Expatriate in KL: Petrosains Discovery Centre for Toddlers

Friday, July 12, 2013

Petrosains Discovery Centre for Toddlers

After living in Kuala Lumpur for more 6 years, we have never entered the Petrsosains Discovery Centre at KLCC. I worked at the Twin Towers for about 4 years and have always seen that place -- with curiosity. For childless couples I guess this does not garner much interest. Things completely change when you have a toddler with you.

After our breakfast, we went to Suria KLCC to enjoy our Sunday -- perhaps some shopping and late lunch. As we walked around, the Petrosains caught my attention and I thought to myself, why not try it out this time?

We walked over to the counter and they had friendly staff welcoming everyone. As I went to the counter, I explained that I am not Malaysian but in fact have a i-Pass (pink card which looks like an IC for Resident Pass owners). The friendly Malay staff quickly recognized it and gave us the "MyKad" price and an added bonus, I had my Aeon Card with me -- they had a promotion where you can get 15% off! My mother brought along her Senior Citizen card, and she also got the Senior Citizen discount.

We entered the place a little past 1pm, thinking that we will probably spend an hour or two maximum inside the small-looking entrance. In fact, I was mistaken. The entrance was deceiving! It looked average, but in fact the place is huge!!!

The whole journey starts off with a ride in a gondola-looking contraption which will be interesting for your little one. Then you hope off from there to start a walking journey as you discover Science.

To summarize the experience, GOOD and IMPROVEMENT stuff are:

GOOD STUFF

Really huge place, you can kill time with your toddler and probably spend easily 2 hours on the average. We spent 3 hours in there!
Price is not too expensive
Staff are friendly
Have a toddler play area with Lego-looking blocks. Toddler will probably spend 15minutes playing there while parents can have a seat
It comes with a 3D show, where my toddler enjoyed watching Dinky the Dinosaur with 3D glasses
Lots of walking for your toddler, which will surely knock her out afterwards. My daughter ate well after and she fell asleep in the car (and at home)
Fun indoor activity for families looking for something interesting and different
Encourage discovery of motor skills of your toddler. Lots of touch-and-feel stuff
They had toilets inside and baby changing rooms

IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED

Some of the areas are not well-maintained, some parts are gone (probably stolen), while others had non-working stuff which are cordoned off
The sign going to the exit was not super clear. After the toddler play area, we weren't sure how to get out... kind of got a bit lost on what was next after that place
Huge place, you will need a stroller if you are coming with a 2-year old. My daughter is 3 years old so she was able to walk through the whole place

Overall, it proved to be a good decision to check it out. My daughter enjoyed it.