Merdeka Square
This is a place of great historical significance to Malaysians as this is where the Union Jack was lowered at 12.01 am on 31/08/1957, marking the end of British colonial rule. A flat round black marble plaque marks the exact spot where the Union Jack was lowered. Located opposite the Sultan Abdul Symbol of the historic independece day, proudly flies the Malaysian flag. At one end of the square is a fountain, where visitors can relax amid the colourful beds of flowers that surround the area. Across the road from the Merdeka Square is the Sultan Abdul Samad building, which was completed in 1896 and housed several important administrative offices during the British administration. It is camad Building, today a 100 metre flagploe, erected as a surrently home to the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage.

Location
Jalan Raja, 50050 Kuala Lumpur

National Library
This uniquely designed building borrows its design concept from the tengkolok, a traditional Malay headgear made from songket cloth. The tengkolok-inspired roof, covered in a songket pattern, complements a courtyard that serves as an open air amphitheatre. There are various reading and seminar rooms and a number of facilities that are also disabled friendly.

Location
No. 232, Jalan Tun Razak, 50572 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (+603) 2694 3488 / 2694 3234
Admission
Free
Opening Hours
Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10.00 am to 7.00 pm; Sundays, 10.00 am to 6.00 pm; Closed on Mondays and public holidays.

National Monument
Locally called the Tugu Negara, this monument was erected to honour the soldiers who gave their lives in the cause
of peace and freedom, particularly in the nation’s fight against the threat of Communism during the Emergency
of 1948-1960. Cast in 1963, the monument is located across from the Parliament House within the Lake Gardens and occupies approximately 48,562 square metres. This majestic bronze monument stands at 15.54 metres high and is made up of seven human figures, one for each quality – courage, leadership, sacrifice, strength, suffering, unity and vigilance. The topmost figure of the monument holds the Malaysian flag. The monument itself is situated at the centre of a rectangular reflecting pool with a fountain. Located just below the National Monument is the ASEAN Sculpture Garden as well as souvenir and refreshment kiosks.

Location
Jalan Padang Tembak, 54100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: KL Tourism Office (+603) 2615 8188; Tourism infoline toll free – 1300-88-5050

Jalan Masjid India
A shoppers haven for Indian items such as sarees, gold and silver jewellery, brassware, religious paraphernalia, handicraft and perfumed oils, just to name a few. This colorful street which runs parallel to Jalan Tuanku Abdul
Rahman is occupied predominantly by the Malaysian Indian community, both Muslim and Hindu and the businesses
here reflect their customs and lifestyle. Don’t forget to sample some of the mouth watering snacks and sweetmeats on sale throughout this street, at very affordable prices.

Location
Jalan Masjid India, 50100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: KL Tourism Office (+603) 2615 8188;
Tourism infoline toll free – 1300-88-5050

National Mosque
Constructed in 1965, the National Mosque is the country’s principal mosque and one of the most distinctive buildings
in the city. Surrounding the main building are beautifully landscaped grounds, indeed a tranquil getaway amidst a busy city. Reputed to be one of the most beautiful mosques in this region, the design encompasses a contemporary
expression of traditional Islamic art, calligraphy and ornamentation. One striking feature of the mosque is the multi- fold umbrella-like roof which symbolises the aspirations of a rising independent nation. Gracing the skyline is the sleek and stylish 73 metre high minaret. As
this is a place of worship, visitors are advised to dress respectably, dressing decorum is listed at the entrance to the mosque and shoes must be removed. Special robes are provided if you are not attired properly.

Location
Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (+603) 2693 7905
Admission
Free
Opening Hours
Daily, 9.00 am to 12.00 pm; 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm; 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm; Fridays, 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm; 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm; Closed on certain national holidays – please call the mosque to check.

Masjid Jamek (“Jamek Mosque”)
Located at KL’s birthplace, the convergence of the Klang and Gombak rivers, this historical site is where the first settlers landed in Kuala Lumpur to work in the tin mines in nearby Ampang in the 1850s. This oldest mosque in the city, was officially opened in 1909 to replace a small older one, with an architectural design similar to mosques in Northern
India. The mosque has 2 main minarets, with many smaller towers and 3 main domes.

Location
Jalan Tun Perak, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: KL Tourism Office (+603) 2615 8188; Tourism infoline Toll free – 1300-88-5050

National Palace
This is the official residence of Malaysia’s King and Queen, His Majesty, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Dipertuan Agong and Her Majesty, Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong. The ‘office’ of Yang Dipertuan Agong, is not hereditary as Malaysia. Malaysia is the only country
in the world that practices a system of ‘elected Monarchy’. As there are nine Sultans/Rajas in Malaysia, the Rulers’
Conference, made up of the royal Rulers from the various states. The Rulers meet, elect and appoint the Yang Dipertuan Agong, who takes ‘office’ as the King of Malaysia for a period of 5 years. The palace building itself was originally built by a millionaire merchant in 1928 and was
used the Japanese Officers’ mess during World War II. After the surrender of the Japanese, the Selangor State Government bought the building and was occupied by
His Majesty, the Sultan of Selangor, until it was bought by the Federal Government in 1957 and converted to the Istana Negara or the National Palace. After extensive renovations on 1980, the King’s installation ceremonies are held in the Istana Negara itself. The palace itself is not opened to the public but the main entrance is a popular tourist spot as it provides many photo opportunities especially since 2001, when ceremonial guards, on horseback and on foot, man the main entrance from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. Visitors can witness the changing of the guards daily.

Location
Jalan Istana, 50460 Kuala Lumpur

National Science Centre
The NSC was established in 1996, aimed at creating awareness of science and technology through educational
entertainment, with more than 1,000 interactive exhibits, housed in 12 galleries. Situated atop 8 hectares of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Centre is located in the north-western part of Kuala Lumpur. This piece of modern
architecture merges with Islamic design to create a memorable and scenic image. Visitors can be enthralled by the Space Science Show and the Sky Movie on a 20 metre diameter dome screen, which is designed in shape of a cone and housed within the huge geodesic dome. A walk- through the overhead tropical freshwater aquarium is another popular exhibit here. Other exhibits include the Environmental Odyssey, which seeks to educate the public about the threats faced by the tropical environment, the Pathway to Discovery, the Future World and the Thinking Machine. For the younger visitors, there is a special section called the Children’s Exploration Centre.

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