It’s that time of year again where houses, storefronts and cars fly the Malaysian flag. Hari Merdeka or “Independence Day” takes place on the 31st of August, with a variety of activities and events available across Kuala Lumpur, leading up to this special day. With enthusiasm and national pride in the air, you could say it’s the perfect time to experience the Malaysian spirit first-hand.
Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka)
First item on your itinerary should be Merdeka square or “Dataran” Merdeka. The iconic landmark is located at the heart of Kuala Lumpur and is a major attraction when visiting the capital. There is a bunch of activities to choose from around the area for the entire family to enjoy and imagine what it was like at that historic moment.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Your next stop – a 4-minute drive from MoMo's Kuala Lumpur – is the Sultan Abdul Samad building. Named after the Sultan of Selangor at the time, Abdul Samad, the monument sports a combination of different architectural styles from western and gothic to Moorish influences. Despite being used to house the Ministry of Information, many tourists visit it to marvel at its wonderful design and historical significance. Certainly one for the books, and the gram.
National Monument
Also nearby is the National Monument – a mere 5-minute drive from Merdeka square. The National Monument remembers the soldiers that helped shape the future of Malaysia. Cast in bronze, it is one of the largest of its kind in the world. The statue consists of seven soldiers carrying the Malaysian flag, each representing a certain quality of leadership; command, wariness, suffering, courage, strength, and sacrifice. It is located in the middle of a wonderful park where you and your family can continue to enjoy a walkabout.
Islamic Arts Museum
If you’re coming from the National Monument, the Islamic Arts Museum is 5 minutes away. Known as Southeast Asia’s largest Islamic museum, it has various galleries from Quranic manuscripts to coin collections. There is also a host of children’s activities for the young ones to enjoy while you’re exploring the different exhibits!
Merdeka Parade
If you’re coming from the National Monument, the Islamic Arts Museum is 5 minutes away. Known as Southeast Asia’s largest Islamic museum, it has various galleries from Quranic manuscripts to coin collections. There is also a host of children’s activities for the young ones to enjoy while you’re exploring the different exhibits!
So, you’ve witnessed the wonders of Malaysia’s long and colourful history and began to get into the spirit of Merdeka. Now it’s time for some real fun! Place this early in your schedule to make sure you’ve got a good spot. Open the calendar and make a note, on the 31st of August, tens of thousands of people assemble for the annual Merdeka parade. While it is ritually held in Dataran Merdeka, this year’s celebration will be taking place in Putrajaya for the first time.
People from different cultures and religions come together as one to celebrate our nation’s independence. Each year, the nation picks a theme for national day and this year they will focus on “Sayangi Malaysiaku” or Love Our Malaysia. Expect to see different colourful garments and flags on display, with the locals expressing their love for the nation. The entire day will be with activities and performances that will perfectly round up your entire trip.
Quite literally the top attraction would be the aerial performances by the Malaysian air force. So don’t forget to look up when you hear the sound of turbines screaming!
Book direct today!
There are a number of places to explore across Kuala Lumpur, even more so during festive periods, but it’s also important to recharge your batteries and take a well-deserved rest to make you feel energised. Activities for Merdeka often span the week so if you’d like to be relaxed while exploring the capital, there’s nothing better than a 5-star bed and other amenities for reasonable prices at MoMo's Kuala Lumpur.