Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur

16:05 11/3/2012 We completed our cultural religious task to visit  3 places of worship for 3 different races of Malaysia. The Kuan Ti Temple for Chinese, Sri Mahamariamman Temple for Indians and Masjid Jamek for Malay Muslims. We’re now bound to Dataran Merdeka for a historical retrospect of Malaysia. This place has a significant value as it is was the venue marked the Independence of Malaysia from a colonial rule.


 Getting Here:


By LRT:  Alight at Masjid Jamek Station. Walk along Jalan Tun Perak then turn left walk along Jalan Raja Laut.


Neareast Landmarks
 – Royal Selangor Club
 – Panggung Bandaraya
 – Sultan Abdul Samad Building
 – St. Mary’s Anglican Cathedral
 – National History Museum
 – Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
 – National Textile Museum


After our quick view to Masjid Jamek we travel on foot along Jalan Tun Perak to reach Dataran Merdeka. There are several notable landmarks within the area and we first stop by at Panggung Bandaraya. It is one of the oldest theaters in Malaysia where plays and musicals held. 

Then, we walk across to Dataran Merdeka and halt at the fountain. Where we enjoy the great view of Pillars engraved Dataran Merdeka ( Independence Square) with  the Financial Towers as background.

A few meters you will see St. Mary’s Anglican Cathedral. This cathedral was founded in 1894  and was consecrated by Right Revd George Frederick Hose on 1897. It served as a place of worship for small group of Anglicans living in Kuala Lumpur at that time.

More than 100 year old, Neo Gothic Church





Adjacent to the cathedral is the Royal Selangor Club. It is founded around 1884 and this  served as social center for educated and high ranking members of British Colonial society. 

A few steps from the Royal Selangor Club  is the Independence Square. This was the venue when the Union Jack ( British Flag) was lowered down and the first Malaysian Flag is hoisted. It was 12:01 of August 31, 1957 when Tunku Abdul Raman declared Merdeka ( Independence) from Britain. 

100 Meter Flag pole, was then the tallest flag pole in the world



Within the Independence Square you will notice a very old ornamental fountain. This was originally brought from England and was locally assembled in 1897. 

100+ year old Victoria fountain

 

Gargoyles in the form of Griffins
 
At the southern end of Dataran Merdeka is the former National History Musuem now Restoran Warisan. The Museum was closed in 2007 and the government open Restoran Warisan as way to promote Malay Food.





On the far corner of Dataran Merdeka , is the  National Textile Musuem. It was opened in 2010 and displays collection ad historical origins of textile industry in Malaysia.





Just beside Restoran Warisan is the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery. This is an information center for tourist to know more about city and its history.

Sky Loves KL

 

Summer Loves KL



After a long of day of Jalan-Jalan around the city, these I LOVE KL did visually translate what we have felt during our city wandering. True to its words, who will not love the Garden City of Lights?


Felt in Love with KL,


Sky and Summer

Facebook Comments

Leave a Reply