Skybridge
It was not only meant to serve the functional purpose of facilitating human traffic between the two towers, it also had a symbolic dimension - a sky portal and gateway to Vision 2020.
Quick Facts about Petronas Skybridge
- Height of Skybridge: 170 meters above ground at Levels 41 and 42
- Length: 57 meters across
- Weight: 750 tons
- Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily except Mondays and public holidays
- Ticket Window Open: 8:30 AM at Concourse Level
- Functions: As a podium for users to change lifts to the higher floors.
- It also as an additional emergency evacuation exit.
KLCC Map
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Visiting The Petronas Skybridge
This is one of the more difficult places to visit in Malaysia. This is all because of the 'generousity' of Petronas. They like to give you, the visitor, a free tour of the Petronas Skybridge. However, due to security issues and the daily capacity of the bridge, limited tickets are issued daily. You are required to obtian a free ticket to access it. The procedure to get hold of the tickets, however, is where the fun lies (pun intended).
You have to be there before the ticketing counter opens at 8:30 AM. By this time the queue is already 'miles' long. Many queue as early as 6:00 in the morning. Usually by 9:30 AM the tickets would have all been 'sold' for the day.
The visit is opened from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM everyday except Mondays and public holidays. Limited tickets with time stamps are issued every day. Please note that you cannot obtain advance tickets as there is no advance ticketing system in place. Tickets are issued 'fresh' daily.
Ticketing System
Tickets are issued for time slots of 15 minutes and each time slot is limited to 20 visitors. Once you receive your tickets, you have to return 15 minutes before the allotted time to reconfirm your ticket. You may however, chose the time slot for the visit, if you are early enough. You will then be ushered to a waiting gallery. This Petronas Skybridge gallery itself is worth visiting as there are interesting exhibits there, relating to tall buildings. There is also a 'live' demonstration of what happens when lightning strikes a tall building. There is also a laser sensor that compares your height with that of the tower, cool...
After that you will be invited to the 3-D auditorium. Polaroid spectacles will be loaned to you. Here you will learn all about the construction and concept of Petronas Twin Towers.
Then you will be invited to proceed to the security check before being allowed to board the flight to the Petronas Skybridge. Once there the Petronas in-house guide will give you a briefing about your visit and will be there throughout your stay at the bridge to answer any questions you may have. Who better than to ask any question if you have any. Your stay there is for 10 whole minutes. If the wind is strong during your visit you will be able to experience the sway of tall buildings. Sometimes a much as 30 centimeters.
Going Up The Skybridge Minus The Tears
So much for the Petronas Skybridge visit. If you do plan to visit it and don't plan to queue, you can tip someone (especially taxi drivers or bell boys) to obtain tickets on your behalf. One person may obtain up to 5 tickets.
Reference
Photos of Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC This will open in a new window.
Or (a special Malaysian-Explorer tip) you can casually go there around 3:00 to 4:00 PM (of course there will be no more tickets left) and try your luck.
You need to be a good story teller though, and tell some sob story as to why you just must visit the Skybridge. You see, as the tickets are given out free, many people who queue for it in the morning, do not show up later in the afternoon. So if you can pull a pitiful face and if your luck is good, you can just get there without the hassle of queueing up in early morning.
Be aware though, it all depends on the officer manning the entrance counter at that time. Some are nicer than others. Also, do not go in a big group. Your chances would be better if you go alone or as a couple. If you are not successful, don't be disheartened, you can try again another day, another time.
Recommended Alternative Place to Visit
Or you can go visit KL Tower instead. In my opinion, it gives you an even better view of Kuala Lumpur and it's seldom ever crowded and you won't have to hassle with queues.
However, its not free and you need to go there by taxi.
It is a good 30 - 40 minutes walk, if you are into a little hiking during your holidays.
Another Way Up The Petronas Skybridge
Another method to go up the towers (though NOT recommended) is to do it ala Alain 'Spiderman' Robert style.
On 20 March 1997 this French spiderman attempted to scale the towers with his bare hands without any safety harness. However, he was stopped by the local police on the 60th floor. Remember the Skybridge is only at Level 41. He attempted it again 10 years later, and again was stopped by the authorities at the same level.
Spiderman Conquers Petronas Towers
AT last, on 31 August 2009, Alain Robert at age 47, finally conquered the Petronas Twin Towers.
He needed just under two hours to reached the top of the pinnacle on Tower 2. On a sad note though, he was later arrested and fined for his "success".
He did it on Merdeka Day too.
For School Groups
On a serious note: for school groups up to a maximum of 120 students per day, you may write in to obtain special approvals for your visit, thus avoiding the need to queue.
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