Did you know that the Petronas Twin Towers were once the tallest buildings in the world for six years, until they were surpassed by Taipei 101 in 2004? These majestic twin towers are not only the pride of Malaysia, but also a symbol of its culture, identity, and ambition. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Twin Towers are a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about visiting the Petronas Twin Towers, from their history and architecture to their attractions and activities. Whether you want to admire the stunning views from the skybridge and the observation deck, learn about the science and technology behind the towers, or enjoy the shopping and entertainment options around them, we have got you covered. Read on to find out how to make the most of your visit to the Petronas Twin Towers.
History and Architecture of the Petronas Twin Towers
The Petronas Twin Towers were built between 1993 and 1998, as part of a project to redevelop the former racecourse site into a new commercial and cultural hub. The towers were designed by the Argentine-American architect Cesar Pelli, who was inspired by the Islamic geometric patterns and the traditional Malay architecture. The towers are 452 meters tall, with 88 floors each, and are connected by a double-decker skybridge at the 41st and 42nd levels. The towers are made of reinforced concrete, steel, and glass, and are clad with stainless steel and aluminium panels. The towers have a distinctive shape, with eight-pointed stars at the base and the top, and circular sections in between.
The Petronas Twin Towers are not only a marvel of engineering and design, but also a reflection of Malaysia’s cultural and religious diversity. The towers represent the Islamic faith of the majority of the population, as well as the harmony and unity of the multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. The towers are also the headquarters of the national oil and gas company of Malaysia, Petronas, which is one of the largest and most profitable companies in the world. The towers have also been featured in many movies, TV shows, and events, such as the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough, the Formula One Grand Prix, and the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
How to Visit the Petronas Twin Towers
If you want to visit the Petronas Twin Towers, you need to plan ahead and book your tickets in advance. The tickets are limited and sell out fast, especially during peak seasons and holidays. You can book your tickets online, by phone, or at the ticket counter, but the online option is the most convenient and secure. The tickets cost RM85 (about $20) for adults, RM35 (about $8) for children, and RM45 (about $11) for senior citizens. The tickets include access to the skybridge and the observation deck, as well as a guided tour and an audio-visual presentation.
The Petronas Twin Towers are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 9 pm, with a break from 1 pm to 2.30 pm on Fridays. The towers are closed on Mondays and public holidays. The best time to visit the towers is in the morning or evening, when the crowds are less and the views are more spectacular. You can also visit the towers at night, when they are illuminated with colorful lights and create a dazzling sight.
To get to the Petronas Twin Towers, you have several transportation options, depending on where you are coming from. The easiest and cheapest way is to take the metro (LRT) and get off at the KLCC station, which is directly connected to the towers. You can also take the bus, the taxi, or the Grab (the local equivalent of Uber), but be aware of the traffic and the fares. If you are driving, you can park your car at the Suria KLCC mall, which is located at the base of the towers, but be prepared to pay a high parking fee.
When you arrive at the Petronas Twin Towers, you need to follow some security and safety measures, as well as a dress code. You need to go through a metal detector and a bag check, and you are not allowed to bring any food, drinks, weapons, or dangerous items. You also need to wear appropriate clothing, which means no shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops, or sandals. You need to wear shoes, trousers, and shirts that cover your shoulders and knees. You also need to respect the rules and regulations of the towers, such as not touching the glass windows, not leaning over the railings, and not taking photos with flash.
What to See and Do at the Petronas Twin Towers
Once you have your tickets and you are inside the Petronas Twin Towers, you can enjoy the various features and attractions that the towers have to offer. Here are some of the highlights that you should not miss:
The Skybridge:
The skybridge is the most famous and popular attraction of the Petronas Twin Towers. It is a 58-meter-long bridge that connects the two towers at the 41st and 42nd levels, at a height of 170 meters. The skybridge is not attached to the towers, but rather slides in and out to accommodate the movement and expansion of the towers. The skybridge offers a panoramic view of the city skyline, as well as a close-up view of the towers’ structure and design. You can walk across the skybridge and take photos, but you are only allowed to stay for 10 minutes, as there are other visitors waiting in line.
The Observation Deck:
The observation deck is located at the 86th floor of Tower 2, at a height of 370 meters. It is the highest point that visitors can access in the Petronas Twin Towers, and it offers a breathtaking view of the city and beyond. You can see the landmarks and attractions of Kuala Lumpur, such as the KL Tower, the Batu Caves, and the Genting Highlands, as well as the mountains and the sea in the distance. You can also see the details and the features of the towers, such as the spires, the pinnacles, and the antennas. You can use the binoculars and the telescopes that are provided, or you can bring your own camera and zoom in. You can stay at the observation deck for as long as you want, but you need to return to the ground floor before the closing time.
