The World Famous Petronas Twin Towers In Kuala Lumpur

The Petronas Twin Towers (also known as the Petronas Towers), in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were once the world's tallest buildings when measured from the level of the main entrance to the structural or architectural top.

The Petronas Twin Towers are the tallest twin towers in the world, and they lay claim to being the world's tallest high rise of the 20th century. Critics point out that this applies to only one of four height categories defined by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat - although the three additional height categories were only introduced as the tower neared completion in 1996, as opposed to the original category which had been in use since 1969.

The Sears Tower and the World Trade Center towers were each constructed with 110 occupied floors – 22 more than the Petronas Towers’ 88 floors. The Sears Tower and the World Trade Center’s roofs and highest occupied floors substantially exceed the height of the roof and highest floors of the Petronas Towers. The Sears Tower’s tallest antenna is about 250 feet (76m) taller than the Petronas Towers’ spires. However, the Sears Tower and the World Trade Center towers are not considered as tall under the rules used for rating the world's tallest buildings, according to which architectural spires count towards building height, but antennas atop a building do not.

Tips For Travellers

Until recently the tallest buildings in the world, they are now second only to the newly built Taipei 101 building in Taipei (the capital of Taiwan), but are still among the most spectacular. Visitors may pick up passes to marvel at the view from the Skybridge (level 41-42), one of the highest suspended bridges in the world. Entry is free but limited to the first 1200 who show up, so get there early (best is 7:45 to 8:00 AM)because available tickets are usually snapped up by 11:30 AM. Open 8:30 AM to 5 PM daily except Monday. In general you have about 10 minutes at the Skybridge. The highest point that visitors can get to is the skybridge.

What To Do/Buy

The home of the well-regarded Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra is nestled at the base of the Twin Towers, offering performances of classical music most Saturdays at 8:30 PM and Sundays at 3:00 PM, with tickets starting at just RM 25. Advance bookings are possible online. Note that a strict dress code applies: long sleeve batik or lounge suit for gala and evening performances, "smart casual" (no jeans, shorts, T-shirts, sneakers and slippers) for other performances.