KL Tower WAS Closed – What to Know (and Where to Go Instead With Kids)

By Marlieke Kemp-Janssen

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KL Tower is one of those classic Kuala Lumpur attractions we always take visitors to. The views, the thrill of the glass-bottom platform, the sight of Merdeka 118 glinting in the distance — it’s hard to beat. So when we found out it was temporarily closed for maintenance, we were seriously bummed.

We had plans to go back this month with friends visiting from out of town. Instead, we’ve had to come up with some creative alternatives to keep the kids entertained and still enjoy that “wow” view of the city skyline.

If you’re wondering why it’s closed, what this means for future visits, and where else you can go in KL for epic views or kid-friendly fun, here’s what you need to know.

A woman and a young child smiling inside a high glass observation deck overlooking the Kuala Lumpur city skyline.

Why Is The KL Tower Closed?

As of 17 April 2025, KL Tower is officially closed to the public for maintenance and upgrades. According to the Ministry of Communications, the goal is to improve safety and visitor experience — something we definitely support.

Honestly, it’s not surprising. When we visited the tower in January, we noticed it felt a bit run-down. The KL Mini Zoo and Upside Down House had already closed the year before, and the remaining attractions seemed a little neglected. While we didn’t expect a full shutdown, we’re hopeful that this signals a proper refresh that the tower deserves.

There’s no reopening date confirmed yet, but the Ministry has promised updates via media channels once the work is done.

What Else Has Changed?

The behind-the-scenes story is just as interesting as the closure itself. On 1 April 2025, the operations and maintenance of KL Tower officially shifted to a new company: LSH Service Master Sdn Bhd.

Previously, the tower was managed by Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn Bhd, but after some contract drama — including continuing to operate after their term ended — the authorities issued formal eviction notices. So yes, a bit of management musical chairs.

We’re hopeful the new team will bring in some fresh ideas, especially for families. While the glass observation deck is the main draw, we used to love that the tower offered several smaller attractions in one place — like the Upside Down House and the KL Mini Zoo. It made for a full afternoon out with the kids. Here’s hoping some new family-friendly features are on the horizon.

KL Tower vs. Petronas Twin Towers – Which Is Better?

We actually usually take our visitors to the Twin Towers before KL Tower anyway. There’s something about looking out over KLCC Park and snapping that perfect photo from the upper observation deck — where you can see the second Twin Tower, KL Tower, and Merdeka 118 — that just feels iconic.

Petronas Towers also offer a more polished experience. It’s well-organized, informative, and the Skybridge gives a totally different perspective on the city. If you’re bummed about KL Tower being closed, this is the best substitute for city views.

The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

What to Do Instead: Family-Friendly Alternatives in KL

While the tower is closed, there are still plenty of fun things to do around KL that are family-tested and kid-approved. Here are our favorites:

1. Petronas Twin Towers

Still craving those sweeping city views? The Petronas Twin Towers are a fantastic alternative. In our full review of the Petronas Twin Towers, we break down what to expect when visiting with kids — from the Skybridge to the upper deck where you can see Merdeka 118 and KL Tower. It’s well-organized, educational, and always a hit with visiting family.

Admiring the view from the 86th floor of the Petronas Twin Towers

2. SuperPark Malaysia

Need to burn off some energy indoors? SuperPark Malaysia is one of our favorite indoor playgrounds in KL. Our SuperPark Malaysia review shares why our daughter absolutely loves it — and which zones are best for different age groups. It’s our go-to spot on hot or rainy days.

A child stands beside a neon-lit bowling lane, watching the ball roll towards the pins. The colorful lights enhance the atmosphere against a dark backdrop.

3. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Perfect if you’re visiting with young kids or want a relaxing way to explore. The double-decker bus lets you sit back and enjoy KL’s major sights (yes, including KL Tower!) without battling traffic or parking. Check out our Hop-On Hop-Off KL Bus review to see why this double-decker tour is such a fun and low-stress way to explore. We cover what to expect with kids in tow and how to make the most of it — including spots where you’ll still get great views of KL Tower from the ground.

Hop On Hop Off bus in KL

4. Bonus: Visit a Water Park

Need to cool off? Head to one of KL’s awesome water parks. From splash pads for toddlers to slides for teens, they’re a great way to spend a full day outdoors. Here’s our guide to the best water parks in Kuala Lumpur.

Colorful water play structure at Sunway Lagoon Water Park featuring slides, bridges, and water features. In the background, there are large water slides and a sign reading "Adventure." Trees and buildings surround the area.

Planning a KL Trip Without the Tower

Yes, KL Tower is temporarily out of commission — but it’s just one of many fun and family-friendly things to do in KL. We’re optimistic that the upgrades will lead to an even better experience down the line. In the meantime, we’ve already found some great alternatives that deliver big on fun, views, and adventure.

If you’re planning a trip soon or just looking for a local weekend activity, we hope this helped you find something new to try.


About Marlieke Kemp-Janssen:

Marlieke is a proud mom of two—a newborn and a five-year-old—and, together with daddy, they love living in and exploring Kuala Lumpur. They’ve been based in KL for the past 3 years and still enjoy discovering new things to do. As well as being the founder of Kuala Lumpur with Kids, Marlieke is a digital marketing consultant who has helped small businesses grow through her company, Aureum Hospitality Advisers.

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