Dataran Merdeka (also called Merdeka Square, the Padang and the Selangor Club Padang) is a field right in the middle of the city of Kuala Lumpur. Dataran Merdeka commemorates the historic event 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 (read the AsiaExplorers History of Malacca). Indeed the word "merdeka" is Malay of "independence."
It was a lovely morning in Kuala Lumpur when I photographed Dataran Merdeka for AsiaExplorers. There is only a few clouds in the sky, which was a deep blue. 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.
The following are the heritage buildings within walking distance of Dataran Merdeka.
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