A skyline celebration 394 metres above sea level
On Sunday, October 5, 2025, the Kuala Lumpur landmark KL Tower hosted a lantern parade that set a new national mark. Held at 394 metres above sea level on the tower Sky Terrace, the Mid Autumn lantern walk entered the Malaysia Book of Records as the highest of its kind in the country. More than 150 participants and visitors joined the open air celebration, carrying lanterns against the city skyline and capturing the view from the glass Sky Box.
The parade was organised by LSH Service Master Sdn Bhd as a cultural showcase. The aim was to introduce the Mooncake Festival, a traditional celebration among the Chinese community, to a wider multiracial audience. The Malaysia Book of Records certificate was presented by its representative, Menaga Vadamalai, to LSH Capital Berhad chairman Tan Sri Lim Keng Cheng, marking formal recognition of the achievement.
What made this lantern parade a record
Records in Malaysia are verified by the Malaysia Book of Records, a national body that documents firsts and bests across many fields, including culture. In this case, the key criterion was altitude. The lantern parade took place at an elevation of 394 metres above sea level, a height that reflects the combined elevation of Bukit Nanas hill, where the tower stands, and the location of the Sky Terrace high on the structure.
The venue matters. KL Tower is one of the tallest towers in the world, and its viewing platforms are designed to give unobstructed, open air access to the cityscape. The Sky Box, a glass enclosure that extends from the Sky Deck, allows guests to step out and look straight down at the streets and parks below. During the parade, guests alternated between the terrace and the Sky Box to record photos and videos while holding their lanterns.
Participants did not only walk. Organisers encouraged creative lantern designs and decoration, turning the event into a friendly showcase for craftsmanship and imagination. The gathering highlighted the colourful styles that appear each year during Mid Autumn, from classic paper lanterns to modern LED designs.
Culture meets tourism at KL Tower
LSH Service Master chief executive officer Khairil Faizal Othman said the programme was designed to raise awareness of Mid Autumn traditions beyond the Chinese community. The goal, he explained, was to create an inclusive celebration that would connect with Malaysians from different backgrounds and also appeal to visitors who come to the capital for its skyline and nightlife.
Khairil linked the initiative to the build up toward Visit Malaysia Year 2026, a national tourism campaign that aims to draw international arrivals and encourage domestic travel. The new management team at KL Tower, which took over operations in April 2025, has signalled a focus on culture and tourism based activities that can fill the calendar with experiences on site.
After outlining those plans, the CEO summed up the ambition for KL Tower as a cultural venue.
Khairil Faizal Othman, CEO of LSH Service Master Sdn Bhd: “This is just the beginning. We intend to make Menara KL a central venue for programmes that appeal to both international tourists and local communities.”
Mid Autumn Festival explained
Mid Autumn, sometimes called the Mooncake Festival, is one of the most celebrated dates in the lunar calendar across East and Southeast Asia. It typically falls in September or October when the full moon appears at its brightest. Families gather for evening meals, exchange mooncakes, and carry lanterns that symbolise unity, reunion, and hope for good fortune.
In Malaysia, the festival has local flavours. Lantern walks take place in neighbourhoods and public spaces, with children carrying bright paper lanterns, and bakeries offering a wide range of mooncakes that blend Chinese recipes with local ingredients. Shoppers can find pandan, durian, or tea infused fillings alongside classic lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk. Many events are open to all communities, which makes the celebration a common cultural touchpoint in a diverse society.
While the parade at KL Tower had a record setting location, the atmosphere stayed close to tradition. Lanterns glowed, families posed for photos, and the night view served as a dramatic stage for a custom that emphasises family and togetherness.
How the event came together
The organising team worked with the tower operator to schedule the parade during the festival period and to make use of signature locations such as the Sky Terrace and the Sky Box. The open air format gave participants room to walk and to handle their lanterns while crews guided the flow of visitors across viewing areas.
As part of the recognition process, a representative from the Malaysia Book of Records attended to verify the category and present the certificate. Menaga Vadamalai delivered the document to Tan Sri Lim Keng Cheng, chairman of LSH Capital Berhad, in a moment that underscored the role of private sector partners in cultural programming.
More than 150 people took part as guests, families, and hobbyists. For many, the combination of a festive lantern walk and a high vantage point created a distinct memory. The skyline of Kuala Lumpur, with its mix of heritage districts and modern towers, framed the event from start to finish.
KL Tower as a stage for cultural experiences
KL Tower, also known as Menara Kuala Lumpur, stands 421 metres tall. It is a communications tower and a major attraction that offers panoramic views from several levels. The tower sits on Bukit Nanas, one of the oldest forest reserves in the city, which raises the site above the surrounding streets and adds to the elevation of the tower above sea level.
Visitors can access indoor viewing areas, the open air Sky Deck, and the Sky Box where a glass floor and walls allow clear views of the cityscape below. These locations have become familiar backdrops for lifestyle photography, tourism campaigns, and special events.
The management direction since April 2025 has prioritised activities that connect culture, entertainment, and tourism. A series of programmes tied to national initiatives, including Visit Malaysia Year 2026, is expected to bring more night time and family friendly events to the tower. The lantern parade fits that plan by combining a long standing tradition with a contemporary setting that is easy to share on social media and attractive to visitors.
Public response and community impact
Early reaction to the parade reflected enthusiasm for cultural events that invite participation. The format is simple and welcoming. Carry a lantern, meet at a well known landmark, and enjoy the view. For parents, the activity is safe and photo friendly. For hobbyists and content creators, the visual payoff is immediate. Organisers said they want to repeat and expand similar activities in the months ahead, with more opportunities for creative lantern design and community participation.
Events like this also serve as short introductions to heritage. The more people learn the story behind Mid Autumn, the more likely they are to explore other festivals on the calendar. Kuala Lumpur hosts celebrations for Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali, and Christmas, often with open houses and performances. A record breaking lantern walk at KL Tower adds a fresh entry to that list, and gives the city another way to welcome guests during the lead up to 2026.
What to Know
- KL Tower hosted a Mid Autumn lantern parade at 394 metres above sea level, setting a Malaysia Book of Records milestone.
- More than 150 participants and visitors joined the open air walk on the Sky Terrace and in the Sky Box.
- LSH Service Master Sdn Bhd organised the event to promote the Mooncake Festival to a multiracial audience.
- Malaysia Book of Records representative Menaga Vadamalai presented the certificate to LSH Capital Berhad chairman Tan Sri Lim Keng Cheng.
- The parade aligns with the tower management strategy and the build up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
