Attraction
Batu Caves
Batu Caves is a limestone hill 13 km north of the city where 272 painted steps lead past a 42.7-metre golden statue of Lord Murugan to…
Petronas Twin Towers
The 451.9-metre Petronas Twin Towers, designed by César Pelli and opened in 1999, are the tallest twin towers in the world, with a skybridge and level 86 viewing deck.
At a glance
- Type
- Skyscraper and observation deck
- Area
- KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Official site
- petronastwintowers.com.my
Good to know
- Skybridge
- Level 86 observation deck
- Ticket counter on Concourse Level
- Shopping mall at base
- Park
Why we recommend it
The Petronas Twin Towers are the image most people have of Kuala Lumpur before they arrive, and they remain the city's defining landmark. Designed by the Argentine-American architect César Pelli and officially opened on 31 August 1999, the two 88-storey towers rise to 451.9 metres including their spires. They were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 until Taipei 101 overtook them in 2004, and they are still the tallest twin towers anywhere. Only in 2019 did The Exchange 106 take the title of Malaysia's tallest building.
The visitor experience has two parts. The first is the Skybridge, a two-storey bridge linking the towers at levels 41 and 42, about 170 metres above the ground and 58.4 metres long. It is the highest two-storey bridge of its kind, and standing on it gives a close view of the steel and glass facades of both towers. The second is the observation deck on level 86, roughly 370 metres up, with views over the city centre, Kuala Lumpur Tower and, on clear days, the hills that ring the Klang Valley.
Buy tickets in advance through the official website or at the ticketing counter on the Concourse Level of the towers. The operator warns that it has not authorised any third-party sellers, online or on site, so avoid lookalike websites. Allow time for security checks as well as the tour itself, and book ahead for popular weekend and holiday dates. Morning slots usually give the clearest air, while late afternoon lets you see the city change as the light fades.
The towers are a good choice for first-time visitors, families and anyone interested in modern architecture. Even if you skip the tour, the base of the complex is worth an hour or two. Suria KLCC, a large shopping mall, occupies the podium, and the Petronas Philharmonic Hall, home of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, is also inside. Behind the towers lies KLCC Park, a landscaped park of almost seven hectares, which is the best place to photograph the towers from ground level.
The complex stands on Jalan Ampang in the KLCC district. The KLCC station on the LRT is the nearest rail stop, and the Aquaria KLCC aquarium is close by on the far side of the park.
Petronas Twin Towers FAQs
How tall are the Petronas Twin Towers?
They are 451.9 metres tall including the spires, with 88 floors above ground.
Can you go up the Petronas Twin Towers?
Yes. The visitor tour includes the Skybridge on levels 41 and 42 and the observation deck on level 86.
Where should I buy tickets?
Buy from the official Petronas Twin Towers website or the ticketing counter on the Concourse Level. The operator has not authorised any third-party sellers.
Do I need to book in advance?
It is sensible, especially at weekends and in holiday periods, and booking through the official platform avoids unauthorised resellers.
How long should I allow?
Allow a couple of hours if you combine the tour with the mall and the park at the base.
How do I get there?
Take the LRT to KLCC station, the nearest rail stop to the towers and Suria KLCC.
Where is the best place to photograph the towers?
KLCC Park behind the towers gives a full-height view from ground level.
Who designed the towers?
They were designed by the architect César Pelli and officially opened on 31 August 1999.
What else is at the base of the towers?
The Suria KLCC shopping mall, the Petronas Philharmonic Hall and the landscaped KLCC Park.