Somehow, augmented reality returns. From 30 August to 30 November, visitors to 10 ‘atas’ locations around KL can point their phones at 30 different murals and watch them animate. This is the idea behind the Augmented Reality Festival Kuala Lumpur.

The AR Fest KL 2024 is divided into four puns: StreetARt, Arca, Artworks, and CheritAR. They all feature works of local and international artists.

The mixed-reality art installations are located in the National Art Gallery, National Textile Museum, Bangunan Sultan Abdul Saamad, between Victoria Fountain and Jalan Sultan, Lorong Panggung, Jalan Petaling, and Jalan Tun H.S. Lee. They can also be found at Kwai Chai Hong, REXKL, GMBB, and The Starhill.

While this is a gimmick, and I do not recommend experiencing Kuala Lumpur from behind a screen, even if it is as big as a tablet, I can tell you firsthand that the locations where these murals are located are fascinating.

Go to the National Art Gallery, the National Textile Museum, Bangunan Sultan Abdul Saamad, and Victoria Fountain for some history and culture; go to Jalan Sultan, Lorong Panggung, Jalan Petaling, and Jalan Tun H.S. Lee for the urban KL City experience; and go to Kwai Chai Hong REXKL, GMBB, and The Starhill to spend and if it is raining outside.

They are all worth visiting and preparing to do a lot of walking.

For more information on the AR KL Fest click here.