Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Towers

On a trip to Malaysia, my significant other, Frank, and I spent a night in Kuala Lumpur where, if a visitor does nothing else, seeing the Petronas Twin Towers is a must. Guided by the spirals, and with help from a watch compass, we walked there from our hotel (the Alpha Genesis Hotel (formerly Allson Genesis), approximately $65 in March ’07).

Joined by a bridge at the 41st floor, the towers herald K.L. as an industrial and cultural center. This world-famous glass-and-steel structure of 88 floors dominates yet blends with surrounding buildings.

We were struck by their scale. The stories rise from a majestic landscape that includes a concert hall, a mall, ponds, fountains and banyan trees.

As the night lights flash on, the towers soar in a pattern of points and curves. The façade dons a glow as the floors ascend against a pink-and-azure sky. My senses were overwhelmed by this gleaming jewel. The moment was enhanced even further when a Muslim prayer came over the loudspeaker from a nearby mosque.

People who want to go into the Petronas Towers, especially to visit the skybridge that connects them, line up in the morning and get in for free on a first-come, first-served basis (up to 1,700 people per day).

KIM EDWARDS

Sacramento, CA