Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur

1 more image

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.

1 more image

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.

1 more image

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.

4 more images

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.

2 more images

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!

3 more images

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.

4 more images

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.