Helicopter tours give Kuala Lumpur a new buzz

The Kuala Lumpur City Hall tourism unit will soon introduce helicopter city tours targeted at high-end tourists keen on getting aerial views of the Malaysian capital and its surroundings.

In collaboration with a local helicopter service company, the rides will take off from the Lake Titiwangsa Kuala Lumpur heliport from mid-March, said Noraza Yusof, head of tourism, tourism unit at Kuala Lumpur City Hall.

Customers may choose from 15-, 30- or 60-minute rides. The first two cover Kuala Lumpur City, Batu Caves, Bukit Lanjan, Petaling Jaya and Subang, while the 60-minute ride covers Kuala Lumpur City, Batu Caves, Bukit Lanjan, Subang, Sunway, Petaling Jaya and Bukit Jalil.

Prices start from RM250 (US$68.50) per person for a 15-minute ride and RM880 per person for a 60-minute ride. The helicopters can accommodate groups of up to four or six passengers, dependent on the chosen vehicle.

Adam Kamal, deputy president 2 of the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association, said: “This is a good new service to have as it gives an additional optional activity for high-end tourists in Kuala Lumpur. The location is also good as it is centrally located near five-star properties, which makes it convenient for visitors.”

Arokia Das, senior manager at Luxury Tours Malaysia said the helicopter tours are a good alternative to ordinary city tours by bus.

Forward bookings can be made by contacting pelancongan@dbkl.gov.my, and reservations should be done at least three days in advance.

-TTG Asia.