A recent documentary on Netflix may call to mind a certain galaxy far, far away, but you can be sure this isn’t Star Wars… and Malaysia’s tallest building plays a key supporting role.

In a world where urban exploration and extreme sports intersect, some take their passion for adventure to breathtaking new heights—literally. Enter Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, two Russian thrill-seekers who have gained notoriety for their high-risk escapades on the world’s tallest skyscrapers. Their latest conquest? Merdeka 118, Malaysia’s soaring architectural marvel and the second tallest building on the planet.

The couple’s exploits are chronicled in the Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, a film that encapsulates the sheer audacity and nerve it takes to climb these towering structures – often without safety gear, and almost always illegally. Nikolau and Beerkus are part of a subculture known as “rooftoppers,” individuals who scale high-rise buildings to capture stunning photographs and videos from dizzying heights. These visuals, which are later sold to fund future ventures, offer an adrenaline-pumping perspective that few will ever experience firsthand.

In December 2022, as the world was riveted by the FIFA World Cup final, Nikolau and Beerkus were on a different kind of mission. They had set their sights on Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, a skyscraper still then under construction but already towering over the city, at just under a staggering 680 metres. The building, which dwarfs the iconic Petronas Twin Towers (451.9 m), is a symbol of Malaysia’s aspirations and stands as a monument to its post-independence growth.

Under the cover of night and with meticulous planning, the duo managed to infiltrate the building site. What followed was nothing short of hair-raising. The pair ascended the unfinished structure, navigating through skeletal frameworks and precarious scaffolding. At the pinnacle of Merdeka 118, they executed a series of death-defying poses – perched on narrow ledges, arms outstretched against the night sky, Kuala Lumpur sprawling out below them. For those who are squeamish about heights, their footage is both captivating… and deeply unsettling. Even knowing the safe outcome does little to make the scenes less nerve-wracking. Needless to say, all the usual “Do NOT try this at home” caveats apply here.

Their climb was not just an act of personal daring, but also one that went well beyond the bounds of legality. With that in mind, and given the perilous nature of their stunt and its potential to inspire copycat attempts, the couple refrained from releasing the images until they had safely left the country. The video they produced didn’t just capture attention online; it went viral globally, with the final shot even appearing on the massive digital screens in New York City’s Times Square.

While their actions undeniably brought a spotlight to Malaysia and its new architectural landmark, it’s also worth considering the complex moral and legal implications of such acts. Rooftopping is an activity fraught with danger – not just for those involved, but also for the potential consequences should something go wrong. In Russia alone, where the activity is particularly popular, there have unsurprisingly been several fatalities among thrill-seekers attempting similar feats. The risky business of rooftopping is a stark reminder that while the images captured may be awe-inspiring, the price of achieving them can be tragically high.

Merdeka 118’s name is deeply symbolic. “Merdeka” means freedom in Malay, a term that resonates strongly with Malaysians who celebrate Merdeka Day each year on August 31st, marking the nation’s independence from British colonial rule in 1957.

Check out Ivan’s stunning Instagram videos
from atop Merdeka 118’s spire:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CmvLzklJDVt/?img_index=beerkus

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmx3SOjPt4c/

The skyscraper is a testament to the country’s progress and ambition, reflecting a blend of cultural pride and modern innovation. With approximately 400,000 sq m of lettable space, Merdeka 118 is set to house a mix of commercial outlets, modern offices, and the prestigious Park Hyatt hotel, which will occupy the top 16 floors (some reports suggest the hotel will span 17 floors, while still others note 13) and offer its guests some of the most stunning views in the region.

Yet, for all its grandeur and the promise of future economic benefits, Merdeka 118 now carries an additional, unintended association – a memory of the daring young Russians who scaled its heights before its doors even officially opened. Angela Nikolau’s striking pose at the very tip of the spire has become an indelible image, one that challenges the conventional way we view this architectural wonder.

As Malaysia continues to celebrate its rapid development and the addition of Merdeka 118 to its skyline, there’s no denying that the building will be seen through a new lens – one shaped, at least in part, by the high-flying exploits of two adventurers with a passion for life on the edge.

Unless otherwise noted, all images have been taken from the Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, which premiered on the streamer on July 19, 2024.

To read more about the couple’s daring pursuits, CLICK HERE.