KL's long and colourful history has left a legacy of heritage sites which bear the stamp of various foreign influences. The main heritage zones in the city are Merdeka Square, Market square, China Town ( Petaling Street) and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.
1. DATARAN MERDEKA ( MERDEKA SQUARE)
Dataran Merdeka or Merdeka Square is a good starting point to explore the city's heritage sites. The Union Jack was lowered here on 31 August 1957 marking Malaysia's Independence from colonial rule. Hence the name Merdeka, which means " Independence" in Malay. A 100 metre high flagpole , reputedly the tallest in the world proudly files the Malaysian flag. The Square used to be the focal point of Kuala Lumpur and the field here was the venue for police parade and cricket matches. Today, it is a beautifully landscaped area with gardens, terraces and fountains and a popular spot for photography. Merdeka Square is still an important venue for national events such as National Day Celebrations and street parades.
2. ROYAL SELANGOR CLUB
Adjacent to Dataran Merdeka is the Royal Selangor Club, a chairman mock- Tudor structure. It was founded in 1884 as a small plank building with thatched rood, serving as a social and cricket club for the growing expatriate community. The original building was replaced in 1890 by a 2 storey timber structure designed by AC Norman, a government architect and rebuilt in 1910 with a design similar to a mock Tudor House by architect AB Hubback. In the colonial days, the club was dubbed " The spotted dog" , a nickname purportedly originating from its mixed membership at that time. It was again rebuilt to its present form in 1979 by architect Fong Ying Leong, after a fire razed in the building in 1970. The club is exclusively for members and has a wide range of sporting facilities as well as food and beverage outlets.
3. SULTAN ABDUL SAMAD BUILDING
This remarkable edifice, built in 1897 , was named after the State Ruler and served as the government administration building during the British era. Boasting a Mahometan or Neo Saracenic style, the building is constructed entirely of brick. It was the largest building of its day and was said to be the finest in the Malay states. The stately structure consists of an imposing porch, graceful
horse-shaped arches, shiny copper domes and a 41.2 metres high clock tower. It now houses the Malaysian Supreme and High Courts as well as a handicraft centre. The building makes an impressive landmark when illuminated at night.
4. ISTANA NEGARA
The official residence of His Majesty The King of Malaysia is a stately mansion set within a beautifully landscaped garden. The daily changing of the guard attracts its fair share of visitors and photographers.
5. KL RAILWAY STATION
This splendid building in the heart of the city was the hub for the nation's rail transportation system before the modern KL Sentral Station was built. Its Moorish architecture with graceful arches and minarets makes it one of the city's most photographed landmarks. Equally impressive is the Malayan Railway (KTM) Headquarters overlooking the railway station.
1. DATARAN MERDEKA ( MERDEKA SQUARE)
Dataran Merdeka or Merdeka Square is a good starting point to explore the city's heritage sites. The Union Jack was lowered here on 31 August 1957 marking Malaysia's Independence from colonial rule. Hence the name Merdeka, which means " Independence" in Malay. A 100 metre high flagpole , reputedly the tallest in the world proudly files the Malaysian flag. The Square used to be the focal point of Kuala Lumpur and the field here was the venue for police parade and cricket matches. Today, it is a beautifully landscaped area with gardens, terraces and fountains and a popular spot for photography. Merdeka Square is still an important venue for national events such as National Day Celebrations and street parades.
2. ROYAL SELANGOR CLUB
Adjacent to Dataran Merdeka is the Royal Selangor Club, a chairman mock- Tudor structure. It was founded in 1884 as a small plank building with thatched rood, serving as a social and cricket club for the growing expatriate community. The original building was replaced in 1890 by a 2 storey timber structure designed by AC Norman, a government architect and rebuilt in 1910 with a design similar to a mock Tudor House by architect AB Hubback. In the colonial days, the club was dubbed " The spotted dog" , a nickname purportedly originating from its mixed membership at that time. It was again rebuilt to its present form in 1979 by architect Fong Ying Leong, after a fire razed in the building in 1970. The club is exclusively for members and has a wide range of sporting facilities as well as food and beverage outlets.
3. SULTAN ABDUL SAMAD BUILDING
This remarkable edifice, built in 1897 , was named after the State Ruler and served as the government administration building during the British era. Boasting a Mahometan or Neo Saracenic style, the building is constructed entirely of brick. It was the largest building of its day and was said to be the finest in the Malay states. The stately structure consists of an imposing porch, graceful
horse-shaped arches, shiny copper domes and a 41.2 metres high clock tower. It now houses the Malaysian Supreme and High Courts as well as a handicraft centre. The building makes an impressive landmark when illuminated at night.
4. ISTANA NEGARA
The official residence of His Majesty The King of Malaysia is a stately mansion set within a beautifully landscaped garden. The daily changing of the guard attracts its fair share of visitors and photographers.
5. KL RAILWAY STATION
This splendid building in the heart of the city was the hub for the nation's rail transportation system before the modern KL Sentral Station was built. Its Moorish architecture with graceful arches and minarets makes it one of the city's most photographed landmarks. Equally impressive is the Malayan Railway (KTM) Headquarters overlooking the railway station.
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