Petronas Twin Towers: Touching the Sky in Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia Purple Travel Guide
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Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideThe Petronas Twin Towers are an engineering and architectural masterpiece, defining the Kuala Lumpur skyline and serving as the primary global symbol of the modern ambition of Malaysia. Rising to 1,483 feet (451.9 meters), they held the title of the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004 and remain the tallest twin structures on the planet. The towers are not just office buildings; they are a cultural landmark that represents the transition of the nation into a major player in the global economy.
Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.
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Why You Should Visit
Visiting the Petronas Twin Towers is a non-negotiable part of any trip to Kuala Lumpur. The experience allows you to walk across the iconic Skybridge and ascend to the Observation Deck for a bird's-eye view of the city. Beyond the views, the towers are a magnificent subject for photography, especially at night when their stainless steel and glass facades are brilliantly illuminated, symbolizing a blend of traditional Islamic motifs and futuristic progress.
What is Special About It?
- The Skybridge: This double-decker pedestrian bridge connects the two towers at the 41st and 42nd floors, situated 558 feet (170 meters) above the ground. It is the highest two-story bridge in the world. Interestingly, the bridge is not fully attached to the main structure; it is designed to slide in and out of the towers to prevent damage as they naturally sway in high winds.
- The Observation Deck: Located on the 86th floor of Tower 2 at a height of 1,214 feet (370 meters), this deck offers a 360-degree view of the metropolitan area. It features high-tech digital displays and scale models that explain the construction and history of the towers.
- Suria KLCC and Lake Symphony: At the foot of the towers lies Suria KLCC, a premier six-story shopping mall. Outside the mall, the Lake Symphony fountains perform a spectacular light and music show every evening, providing a stunning foreground for photos of the towers.
Architecture, History, and Facts
- Islamic Geometric Design: Designed by the late Argentine-American architect César Pelli, the floor plate of the towers is based on the Rub el Hizb, an Islamic symbol consisting of two overlapping squares that form an eight-pointed star. Pelli added circular arcs to the inner angles to increase the floor space, creating a scalloped facade that resembles traditional Islamic art.
- Record-Breaking Foundations: The towers sit on one of the deepest foundations in the world. Due to the soft bedrock, engineers had to bore 104 concrete piles as deep as 374 feet (114 meters) into the ground. A massive concrete raft, 15 feet (4.6 meters) thick, was poured continuously over 54 hours to support each tower.
- Construction Rivalry: To ensure the project met its strict six-year deadline, two different consortia were hired. A Japanese team built Tower 1, while a South Korean team (led by Samsung C&T) built Tower 2. Despite starting later, the South Korean team finished their tower first.
- Material Innovation: While most Western skyscrapers use steel frames, the Petronas Towers are built primarily of high-strength reinforced concrete. This material was chosen because it is twice as effective as steel at reducing vibration and sway in high-rise buildings.
Self-Guided Information
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
Opening Hours |
Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM. |
Admission Fee |
International Adult: Approx. RM 120 – RM 150 (US$28 – US$35). Tickets are limited and sell out weeks in advance; online booking is highly recommended. |
Last Admission |
8:30 PM. |
Security |
You must go through a security screening. Large bags, strollers, and food are not permitted in the visitor zones; a free luggage storage counter is provided. |
Getting There |
Take the Kelana Jaya LRT Line to the KLCC Station. Follow the signs through the Suria KLCC mall to the ‘Concourse Level’ for the ticket counter. |
Traveler Tip
You should book your tickets at least two to three weeks in advance via the official website to secure a sunset time slot (around 6:30 PM). If you cannot get tickets to go up, you should head to the KLCC Park behind the towers. The park offers the best unobstructed view for exterior photos. For the best ‘hero shot’ of the towers, you should stand on the bridge over the park lake just before 8:00 PM to catch the fountain show and the tower lights together.
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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel
Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.
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