Our family recently visited Planetarium Negara in Kuala Lumpur as Little E has been curious about space exploration and science. Read our Planetarium Negara review below.
Planetarium Negara is a science and educational centre located in Kuala Lumpur. Visitors will have the experience of interactive exhibits, space-related displays, and immersive shows about planets, stars, and galaxies.
It definitely is a great place to bring teenagers and younger children to ignite their interest about the universe and feed their curiosity about scientific concepts in a simple way.
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What To See At Planetarium Negara
What We Found Interesting At The Exhibit Gallery:
- Anti-Gravity Room
The anti-gravity room is a tilted room that creates an optical illusion where gravity is distorted. You won’t automatically float but you will experience imbalance in the room.
- AI Space Photo Booth
You can take photos with creative space-themed backgrounds and effects at the AI space photo booth. Using artificial intelligence, it enhances images to make it look like you are in outer space or on different planets. We had fun taking a few space photos here.
- Operate The Soyuz Space Capsule
Little E enjoyed getting inside the replica of the Soyuz space capsule, exploring its interior and interacting with the control panel and imagining what astronauts go through during space missions.
- Arianne IV Space Engine
View the Ariane IV space engine exhibit and see the structure and design of a powerful engine that helps propel rockets into space. Visitors can gain a better understanding of how rockets generate thrust and overcome gravity.
- Planet Rovers
You can experience controlling robotic vehicles and cameras used to explore planetary surfaces and learn how scientists study distant planets without physically being there at the Planet Rovers exhibit. These rovers are equipped with robotic arms and cameras to collect data and images.
- Space Suit
Check out a space suit worn by astronauts in space. You can clearly see its detailed design with a reflective helmet visor, attached gloves, and heavy boots along with a life-support backpack.
- Space Ball
One of the eye-catching attractions is the Space Ball, which shows immersive space visuals. From within the ball, moving projections of planets, stars, and galaxies can be seen surrounding the entire interior.
- Galeri Pemandangan
Visitors can see detailed images of planets, nebulae, and galaxies presented in an artistic and educational way at Galeri Pemandangan.
- Mini Planetarium Negara
You can watch short dome-screen presentations about space inside the Mini Planetarium Negara. The interior features a small dome theatre where visuals are projected overhead for an immersive viewing experience with topics like planets, stars, and space missions.
- Astronauts’ Training Equipment
Check out the astronaut training equipment used to prepare them for space missions. The display includes tools and simulation devices that help astronauts practice movement, coordination, and survival skills in a space-like environment.
- View From Space
Another highlight is the View from Space display which shows what Earth and the universe look like from an astronaut’s perspective. You can see images and visual simulations of Earth’s surface, clouds, oceans, and city lights from orbit.
- First Malaysian On Space
Read the story of the first Malaysian astronaut, along with the selection and training process to prepare them for the space missions. Visitors can see explanations of how candidates are selected based on physical fitness, academic background, and other psychological factors. Find out about the training journey that selected astronauts must go through before being sent into space.
- Periodical Table
An interesting display features the periodic table, highlighting how elements are formed in stars. Visitors can see a visual representation that connects each element to cosmic processes.
- Meteorites
Displayed in this section are replica meteorites of different textures, shapes with unique metallic or rocky appearances that have fallen to Earth from space. Read more about their origins and how these meteorites travel through space before landing on Earth.
- Interactive String Theory Wall
The interactive string theory wall upstairs is a LiDAR-powered interactive modern display. Little E was mesmerised and interacted with the display by activating elements through his body movement.
- Interactive Digital Tunnel
The interactive digital tunnel upstairs offers visitors a chance to walk through a visually dynamic and engaging space. As you walk through the tunnel, the digital projections change.
- Life On Space
This exhibit focuses on how astronauts manage daily life in space, including the use of a space toilet. Visitors can see how the toilet is specially designed to function in a zero-gravity environment. The display explains how airflow and suction are used instead of gravity.
Mini Library
The Mini Library has audio-visual and electronic resources in different formats, including audio cassettes, video cassettes, CD-ROMs, audio discs, video discs, digital video discs, and educational kits from both local and international sources. Kids can read more about space science and astronomy here.
The National Planetarium Recreational Garden has several unique outdoor installations including:
- The Merdeka Sundial, originally built in 1957, where its crescent shape and star design reflect elements of the Malaysian flag where time is measured using sunlight.
- Walk through the Ancient Observatory Park, which features replicas of historical observatories from China and India.
