Rising to a staggering height of 678.9 meters (2,227 feet) and comprising 118 floors, Merdeka 118, known as many other names such as named Warisan Merdeka Tower, Menara Warisan Merdeka, KL 118, or PNB 118, Merdeka PNB 118. Among locals, however, it has been affectionately dubbed “the needle,” a testament to its striking, needle-like silhouette against the skyline. As of 2024, Kuala Lumpur counts 174 buildings soaring above 150 meters, cementing its place among the top 10 cities in the world just after Tokyo with the most skyscrapers.
Merdeka tower stands as the second-tallest building in the world and the tallest building in Southeast Asia as of 2024. Merdeka 118 towers above the Shanghai Tower in China (632 meters), surpassed in height only by the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai (829.8 meters). This second place for Merdeka 118 might be short lived as the construction of the Burj Azizi started in January, which is plan to soar to 725 meters (2,377 feet).
Soaring over Kuala Lumpur’s iconic skyline, the newly megatall skyscraper Merdeka 118 is a breathtaking architectural marvel whose sleek silhouette is visible from virtually every corner of the city.
Whether navigating the bustling streets of Chinatown, where centuries-old shophouses provide a striking contrast to Merdeka 118’s reflective glass panels, or peeking through the vibrant shopping districts of Bukit Bintang, this colossal structure looms large on the horizon. The view of Merdeka 118 moving ever so slightly while approaching the LRT Pasar Seni station is an awe-inspiring moment.
With its sheer scale and unique design, Merdeka 118 will surely have its place, like the Petronas Towers, as an iconic landmark of Malaysia’s dynamic capital city.
🏢 MERDEKA 118 | WHAT IS IN THE NAME?
Mederka comes from former primer minister Tunku Abdul Rahman‘s iconic proclamation of “Merdeka” (“Independence” in Malay) on August 31, 1957 marked a pivotal moment in Malaysian history.
It is not a coincidence that Merdeka 118 is in close proximity to two iconic stadiums: Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara. This placement is symbolic, as Merdeka 118 represents the latest addition to Kuala Lumpur’s modern architectural landscape. Kuala Lumpur, the dynamic and culturally diverse capital of Malaysia, features a blend of colonial-era architecture along with 1ooo’s of high rise buildings.
🏢 MERDEKA 118 | ARCHITECTURE INSPIRATION
The overall shape of Merdeka Tower was inspired by the iconic gesture of Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, during his historic proclamation of the nation’s independence in 1957. As he delivered his speech, Tunku Abdul Rahman raised his right arm with an open palm seven times, each time shouting the word “Merdeka” (meaning “independence” in Malay), symbolizing the seven states that formed the Federation of Malaya at the time.
The diamond shape of the tower was selected amongst 6 other design shapes to be able to show facades with many triagonal shapes to represent the diversity of Malaysia. These triangle patterns are linked each other by pathways, inspired by Islamic patterns. These pathways are illuminated at night over a distance of 8 kilometers. The towers sits on a large podium of 200 meters long which includes a 7-story shopping mall covered with of a glass dome as an homage to stadium Negara.
Karl Fender and his team (Fender Katsalidis) are behind the architectural design, assisted by the local architectural firm RSP Architects. RWDI Consulting Engineer from Canada and Arup (civil and structural engineering) were also part of the project for the civil and structural engineering work. Robert Bird and Leslie E Robertson Associate worked as structural consultant engineers.
🏢 A SYMPHONY OF STRENGTH: STEEL, GLASS, AND CONCRETE
Merdeka tower’s primary structure consists of a steel frame with a reinforced concrete megastructure providing lateral stability. The megastructure incorporates mega-columns along the perimeter, which are connected to the central core by structural steel outriggers at three different locations. Additionally, belt trusses contribute to the overall strength and robustness of the tower by supporting the mega-frame.
Samsung C&T, a construction giant with an impressive portfolio including the Petronas Towers and the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa, assumed the lead role as the main contractor. They were entrusted with the overall construction of the tower’s structural framework, employing an exceptionally robust concrete formulation known as C105 high-strength concrete. To overcome construction challenges, Samsung C&T utilized advanced high-pressure pumping systems that could effectively pump the liquid concrete vertically to the required elevations as the tower’s height increased up to 600 meters.
Several suppliers were involved in this impressive project such as:
Permasteelisa Group, a global leader in facade design and interior systems, supplied and installed an impressive curtain wall on the tower, as well as GRP cladding for the spire. The podium featured of curtain wall, a canopy, and sloping glazing systems were also provided by Permasteelisa.
4000 tonnes of HISTAR®460/S460M flagship grade heavy steel were provided by ArcelorMittal Europe. This steel was used in the external steel frame system, outriggers, and belt trusses of the tower, contributing to a 20% weight saving in the structure.
The elevators at the Merdeka 118 tower were designed and supplied by Kone, to move daily 100, 000 people across 108 floors at a speed of 10 m/s. The advanced elevator system comprised twin elevators and double-deck elevators seamlessly integrated to a Destination Control System (DCS) that uses passenger information to assign them to specific elevators. This helps to reduce wait times and traffic congestion, especially for floors with high traffic like the observation deck.
