Based on simple geometric forms of two interlocking squares creating a shape of eight-pointed stars, these futuristic towers soar 88 stories and 452m (1,483 ft) above the street level of Kuala Lumpur, the bustling capital of the south-east Asian economic dynamo, Malaysia.
These towers were the highest in the world until 2004 when they were surpassed by Taipei 101 but still remain the tallest twin buildings in the world. Named after the country’s oil production company, PETRONAS, construction work started in 1988 and was completed in 1996.
The 58 meter wide Skybridge, that flexibly connects the two towers on level 41 sits at 170 meters above the surrounding cityscape. At this height, the city below is already impressive, but then take the elevator up to the observation deck on level 86 and prepare to be awestruck! The views of the surrounding countryside from the observation deck are outstanding even if it is a little disconcerting to be able to feel the gentle sway of the towers in the outside breeze!
My photo is taken from the Traders Hotel opposite the Petronas Towers just as dusk has fallen and the dark night crowds in. From here, the towers look surreal and futuristic. Zoom in closer to the tips of the towers and you could imagine that you are looking a spacecraft!! Fantastic and beautiful. And then, later, you can look at them again in the gentle light of dawn…. beautiful!!
Yes, I have enjoyed the Empire State Tower visit but it has to be said that the Petronas Towers are into another league. Petronas Towers are probably just as impressive now as the Empire State was when it was new. Really an amazing experience and even more amazing that one can see exactly that view from the hotel room across from the the towers.
Another brilliant photo, Mac! Thanks for sharing this.
Wonder if you’ve ever been to the Empire State Building or the Sears Tower, and how this experience compares?