I have lived in Kuala Lumpur for more than a decade now. Walked along the same road to get to Avenue K and KLCC for over 10 years and took no notice of this magnificent tree facing Corus Hotel. Then one fine day, I did. A huge and wondrous creation. Roots – far reaching and protruding. Trunk – donor to several thin and tubular plants. Crown – resplendent with wide spreading branches, twigs, leaves and small flowers. Providing shade, offering cleaner air, adding greenery and beautifying the environment.  It’s the kind of tree, my husband and I, would drive many kilometers to view in a national reserve or park, locally and overseas. Which we have in the past but can’t at present.

How did I miss this tree? As usual, not seeing. Not appreciating what is near and around me. In fact, there are many grand trees lining the road that I walk along each day. I know they are there only because they form a canopy-like-shield from the sun. These trees create an almost park-like, green-enclave within the city. I don’t know their names. I just call them ‘wow,’ ‘humungous,’ and ‘big girth with many rings.’ But they are such a welcome respite from the scorching sun’s rays.

Also within walking distance from where I live is the KLCC Park. The 50-acre park is truly nestled right in the middle of bustling Kuala Lumpur.  Surrounding the park are traffic-heavy roads like Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Ampang and Jalan Sultan Ismail. It is a sure treat to have this very large garden of trees, plants and flowers that provide sanctuary to people, animals and birds. Some nights after dinner, my husband and I walk the 1.3 km jogging track, and marvel at the size and types of trees. Apparently, there are some 1,900 indigenous trees from 74 species all over the park. We have also seen a few civet cats. They don’t seem to be overly afraid of people. Nevertheless, they stealthily rummage through the bins, and disappear as quickly as they appear. We hear birds but have not spotted any in the dark as our walks are confined to the evenings. Even then, it’s humid and we cool off by seeking refuge at the Suria KLCC shopping centre.  Not so much these days as we try to avoid air conditioned surroundings.

The park also has an unmissable man-made lake, aptly named Lake Symphony with a bridge connecting it on either side. Most nights the fountains in the lake light up in various colours, dance and shoot water as high as 42m in the air. To the accompaniment of lively music. Regardless of the number of times I’ve seen this entertaining performance, it’s still fun to watch. Show times are usually at 8pm, 9pm and 10pm. The KLCC Lake Symphony Light and Sound Fountain show reminds me a little of the fountains at the Bellagio Las Vegas. I’m not biased but I prefer the former.

While some sections are currently off limits, there is an expansive playground and a swimming pool for children. A paddling pool is available for those who want to stand in some water and feel less hot. Park benches are everywhere for the weary, and gazebos where families can gather for a sit down or chow down. Plenty of open spaces in the park for picnics as well. Serious joggers have the jogging path while those, who want to move a little slower have footpaths to walk on.

It’s particularly nice that this park is well tended to. Enough people take good care of the flora. They look healthy and watered. There is never any noticeable mess anywhere. Maybe, a bit after public holidays but it gets cleaned up quickly enough. Guards patrol the park on foot and motorbikes. It feels safe.

Every year (except 2020) , the park hosts concerts and spectacular fireworks on special occasions like the National Day and the New Year. These are spectacles worth watching, with the iconic Petronas Twin Towers taking centre stage. My mum is a great fan of KLCC’s pyrotechnics that light up the Kuala Lumpur skyline. And the best part of it all is its free. No entrance fee.

I know the downsides of city living. The interminable traffic jams. Elevated pollution from vehicles. Extra heat released from air-conditioned buildings. Far hotter temperatures compared with the outskirts because of the concrete habitat and noxious emissions. Feeling hemmed in because of Covid-19 inter-state travel restrictions. Still, the city has many pockets of green lungs with tree-lined driveways and landscaped parks. I remind myself that it’s pretty good where I live. I like Kuala Lumpur.