🏢 MERDEKA 118 CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGES
Building a skyscraper of this height in the tropical climate of Malaysia was no easy feat. One of the biggest challenges faced by the construction team was to design an extremely stable foundation system. This was crucial because the bedrock in this location lay far too deep to be reached.
The audacious solution was to construct a massive circular base spanning an incredible 80 meters (about 260 feet) across to support the incredible weight of this megastructure. 137 huge concrete pillars were then driven inside the base, deep into the ground to 60 meters (200 feet). Soil was then excavated to reveal the piles and iron workers stitched them together with steel rebar. To ensure proper curing, the construction team had to pour concrete at night when temperatures were slightly cooler.
The construction team used an innovative climbing formwork system to cast the concrete core wall and eight megacolumns. This system allowed them to add a new level in as little as 5 days.
⬆️ MERDEKA 118 | A NEW MEGATALL SKYSCRAPER
⌛ MERDEKA TOWER TIMELINE
- 2010: original project submitted
- 2014: construction project broke grounds
- November 2021: the spire was added to the building
- January 10th 2024: Yang di-Pertuan Agong, king of Malaysia, inaugurated Merdeka tower
Despite the challenges due to covid19 pandemic, construction moved forward, and during 2018 and 2019, the tower grew by a little more than 4 floors a month! The tower was topped with a spire in November 2021.
Merdeka 118 is an integrated mixed development with an adjacent 7 stories shopping mall (118 Mall) with more than 300 stores, a 16-story 252-room luxury hotel (Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur) which is due to open in Q4 2024.
A park below with greenery and water features is still under development, and serve as a public space for the community, offering sports, lifestyle, entertainment, and leisure activities. The three 65-stories residential buildings construction have been postponed to 2027 and also built by PNB Merdeka Ventures.
🔭 MERDEKA 118 OBSERVATION DECK| THE HIGHEST IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
“The View at 118“, located at levels 116 and 116 mezzanine, is an observatory deck that is poised to deliver breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur’s captivating cityscape.
From the skydeck looking North, you’ll be treated to a unique perspective overlooking the iconic KL Tower, just 1.3 kilometers away, and the famous Petronas Towers, standing tall at a distance of 2.1 kilometers.
Merdeka 118 will boast the highest observation deck among all ASEAN nations. This vantage point will far surpass the observation desk of the Petronas Towers at 370 meters, as well as the Sky Deck of the KL Tower at 300 meters. To put in perspective, In Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, the Bitexco tower observation tower is located at a height of 178 meters.
In addition to its record-breaking observation deck, Merdeka 118 also plans to offer thrilling activities for visitors, including an “Edge Walk” experience. This will allow guests, secured by a harness, to venture outside the tower and walk along its perimeter.
A second observation deck nestled within the soaring 160-meter spire will provide additional breathtaking viewpoints.
| Building | Observation Deck name | Location | Height (meters) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Tower | Top of Shanghai | Shanghai, China | 562 |
| Burj Khalifa | SKY, at the top | Dubai, UAE | 555 |
| Merdeka 118 | The View at 118 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 500 |
| Shanghai World Financial Center | n/a | Shanghai, China | 474 |
| Petronas Towers | n/a | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 370 |
The highest observation desks in the world
🎫MERDEKA 118 TICKETS
As of August 2024, the official pricing for Merdeka 118 observation desk tickets has not been announced. However, based on the price of Petronas towers Sky Bridge & Observation Deck at RM 98 for non Malaysia nationals, it is reasonable to estimate that access to Merdeka 118’s observation deck might cost between 100 to 150 MYR for non-Malaysian visitors and about 50 MYR for Malaysian nationals.
⌛ MERDEKA 118 BY THE NUMBERS:GET READY TO BE AMAZED
🏆 MERDEKA 118: AWARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Merdeka 118 received the prestigious LEED Platinum Certification on April 18, 2024. This certification from the US Green Building Council recognizes the tower as a leader in sustainable building practices under their LEED rating system for core and shell buildings. It means Merdeka 118 meets strict environmental standards in areas like site sustainability, water efficiency, energy use, and material quality. Getting this certification is an important milestone, as Merdeka 118 aims to become Malaysia’s first mega-tall building with the highest green ratings in three different certification systems.
🎥 MERDEKA 118 | NETFLIX SKYWALKERS, A LOVE STORY
The immense height of Merdeka 118 quickly drew the attention of daredevils seeking an adrenaline rush. In December 2022, Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus became the first to document themselves atop the megatall structure, having reached the peak through an unauthorized ascent.
Merdeka 118’s Netflix documentary put them further into spotlight by releasing on July 19th 2024 a controversial 100-minutes long film entitled Skywalkers: A Love Story. The synopsis on Imdb is the following: “A daring couple travels worldwide to climb the 118-story megatall skyscraper, Merdeka 118, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, attempting a bold acrobatic stunt on the spire to salvage both their career and relationship”.
