Are you looking to explore the history of Kuala Lumpur through the ages? There are a number of historical destinations in Kuala Lumpur including the time-honored buildings, monuments, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Kuala Lumpur. The presence of these historical sites and museums will take you on a walk through Kuala Lumpur ‘s rich history.
If you are willing to have an in-depth historical information about Kuala Lumpur, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical places in Kuala Lumpur for a great trip!
Top Historical Places in Kuala Lumpur
Let's witness the history of Kuala Lumpur with these top historical places - monuments and landmarks:
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The 400 million year old limestone caves (but only about 100 year old temples) are the most sacred Hindu location in the country, and definitely one of the most sacred Hindi locations in the world outside of India. The main attraction at the limestone caves is the 42.7 metres high statue of Lord Murugan, a Hindu deity. This is also the largest known statue of Lord Murugan. During the Thaipusam...Read more -
Central Market
(10870 Votes) A major landmark, a popular tourist attraction, a beautiful building, and a historical heritage - this market is all of these. Formed 120 years ago, it used to be a wet market. It has since evolved into a much more cultured scene. Today it is filled with boutiques, handicraft stalls, arts and crafts stalls. That’s on the first floor. The second floor has a collection of delicious restaur...Read more -
National Palace- Istana Negara
(3305 Votes) Instana Negara is known as National Palace in Kuala Lumpur. Considered as the favourite tourist spot where they welcome you with arch guards. Istana Negara was reconstructed by architect from Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) Malaysia and it took 4 months to complete the renovations that however did not affect the main structure of the building. In a way, it is like a melange of historical and contempo...Read more -
Merdeka Square
(2788 Votes) On 31 August 1957, here, the Union flag was lowered and the Malaysian flag was raised for the first time. The flagpole is 100 metres high, set in the middle of a giant green field. The square is famous for more than historical reasons. The architecture of the surrounding buildings is quite beautiful. Some of these iconic buildings include: Sultan Abdul Samad Building – headquarters of th...Read more -
Masjid Jamek
(1744 Votes) Historically and architecturally significant, this 1909 mosque served as the city’s main Islamic centre of prayer before the construction of the National Mosque in 1965. Moorish, Indo-Saracenic or Mughal influences are clearly seen in its architectural style. Located at the confluence of two rivers adds to the mosque’s beauty, for it is tranquil. Highlights of the mosque include: T...Read more -
This iconic building is located right opposite Independence Square. It was completed in 1897. It is named after the king who ruled the state of Selangor when the building was being built. Though you can’t go inside (it houses the Supreme Court of Malaysia) it’s worth just watching the building from the outside. The architecture is incredible. The architecture is both Moorish and Mu...Read more
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This former home of Malaysia’s Yang di-PertuanAgong (Supreme King) has now been converted into a Royal Museum. Most of the 11-hecatre grounds and the building itself are worth visiting, though you’re only allowed access to about two floors. It has a nice history. Built as the home of a wealthy Chinese miner in 1928, it became a Japanese Officer’s mess during WWII. In 1957, th...Read more
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National Monument
(1228 Votes) The same man who sculpted the famous Iwo Jima monument in Washington sculpted this gigantic bronze monument. It was Felix de Wheldon, who, in 1966, made for Malaysia this symbol representing the sacrifices made in the name of freedom and peace. The seven human figures on top each denote one particular noble attribute - courage, leadership, sacrifice, strength, suffering, unity and vigilance. I...Read more -
Before Sentral, this glass and iron building, built in 1910, used to be railway hub of Kuala Lumpur. The beautiful building’s architecture is very unlike what you get around the rest of the city – a mix of Eastern, Western and Moorish. Inside, the décor and look is very Victorian. The facade alone is worth visiting the building for. It makes the building one of the most phot...Read more
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Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman
(678 Votes) Penghulu means ‘village headman’. Traditional Malay style houses are rare enough today, especially around Kuala Lumpur, that it’s worth preserving the ones we do have. This particular headman’s house used to belong to Penghulu Abu Seman bin Nayan of Kedah. Upon his death, the house passed to his son, who in turn passed on without leaving a clear heir. The Heritage Trust...Read more -
Sze Ya Temple
(1125 Votes) Kapitan Yap Ah Loy founded the temple in 1864. The man dedicated it to Sin SzeYa and Si SzeYa, the two deities to whom he attributes his successful defence of Kuala Lumpur. It’s the oldest Taoist temple in the city. It’s a serene place. They say if you circle the main altar thrice, you’ll be blessed with good fortune. It’s not uncommon to find students at the temple, pra...Read more -
Muzium Telekom
(322 Votes) The beautiful colonial building in which this museum is housed was saved specifically because it was decided that the museum would be housed here. They’d have torn it down otherwise. Most of the items exhibited here were donated by Telekom Malaysia. The museum traces the history of Malaysian telecommunication from 1870 to the present. Exhibits include tribal communication methods such as ...Read more -
Chan See Shu Yuen Temple
(277 Votes) When the Chan Clan was immigrating into Kuala Lumpur back at the turn of the 20th century, this temple was established in 1906 to serve as their community support. Now, it’s one of the oldest chine temples in the city. Famous for the intricate carvings of legendary Chinese figures on the kwang-tung roof, the temple also has pretty terracotta friezes. A male statue and a female statue guar...Read more -
Tun Hussein Onn Memorial
(260 Votes) Tun Hussein Onn was Malaysia’s 3rd Prime Minister, and one of the nation’s most influential figures. The memorial follows his life – his early years, his rapid rise in the political scene, years as Prime Minister, and finally, his death. The exhibition covers three levels. There’s a replica of the man’s office, and collections of the tokens and awards he earned dur...Read more -
Initially known as Government Offices, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building first housed all the government offices during the British era. Built in the late 19th century, it is also known as Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad. Today, it houses the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture. The 41 meter tall clock tower stands out tall against all the surrounding buildings. Also, the flagpole ou...Read more
