Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur: History, highlights and visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Petronas Twin Towers

Planning for the towers began on 1 January 1992 and construction started on 1 March 1993. The spires were completed in March 1996, and the towers were officially opened on 31 August 1999 by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. César Pelli was the architect, with Adamson Associates as executive architect. KLCC Holdings is the owner, and Petronas occupies Tower One.

Useful facts

Petronas Twin Towers facts at a glance

Location

Jalan Ampang, KLCC, Kuala Lumpur

Experience type

Skyscraper, skybridge and observation deck

Known for

Tallest twin towers in the world, 451.9 m to the tip

Architect/Built

César Pelli; construction 1993 to 1996, opened 1999

Time or schedule

Skybridge on the 41st and 42nd floors; deck on level 86 at 370 m

Why it matters

Why Petronas Twin Towers is worth your time

The Petronas Twin Towers stand for Malaysia's push to become a modern, industrialised country in the 1990s. At 451.9 m to the tip, they were the world's tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004 by one measure and are still the tallest twin towers in the world. César Pelli, who designed them, was an Argentine-American architect, and the project was an overseas-designed landmark for the Malaysian capital.

For visitors they are also a practical landmark. The park, mall and rail station around them make a compact, air-conditioned base for a first day in the city, and the skyline is easy to see from many other sights, including the KL Tower. They are best treated as a calm half-day, not a checklist item.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   The KLCC park

   A free landscaped park with a fountain, jogging track and the best views of the towers at ground level.

2. 02

   The skybridge

   The bridge links the two towers on the 41st and 42nd floors, and visitors can reach the 41st floor.

3. 03

   Level 86 observation deck

   Views from 370 m over the city, included in some ticket packages; book ahead.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

Start in the KLCC park, on the side with the fountain and the walking track, where the towers can be seen without a ticket. Early morning is cooler and clearer, and the glass and steel pick up the light well. If you want to go up, book the ticket package that includes the skybridge and the level 86 deck beforehand, since only a limited number of visitors are admitted each day. The skybridge visit reaches only the 41st floor.

Allow time for the Suria KLCC mall at the base, which has food courts, toilets, seating and air-conditioning. The LRT station named KLCC is the simplest way to arrive. In the evening, the towers are lit and the park fills with families and photographers, which makes it a pleasant and safe stroll, but humidity stays high until late.

If you cannot manage queues or a lift ride, the park view is the best value. A good photograph usually needs a wide lens or a step back toward the lake. Combine the visit with a meal in the mall, and keep your afternoon free for rest.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

KLCC, Jalan Ampang, north-east of the city centre

Time needed

1 to 2 hours outside; about 1.5 hours with the observation deck

Best time

Morning for the deck; evening for the lit towers from KLCC park

Walking level

Easy

Senior comfort

Mostly flat, air-conditioned inside the Suria KLCC mall and level in the park. Queues and security checks can be long, and the park path is hot at midday, so older visitors should go at opening time and rest in the mall.

Tickets and access

The skybridge and level 86 deck are ticketed and limited to about 1,000 visitors a day, half sold online; check the official booking route and book ahead. The park and the mall are free to enter.

Plan it with

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