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Merdeka Square (point "A" ) in the Kuala Lumpur street directoryMerdeka Square … getting there and the Kuala Lumpur landmarks
The 100 meter flag poles claimed to be the tallest in the world is located on the south part of this field.
So, I guess you wouldn’t lose sight to find this field.
Do you know how Malaysia was build? Who the longest serving Prime Minster?
Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka) and the nation history.
Dataran Merdeka or Independence Square is aptly named as this was the place where the Malayan flag was first hoisted on 31st August, 1957 marking its independence from the British Rule The area of about 8.5 hectares of immaculately turfed field. That originally a cricket pitch in front of the Royal Selangor Club The field is a popular meeting point for city residents; try to come in the evening and night. You will blend in with hundreds of youngsters and family get together just to watch the giant TV screen or merely socializing with friend. The city council will block the road parallel to the field on every Saturday night. That I can see for 2 reasons. To curb illegal racing and as an attraction for city folk to enjoy the night at the field.
The flag pole of Merdeka Square and The Club.
A 100-meter flagpole, the tallest in the world, marks that spot with a flat, round black marble plaque. It is located at the southern end of the square majestically flying the national flag. Beneath the newly re-turfed and attractively laid out Dataran Merdeka is the Plaza Putra, an underground food, leisure and entertainment complex. Over the year and after being hit by flash flood, this place is no longer in operation. The Royal Selangor Club overlooks Merdeka Square. This quasi-Tudor style timber structure was built in 1890 and remains a place to watch a round of cricket on a Sunday afternoon. Also at Merdeka Square is the Royal Selangor Club, an old colonial bastion where the British elite used to wine and dine. The club, which is still a private hangout for the upper echelons of Kuala Lumpur society. Rumor has it say that until today the membership of the club is strictly “Gentleman” only. However I could not verify the story as the people around this club claimed they have no knowledge of this rule. Its Tudor-style exterior is quite a contrast to the Middle Eastern-looking Sultan Abdul Samad government building across the square, but it is nonetheless representative of Malaysia's colonial past.
If you turn across the road, right there sitting almost a century the clock tower of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. The witness of many country past glory and sorrow event are by far the most impressive architecture feature of the Dataran Merdeka, flanking it from one end to the other. Like the town itself, it incorporates a wide mix of cultural styles in its architecture and in particular, Moorish styles and a blend of Moghul, Arab and British neoclassical architecture. Designed by architects A.C. A. Norman and Bidwell, the building took more than two years to build. In fact Norman was a senior government architect of the Public Works Department (PWD) in Malaya between 1883 and 1903, may not be well known to most Malaysians. However his notable buildings in Kuala Lumpur, particularly near Merdeka Square such as the majestic Sultan Abdul Samad Building (1894-97), St. Mary's Church (1894), Selangor Club Building (1890) are significant to many including tourists.
St Mary Church
I have to remind you all this place is a walking distance from each other. Parking space for vehicle is limited. So, I suggest you just put on your sandal or a pair of shoes and just walk to this field without worrying about car parking. The Anglican St. Mary's Church was built in 1894 at the north side of Merdeka Square, on land originally occupied by the stables of the nearby Selangor Club. The church was designed in the early Gothic style that features flying buttresses on the outside of the octagonal nave, stained glass tracery windows, pinnacles, pointed arches and crenellated parapet. It was builds by A.C.A Norman. In the old days, the church was the second social centre for the Anglican community in Kuala Lumpur after the Club. Some interesting history of the church… The original St. Mary's Church was consecrated by the Right Revd George Frederick Hose, the Bishop of Singapore, Labuan & Sarawak, on February 13, 1887. The original structure of the church was built from wood along Bluff Road on top of a hill that is now known as Bukit Aman in Kuala Lumpur where the headquarters of the Royal Malaysian Police is now located. It served as the centre for worship and spiritual life for the small group of Anglicans around Kuala Lumpur at that period.
Notable parishioners of the church in that period include the British Residents of Selangor, W.H. Treacher and F.A. Swettenham (later Resident-General of the Federated Malay States and Governor of the Straits Settlements).
According to historical fact… A competition was held by the church management committee to obtain the design for the rebuilt sanctuary. Unfortunately none of the designs submitted were considered good enough. I wonder how the unsuccessful design was looks like and why it was not acceptable. It is finally fell upon the shoulders of the Government architect, A.C. Norman, yes! Our brilliant architect comes to the rescue! Mr. Norman was to propose a design based on Early English Gothic architecture that won general approval. I always love this simple yet elegant and serve its purpose building this church has. The church building consist of a nave 87 feet long by 28 feet wide, a chancel of 29 feet long by 22 feet wide with octagonal end, vestry and organ chamber. The nave of the church can accommodate a congregation of 180 people and the chancel, a choir of 20.
What do I like most from Merdeka Square.
I will let the photos do the talking. Don’t forget to visit this place!
Research Material
I'm available for Kuala Lumpur walking tours...
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