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Photo: Shook Leng, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Stately Art Deco building towering above the Masjid Jamek metro station. Completed 1933, it was reportedly Kuala Lumpur's tallest structure back then. During the post-war years it was home to Radio Malaya (now Radio Television Malaysia, RTM). In the 1990s and early 2000s it housed a bank, which has since relocated. The building is vacant, though occasionally its five-foot ways are illuminated at night.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Jamek Mosque
It's at the convergence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. The stately Masjid Jamek, constructed in 1909, is one of the oldest mosques in the city. Inspired by Mogul mosques in North India, this building's notable features are three elegant domes which used to dominate the KL skyline long before skyscrapers were built there. Its location between two rivers makes it appear as an island of tranquility in the busy city. Major construction work is ongoing due to the River of Life program, which is going to turn this area including the river into a prime recreational hotspot of the city.
During the night the river is flooded with fog and illuminated with blue light — quite a marvelous view. The show starts at 9PM and 9:45PM, and probably other times.
Art-Deco clock tower built in 1936/37 to commemorate the coronation of King George VI. The commemorative plague was removed upon Malayan independence in 1957. Refurbished in 2013. The Market Square is no longer open to vehicular traffic since then. There is a fountain on the southern side of the clock tower.
Fronting the Merdeka Square, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building was built as the offices of the Colonial Secretariat, and later served as the first administrative centre of the Malayan government. Built in 1897 by British architects, A C Norman and A B Hubback, this historical landmark is famed for its Islamic-inspired architecture. Today, it houses the Courts of Law. The 40-m-high clock tower is a popular gathering-point for New Year and National Day countdown celebrations and parades. The building was in fact named after the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Abdul Samad (reigning 1857-98), who ruled over Selangor and Kuala Lumpur when the building was completed. Since 2026 it houses a museum which showcases the history of the building and Malaysia in general.
Dataran Merdeka
Originally grown by the British as a cricket ground, and known as the Padang during colonial times, this square has a special place in the hearts of all Malaysians as it was here that the Union Jack was lowered for last time in 1957 and Malaysia gained her independence. The proclamation of independence was not made here, but at the Merdeka Stadium (see below). Standing tall here is also one of the tallest flag poles in the world, measuring in at 100 m. Surrounding the area are host of historical structures like Sultan Abdul Samad building (see below) and the Old City Hall. The Royal Selangor Club and St. Mary's Cathedral are two famous landmarks nearby. The square itself is still used as the main cricket ground for the Royal Selangor Club.
Founded by the British in 1884. Its historic colonial clubhouse is located next to Dataran Merdeka, a historic field where Malaya's independence from Britain was proclaimed by the first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman on 31st August 1957, which also functions as the club's cricket ground. It has on several occasions hosted international matches for the Malaysian national team.
關帝廟
Located across the road from the Sri Mahariamman Temple, this is one of two 19th-century Chinese temples in the district. Built in 1888, this temple is dedicated to the Han Dynasty/Three Kingdoms figure Guan Yu (aka Kwan Kung). Though not as well-known as the Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, it is still very popular. This temple is also the office of the Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Kwong Siew Association.