VISITORS COMPARE ASEAN DOME AT KLCC TO A LUSH FOREST EXPERIENCE

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- Visitors to the ASEAN Legacy Tunnel and River of Progress or ASEAN Dome at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre have described the experience as being akin to stepping into the heart of a forest.

The 10-metre-high, 20-metre-wide dome, which previously served as the official welcome gateway for world leaders at last week’s 47th ASEAN Summit, is now open to the public for a three-day period starting yesterday.

Upon stepping inside, visitors are welcomed by a refreshing breeze, accompanied by the melodic chirping of birds that fills the space.

LED screens on the walls display tropical rainforest panoramas, waterfalls, and native flora, creating a tranquil atmosphere that immerses visitors in a lifelike natural setting.

A visitor, Zamzila Ahmad Shafandi, 52, said the experience of being inside the dome brought an indescribable sense of tranquillity.

“The flora is beautiful, there’s a waterfall, and it feels refreshing. Netizens were right, our country has truly captured the ASEAN concept (reflecting the lush forests of ASEAN member countries)

“…the tranquillity felt is as if we were in a forest, surrounded by lush greenery and adorned with vibrant flowers,” she said when met by Bernama today.

She also expressed hope that the structure could become a permanent attraction in public spaces, such as shopping malls, making it more accessible to visitors.

Desnely Tan, 56, said the Dome’s uniqueness stems from its seamless blend of technology and nature, creating a truly captivating atmosphere.

“I was most impressed seeing the Dome set against the backdrop of the Petronas Twin Towers. I managed to take some photos, and it’s absolutely stunning. The concept and design are captivating, especially when the word ‘welcome’ changes in the languages of the ASEAN member states.

“The combination of LED lights, bird sounds, and water features makes the atmosphere feel remarkably real, as if you are truly in a living forest. I hope the Dome can be made a permanent attraction so that schoolchildren can visit and learn from it as well,” she added.

Head of the ASEAN 2025 Main Logistics Secretariat, Raja Saifful Ridzuwan Raja Kamaruddin, was reported as saying that the ASEAN Dome was designed not merely as an exhibition space, but as a symbol of the region’s deep connection with the environment and the historical significance of its river civilisations.

To bring this vision to life, the team used 80 LED panels to project waterfall visuals inside the dome.

“We want to showcase ASEAN’s journey from its inception, highlighting its evolution through different eras and challenges.

“This modern design not only saves time and space, but also allows the LED content to be updated daily, showcasing ASEAN’s continuous development leading up to Malaysia’s chairmanship,” he told Bernama during a logistic check at the convention centre last week.

The 47th ASEAN Summit and its related meetings, held from Oct 26 to 28 in Kuala Lumpur, represented the largest gathering in the summit’s history since its inaugural session in 1976.

-- BERNAMA