When I first turned my virgin eyes to Petronas Towers as an inexperienced backpack in 2008, I was just walking away. I had never seen anything so awesome in my whole life. After spending time in large Alpha Asian cities such as Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai, I had seen phenomenal modern architecture impressively illuminated at night. However, the Petronas Towers in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, dwarfed everything else in comparison.
The very size of the towers, combined with their futuristic design, makes them look like something alien. I took many pictures of the towers every time I was in Kuala Lumpur, but I still spent many hours looking at these two giants with complete admiration. Visiting the tower is one of my favorite things to do in Kuala Lumpur day or night.
Information about Petronas Towers
From 1998 to 2004, the Petronas Towers (locally known as the Menara Petronas or simply the Twin Towers) were the tallest buildings in the world until they were recently surpassed by Taipei 101.
Designed by an Argentine architect and a Filipino-Malaysian engineer, the 88-story towers resemble Islamic art motifs that reflect Malaysia’s Muslim religion.
Petronas Towers at night: travel photos
Petronas Towers are certainly one of the highlights of a visit to Kuala Lumpur and one of the wonderful attractions of Malaysia, which makes it such an underrated place for visitors, travelers or new tourists.
I’ve been enjoying the night photography show lately, and for those who are interested in more photo essays when the lights are on, check out my night posts on Chicago at night and Khao San Road.
Petronas tours for visitors: history and information
A symbol of Malaysia’s growth
The Petronas Towers in the heart of Kuala Lumpur are more than just skyscrapers—they are a symbol of Malaysia’s progress and ambition. Completed in 1998, these twin towers were the tallest buildings in the world in 2004, reaching a height of 452 meters (1,483 feet). Designed by the famous Argentine architect Csibsar Pelli, the towers embody a modern interpretation of Islamic art that reflects the cultural heritage of Malaysia. The design inspired by Islamic geometric motifs features eight-pointed stars in the plane of each tower, symbolizing unity and harmony.
Architectural wonders: the exterior facades of the towers are covered with stainless steel and glass, giving them an elegant and futuristic look. The design integrates elements of traditional Islamic architecture with the recent technology, making Petronas Towers a unique blend of past and future.
Explore the towers: the main attractions
Visitors to the Petronas Towers have a lot to see and do:
Skybridge: Skybridge connects the two towers on floors 41 and 42 and offers an exciting perspective on Kuala Lumpur. It is not only an observation deck, but also a symbol of the connection between the twin towers that represent the unity of the different cultures of Malaysia.
Observation deck: the observation deck is located on the 86th floor and offers a panoramic view of the city that extends into the remote mountains. The views from this breathtaking altitude, especially at sunset, when the city lights begin to shine.
Suria KLCC shopping center: at the foot of the towers, Suria KLCC is one of the best shopping destinations in Malaysia. It offers everything from luxury brands to local boutiques, as well as a wide range of restaurants, from international cuisine to local specialties.
