Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square)

Dataran Merdeka is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is situated in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. It was here the Union Flag was lowered and the Malayan flag hoisted for the first time at midnight on 31 August 1957. Since then, Dataran Merdeka has been the usual venue for the annual National Day Parade. It was formerly known as the Selangor Club Padang or simply the "Padang" and was originally the cricket green of the Selangor Club (now Royal Selangor Club). Beneath Dataran Merdeka, you'll find the Plaza Putra with a Food Court and tourist information counters. There is also 600 car parking bay at the base of the Dataran.Surrounding the square are many buildings of historical interest. Just beside the square is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building currently the office of the Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture of Malaysia. Next to it is the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, now named as “I LOVE KL” which tells the story of Kuala Lumpur through miniature models and The Spectacular City Model Show. Souvenirs, books and gift items are also available. A 95-metre flagpole, one of 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. Nearby is also the original Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, which is still operational. However the main hub has recently been moved to KL Sentral in 2001 and the National Mosque.There are many attractions nearby the Dataran Merdeka. For shoppers, you can come over to Central Market Kuala Lumpur to buy some local souvenirs and food and at the same time learn about the different cultures of the society that makes up Malaysia. Another place where locals and tourists should visit is the Petaling Street (Chinatown) as this is the best place to taste local street foods and purchase all sorts of things. The Petaling Street is full of stalls ranging from souvenirs to fruits. Take the PUTRA Kelana Jaya Line, STAR Ampang Line or STAR Sri Petaling Line LRT and alight at Masjid Jamek station. The Square is just 10 minutes’ walk from the station.
Jump-start the first and third Sunday of each month commencing from 7:00am with cycling, jogging, walking or even skating on major streets of Kuala Lumpur Golden Triangle along with thousands of others. Mark your 2015 calendar for healthy weekend and participate in the Go Green KL Car-Free