Menara KL Tower

Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower – Tallest Freestanding Tower in the World

The Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower or MenaraKL is a tall tower situated in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The construction of this huge tower was completed on 1 March 1995 and is utilised for the purpose of communication featuring an antenna which reaches at a height of 421 metres.

It is the 7th tallest freestanding tower in the world. The roof of the pod is at 335 metres while the rest of the tower below has a stairwell as well as an elevator to reach the upper area of the tower. It also contains a revolving restaurant, which provides diners withan amazing view of the city. Races are also held annually here where the participants tend to race up the stairs to the top.

Besides this, the tower also acts as the Islamic falak observatory to perceive the moon which marks the beginning of the Muslim month of Ramadhan, Syawal and Zulhijah, celebrating the fasting month of Ramadhan, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidiladha. It is open to the public and is the highest viewpoint in Kuala Lumpur. Besides the Petronas Twin Towers, Menara KL Tower is Malaysia’s most popular landmark and this gleaming tower’s spindle like apex can be seen from anywhere in Kuala Lumpur.

Architectural Style Mirrors Malaysia’s’ Vibrant Islamic Heritage

Menara KL’s viewing deck is at 276 metres at around 100 metres higher than the Petronas Twin towers’ Skybridge where the view is spectacular during the day and even better during night time where one can glimpse the entire city centre sparling with the lights.

The tower is constructed on top of the Bukit Nanas – Pineapple Hill, Forest Reserve, which is the oldest gazetted forest reserve in the country, housing age old trees together with flora and fauna originals to Malaysia’s tropical climate. When Menara KL Tower had been built, the overall design was intended to represent the human journey for perfection in life.

Its architectural style mirrors Malaysia’s vibrant Islamic heritage with Arabic scripts, Islamic tiles and archetypal Islamic floral as well as abstract patterns. Its structure comprises of Muqarnas which is a kind of corbel that is used as a decorative device in traditional Islamic as well as Persian architecture, underlining the design as homage to the revival of Islamic architectural heritage.

Globular Pinnacle Inspired by Malaysian Spinning Top

The upper ground floor main lobby is decorated with exquisite glass-clad domes which sparkle like massive diamonds and the tower’s familiar globular pinnacle is said to be inspired by a Malaysian spinning top. The main public area and the entrance is towards the upper ground level where there are 9 shops, a fast food restaurant, a mini-theatre which shows a documentary on the construction of the tower every fifteen minutes as well as an open air amphitheatre with 222 seats.

Public toilet facility is also made available there. Before going to the observation deck one will need to purchase ticket after which they can proceed to the fast speed elevator that will transport them to the observation deck. Downstairs one will find several souvenir shops though it would be better to wait till you get back again.