"Dataran Merdeka" Top 5 Page for this destination Merdeka Square Tip by mansionion

Just opposite the Sultan Abdul Samad building, Dataran Merdeka (Independance Square) was formerly known as the Selangor Club field before being upgraded and renamed to its present status.

The new name better reflects its status as it was at this place on midnight of August 31, 1957 that the Malayan flag was hoisted for the first time in the country's history upon gaining independence from the British rule.

As a rememberance to this event, a 100 metre high flagpole - the world tallest - was erected at the very place where the Malayan flag was hoisted on the independance day. On August 31 every year the Merdeka Day Parade will normally be held here. Apart from the parade, Dataran Merdeka is also the popular venue for various other events - open air concerts, carnivals, starting/finishing point for marathons etc. Occasionally it will be turned into batle ground for kriket match, just like it used to be during the colonial days.

Underneath the flagpole area used to house Plaza Putra - an underground food, leisure, entertainment complex and an underground parking bay. Unfortunately it was flooded after a very heavy downpour recently and still close to the public.

At the other end of the field is a nice fountain area for relaxation. Exactly facing the Sultan Abdul Samad building is the Selangor Club building - an inheritance of the colonial days that is still in operation till these days.