Sunday, July 19, 2009

Dataran Merdeka


Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) was where on midnight of August 31, 1957 the Union Jack was lowered for the last time and Malayan flag (Jalur Gemilang) was hoisted for the first time. As a symbol of this historical event, a 100 metre high flagpole (the world tallest) was erected at the very spot where the Malayan flag was first hoisted. The square is used to celebrate national events, carnivals, live performances, cultural events and other social awareness campaigns.
It was formerly part of the Selangor Club and was known as the Selangor Club Padang, and was originally the cricket green of the Selangor Club (now Royal Selangor Club).
The Square was the focal point of colonial Kuala Lumpur. Surrounding the square are many buildings of historical interest, such as the Royal Selangor Club, the Sultan Abdul Samad building, St. Mary’s church and the National History Museum.

At one end of the square is an old ornamental fountain and drinking trough.

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is probably the most beautiful building around Merdeka Square The predominantly Moorish appearance of the building reflects the cultural background of Malaysia. The gleaming copper domes are topped by a 43 meter clock tower. The central tower holds a clock that was first heard during Queen Victoria's birthday parade in 1897. The building became the centre of British administration in Selangor. The Post Office and the Sanitary Board were also located here. The building was extensively renovated to house the nation's judiciary.
it now houses the Department of Information,Heritage and Culture.

National History Museum (Muzium Serajah Nasional).First erected in 1888 to house the headquarters of the Chartered Bank, which was the first commercial bank operating in Kuala Lumpur.If you're short on time,best to skip it as the exhibits inside are not really that good.

St Mary's Cathedral, a neo-Gothic church more than a hundred years old.

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