Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur

Dataran Merdeka (GPS: 3.14915, 101.69373), or Independence Square, is a field right in the middle of the city of Kuala Lumpur. Also known as Merdeka Square, the Padang and the Selangor Club Padang, Dataran Merdeka commemorates the historic Independence celebrations on 31 August 1957, when the British Union Jack was lowered for the last time, and Malaya became an independent nation after 446 years of colonialism, beginning with the fall of Malacca. Indeed the word "merdeka" is Malay of "independence."

Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur (8 February, 2006)

Dataran Merdeka on Google Maps Street View

Going to Dataran Merdeka by public transport

If you are exploring Kuala Lumpur on a shoestring budget, you may be pleased to note that the free GoKL City Bus makes a stop at Dataran Merdeka.

Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur (8 February, 2006)

History of Dataran Merdeka

Dataran Merdeka was originally called the Parade Ground during British times. Later, it became known simply as the Padang (meaning, The Field). Most of the most important colonial buildings of the British administration congregate around Dataran Merdeka, among them (using their original names) the Government Offices, Selangor Railway Office, Old Post Office and the Royal Selangor Club.

Today Dataran Merdeka is a lush patch of manicured turf right in the middle of Kuala Lumpur. Beneath Dataran Merdeka is a food, leisure and entertainment complex called Plaza Putra, as well as a carpark. As a reminder of independence, a 100m (328 ft) tall flagpole - the tallest in the world - soars above Dataran Merdeka. Old and new fountains grace Dataran Merdeka at different corners.

Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur (8 February, 2006)

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