Petronas Towers: how the twin skyscrapers work and how to get to the observation deck

The Petronas Towers appear on every postcard from Kuala Lumpur. The two identical high-rises rise to 451.9 meters and hold the title of the tallest twin towers in the world (as of 09/2026, Wikipedia). The Skybridge hangs between them, and an observation deck operates at the top.

Before your first trip, questions come up: when to go, how much a ticket costs, and which days the deck is closed. Below we cover the history, architecture, and construction of the twin towers, with practical details on tickets and opening hours in a separate section.

© Smuconlaw · CC BY-SAPhoto: Smuconlaw, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

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Petronas Towers: the essentials

💡 In short:

• The Petronas Towers are a pair of 88-story skyscrapers in the center of Kuala Lumpur (as of 09/2026, Wikipedia reference).
• The observation deck is open on the 86th floor, and the Skybridge connects the towers on the 41st and 42nd floors.
• Tickets are sold by time slot, so choose a suitable time in advance.
• Prices and opening hours: as of 09/2026, verified on the official towers website

History: an oil company and the race for skyscrapers

In the 1990s, major cities competed over the height of their towers. The tallest building at the time was the Willis Tower in Chicago. Petronas decided to surpass it and, at the same time, build a headquarters befitting the status of a state oil and gas corporation (project history).

The project was commissioned from Argentine-American architect César Pelli. Planning began on January 1, 1992. The two towers were named after the commissioning company (as of 09/2026, construction timeline).

© Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BYPhoto: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The site of the former Selangor Turf Club racetrack in the city center was allocated for construction. The twin towers became Malaysia's answer to US leadership in the unofficial race for the tallest building. You will recognize the silhouette of these towers in any panorama of the Malaysian capital.

Architecture: Islamic motifs in concrete and glass

In Malaysia, most residents practice Islam, and the architects reflected this in the shape of the buildings. The cross-section of the towers is based on the eight-pointed Rub el Hizb star, a symbol of Islam. Circular sectors were added to it to provide enough office space (as of 09/2026, architecture description).

The spires at the top resemble mosque minarets in silhouette. The facade is made of steel and glass, and its pattern repeats motifs of Islamic art. If you look at the building from below, you will notice a fine geometric pattern on the glass. The style of the towers is described as postmodern with Eastern details.

© Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia · CC BYPhoto: Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Construction: a record-breaking foundation and the Skybridge

Construction began on March 1, 1993 and took more than three years. Excavation alone removed about 500 truckloads of rock (as of 09/2026, construction progress). The official opening took place on August 31, 1999.

The towers' foundation was laid to a record depth, which is why it is considered one of the deepest among skyscrapers. Extra-high-strength concrete was used so the ground would not settle and the towers could withstand strong winds.

© Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia · CC BYPhoto: Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The two towers are connected by the Skybridge. It was assembled from separate sections manufactured in South Korea and brought to Kuala Lumpur. During the day, office workers cross the bridge, and tourists are allowed onto it during the ascent to the observation deck.

Interesting facts: movies, climbers, and games

The Petronas Towers often appear on screen. In 1999, scenes for the film Entrapment, starring Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones, were shot here (as of 09/2026, events around the towers).

In 1997, French climber Alain Robert, known as "the French Spider-Man," climbed the second tower without safety gear. Police stopped him on the 60th floor. Ten years later, he repeated the climb and was again detained on the same floor (as of 09/2026, Alain Robert's climb).

The towers also appear in video games, for example in Hitman 2. At the foot of the towers you will find KLCC Park with a fountain and a jogging track. One of the towers houses the Suria KLCC shopping mall, one of the largest in the city (KLCC complex).

Petronas Towers in numbers

You can see the specs in the table above. The Petronas Towers are no longer even in the top ten tallest buildings in the world, but they still hold the title of tallest twin towers (current ranking). In recent years Kuala Lumpur has also gained even taller projects.

© James Kerwin from Tbilisi · CC BYPhoto: James Kerwin from Tbilisi, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Tickets and the observation deck

The observation deck is on the 86th floor, at 370 meters. Entry is by timed tickets only, so choose your slot in advance (ticket page, as of 09/2026).

© Shesmax · CC BY-SAPhoto: Shesmax, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The deck is open Tuesday through Sunday from morning until late evening, and is usually closed on Mondays. The exception is the second and fourth Monday of the month. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your slot, otherwise you may not be allowed up (opening hours).

The price depends on your nationality. For foreign visitors, an adult ticket costs several times more than for Malaysian residents. You will see the exact amount when you buy online (ticket rates).

Besides the deck itself, many visitors take a city sightseeing tour that includes a stop at the foot of the towers. tours and tickets on GetYourGuide

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does an observation deck ticket cost?

Check the exact price and available slots on the towers' official website, where you also buy tickets online. If you are traveling in high season, buy a few days in advance.

What days is the observation deck closed?

The weekly schedule is listed in the tickets section above. On public holidays the schedule changes, so check the timetable on the towers' official website before your visit.

How high do visitors go?

The route includes the Skybridge on the 41st and 42nd floors and the observation deck on the 86th floor. It sits at 370 meters, with a view over all of Kuala Lumpur. The best time to go up is when it starts getting dark: the city lights come on and the view is especially striking.

How long does a visit take?

Seeing everything takes about an hour. Elevators move groups up and down in time slots, so part of your visit is spent in transit. In the evening there are usually more people.

When is the best time to come to avoid lines?

Take morning slots on a weekday, when there are fewer people. On weekends and in the evenings there are noticeably more visitors, especially at the observation deck. Tickets are sold by time, so buying online early saves you from the ticket office line.

In short: what to book

If you only have one evening: go up to the 86th-floor observation deck and also walk across the Skybridge. If you are traveling with children, take a morning slot, it is calmer then. If you want to combine the visit with a city sightseeing tour, compare ready-made tours.

One rule saves you a lot of stress: buy tickets online in advance, so the slot is guaranteed to be yours. choose tickets and a sightseeing tour