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Merdeka Square

Rise of the Malaysian Banner

Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur was once a cricket green for upper-class gentlemen during the British colonial era, and was named after the first time the national flag was hoisted here in August 1957 when Malaysia became independent. The Sultan Abdul Samad Building on the east side of Merdeka Square is one of the landmarks of Kuala Lumpur.

Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka) is located in the heart of the old town Kuala Lumpur, this large lawn was once a cricket green for the upper-class gentlemen during the British colonial era, and the Malaysian flag was first raised here on August 30, 1957, and Malaysia declared independence the following day. Therefore, August 31 every year becomes Malaysia’s National Day, and this Big Padang (Field) is named Merdeka Square (Independence Square).

A 95-meter-tall Flagpole is erected on the south side of the grass field, and the Malaysian flag is waving in the wind at its top, reminding future generations of the hard-won freedom and independence. The Queen Victoria Fountain near the flagpole was built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s accession to the throne.

Manywhere Trivia:
Queen Victoria’s 64-year reign is already rare enough, but the record was surpassed by Queen Elizabeth II easily.

Merdeka Square is surrounded by Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Royal Selangor Club, which are also centuries-old monuments, together with Petronas Twin Towers and the Kuala Lumpur Tower in the distance, create an undulating skyline of Kuala Lumpur city.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Old City Skyline

Situated on the east side of Merdeka Square, Sultan Abdul Samad Building is an important urban landmark in Kuala Lumpur. Built in 1897, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building is a three-towered building built in the Neo-Moorish style and was once the seat of the Supreme Court of Malaysia.

Also near Merdeka Square are Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, National Textile Museum and the Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque providing insights into the history and multiculturalism of Malaysia.

Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque

Stories of a Centennial Mosque

Completed in 1909, the Jamek Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur and was the highest status mosque in Kuala Lumpur until the National Mosque was built. Situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Jamek Mosque has an iconic dome and minarets.