Merdeka, or Independence, Square was once at the heart of colonial Malaysia. It’s surrounded by old administrative buildings and was once the cricket pitch site of the Royal Selangor Club. It was here that, in 1957, the Union Jack was lowered and the Malaysian National Flag first flown, marking the country’s independence from the United Kingdom. Today the square hosts the country’s annual Independence Day celebration, concerts and other major events.
Walk the length of the square to admire the colonial buildings. By far the most impressive is the 1897 Sultan Abdul Samad Building. It was designed by Arthur C. Norman, who took his inspiration from the architecture of northern India. The red-and-white brick building features intricate archways, domed turrets and a 134-foot (41-meter) high clock tower.
Directly opposite the Sultan Abdul Samad Building is the Royal Selangor Club. This Tudor-revival building, constructed in the late 19th century, was where high-ranking British officials met, socialized and held regular cricket tournaments.
Keep exploring the square, strolling along paths bordered by immaculately trimmed hedges, and you’ll find the 311-foot (95-meter) high flagpole that is a proud reminder of an independent Malaysia.
Check out the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery to see photographs and artifacts from throughout the city’s history. Head south to visit the National Textile Museum, where you’ll find hundreds of items tracing Malaysia’s weaving and embroidering traditions. Make your way north to find the 19th century St. Mary’s Cathedral, mother church of the Diocese of West Malaysia.
Merdeka Square is located in downtown Kuala Lumpur, just across from the Jamek Mosque and inland from the Sungai Gombak River. It’s easily accessible on public transport, and there is pay parking underneath the flagpole area. The square is open daily and admission is free, including the city gallery and textile museum.
Merdeka Square Tours
Visit Merdeka Square
Plan a trip to see Merdeka Square


Comfort Suite At Agile
Reviewed on Feb 7, 2025

Tropicana The Residence KLCC Golden Crown
Reviewed on May 31, 2025
Browse tours and tickets to explore Merdeka Square
Tours & day trips
See all 415 activities
#17or19 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 38 activities
Kuala Lumpur: Batu Caves, Thean Hou Temple & National Mosque
Attractions
See all 17 activities
Sunway Lagoon Ticket (One Day Pass)
Adventure & outdoor
See all 15 activities![Kuala Lumpur Private Day Tour [8 Hours] [23 Attractions Covered]](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2369706/390c41ab-4d38-4448-a24d-3f0f366766a3.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Kuala Lumpur Private Day Tour [8 Hours] [23 Attractions Covered]
Shopping & fashion
See all 11 activities
Genting Highlands Day Tour
Popular places to visit

Sultan Abdul Samad Building
You can find out about the history of Kuala Lumpur with a trip to Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this vibrant area.

Royal Selangor Club
You can learn about the history of Kuala Lumpur when you stop by Royal Selangor Club. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this vibrant area.

Jamek Mosque
Admire the domes, minarets and elaborate archways of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest mosque.

Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Kuala Lumpur City Gallery during your travels in Kuala Lumpur. Wander the Chinatown and picturesque gardens in this vibrant area.

National Textiles Museum
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at National Textiles Museum during your travels in Kuala Lumpur. Amble within Chinatown or visit the shops in this vibrant area.

Sin Sze Si Ya Temple
You can learn about the history of Kuala Lumpur with a stop at Sin Sze Si Ya Temple. Amble around this vibrant area's Chinatown and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Best Lodging Options Near Merdeka Square
Check availability on hotels close to Merdeka Square

Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur

Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur

citizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang

Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown

Moxy Kuala Lumpur Chinatown

PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur

Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel

Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
- Vacations and getaways similar to Merdeka Square
- Other Hotels near Merdeka Square, Golden Triangle
- Hotels near popular Kuala Lumpur Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Merdeka Square
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Cosmo Hotel Kuala Lumpur
- The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection
- Four Points By Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, City Centre
- AnCasa Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown
- Oasia Suites Kuala Lumpur
- Hilton Kuala Lumpur
- Ahyu Hotel
- BIG M Hotel
- Santa Grand Signature Kuala Lumpur
- Santa Grand Classic Chinatown
- Space Hotel
- Pacific Express Hotel Central Market
- Hotels near Petronas Twin Towers
- Hotels near KLCC Park
- Hotels near Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
- Hotels near Berjaya Times Square
- Hotels near Mid Valley Megamall
- Hotels near Sunway Pyramid Mall
- Hotels near Suria KLCC Shopping Centre
- Hotels near Bukit Jalil National Stadium
- Hotels near Kuala Lumpur Sentral
- Hotels near Kuala Lumpur Tower
- Hotels near 1 Utama
- Hotels near IOI City Mall
- Hotels near University of Malaya
- Hotels near Petaling Street
- Hotels near Jalan Alor
- Hotels near Batu Caves
- Hotels near World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur
- Hotels near Paradigm Mall
- Hotels near Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
- Hotels near Changkat Bukit Bintang
Expedia's Latest Trends
- Hotel Monterey La Soeur Ginza
- Hotels in Yokohama
- Richmond Hotel Nagoya Shinkansenguchi
- HOTEL Clam Chowder
- Hotels with an Indoor Pool in Japan
- Nikko Station Hotel II bankan
- Terelj Star Resort - Campsite
- Candeo Hotels Omiya
- Casinos in Okinawa Prefecture
- Hotels near US Naval Hospital Okinawa
- Hotels in Fujinomiya
- Capsule Hotels Shizuoka Prefecture
- Hotels with Early Check-in in Osaka Prefecture
- HyattHotels Hotels in Lancaster
- Pet-friendly Hotels in Haneda
- Flights from Natori (SDJ) to Narita (NRT)
- Flights from Fukuoka (FUK) to Manila (MNL)
- Flights from Sapporo (CTS) to Kathmandu (KTM)
- Flights to Aoshima Onsen
- Flights from Narita (NRT) to Bandung (BDO)
- Flights from Narita (NRT) to Yundum (BJL)
- Flights from Osaka (KIX) to Hamburg (HAM)
- Flights from Fukuoka (FUK) to Seeduwa - Katunayake (CMB)
- Thai AirAsia X Osaka (KIX) to Bangkok (DMK) flights