Today In History – Bid Farewell To ‘Eye On Malaysia’

Today, 31st August, 2008, the national day of Malaysia, also marked as the end of the existence of the ‘Eye Of Malaysia’ in Kuala Lumpur. The ‘Eye on Malaysia’ is a 60 metre tall portable observation wheel at our infamous Titiwangsa Lake Gardens in Kuala Lumpur. This wheel comprises 42 gondolas (visitors cabin) and was official launched in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2007 on January 6, 2007 by the Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Visitors taking a 12-minutes ride in one of those gondolas could experience a 360 degree panoramic view of the city includes the city landmarks such as KLCC Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower, and tourist spot of Bukit Bintang. Since it was contracted for operation in KL until only today, it will cease operating and be relocated to Malacca in October 2008. I was ashamed of not even visiting it once since last year and I have to do it today for the last chance!

We woke up pretty early this morning for a praying session to ‘Guan Yin’ on 1st of August in lunar calender, with some hang over after my wife and I had ‘Merdeka’ day celebration drinking session till late last night. Once everything settled (after burning the ‘gold paper’ to Guan Yin), we took a bath and drive out for a ‘dim sum’ breakfirst at 3rd mile, Jalan Ipoh, KL. At noon, we reached Titiwangsa Lake Garden. It was a shinny noon with some hints of haze though.

‘Eye on Malaysia’ is built in the middle of the lake with a landing platform extended out from the lake side terrace. Not as huge as other observation wheels like the tallest 165m high ‘Singapore Flyer”, ‘Eye on Malaysia’ did liven up the metropolitan garden. Surprisingly not many people are queuing for the ride. My daughter couldn’t take the challenge up so we have to stay on the ground, walking around the beautiful lake (I think it was 3 years ago since my last visit here).

I took some photos of the wheel and there was a nice gentleman helping to shoot a family photo of us. That was it! Bye! Bye! ‘Eye on Malaysia’! See you in Melaka! For those fellow muslim who are starting their fasting month tomorrow, Happy Fasting! – Travel Feeder.

About The Author

Cecil Lee

The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.