Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur

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Wandering around "Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square)" is a very interesting experience. This area had witnessed the British's Union Jack flag was lowered down and replaced by Malaysian's Jalur Gemilang in the midnight of 31st August 1957. Besides, there are many other important national events was held at this Dataran Merdeka as well.

This Dataran Merdeka or known as Padang Kelab Selangor is located at former administration centre of Kuala Lumpur. At first, it was a cricket field for Royal Selangor Club. Around this field are the historical Royal Selangor Club building, Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, National Historical Museum, National Textile Museum, Memorial Library and the St. Mary Aglican Cathedral, a church with Gothic style which was built over 100 years ago.

A 95-meter flagpole, one of the tallest in the world, marks that spot with a flat, round black marble plaque. It is located at the southern end of the square.

Nearby is also the original "Kuala Lumpur Railway Station" which is still operational. However the main hub has recently been moved to KL Sentral in 2001.

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Dataran Merdeka is situated in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. It was here the Union Flag was lowered and the Malayan flag hoisted for the first time at midnight (time: 12:00 AM) on August 31, 1957. Since then, Merdeka Square has been the usual venue for the annual Merdeka Parade (National Day Parade).
There are a few tourist attraction nearby, to name them : The Royal Selangor Club where the big field attached to, the historical Sultan Abdul Samad Building, The Public Library, The KL Children Library, The KL Gallery, The Textile Museum and many more as the Merdeka Square is in the city centre.

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Merdeka Square is the place where the liberation from the British was declared in 1957. You can admire the tallest flagpole in the world, 100 m of height, at the southern end of the square.
Along the square is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building on one side, and the Royal Selangor Club on the other side.

Surrounded by colonial architecture with an exotic local flair, the square was once the site of British social and sporting events. These days, Malaysia holds its spectacular Independence Day celebrations on the field, which is home to the world's tallest flagpole, standing at 100m (328 ft.).

The Dataran Merdeka, or Merdeka Sqaure was once a focal point— and cricket pitch—for the British colonial presence in Malaysia. The structures bordering the Dataran Merdeka resemble the physical environment of the colonists' native land. Situated on one corner of the square is the Selangor Club, replicating the Tudors of merry old England. It was at this square in 1957 that the Union Jack was lowered and the Malayan flag hoisted, signaling Malaysia's independence as a nation. A 95-meter flagpole, one of the tallest in the world, marks the spot.

Malaysia's independence from Britain was proclaimed here at midnight on August 31st 1957. Merdeka is the Malay word for independence.

In the centre of Merdeka Square lies the Padang - a large grassy cricket field. Around the Padang lie a wealth of beautiful old buildings. These include the Royal Selangor Club - once the social centre for KL's colonial elite. This club also founded the world famous Hash House Harriers running group in1938.

At the north end of the square you will find the lovely St Mary's Cathedral designed by AC Norman and dating from 1894.

Across the busy main Jln Raja Laut road lies the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Built by AC Norman in 1897 it once housed the British Secretariat Building and now houses one of Malaysia's highest courts.

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Merdeka Square is worth a visit as there is a typical village green just like in England. The building by the green is the Royal Salangor Club, which is built in a Tudor style around 1890. Cricket used to be played here, not sure if it still is, but they play croquet. Other buidings around the square include Sultan Abdul Samad, built in 1897.

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A couple of hours can easily be spent at the tourist office, which is a tourist site itself. It is located in a compound with many attractions, including a chocolate outlet where you can sample some of their products (Cocoa Boutique) , a museum to stroll round and an excellent office with competent and friendly staff who will assist you in your travel inquiries. There are also several computers which are free to use and several interesting buildings. Although i cannot remember the exact street, it is only 15 minutes walk from the Petronas Towers and certainly worth a visit.

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The Merdeka Square symbolizes the place where the independence of Malaysia (1957) after 150 years of British rule was declared. Every year on August 31, celebrated the independence (Merdeka Day), then the area around Merdeka Square closed to traffic. Very Merdeka Square stands filled with thousands of Malaysians who celebrate their independence.

A 90-meter flagpole, one of the highest in the world, stands in the middle of the 8.2 acre site, hoisted the flag flies in memory of freedom statement. Every now and then in the park festival, or an old fashioned game of cricket played. The large field was in the past by the British as cricket path. Under the Merdeka Square is Plaza Putra, here you will find restaurants, shops and a large parking garage. Unfortunately, the whole is not as well maintained, and it looks a little lapse. In addition, parts of the underground complex never recovered after major floods in 2003.
Merdeka Square Flag

Apart from Merdeka Square is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, one of the most photographed sights in Kuala Lumpur. The KL-city tour and the Hop-on, hop-off bus in this spot. Merdaka Square located along Jalan Raja, about 10 minutes walk from the Masjid Jamek LRT Station. From the center (Bukit Bintang) a taxi will bring you in 10/15 minutes to this highlight of the city of Kuala Lumpur. When the meter runs, the ride will cost only a few ringgit, this does not work then you pay usually between 10-15 ringgit.

Merdeka Square is easily accessible on foot from China Town. From Petaling Street is a 10 minute walk to the independence square. The way you pass the spot where Kuala Lumpur was ever founded, at the junction of the rivers Gombak and Klang. Central Market (also a popular attraction) is about 5 minutes walk from Merdeka Square.

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Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is located right in the historical enclave of Independence Square (Dataran Merdeka). This magnificent 113 year old architecture faces the iconic 100-metre flag pole and houses many attractions! Unique display of the History of Kuala Lumpur through prints, photos and architectural miniature models. Bring home Made in Malaysia gifts for family and friends, choosing from intricate handmade artworks depicting the heritage of the country to a wide range of Kuala Lumpur merchandise. Before you leave, capture a photographic moment with the largest Kuala Lumpur skyline wood-veneer mural in the world!
Kuala Lumpur City Gallery also serves as a Tourist Information Centre and provides a FREE comprehensive Kuala Lumpur Walks and Tours Map to every visitor!

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Merdeka means independence. In this area, the Malayan flag was hoisted for the first time in August 31, 1957 upon gaining independence from the British rule. Here you can find, of course the 100 m. flag pole, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the Royal Selangor Club, and the National History museum.