and greet and we must say, the actors playing these majestic creatures do a fantastic job!
How they hold their breaths for so long is beyond us but what we do know is how dedicated they are. Everything is nailed down to a tee, from their costumes to their cute dances and their special air bubbles that never fail to make kids scream with glee.
Be in awe of their resident sea otters
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The Jewel of the Jungle zone immediately captivated our hearts because of its cute and fuzzy otters. It’s so heartwarming to see these amphibious mammals go about their lives, especially with their cute little hands!
They’re pretty good swimmers too! So good, that one could easily mistake them as speeding fish when they get going.
One of the best ways you can see them in action is through their feeding session. Seeing them whack nuts on flat surfaces never gets old!
Interact with virtual fish
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Aquaria KLCC makes up for not being able to interact with some of its fish by offering a state-of-the-art 3D show! It offers an advanced projection featuring various colourful swimming fish that can follow your movements if you place your hand on the screen.
Be in awe of the terrifying (but friendly) sharks
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As terrifying as they’re depicted in movies, sharks aren’t as menacing by default. You’ll find that most of them aren’t threatening to humans like the sand tiger shark, which you can find roaming freely in one of Aquaria KLCC’s tanks.
The attraction even holds special programs where you can dive with sharks in a controlled environment—if you dare! However, you need to be a certified diver to try this activity.
If you’re not certified, they have a custom-built cage where you can dive up close and personal with sharks in your own safe space! They also offer a sleeping with sharks program, which lets you stay overnight in front of the shark tank.
Complete the Discovery Hunt
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The Discovery Hunt is Aquaria KLCC’s way of forcing visitors to explore every crevice of the attraction. It’s like a scavenger hunt but instead of collecting items, you’ll be ticking off different sea creatures from your list every time you see and learn about them.
Get up close and personal with various creatures at the touch pool
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The Touch Pool is a hit with the kids because it allows them to interact with various types of sea critters such as crabs and starfishes. Sometimes, it’ll even feature a harmless brown-banded bamboo shark, which is a sight to behold!
Get up close and personal with various creatures at the touch pool
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The Touch Pool is a hit with the kids because it allows them to interact with various types of sea critters such as crabs and starfishes. Sometimes, it’ll even feature a harmless brown-banded bamboo shark, which is a sight to behold!
Where to Shop in Aquaria KLCC
Suria KLCC
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Address: 241, Petronas Twin Tower
Phone: +60 3-2382 2828
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
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Suria KLCC is one of the city centre’s premier shopping destinations. It consists of 6-storeys, each filled with stores that sell anything from designer bags to sneakers, sporting goods, electronics and everything in between.
This mall is also beloved because of its accessible location and its proximity to the Petronas Twin Towers. Meanwhile, outside its doors is the majestic KLCC Park, which consists of over 50 acres of green spaces, a lake and a playground.
Petronas Twin Towers Gift Shop
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Address: Lower Ground (Concourse) Level, Petronas Twin Tower
Phone: +60 3-2331 1744
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
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If you’re in KLCC, you’ll most likely have the Petronas Towers on your itinerary. While you’re there, be sure to check out the gift shop to score some cool souvenirs like t-shirts, magnets, mugs and more to commemorate your trip!
Our favourite out of the bunch is their Petronas Towers keychain, which is a simple but perfect gift for loved ones waiting at home. Meanwhile, if you want something more personal, we recommend getting one of their leather-covered notebooks and using them as your journal!
You can also stop by this store during your first day to get their Petronas Towers tote bags! This way, you can stroll around Aquaria KLCC with ease while staying stylish.
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
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Address: 168, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
Phone: +60 3-2118 8833
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
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Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is only ten minutes away from Aquaria KLCC and it’s the perfect place to unwind and maybe do a bit of shopping after a fun-filled day. The best thing about shopping here is the variety of stores it offers that vary in price points, from entry-level to luxury.
There are hundreds of stores and stalls here waiting to be browsed so be sure to wear your most comfortable sneakers! Luckily for you, there are tons of restaurants and cafes inside where you can rest your feet and grab some of Malaysia’s finest dishes at the same time.
