Petronas Towers History and Facts
Petronas Towers History and Facts
Completed in 1998, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were envisioned as a symbol of the nation’s rapid economic development. The towers were commissioned by the national oil company, Petronas, and designed by architect Cesar Pelli.
Discover the captivating history, architecture and facts of the Petronas Towers through our comprehensive overview…
Quick Facts: Petronas Towers
- Twin Marvels: The Petronas Towers, completed in 1998, are identical twin skyscrapers and were the tallest twin towers in the world until 2004.
- Height: Standing at 451.9 meters (1,483 feet), the Petronas Towers held the title of the world’s tallest buildings for six years. They remain the tallest twin towers globally. (source: PetronasTwinTowers.com).
- Design Inspiration: The towers’ design is influenced by Islamic architecture, with the floor plate resembling an eight-pointed star, a motif often found in Islamic patterns.
- Skybridge: The double-decker Skybridge, connecting the towers at the 41st and 42nd floors, is the world’s highest two-story bridge of its kind and offers panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur.
- Materials: The towers are primarily constructed of reinforced concrete, with a stainless steel and glass facade, giving them a sleek and modern appearance.
- Lighting Spectacle: The towers’ exterior lighting system, comprising thousands of LED lights, creates a dazzling display after sunset, making them a prominent feature of Kuala Lumpur’s night skyline.
- Mixed-Use Complex: The Petronas Towers are part of a larger complex known as Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), which includes a shopping mall, Suria KLCC, and a public park.
- Cultural Significance: The towers reflect Malaysia’s economic aspirations and cultural identity. The design incorporates Islamic symbolism while showcasing the country’s rapid development.
- Observation Deck: The towers have an observation deck on the 86th floor, providing visitors with stunning views of the city and beyond.
- Green Features: Petronas Towers were designed with environmental sustainability in mind, incorporating energy-efficient features and green building technologies.
Petronas Twin Towers Highlights
Skybridge
Don’t miss the incredible Skybridge, a stunning feat of engineering suspended between the Petronas Twin Towers on the 41st and 42nd floors.
Strolling 170 meters above ground on the 60-meter-long double-decker Skybridge, connecting both towers, is an unforgettable experience. Providing a spectacular view of Kuala Lumpur’s cityscape, this architectural masterpiece allows visitors to admire the city’s vibrant atmosphere and scenic beauty.
Observation Deck
Ascend to the 86th-floor Observation Deck, 370 meters above ground, where Kuala Lumpur reveals its splendor in every direction. With floor-to-ceiling glass walls, you are treated to uninterrupted vistas of Malaysia’s capital.
The deck’s immersive experience includes interactive displays, detailing the towers’ construction and cultural significance. As day transitions to night, the twinkling city lights against the dark sky create a magical ambiance and plenty instagram-worthy shots.
Architecture
Be awestruck by the architectural excellence of the Petronas Twin Towers, an iconic emblem of Malaysia’s modernization.
Crafted by Cesar Pelli, these towers seamlessly fuse state-of-the-art technology with Islamic-inspired motifs, reflecting the nation’s cultural heritage. A visit provides a chance to admire the meticulous craftsmanship and inventive design, underscoring Malaysia’s progress and architectural distinction on the world’s stage.
Historical Timeline of the Petronas Towers
1988 – Project Initiation
The idea of constructing the Petronas Towers is conceived as part of Malaysia’s vision to showcase economic growth.
1992 – Architect Selection
Cesar Pelli, an Argentine architect, is selected to design the towers, incorporating Islamic architectural elements.
1993 – Construction Begins
Groundbreaking takes place, marking the commencement of construction on the Petronas Towers.
1996 – Tower Topping Out
The structural framework of both towers is completed, reaching their full height of 451.9 meters.
1998 – Official Opening
The Petronas Towers are officially inaugurated on August 31, becoming the tallest twin towers in the world at the time.
2003 – Tallest Towers Title Passes
2003: Tallest Towers Title Passes
2012 – Architectural Legacy
Despite no longer holding the title of the world’s tallest buildings, the Petronas Towers continue to be celebrated for their architectural significance and cultural impact.
Present
Tourist Attraction: The Petronas Towers remain a major tourist attraction, with visitors drawn to their architectural splendor, the Skybridge experience, and the surrounding KLCC complex.
Petronas Towers Tickets
Explore below our curated selection of Petronas Towers tickets and guided tours:
Tickets to Petronas Twin Towers
2.085 Reviews
**From $7.40
Headout
**Prices from $7.40 for Malaysian passport holders, Prices from $20.72 for non-Malaysian passport holders
The visit run smoothly, no delays, no lines! Staff is kind and always ready to support guests. It is a great experience, a must do when you visit KL, I have been there three times and will come back!