- Mini-Stonehenge
- The space-time sculpture presents an artistic interpretation of the universe, which showcases the relationship between time and space.
Observatory Deck to view the surrounding areas of the Planetarium.
Microsatelite Station on the compound used for satellite tracking and amateur radio communications.
Space Pod
The Space Pod is a two-seater cockpit simulator that provides a visual experience of space exploration and flight. Visitors will watch a space-themed display and experience moving freely in 360 degrees. Note: The space pod is only suitable for older children with a minimum height of 120cm and adults.
Planetarium Show
The Planetarium Show takes place in the Space Theatre, a dome-shaped cinema. It uses a Full Dome Digital System (FDS) to display simulations of the universe across a 270-degree screen that covers the entire dome, in addition to a 6-channel surround sound system and two Full Dome Immersive 4K projectors.
Planetarium Negara Opening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday: 9AM to 4.30PM. Closed on Mondays.
Planetarium Negara Address
53, Jalan Perdana, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
How To Get To Planetarium Negara
- Car
Planetarium Negara is near to the Perdana Botanical Gardens, Kuala Lumpur. Free parking spaces are available around the main dome building.
- FREE GOKL City Bus
Get on the Red Line Go KL City Bus and alight at the Muzium Negara (KL1116) stop. It is a short walking distance to the planetarium.
- KL Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
Take the KL Hop-On Hop-Off and stop at Station 14 (Perdana Botanical Garden) which is close to the National Planetarium.
Rating: 4.3 Stars out of 5, Over 100K+ booked, 2.4K+ reviews!
- MRT
Visitors can take the MRT Kajang Line and stop at Muzium Negara MRT Station. From this station, it is a 15 minutes walk to the KL planetarium.
- Taxi Or GrabCar
Take a taxi or use Grab e-hailing service and set your destination to Planetarium Negara or National Planetarium.
Planetarium Negara Ticket Price
FREE entry to the exhibition gallery of Planetarium Negara.
FREE entry for the elderly and disabled.
Separate Paid entry to the Planetarium Show and Space Pod Simulator.
Planetarium Show:
- MyKad Holder: RM6 (Adult – Above 13 Years), RM4 (Child -2 to 12 Years)
- Non-citizen: RM12 (Adult – Above 13 Years), RM8 (Child -2 to 12 Years)
Space Pod Simulator Ride:
- MyKad Holder: RM12 (Adult – Above 13 Years), RM8 (Child -2 to 12 Years)
- Non-citizen: RM24 (Adult – Above 13 Years), RM16 (Child -2 to 12 Years)
What To Note About Planetarium Negara
- Certain exhibits are not working or broken
We notice that some exhibits are not functioning properly or are temporarily out of order. Hence, do look out for your younger child not to touch these broken exhibits.
- Not many interactive exhibits
We found that the number of interactive exhibits are less and a bit old as compared to Pusat Sains Negara or Petrosains KLCC, but they are clean and entry is FREE so no complaints about that!
- Slightly dim lighting
You will notice that the lighting is a bit dim to create a space-like atmosphere in the National Planetarium. Some smaller kids might be a bit afraid of the dark atmosphere.
- Bring a jacket or sweater
The indoor temperature can be quite cool due to the strong air-conditioning. If you or your kids are sensitive to cold, do wear a jacket or sweater to stay comfortable during your visit.
Make it a Day Out – Other Interesting Places to Visit Near Planetarium Negara
- KL Bird Park
A large free-flight aviary where you can see a wide variety of birds roaming in a natural environment.
Rating: 4.6 Stars out of 5, Over 10K+ booked, 611 reviews!
- Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
A museum with interesting exhibits including Islamic art, artefacts, and architecture from around the world.
Rating: 4.8 Stars out of 5, Over 3M+ booked, 115K+ reviews!
- Perdana Botanical Gardens
A spacious and scenic outdoor public park for relaxing walks, picnics, and enjoying lush greenery.
- KL Butterfly Park
A large tropical garden filled with colourful butterflies flying freely.
How long did you spend at Planetarium Negara?
Most people spend about 1 to 2 hours at the Planetarium Negara, depending on how much time they explore each section and if you’re going for a Planetarium Show and Space Pod ride. We stayed for about 40 minutes, visiting only the Exhibition Gallery.
Is It Worth Visiting Planetarium Negara?
Yes, especially if your child has an interest in science and space, because it is an educational learning experience at an affordable price.
