Visiting Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Hi, ASEAN Hive Community! Let me bring you to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during my first out of the country trip from the Philippines in September 2013. I've been to Malaysia three times as it was cheap to fly with Air Asia.

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According to Wikipedia:

Independence Square (Malay: Dataran Merdeka) is a square located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is situated in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. It was formerly known as the Selangor Club Padang or simply the Padang (meaning "field" in Malay) and was used as the cricket green of the Selangor Club (now the Royal Selangor Club). It was here that the Union Flag was lowered and the Malaysian flag hoisted for the first time at midnight on 31 August 1957. Since then, the Independence Square has been the usual venue for the annual Independence Day Parade.

Source: here

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We had a quick visit to Merdeka Square when we went shopping at Kuala Lumpur City Gallery to buy some souvenirs.

It was busy the time that we saw military men around the place. We realized that they were preparing for the celebration of Independence. Hence, this place was called Independence Square or Medeka Square. Or I might be wrong, maybe there was another event prepared by the government.

Unfortunately, we weren't able to visit this place on some other day because we only stayed for a few days here.

We weren't able to visit the buildings which I believe there are some museums here.

Many tourists were enjoying and taking photos as well. Or maybe, these were just locals walking around. Possible, Chinese tourists. I remember that on the same day, there were many tourists when we went to the Petronas Towers.

Many Malaysian flags were adorned in this building, a sign that the place was preparing for a big event. And there you see the tent.

I think that was the reason we weren't able to visit the next days because of the big event. So better to spend somewhere else and visit another tourist attraction.

I admire the architectural designs of the buildings. Most of the buildings were built by the British. It was said that in the year 1867, Malaysia was colonized by the British.

The Merdeka Square was formerly known as Padang. This place used to be the location of the Selangor Clubhouse where the British can play cricket and other sports.

Malaysia gained its independence on August 30, 1957, when the flag was raised for the first time, and they lowered the flag of the British.

Here are the notable buildings you can see around Merdeka Square:

• Sultan Abdul Samad Building
• National History Museum
• Textile Museum
• Memorial Library of Kuala Lumpur
• Old City Hall
• The Royal Selangor Club (Royal Club)
• St. Mary's Cathedral

It is good to walk around here in the afternoon and also in the evening. From what I've seen from the photos of other photographers, Independence Square is well-lit which you could take nice photos at night.

Hope you enjoyed my photos taken at the Merdeka Square.

Check out my other Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia articles:

• Let's Visit Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• Market Friday - Shopping at Kuala Lumpur City Gallery

• Eating Malaysian Cuisine During My First International Trip

• Market Friday - Shopping Souvenirs at Jalan Petaling Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• Market Friday - Shopping for Souvenirs at Beryl's Chocolate Kingdom and Jadi Batek Gallery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• Night Photography - Petronas Twin Towers at Night in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• Discovering Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the First Time

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