Combo (Save 5%): Petronas Twin Towers + KL Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour
2.311 Reviews
**From $17.57
Headout
**Prices from $17.57 for Malaysian passport holders, Prices from $34.70 for non-Malaysian passport holders
I bought the ticket online and redeemed it at Sungai Wang Plaza. The staff is really helpful and informative. We enjoyed our half day journey with Hop On Hop Off KL so much and looking forward for our next trip 😊
Combo (Save 38%): KL Tower + Petronas Twin Towers Tickets
2.247 Reviews
**From $10.99
Headout
**Prices from $10.99 for Malaysian passport holders, Prices from $18.40 for non-Malaysian passport holders
It was such a hassle-free seamless experience. I didn’t to go on queue and went directly inside. 🙂 I went there during peak hours so it was packed. If you want to make the most of your experience, try to go during non-peak hours.
**Prices from $16.62 for Malaysian passport holders, Prices from $30.72 for non-Malaysian passport holders
Convenient and easy to use – surveyed at few different websites, INCLUDING the main Petrosains site, no ticket for next day trip, found headout and booked a last minute ticket, secured fastly 😄😄😄 very satisfied with the service. Thank you!
Combo (Save 5%): Petronas Twin Towers + KLIA Ekspres Tickets
2.166 Reviews
**From $12.14
Headout
**Prices from $12.14 for Malaysian passport holders, Prices from $33.03 for non-Malaysian passport holders
Everything was perfect. There was plenty of luggage storage racks for large luggage. Train was on time and took only 28 minutes to Sentral. Beautiful smooth ride.
Tickets to Petronas Twin Towers
**Prices from $7.40 for Malaysian passport holders, Prices from $20.72 for non-Malaysian passport holders
Bypass the lengthy lines at Petronas Twin Towers with this Skip-the-line Petronas Towers ticket, granting access to the iconic SkyBridge on the 41st floor and the observation deck on the 86th floor.
The visit run smoothly, no delays, no lines! Staff is kind and always ready to support guests. It is a great experience, a must do when you visit KL, I have been there three times and will come back! This time the lift didn’t have the videos… sad, hopefully it comes back soon! 5* Maria; Mar, 2023 – Headout
Combo (Save 5%): Petronas Twin Towers + KL Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour
**Prices from $17.57 for Malaysian passport holders, Prices from $34.70 for non-Malaysian passport holders
Experience the highlights of Kuala Lumpur with this combo ticket, consisting of a Petronas Towers Ticket with access to the Observation Deck and Sky Bridge, along with a one-day hop-on-hop-off bus tour of Kuala Lumpur featuring live commentary.
I bought the ticket online and redeemed it at Sungai Wang Plaza. The staff is really helpful and informative. We enjoyed our half day journey with Hop On Hop Off KL so much and looking forward for our next trip 😊 5* Haslina; Dec, 2023 – Headout
Combo (Save 38%): KL Tower + Petronas Twin Towers Tickets
**Prices from $10.99 for Malaysian passport holders, Prices from $18.40 for non-Malaysian passport holders
Soar above Kuala Lumpur with this combo, granting access to both the KL Tower and Petronas Twin Towers. Your KL Tower ticket includes access to the observation deck, Sky Deck, Sky Box, and Tower Walk 100, while the Skip-the-line Petronas Towers ticket offers access to the Observation Deck and SkyBridge.
It was such a hassle-free seamless experience. I didn’t to go on queue and went directly inside. 🙂 I went there during peak hours so it was packed. If you want to make the most of your experience, try to go during non-peak hours. 5* Ester; Jul, 2023 – Headout
Combo (Save 5%): Petrosains, The Discovery Centre + Petronas Twin Towers Tickets
**Prices from $16.62 for Malaysian passport holders, Prices from $30.72 for non-Malaysian passport holders
Optimize your visit and budget with this super-saver combo, providing skip-the-line access to Petronas Twin Towers and entry to Petrosains, The Discovery Centre.
Convenient and easy to use – surveyed at few different websites, INCLUDING the main Petrosains site, no ticket for next day trip, found headout and booked a last minute ticket, secured fastly 😄😄😄 very satisfied with the service. Thank you! 5* Nur; Malaysia; Nov, 2023 – Headout
Combo (Save 5%): Petronas Twin Towers + KLIA Ekspres Tickets
**Prices from $12.14 for Malaysian passport holders, Prices from $33.03 for non-Malaysian passport holders
Streamline your experience and budget with this fantastic combo, featuring a Petronas Twin Towers Ticket for skip-the-line entry, access to the observation deck & Skybridge, along with a one-way or round-trip KLIA Ekspres ticket from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to KL Sentral.
Everything was perfect. There was plenty of luggage storage racks for large luggage. Train was on time and took only 28 minutes to Sentral. Beautiful smooth ride. Didn’t check if there was free Wi-Fi. Much better way to get to the city without any traffic hassles. The staff were helpful in scanning the printed tickets. Overall a totally enjoyable experience on top of the discount one gets for buying the ticket on-line. 5*, Frank,Australia, Sep, 2023 – Headout
>> Compare all options with our comparison table and pick the best ticket.
>> Find out how to get to the Petronas Towers and useful traveler tips on our dedicated page.
