Kuala Lumpur then and now
1. Petaling Street

Petaling Street, the epicentre of colourful Chinatown, stands as a renowned hub in Kuala Lumpur known for its diverse goods and culinary treasures.

Amid the bustling lanes, vendors beckon with a wide array of goods ranging from clothing and accessories to traditional street food.

2. Masjid Jamek

Masjid Jamek (officially named Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad) is situated at the confluence of Sungai Gombak and Sungai Klang.

Completed in 1909, it was the country’s first brick mosque and served as Kuala Lumpur’s primary mosque until the inauguration of Masjid Negara (National Mosque) in 1965.

Today, outside of prayer times, tourists are welcomed to explore Masjid Jamek’s interior and stroll through the surrounding gardens.

3. Jalan Tun HS Lee

The initial designation as High Street originated from its elevated position above the average floodwater level of the nearby river.

Later, it was renamed Jalan Bandar, signifying its importance as a central point in the city during that era.

In 1988, the street underwent another name change, this time in honour of Tun Henry Lee Hau Shik, Malaysia’s first Finance minister.

The road, which used to be the commercial hub of Kuala Lumpur, now consists of pre-war shophouses, commercial buildings, modern office towers, and temples.

The street is surrounded by several historical landmarks, including Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, Guan Di Temple and Gurdwara Sahib Polis commonly known as High Street Gurdwara – which are all over 100 years old.

4. Jalan Tun Razak

Formerly known as Circular Road and then Jalan Pekeliling, Jalan Tun Razak stands as one of Kuala Lumpur’s busiest thoroughfares, featuring interchanges that connect to various landmarks in the city and the Greater Kuala Lumpur suburbs.

This road is home to key attractions such as Istana Budaya, National Library and the National Gallery.

It intersects with Jalan Ampang to create a bustling area housing several malls and the Ampang Park LRT Station.

The road is named in honour of Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Malaysia’s second prime minister who led the Federal Government from 1970 to 1976.

5. Medan Pasar

Medan Pasar holds the origins to the city.

The discovery of tin at the confluence of Sungai Klang and Sungai Gombak attracted ships laden with goods, necessitating unloading along the riverbanks.

Kapitan Cina Yap Ah Loy, known as the city’s founding father, owned the riverside land and established markets here in the late 1800s.

His home, named Medan Pasar, the Malay words for “market square”, became a pivotal point for early commerce.

At the centre of the current Medan Pasar is a clock tower, which was erected in 1937 when the country was still part of the British Empire, to commemorate the coronation of King George VI.

6. Central Market

Central Market, opened in 1888, was originally a wet market selling meat, fish and vegetables.

Central Market is famous for its Art Deco architecture and has been classified as a heritage site by the National Heritage Department.

It is a popular landmark among tourists, as it houses businesses selling Malaysian arts and crafts, batik, vintage items and souvenirs.

Kasturi Walk, a covered walkway located right next to Central Market, was opened in early 2011.

Identified by the huge wau at the entrance, the walkway serves as a bazaar with kiosks and stalls selling local snacks and souvenirs.

7. Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Better known as KLCC, the area houses the PETRONAS Twin Towers and Suria KLCC mall.

Built on leftover race track land on the former Selangor Turf Club site, the construction of the buildings – the tallest twin skyscrapers in the world – was initiated by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Soaring to a height of 451.9m, the 88-floor towers are constructed largely with reinforced concrete and with a steel and glass facade designed to resemble motifs found in Islamic art.

Also situated there are KLCC Park and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

8. Dataran Merdeka

Dataran Merdeka, literally translated as “independence square”, lives on as the symbolic heart of Malaysia since it became part of Malaysia’s historical milestone.

On Aug 31, 1957, it witnessed the lowering of the Union Jack and inaugural hoisting of the national flag, marking the country’s liberation from British colonial rule.

Today, Dataran Merdeka thrives as a lively public space where families and friends gather for picnics and other leisure activities.

The expansive field also hosts a variety of events and celebrations, drawing in locals and tourists alike.

9. Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

The railway station is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most famous landmarks.

Until the PETRONAS Twin Towers were built, the railway station and Sultan Abdul Samad building were among the most photographed symbols of the city.

The station is designed in a unique style that mixes western and Mughal architecture, often described as “Indo-Saracenic”.

It also housed the Heritage Station Hotel, which boasted a bustling bar scene, until the business closed in 2011.

For almost 100 years, it was the main train station until KL Sentral took over the role in 2001.

Although not as busy now, Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is still used for some train services.
Kuala Lumpur,Federal Territories Day,Medan Pasar,Central Market,Jalan Tun HS Lee
Petaling Street, the epicentre of colourful Chinatown, stands as a renowned hub in Kuala Lumpur known for its diverse goods and culinary treasures.