Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur

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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.

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

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the Independence Square of Malaysia wherein in 1957 this is the place that marked the independence of Malaysia from colonial rule on 31 August 1957. It is here that the Union Jack was lowered and replaced with the flag of Malaysia. The Merdeka Square is beside the royal selangor club and the field where the square is located was appropriated from the Royal Selangor Club by the ferderal government of Malaysia. This Square continues to be a venue where many events are held. The National Day celebrations and New Year countdown are among the events that are held here. Beneath the square is Plaza Putra where you will be able to find food and entertainment. The Main Attraction here besides the large LCD screen is the 100 metres flag pole which is reputed to be the tallest in the world.

Just opposite the Sultan Abdul Samad building, Dataran Merdeka (Independance Square) was formerly known as the Selangor Club field before being upgraded and renamed to its present status.

The new name better reflects its status as it was at this place on midnight of August 31, 1957 that the Malayan flag was hoisted for the first time in the country's history upon gaining independence from the British rule.

As a rememberance to this event, a 100 metre high flagpole - the world tallest - was erected at the very place where the Malayan flag was hoisted on the independance day. On August 31 every year the Merdeka Day Parade will normally be held here. Apart from the parade, Dataran Merdeka is also the popular venue for various other events - open air concerts, carnivals, starting/finishing point for marathons etc. Occasionally it will be turned into batle ground for kriket match, just like it used to be during the colonial days.

Underneath the flagpole area used to house Plaza Putra - an underground food, leisure, entertainment complex and an underground parking bay. Unfortunately it was flooded after a very heavy downpour recently and still close to the public.

At the other end of the field is a nice fountain area for relaxation. Exactly facing the Sultan Abdul Samad building is the Selangor Club building - an inheritance of the colonial days that is still in operation till these days.

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This green square was once the heart of British colonial Malaysia and there are still some remains of this to be seen. First, the green itself which was used by the (Royal) Selangor club as a cricket ground. The place has the function of a park today, but is also used for ceremonial and representative events. It was on this square that independence was declared on August 31st 1957. The flagpole stands on the place on which the Union Jack was lowered and the Malaysian flag was risen. It has a height of 97 metres and is among the highest in the world (some people even say that it is the highest one). The most impressive structure is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building which was constructed in 1897. It was the see of some British authorities and institutions. Note its blend of Moorish and Victorian architecture, especially in the clock tower which is called “Big Ben” by the locals (see separate tip for further details). Fake Tudor houses in the Southwest corner of the square are another symbol of the British legacy. At the north side, you will find a small garden with covered benches for those who can't bear the heat. I like the Victorian fountain, but there are many people who do not.

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The ornate and Moorish looking building in Merdeka Square is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. It was constructed in 1897 and designed by a British architect, A.C. Norman. His influence is derived from Islamic architecture from several countries. The massive 41 meter tall clock tower is known locally as 'Big Ben'. It is constructed from brick and plaster even though it has a stone like appearance.

During British Colonial Administration this massive building held several government departments. In 1974 they moved out to make way for the Judiciary authorities. Sadly the building is now vacant.

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 roal 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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The Merdeka Square, previously known as the Selangor Club Padang (which is located on its western side) was built by the British in 1884. The field was a popular venue for social activities and occasionally used for the game of cricket. A 100 meter-high flagpole marks the spot where the Malayan Flag was hoisted on August 31, 1957 signifying the independence of the country from British rule. Indeed the word "merdeka" is Malay for "independence." At the opposite end of the square is an inviting spot where you can relax amid soothing rushing waters of fountains and elegant colonnades.