What It’s Like Visiting Merdeka 118 (From Someone Who Watched It Rise)

If you’ve been wondering what that towering glass spire is in KL’s skyline, you’re not alone. Merdeka 118 is now the tallest building in Southeast Asia and the second tallest in the world—but beyond its height, the real question is: what’s actually inside?

Right now, only a handful of areas are open to the public, including the brand-new Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. The highly anticipated Observation Deck is still in the works, and a new shopping mall is also on the way. With so much buzz—and so many unknowns—it’s easy to feel like you’ve missed the memo.

This post is here to clear things up. I’ll walk you through what’s open, what’s not, and what to expect when you visit. We’ve had a unique view of the project (my husband works inside the tower), so much of this is based on first-hand experience. Whether you’re a curious local, an architecture lover, or just scoping out new places to stay or visit in the city, here’s everything you need to know about Merdeka 118.

What Is Menara Merdeka Maybank, or Merdeka 118?

Merdeka 118 is a 118-story skyscraper in central Kuala Lumpur, rising to a height of 678.9 meters, making it the second tallest building in the world, just behind the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It’s also the tallest building in Southeast Asia, easily surpassing the Petronas Twin Towers.

But Merdeka 118 is more than a record-breaker. Its original name, “Merdeka,” meaning “freedom” in Malay, is a tribute to Malaysia’s independence. The tower stands next to Stadium Merdeka, where Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, famously declared the country’s independence in 1957. His raised arm and cry of “Merdeka!” inspired not just the name, but the very shape of the building itself.

Construction began in 2014, and while the structure was completed in late 2023, only selected parts of the building are open to the public as of now. More attractions, including the observation deck and retail mall, are expected to open in phases through 2026 and beyond.

Why the Merdeka Tower Looks the Way It Does

To most people, it’s the tall, glassy spire towering over the city. In our house, it’s just “daddy’s tower”. We moved to Kuala Lumpur because of Merdeka 118; my husband works at the Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur inside, so this building has a personal place in our story.

But even if you don’t have a family connection to it, it’s hard not to be drawn in once you know what it represents. The tower’s shape is inspired by Tunku Abdul Rahman’s silhouette, captured at the exact moment he proclaimed Malaysia’s independence in 1957. The spire mimics his raised hand, and once you see it, you really can’t unsee it.

Look closer and you’ll notice blue triangular shards covering the exterior, these are a subtle nod to traditional songket patterns, woven into the building’s modern glass skin. And the glass isn’t just for show. Depending on the time of day, lighting, and even the weather, the tower shifts color. Some mornings it gleams icy blue, while in the afternoon it might take on steely greys or disappear into the haze like a shadow.

Designed by Fender Katsalidis, the architecture blends cultural storytelling with state-of-the-art engineering. And it doesn’t just look impressive—it’s built to high sustainability standards too, which we’ll get into next.

The Green Side of Merdeka 118

Merdeka 118 isn’t just about height or design, it’s also setting new standards for sustainability in Malaysia. It’s the first building in the country to earn triple Platinum certification, awarded by LEED, GreenRE, and the Green Building Index (GBI). That makes it not only iconic, but also one of the most environmentally responsible skyscrapers in the region.

This part of the project is especially meaningful to me. In my own work, particularly with BestCities Global Alliance, where I focus on impact and legacy in the business events industry, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a long-term priority. So to see a building of this scale commit to green design from the ground up feels personal.

Behind the scenes, Merdeka 118 includes all the benchmarks you’d expect from a top-tier sustainable build: solar energy systems, water efficiency, intelligent lighting, and high-performance glazing to keep the interior cool without wasting energy. Even the indoor air quality and materials used were carefully selected to meet these global standards.You might not notice these details on a short visit, but they’re part of what makes this place different. It’s proof that a world-class architectural icon can also be a leader in environmental responsibility.

