Tuesday 7 August 2007

Leg 1 = Kuala Lumpur

The starting point of TARA1 journey is from Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This historical site is where the Malaysian flag was hoisted for the first time on 31st August 1957. At the southern end of the field is one of the tallest flagpoles in the world, standing at 95m in height.
Other nearby places of interest: Sultan Abdul Samad Building probably one of the most photographed buildings in Malaysia,
Next stop is the Berjaya Times Square, where the contestants had to rappel down from the 8th floor of the complex. Times Square is one of the largest shopping mall in Malaysia (though not really that popular). It also has a hotel, indoor theme park and IMAX theatre.
Next, they proceeded to the Komplex Budaya Kraf (Cultural Craft Complex) in Kuala Lumpur. This place offers the many variety of Malaysian handicrafts such as batik, silk, pottery, pewterware, etc. This was where the contestants had a detour, either to make a batik painting or do pottery. Next up was a carting ride at City Carting Enterprise in the Shah Alam Stadium. And lastly, a check in at the KL Tower or Menara KL. This 421m tower is situated on Bukit Nanas. Next to it is the Bukit Nanas forest reserve, that the contestants had to go through to reach the tower (or they cannot check in - poor Andrew/Syeon). This is the 4th tallest telecommunications tower in the world, and the tallest in South East Asia. If anyone wants to go up, they have to pay RM8 (USD $3) to reach the observation deck. Alternatively, you can dine in at one of the few revolving restaurants in the tower.

Revisiting TARA1

Yellow dot = start of TARA 1
Green line = final journey
The entire journey at one glance