Petronas Towers – Still the tallest twin towers in the world

Standing at 451.9 meters tall, it was officially opened 31st. August 1999, and was accorded the Tallest Building title by Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat until 2004 when it lost this title to Taipei 101. It had received many accolades as well as criticism. But to me the most significant contribution it has brought the country is recognition.

I remember many years ago when a Malaysian travels “overseas”, which generally meant going to the west, he is often asked where is Malaysia. And if we answered that it is somewhere in South East Asia, then invariably they would say “so it is close to Singapore”. Imagine the chagrin of Malaysian, considering the fact that Malaysia in a zillion times larger than Singapore. However, today, thanks to the Petronas Towers, seldom is one asked such a question.

• Be inspired by this beauty of a building that is clad in steel and glass. Based on Islamic geometric design of superimposing squares to form an 8-pointed star with circular infill.
• Go shop in the most exclusive shopping mall, the Suria KLCC.
• Walk around the beautifully landscaped garden, the KLCC Park.
• Visit the impressive interactive petrochemical gallery, the Petrosain. Take a simulated helicopter ride to one of Malaysia’s offshore oil rigs.
• Feed the sharks and walk beneath huge fishes in the Aquaria KLCC.
• Enjoy the variety of local food such as the “Roti Canai” or Malaysian pancake which is served with dhal curry, and “Tea Tarik” the Malaysian national drink made of black tea and condensed milk which is both delicious and nutritious.
• Entertain yourself to Malaysia’s very own philharmonic orchestra at the Dewan Filharmony Petronas.
• Go up the highest skybridge in the world, The Petronas Skybridge. Located 170 meters above ground and connecting the two towers. You will be able to enjoy a free tour of the Skybridge, courtesy of Petronas. However, obtaining tickets to go on this free tour is a little bit involved and time consuming. But if you follow the link below, you will get essential tips to going up the skybridge, minus the tears.

Visiting the Petronas Towers certainly is a rewarding experience in itself. But if you know what to see and do there, it will greatly enhance your visit there.