In the middle of the 19th century, the area in which Kuala Lumpur now sits was once an important tin settlement. Taking root from the establishment of Kuala Lumpur — meaning “muddy confluence” as representative to its location at the intersection of the Gombak and Klang rivers — as the capital of the Federated Malay States, the city has braved through both the British Colonization and Japanese Occupation to emerge as the flourishing metropolis of present day. Here are some of the most significant historical sites and landmarks in Kuala Lumpur that one should visit while travelling the city.
Merdeka Square
In the middle of a flawlessly manicured lawn, one of the tallest flagpoles in the world sits grazing the heavens. Within the heart of colonial Kuala Lumpur, this unassuming lawn holds a deep historical significance to the people of the city. Situated right opposite the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the former State Secretariat, Merdeka Square is the 200-metre long field upon which Malaysia proclaimed “merdeka”, meaning freedom or independence in Malay. Surrounded by remnant colonial buildings, most notable apart from the Sultan Abdul Samad Building being the Royal Selangor Club and the old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, Merdeka Square cradles within it an air of old world charm, whispering its history to the visitors strolling along its length.
Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
Established in 1910, the old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station was designed by renowned British colonial architect Arthur Benison Hubback and remains today one of Kuala Lumpur’s grandest affairs. The building resonates both Eastern and Western styles; A delightful stir of Islamic exterior and Victorian-era architecture, the station perfectly represented Kuala Lumpur during the colonial era. Although KL Sentral station has since taken over most railway activity in the city, a handful of trains, mostly local commuter trains, still stop at the old railway station. Owing to its flamboyant structure, the railway station is a tourist favourite: Photographs turn out stunning in every angle, and an aimless wander within the station takes visitors back to bygone times.
Petaling Street (Chinatown)
Known otherwise as Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, Petaling Street is a whimsical precinct chocked full of traditional Chinese stores and in recent years, has become a hotspot for quaint cafes serving delicious fusion food and an impressive cuppa. Hundreds of vendors have made themselves home here, offering irresistible street food and a sweet bargain for souvenirs and other retail goods. Originating from the times of Kuala Lumpur’s founding, Petaling Street has been flourishing since the mid 19th century and have seen multiple turns of cultural evolution. Today, it preserves a slice of the city’s heritage, and visitors flock here to have a taste of the area’s renowned dining options, idle a hot afternoon away at one of the picturesque cafés, or hunt for speakeasy bars in the night.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Construction of the Sri Mahamariamman Temple began in 1873, and it has since withstood the test of time to emerge as the city’s oldest and richest Hindu temple. Perched on the edge of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, the temple is a sight to behold: Decked in the most extravagant of decorations, the building is lavished with Spanish and Italian tiles, precious stones and lines of gold; Stacked above the entrance are elaborate and delicately carved sculptures of Hindu deities. Modelled after South Indian architecture, the building’s design holds a deep significance for their culture and heritage. Since its founding, the temple has been an important religious site for the Indian immigrants of Malaysia, and today, it also serves a critical role as one of the city’s cultural and heritage centres.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building
East of Merdeka Square is the sprawling structure of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Commissioned by the British administration to house the State Secretariat, the building was completed in 1897 and named after the sultan of Selangor at that time. Stacked high with millions of bricks, steel and iron, the grand building is ultimately styled after classic renaissance architecture, but further modified to incorporate Moorish features and a gothic tone. Though the Sultan Abdul Samad Building no longer serves an official purpose today, it remains an important historical landmark and is currently home to the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture of Malaysia. With its striking appearance and stunning architecture, the building is one of the city’s most notorious tourist attractions, and a highly revered photo spot.
Kuala Lumpur may be most renowned as a shopping and dining haven, especially by neighbouring countries, but its colourful past should not be forgotten; Strolling past remnant colonial architecture and traditional streets, one can easily reminisce about Kuala Lumpur’s rich culture and history.
