Dataran Merdeka, also known as the Independence Square, is a historic landmark of Kuala Lumpur. The place entails the history of Malaysia from the British rule to the Independence of Malaysia in 1957.
Once a part of the Royal Selangor Club, the Dataran Merdeka is located in the city of Kuala Lumpur and is one of the most important historical locations of Malaysia. On the 30th of August 1957, it was at this place where the Malayan Independence was declared. A 100-meters tall flagpole was erected and the Malaysian flag was hoisted. After this event the place was named the Independence Square which in the Malayan vernacular is called the Dataran Merdeka.
History of Dataran Merdeka
The history of Dataran Merdeka dates back to the year 1860. It was the time when the city of Kuala Lumpur was established at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers in the heart of the Malaysian Peninsula. The place was inhabited by a few Chinese farmers and was used for agricultural purpose. Later in the year 1870, when Kuala Lumpur was established as the state capital, Dataran Merdeka became the main center of the British Government. A Police Headquarter was established on the Bluff road with a huge parade ground.
A few years later the parade ground was renovated and transformed into the Royal Selangor Club. Surrounded by a number of beautiful buildings, the field served as a
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cricket ground since 1884. A number of other sports were also hosted here including hockey, rugby and tennis. The flood that hit the city in 1970 drowned number of structures surrounding the ground.
Attractions at Dataran Merdeka
Dataran Merdeka, the city square, with the world's highest pole holding the Malaysian flag, comprises a huge field decorated with ornamental plants and surrounded by the remnants of the British Colonial rule. The flag pole at the square is surrounded by a number of old and new fountains. The major attraction of the square is the Selangor Club located at one end of the square. The club is still in operation and serves as a social center to all Malaysian nationals. The other major attraction of the Dataran Merdeka at Kuala Lumpur is the century old neo-Gothic church called St. Mary's Cathedral.
Apart from the monumental buildings, the Independence Square of Malaysia offers a plethora of entertainment and dining options at the underground Plaza Putra. The place is used as a platform for organizing a number of national events. With a vast crowd visiting the place throughout the year, the Dataran Merdeka has developed into one of the most vibrant centers of the city. The Merdeka also offers a huge underground car park with 625 bays. The 8.2 hectare field, decorated with colorful flowers, elegant fountains and spectacular arcades, offers an immaculate ambiance to the visitors for a quite evening stroll or unwind after a fun filled day at the Merdeka.
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