Where to Eat and Drink in Aquaria KLCC
Marble 8 Steak House & Fine Dining Restaurant in KL
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Address: Level 56, Menara 3 Petronas
Phone: +60 3-2386 6030
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours
- Monday to Thursday: 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Good to know: Great for date nights
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If you’re looking to take your date or your family somewhere fancy in the area, then Marble 8 Steakhouse should be right up your alley! It offers some of the juiciest Australian Wagyu and dry-aged steaks in Kuala Lumpur while offering unmatched views of the Petronas Towers.
Meanwhile, kids can enjoy the Wagyu burger, which is an upscale version of a cheeseburger, but we’re sure they won’t notice that. To top the night off, you can order their white chocolate-crusted cheesecake to end your meal on a sweet note!
Nasi Kandar Pelita
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Address: 113, Jln Ampang
Phone: +60 3-2162 5532
Pricing: $
Operating hours Open 24 hours
Good to know: Perfect for cheap and delicious local delicacies
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Nasi Kandar Pelita is a great option if you’re looking to immerse yourself in Malaysia’s vibrant cuisine. It offers staples such as nasi kandar, mee goreng and of course, the country’s national dish, nasi lemak.
They also offer Indian classics like chicken and lamb biryani. If you want our advice, however, we recommend their sup kambing dan roti, which is a broth consisting of flavourful goat meat and a side of toasted bread.
In true Malaysian fashion, the dishes here are dirt cheap, but don’t be fooled! The quality is still amazing and the serving sizes are oh-so generous!
Le Petit Chef – Kuala Lumpur
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Address: Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +60 3-2182 1234
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Friday: 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM, 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, 8:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Good to know: Features an immersive culinary show
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Why end the spectacle at Aquaria KLCC when you can dine in Le Petit Chef and witness an equally entertaining show? This place perfectly incorporates entertainment into dining by projecting a 3D show featuring the titular small chef at your table.
They offer full-course meals, with each one disguising itself as lessons where the petit chef will put on an educational and whimsical cooking show. After he does his thing, the water will present the dishes on your table for you to enjoy!
Gimmicks-aside, this is a great fine-dining restaurant that offers classy dishes like black truffle chicken breast, baked Atlantic cod and braised egg tofu. The real star of the show, however, is the selection of desserts, among which is the delectable raspberry cookie crunch.
Sky Bar
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Address: Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +60 3-2332 9888
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Friday and Saturday: 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Good to know: Offers great views of the KL skyline
Website
Sky Bar should be on your itinerary if you and your friends want to end KLCC with a night of good drinks and music. What sets this bar apart from your typical nightclub is its magnificent views of the KL skyline, which includes the Petronas Towers and the KL Tower.
Families can enjoy this place during dinner as well right before the partygoers come flooding through the doors. They offer great Western dishes like burgers and fried chicken, which we all know kids love!
Where to Stay in Aquaria KLCC
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
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Address: 12, Jalan Pinang
Phone: +60 3-2182 1234
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Website
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is located right next to Aquaria KLCC, so if you want to be first in line, this is one of the best options. Oh, and it’s also a 5-star hotel that has all the bells and whistles from spacious rooms to premium amenities, world-class facilities, etc.
Our favourite thing about staying here is that each room comes with unmatched views of the KL skyline. If you’re lucky, you can score a room that offers an unobstructed view of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
de King Boutique Hotel KLCC
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Address: 160, Jln Ampang, Kampung Baru
Phone: +60 3-2633 2888
Pricing: $-$$
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Website
If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly while staying relatively close to Aquaria KLCC, de King Boutique Hotel should be on your radar. We still can’t grasp how cheap their rates are considering their rooms are spacious and super comfy thanks to their large beds.
Furthermore, your stay can come with a nice breakfast that features local and international favourites. Not to mention that each room offers spectacular views of the KL skyline on par with classier hotels in the area.
Its biggest selling point, however, is the location. It’s hard to find a place to stay at this price range that’s only a few minutes away from the city centre.
Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre
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Address: 2, Jalan Kia Peng
Phone: +60 3-2147 0888
Pricing: $$-$$$
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Website
Novotel is a great 4-star hotel that perfectly fits in the mid to high tier of places to stay in the city centre. This is because it offers rooms, facilities and amenities you’d typically find in 5-star hotels but at a relatively cheaper price.
The rooms here are massive and well-maintained. Best of all, they come with gigantic windows that offer the best views of the city centre as well as iconic skyscrapers like the KL Tower.
Aside from the rooms, the best thing about staying here is the roof deck pool where you can relax under the sun while enjoying breathtaking sights.