Merdeka Day Parade

Located opposite the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the Dataran Merdeka or Independence Square was formerly known as the Selangor Club field before it was upgraded and renamed. The new name, Independence Square, is a better manifestation of its status since it was here at midnight that the Malaysian flag was hoisted for the first time in the history of the country upon gaining independence from the British rule.

As a remembrance to this event, a 100-meter high flagpole - the highest in the world - was erected for the first time in Malaysia. On August 31 each year, the Merdeka Day Parade is held here. The related events include open air concerts, carnivals, and starting/finishing point races for marathons etc. occasionally, it is the battle ground for the cricket match as it used to be in the days of the Empire.

Beneath the flagpole area is the Plaza Putra, which is a basement food, leisure and entertainment complex as well as an underground parking bay. Unfortunately, it was flooded in recent years and is still closed to the public. The other end of the field contains a beautiful fountain locale that enables you to relax. The Selangor Club is an inheritance of the colonial days.

Hotels in Kuala Lumpur
Hotel Carcosa Seri Negara	Hotel Mandarin Oriental
Hotel Ritz Carlton	Hotel Westin
Hotel Cyberview Lodge Resort	Hotel Ascott