Petronas Twin Towers: At the Roof of Kuala Lumpur City

Just when I thought that we will only be having photo ops at the grounds of Petronas Twin Towers, we were led to the concourse level where tickets were given for a visit to its higher floors.  A guided tour awaited us inside the tallest building from 1998 to 2004. And the guide mentioned that we'll be going to the Skybridge, then the Observation Deck. It was a surprise, a pleasant one.

I consider Kuala Lumpur City in Malaysia to be my second home because it became a hub for cheap flights (thanks to AirAsia) plus the fact that I really love Malaysian food. So when an invitation came for me to join a bunch of media people to tour around KL, I didn’t let it pass; mee goreng and kopi ais are comfort food for me like chickenjoy and jolly spaghetti.

So together with eight media people, we embarked on a four-day trip that was full of surprises that made me love the city even more.

Still in awe with this great architectural marvel. #AirAsiaInKualaLumpur #ASEAN50

A post shared by blissfulguro (@blissfulguro) on Aug 5, 2017 at 6:18am PDT

We left Manila on a Thursday afternoon which allowed us to rest when we arrived in KL late in the evening. Our second day was phenomenal as we got to have an exclusive tour of RedQ, AirAsia’s corporate hub, located near the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA2). We had a great time going around their wonderful open-space layout offices. We then went to the city for a half day tour on some key spots around Kuala Lumpur City.

The Royal Museum, or Old Istana Negara, was our first stop. Perched on a slope of a hill, the structure was used as the former residence of the Supreme King of Malaysia. It was replaced with a new national palace in 2011 and was converted to a royal museum. We didn’t have enough time to get inside and just viewed the museum from the sentry where it was secured by royal guards.

Royal Guard at the Royal Museum

Our next stop was the National Monument. Officially opened on February 8, 1966, the memorial park is dedicated to the people who died during World War II and Malayan Emergency. It houses a cenotaph, with the names of the fallen engraved on the plaques, and the world’s tallest bronze freestanding non-religious sculpture grouping. Our lovely driver cum guide, Hindra, told us of the park's significance before letting us explore it on our own.  

Kuala Lumpur's National Monument

We then headed for a quick stop at the Old Railway Station, built in Moorish style, and National Mosque (Masjid Negara Kuala Lumpur). We had 15 minutes for photo ops and although I wanted to check out the mosque, we arrived past the visiting hours.

Kuala Lumpur's National Mosque

The group were herded next to KL City Gallery. I've been here before and as far as I can remember, we paid no fee to get inside. This time, we were asked to shell out MYR10 (US$2.34) each for the entrance fee, half of which can be spent at the gift shop or café after the tour.

KL City Gallery is famous for its 3D models

The KL City Gallery’s structure is a landmark in itself as the heritage building has been around since1899. Located at Merdeka Square, it houses a collection of old photographs and artefacts about Kuala Lumpur and is also a one-stop shop for tourist information and souvenir shops.  

Merdeka PNB 118 will be the tallest building in Malaysia (and third in the world) when completed in 2024.

We had a quick stop at Kuala Lumpur Tower for photo ops and then headed to our dinner place.

Saloma Theatre Restaurant was next on the itinerary for our buffet dinner. Located within the premises of Malaysia Tourism Centre, the restaurant is famous for showcasing Malaysia’s culture through its food and traditional cultural performances coming from all of the country’s fourteen states.

My plate was filled with satay, roti, prawn mee noodle soup and more. After which, we enjoyed a show that featured traditional Malay dances.

Saloma Theatre Restaurant

The next day, we headed to the Batu Caves, then to a nice Chinese restaurant for lunch. 

We went to Kuala Lumpur City Centre and gathered at the Concourse Level where we were handed tickets for Petronas Twin Towers' Skybridge and Observation Deck. My eyes were glued on the ticket as this was a sweet surprise. I have been to the tallest building in the world (from 1998 to 2004) a dozen or so times but haven’t actually thought of going up to see the panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur.

The most photographed icon of Malaysia

The 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers is truly a crown jewel for Kuala Lumpur and the whole of Malaysia. Rising 451.9 meters above ground, the structure accurately captures the country’s aspiration to be a global leader while preserving the nation’s heritage. The vision is very evident on its design; the outline which resembles the letter “M” for Malaysia, the skybridge that balances the country’s past and future, the tower’s floor plate which was based on simple Islamic geometric forms, Malaysian traditional weaving was reflected on the patterns on the foyer, and more.

BlissfulGuro and PinoyAdventurista

The scheduled time was at 4:30pm and we were allowed to enter fifteen minutes before that. Together with another group, we were led to the 41st floor for the first part of the tour.

The Skybridge is one of the prominent features of the Petronas Twin Towers which connect the two towers. Our group was given around fifteen minutes to stay here.

Skybridge at Petronas Twin Towers

I was in awe as I stood at the midpoint of the skybridge. I could literally see the people on the ground as they gaze upon this architectural marvel. It felt weird, as I used to be the one watching the towers from below. And seeing everything from a new standpoint felt incredible.

It feels weird to be on top

We were then ushered to the 86th floor for the Observation Deck. I love how they limit the guests so as to not fill the whole space. The rest of the group gathered on the corners where the other tower can be seen. I veered away from them and found my own little corner and sat on the floor; alone at the other end of the deck.

Observation Deck at Petronas Twin Towers

I was speechless for minutes, but I realized that I have to go to the other side to get a view of the other tower. Again, I felt this weird feeling of seeing everything from above and not from below. Surprisingly though, I loved every bit of it ‘coz usually, I’m the type who loves to see nice things from below (like admiring the snow-capped Annapurna Mountain in Nepal from the ground and not hiking up kind-of-thing).

The best view comes after the climb, or rather, the fast lift. #AirAsiaInKualaLumpur #ASEAN50 Photo by @pinoyadventurista

A post shared by blissfulguro (@blissfulguro) on Aug 6, 2017 at 7:16am PDT

The group went back to the Concourse Level through the uber fast lift. A few lingered along the towers before going back to our van. It was six in the afternoon but the heat felt like it was around three. Our Petronas Twon Towers hangover followed us even as we drove back to our hotel.

I love you more today KL, than yesterday.

Every steel and glass that was put up like puzzle pieces was in perfect precision. The Petronas Twin Towers wasn't just made to be the tallest building per se, but a great architectural marvel that puts Malaysia on the map with its vision to be a global leader without neglecting its traditions and culture. A truly inspiring visit to one of my favorite cities in Asia, which I’m sure will not be the last.

This trip has been made possible by AirAsia. AirAsia has daily flights to Kuala Lumpur from Manila, Cebu and Davao.

PETRONAS Twin Towers

Lower Ground (Concourse) Level,

Kuala Lumpur City Centre,

50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Contact Number: (+60) 3.2331.8080

Email Address: skybridge@petronas.com.my

Website

Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays | 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (closed from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm on Fridays)