What’s Inside Menara Maybank Merdeka

Let’s clear this up right away: some of the most-asked-about attractions in Merdeka 118 aren’t open to the public just yet. That includes the Observation Deck and the shopping mall. Both are scheduled to open in 2026, so if you were hoping to pop by for skyline views or grab a coffee at ground level, you’ll need to wait a little longer.

That said, you can have a coffee, or even high tea, at Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, which opened in August 2025. Just not at the base. You’ll need to take the lift to the 75th floor for your flat white. Remember, we call it daddy’s tower in our house, so we’ve had a front-row seat as the hotel came to life. You can read all about our experience in our Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur review.

The hotel occupies the upper tiers of the tower, but not in the way most people expect. Dining and the main lobby are on the 75th floor, offering panoramic city views as soon as you step inside. Meeting and event spaces are on the 98th floor, while the spa and wellness centre is on 99. Guest rooms start from level 100 and go up to 112, so it’s safe to say you’ll get a room with a view.

The Observation Deck, expected to be one of KL’s top tourist spots, will open in 2026, but no ticketing details or launch dates have been confirmed yet. It’s set to occupy some of the highest floors, offering panoramic views that should be incredible.

The 118 Mall, located at the tower’s base, is also still under construction, with its opening aligned to the same 2026 timeline. Once complete, it will connect to Stadium Merdeka, a cultural gallery, and the broader precinct via the landscaped linear park, making the area even more walkable and inviting.

Behind the scenes, office tenants have already begun moving in. The entire Maybank office has moved from Menara Maybank to Merdeka 118. They even added their logo on the top of the building and have officially renamed Merdeka 118 to Menara Merdeka Maybank. So while the public face is still taking shape, the building is very much coming to life, just not all at once.

How to Visit Merdeka 118

Even though some of the major attractions like the Observation Deck and 118 Mall aren’t open yet, Merdeka 118 is still worth visiting,especially if you’re already nearby at Petaling Street, Central Market, or Stadium Merdeka.

Getting there is easy by public transport. The Merdeka MRT station is located right in front of the tower, making it the most convenient option. If you’re arriving via the Hang Tuah LRT or Monorail, it’s about a 10-minute walk. The tower is clearly visible as you approach, so finding your way there is straightforward.

If you’re driving, there’s a public parking garage beneath Merdeka 118 with direct lift access into the tower itself. From there, you can reach the Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, or explore Linear Park that surrounds the base.

Is It Worth Visiting With Kids?

Right now, Merdeka 118 isn’t a full-on family destination, but that doesn’t mean it’s off-limits for kids either.

If you’re looking for a spot to get close to the tower and take in the views, Linear Park surrounding the tower is worth a stroll. That said, if you’ve got a stroller or younger kids, know that access isn’t ideal, there are several stairs, and although there are three lifts, none were operating when we visited in July 2025. Hopefully that changes once the mall and retail areas open, but for now, it’s something to keep in mind.

Inside, there’s not much geared specifically toward children, yet. The mall and observation deck, both scheduled to open in 2026, will likely include more family-friendly attractions. And once those are open, it could easily become one of those places you bring out-of-town guests (and their kids) for a wow-factor afternoon.

For now, if your child is fascinated by tall buildings they’ll enjoy tagging along. And if you’re visiting the Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, you all will love the views from the 75th floor dining area! 

Frequently Asked Questions About Merdeka 118

Looking Up, and Looking Ahead

Merdeka 118 has been on our radar long before it became part of the skyline—we actually moved to KL because of it. So seeing it come to life, bit by bit, has felt oddly familiar and still surreal.

With the Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur now open, it’s finally possible to step inside and experience a part of what this tower has to offer. The observation deck and 118 Mall are still on the way, but even now, it already feels like a landmark you want to show visitors—or just walk past on your way somewhere else, and still look up.

If you’re planning a visit, pair it with time in the surrounding neighbourhood, we’ve put together a full guide on things to do in Chinatown with kids, just a short walk from the tower. And if you’re curious what it’s like to stay up in the clouds, read our Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur review.

We’ll also keep this post updated as new parts of the tower open, so whether you’re visiting next week or next year, check back to see what’s new.