Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur

Merdeka Square is an important heritage site in the city. The Union jack was lowered here on 31 August, 1957, marking Malaysia's independence from Colonial rule. The nearby Sultan Abdul Samad Building is another heritage site too.

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Merdeka Square is the central square in KL. On important celebration days, this square provides the best available space. During my visit which coincided with Vesak Day, the traffic was blocked for the celebration.

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Merdeka Square Day and Night Scene. Best in the evening and walking distance from China Town in Kuala Lumpur.

Every year in 31st August, Malaysia celebrates independance day ! Last year 2007 celebrate 50th years. Nice experience.

This is by no mean the largest square in the world. But it reflects Malaysia and its past. 'Merdeka' means independence in Malay language. While at the square, your eyes would first caught on the beautiful Sultan Abdul Samad building that has a clock tower as the old symbol of KL. Then you see a green field that used to be the cricket field back in the british colonial days. Next to the field, is the Royal Selangor Club. This is a club for the rich and famous. When you look up, you will see this 100m high flag pole. It is one of the tallest flag pole in the world. When the wind blows the flag, it is one good looking snapshot. Around the squares you can also find National History Museum, Kuala Lumpur Memorial Library and St. Mary's Cathedral .

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The spot where the Malayan flag was first raised that signifies the country's independence from the British rule. Merdeka Square also known as Dataran Merdeka has been part of the history and became one of Kuala Lumpur's landmarks.

Being a historical spot, it also became the venue to the festive National Day celebration each year. Malaysia became independent on August 31, 1957.

This historical location is surrounded by other landmarks like, Selangor Club, St. Mary's Cathedral, Sultan Abdul Samad building, and the clock tower regarded as the Big Ben of KL.

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Merdeka means Independence and this is the place on 31 August 1957 Malaysia got its Independent. There is a 100 meter high flagpole that flies the Malaysian flag proudly.

This is still the venue for the National Day parade.

Beneath the square there is a food, leisure and entertainment complex called Plaza Putra and a car park too. There is a fountain and a small garden area too.

The Merdeka Square (Independence Square or Dataran Merdeka) is situated in the centre of the Kuala Lumpur city. It's close to the Gombak river, the Masjid Jamek, Central Market and China Town. Around the Dataran Merdeka, you can find the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the Royal Selangor Club, and the National History museum. Some of these buildings have Moorish flavour.

A 100 metre-high flagpole marks the spot where the Malayan Flag was hoisted on 31 August 1957 signifying the independence of the country from the British colonial rule.

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While Kuala Lumpur is full of modernity, the city has not disregarded its past. Infact, some of the most brilliant sights of the town are embedded in history. Indeed, one of the most picturesque spots in the city also happens to be the most historically significant: Merdeka Square.
The elitist Royal Selangor Club (it only allowed whites) was party central during the early days of British colonialism. Booze and cricket were the main attractions. All that changed in 1957, when the British flag came down and the Malayan flag went up. The area became known as Dataran Merdeka (or Merdeka Square) and hosts the festive National Day celebration each year.