🎥 Skywalkers: A Love Story Netflix review
Critics praise the visuals of Netflix documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story”, with breathtaking camerawork capturing the couple’s climbs from vertiginous angles. However, some reviewers feel the narrative can feel contrived at times, raising questions about the authenticity of the challenges they face. While the Skywalkers climbing documentary celebrates the couple’s physical accomplishments, it also invites deeper reflection on themes of risk-taking, the pursuit of fame in the digital age, and the human desire for adventure. The Merdeka 118 documentary segments highlight the connection between Skywalkers and this impressive structure, showcasing the couple’s most daring feat yet.
“Skywalkers: A Love Story” Netflix review notes offer a captivating glimpse into the world of rooftopping, blending romance, suspense, and thought-provoking commentary on contemporary society. The film leaves viewers pondering the question “What is Skywalkers: A Love Story about?” beyond just the exhilarating visuals, delving into the complexities behind the couple’s extreme activities.
Overall, this Skywalkers Netflix production offers an enthralling exploration of urban climbing culture. However, viewers with a fear of heights or vertigo may want to approach the film with caution due to the numerous scenes depicting the couple at dizzying heights atop structures like Merdeka 118.
“Skywalkers: A Love Story” has received a 72% rating from critics and an 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 46 audience reviews.
🎥 MERDEKA TOWER 118 IN THE MOVIES
It appears that scenes for the the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe movie “Thunderbolts” were filmed at Merdeka 118. Florence Pugh, who portrays Yelena Belova in the franchise, confirmed that a skydiving sequence was recorded from the tower’s summit. The movie “Thunderbolts” is scheduled for release in May 2025.
📷 MERDEKA TOWER 118 | A FUTURE INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT IN KUALA LUMPUR?
With a linear park planned at Merdeka tower it is likely that the surroundings become a new instagrammable spot in Kuala Lumpur. However it is not clear it will steal the show of the Petronas towers for several reasons.. First, Merdeka 118 is much taller, actually it is so tall that it does not fit in the frame if taken with a ultra wide angle unless you do a vertical shot. Secondly, the lights at at night are much dimmer than the ones at the Petronas. In May 2024, we saw a light show which was a mix of flashing lights and fixed lights changing colors, but overall far less bright than the continuous lighting of the Petronas.
The mobile photographers for hire are likely to be there as they are dozen at the petronas and only few at the KLCC – kampung baru bridge, a relatively new and popular photography spot for mobile photographers in Kuala Lumpur.
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🚇 MERDEKA 118 | HOW TO GET THERE?
Merdeka 118 is located on Jalan Hang Jebat in the vicinity of the historic Merdeka Stadium. Reaching the iconic Merdeka 118 tower is a breeze using public transportation. If you’re traveling via the MRT line, simply exit at the MRT Merdeka station, conveniently located right below the tower.
Merdeka MRT station with Merdeka 118 soaring in the background
For those commuting on the Ampang or Sri Petaling LRT lines, disembark at the Plaza Rakyat station, where a 180-meter pedestrian walkway seamlessly connects you to the Merdeka MRT station.
A leisurely 600-meter stroll from Hang Tuah monorail station will lead you directly to the majestic Merdeka 118. Alternatively, you can choose a more scenic approach by exiting the LRT at Pasar Seni and enjoy the contrast between the old buildings of Chinatown and the imposing glass structure of Merdeka 118.
Merdeka 118: view from Pasar Seni LRT platform
📷 MERDEKA 118 | PHOTO GALLERY
These images were captured during the months of April and May 2024. Should you require the use of these photographs without watermark, please contact us for a quote on obtaining a license.
Merdeka 118: view of the northern facade with the glass elevator shaft
Train arriving at Pasar Seni LRT station with Merdeka 118 in the background
St Anthony’s catholic church and Merdeka, 111 years apart.
St Anthony’s catholic church and Merdeka 118 (north east facade), 111 years apart.
St Anthony’s catholic church and Merdeka 118 (north east facade), 111 years apart.
📺 EXPLORE MERDEKA 118 ON YOUTUBE
(by Windfall films, distributed by Science Channel) 41 minutes
MERDEKA 118 FAQ’s
What is the height of Merdeka 118?
Who owns Merdeka 118?
Who is the architect of Merdeka 118?
What is a megatall skyscraper?
A megatall skyscraper is a incredibly tall building that meets certain height criteria defined by bodies like the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). It is classified as a skyscraper that reaches a height of at least 600 meters (1,968 feet). Only a handful of megatall buildings currently exist in the world: Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE – 828 m (2,717 ft), Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 678.9 m (2,227 ft), Shanghai Tower in Shanghai, China – 632 m (2,073 ft)
Achieving megatall heights requires overcoming immense structural engineering challenges related to wind sway, vertigo-inducing heights, elevator transportations, and others. Megatalls represent the absolute pinnacles and limits of super-tall skyscraper construction technology.
How much did Merdeka 118 cost?
Is Merdeka 118 taller than the Burj Khalifa ?
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