During my walks around Kuala Lumpur, I noticed a skyscraper with an unusual shape—it was visible from many parts of the city. After searching online, I found out the structure is called Merdeka 118. It’s one of the tallest buildings in the world.
History of the Skyscraper
The project for the Merdeka 118 skyscraper (in some sources called the Warisan Merdeka Tower) was unveiled in 2010, and work on the site began six years later. The construction plans faced criticism from local urban heritage activists, but despite that, the tower was built. Apparently, the construction stretched on: I read that work on Merdeka 118 was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. In February 2025, when I visited, the complex had still not been put into operation.
Earlier this year I wrote about the 828-meter Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Merdeka 118 ranks second among the world’s tallest structures. The building has 118 floors (I assume that’s reflected in the complex’s name). Its height is about 679 meters. Kuala Lumpur’s famous Petronas Towers are 226 meters shorter than Merdeka 118.
The media note that the skyscraper stands in a symbolic location for Malaysia: next to it is Merdeka Stadium, where the country’s independence was proclaimed in 1957. The word merdeka translates from Malay as “independence.”
The tallest building in Malaysia was designed by an architecture firm from Australia. The authors were inspired by patterns found in the country’s traditional arts; the interiors and facade of the complex were intended to reflect the cultural mix of Malaysia’s people.
The Merdeka 118 complex is scheduled to open next year. It will include office, public and residential spaces, a shopping mall, a museum, a hotel, a mosque, the highest observation deck in Southeast Asia, and a park at the base of the skyscraper.
During my visit the entrance to the building was closed, and construction was still underway. I was able to walk up to the tower and take a close look at its facade. Thanks to its reflective surfaces, Merdeka 118 often becomes almost invisible, merging with the sky.
How to Get There by Metro
I walked here from Pasar Seni station. On the way to the skyscraper you pass through Chinatown, where there are plenty of eateries and the brightly colored Sri Mahamariamman Temple. You can plan your route to stroll through Chinatown, walk past the skyscraper, and then head to the monorail station.
My next article about interesting places in Kuala Lumpur will be dedicated to Masjid Jamek — one of the city’s free attractions.
Happy travels!