The Telescope:
The telescope is a special attraction that is located at the observation deck of the Petronas Twin Towers. It is a high-tech device that allows you to see the city in different modes and perspectives. You can choose from the day mode, the night mode, the live mode, and the time-lapse mode, and you can also zoom in and out, and rotate and tilt the view. The telescope is a fun and interactive way to explore the city and the towers, and it is suitable for all ages and interests.
The Interactive AR Screen:
The interactive AR screen is another special attraction that is located at the observation deck of the Petronas Twin Towers. It is a large screen that uses augmented reality technology to create a virtual and immersive experience for the visitors. You can interact with the screen by using your hand gestures and movements, and you can see yourself and the towers in different scenarios and environments. You can also learn more about the history, architecture, and facts of the towers, and you can take photos and videos of yourself and the screen. The interactive AR screen is a fun and educational way to learn about the towers and the city, and it is suitable for all ages and interests.
What to Explore Around the Petronas Twin Towers
Besides the Petronas Twin Towers, there are many other attractions and places that you can explore around the towers, as they are part of a larger complex that includes a mall, a park, a museum, and an aquarium. Here are some of the recommendations that you should check out:
The Suria KLCC Mall:
The Suria KLCC mall is located at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers, and it is one of the largest and most luxurious shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur. It has over 300 stores, ranging from high-end brands to local boutiques, as well as a variety of restaurants, cafes, and entertainment options. You can find anything you need or want at the Suria KLCC mall, whether it is fashion, beauty, electronics, books, or souvenirs. You can also enjoy the cinema, the bowling alley, the art gallery, and the concert hall that are located in the mall.
The Science Discovery Centre:
The Science Discovery Centre is located at the 4th level of the Suria KLCC mall, and it is a museum that showcases the science and technology behind the Petronas Twin Towers and the oil and gas industry. It has over 40 interactive exhibits, displays, and games that explain the concepts and principles of physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. You can learn about the construction and operation of the towers, the exploration and production of oil and gas, the environmental and social impact of the industry, and the future and innovation of the field. You can also participate in the workshops, demonstrations, and experiments that are conducted by the staff and the experts.
The KLCC Park:
The KLCC Park is a 50-acre green oasis that surrounds the Petronas Twin Towers, and it is a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature in the city. The park has a variety of features and facilities, such as a lake, a fountain, a playground, a jogging track, and a mosque. You can admire the views of the towers and the city from the park, or you can join the locals and the tourists in the activities and events that take place in the park. You can also watch the musical fountain show that happens every night, and see the towers and the park light up with colorful effects.
The Aquaria KLCC:
The Aquaria KLCC is an aquarium that is located at the basement level of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, which is adjacent to the Petronas Twin Towers. It is one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in Southeast Asia, and it houses over 5,000 aquatic creatures, from fish and turtles to sharks and rays. You can explore the different zones and habitats of the aquarium, such as the freshwater, the marine, the coral, and the deep sea. You can also experience the underwater tunnel, where you can see the marine life swim above and around you. You can also participate in the interactive and educational programs and activities that are offered by the aquarium, such as feeding, touching, and diving with the animals.
The Petrosains:
The Petrosains is a science discovery centre that is located at the 4th level of the Suria KLCC mall, and it is a museum that showcases the science and technology behind the oil and gas industry. It has over 40 interactive exhibits, displays, and games that explain the concepts and principles of physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. You can learn about the exploration and production of oil and gas, the environmental and social impact of the industry, and the future and innovation of the field. You can also participate in the workshops, demonstrations, and experiments that are conducted by the staff and the experts.
The Petronas Twin Towers are one of the most iconic and amazing attractions in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and they are worth visiting for anyone who wants to experience the culture, history, and beauty of the city. Whether you want to admire the stunning views from the skybridge and the observation deck, learn about the science and technology behind the towers, or enjoy the shopping and entertainment options around them, you will find something that suits your interests and preferences. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets and visit the Petronas Twin Towers today!
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it useful and informative. If you have any feedback, comments, questions, or suggestions, please feel free to share them with us. We would love to hear from you and help you plan your trip to the Petronas Twin Towers. Thank you for reading and happy travels!
