Malaysia has been free of foreign governance and control for a considerable amount of time now. Since 31 August 1957, to be exact. The nation we now call home is woven by a diverse tapestry of communities from different racial and cultural backgrounds. This August, let’s celebrate our Independence Day by taking a tour of museums and other historical sites to channel our Merdeka spirit and remember the sacrifices made by our forebears.
1. Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur
The first on our list is none other than the place that witnessed the chanting of “Merdeka” on 31 August 1957 by Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s first prime minister. Merdeka Square symbolises a memorable occasion for Independence Day and is the place where the annual Independence Day Parade is occasionally held (the parade has been held in Putrajaya since 2023). Many visitors will challenge themselves to capture the Malaysia flag on the 100-meter tall flagpole—all in one picture.
Address: Jalan Raja, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
2. Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Kuala Lumpur
One of the most prominent historical landmarks in Kuala Lumpur is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Located adjacent to Merdeka Square, the building was once a centralised administrative office for the British administration. It is an iconic tourist spot for one to admire its Moorish-style architecture.
Address: Jalan Raja, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
3. National Monument (Tugu Negara), Kuala Lumpur
The national monument, known as Tugu Negara, honours the people who lost their lives fighting for our freedom, especially during the Japanese occupation and the Malayan Emergency. The historic bronze statue of the seven soldiers is symbolic of Malaysia’s freedom. It is also named the tallest freestanding bronze sculpture.
Address: Perdana Botanical Garden, Jalan Parlimen, 50480 Kuala Lumpur,
Opening hours: Daily, 7am to 6pm
4. Islamic Art Museum, Kuala Lumpur
Located along Lembah Perdana, Kuala Lumpur, the Islamic Arts Museum is one of the largest Islamic museums in Southeast Asia. Rich with historical stories displayed in its 12 galleries, you’ll get to view its collection of Islamic artworks, artefacts, replicas of mosques worldwide, and more. Educational programmes and workshops are available, too, if you would like to delve deeper into Islamic history.
Address: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, Jalan Lembah, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Daily, 9:30am to 6pm
5. Bank Negara Malaysia Museum & Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur
Once you have understood Islamic history, you can move on to Malaysia’s economic and financial history at Bank Negara Malaysia Museum & Art Gallery. As you learn about how transactions are done before and after independence, children can also be entertained with the interactive financial education on the ground floor. The museum has successfully attracted younger generations to come and learn about money with their Instagrammable photo op spots.
Address: Sasana Kijang, 2, Jalan Dato Onn, Kuala Lumpur, 50480 Kuala Lumpur,
Opening hours: 10am to 5pm, closed on Mondays
6. The National Museum of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
The National Museum, known as Muzium Negara, is the custodian of the country’s historical legacy. The fully renovated galleries offer a fascinating and cutting-edge method of studying Malaysian history from the Paleolithic to the Modern Era. The museum houses four exhibition galleries: Prehistory Gallery, Malay Kingdoms Gallery, Colonial Era Gallery, and Malaysia Today.
Address: Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, Jalan Damansara, Perdana Botanical Gardens, 50566 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Daily, 9am to 5pm
7. Independence Obelisk Stone, Melaka
Many do not know that the pyramid-shaped Independence Obelisk on Padang Palawan, Melaka, played a significant part in Malaysia’s independence. It was where the late Tunku Abdul Rahman received a warm welcome after the independence negotiation with the British in London. It was the spot of the first walk of independence, we would say.
Address: Near Dataran Pahlawan Megamall (Banda Hilir, 75000 Melaka)
8. A Famosa Fort, Melaka
While in Melaka, head down to A Famosa Fort, the most famous historical landmark in Melaka. It is among the earliest examples of European architecture that still stands in Asia. The Dutch successfully pushed the Portuguese out of Melaka before taking control of the fort in 1641. Most of the original fortress has been destroyed, and the few remaining structures of A Famosa are what we witness today.
Address: Jalan Parameswara, Banda Hilir, 78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka
9. Army Museum Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Malaysia’s largest army museum, Muzium Tentera Darat, is located near Cahaya Beach, Port Dickson. It is brimming with relics and historical copies from the Portuguese era up until Malaya’s independence. You can learn about the sacrifices made by our country’s armed forces, such as when they saved American soldiers in the Battle of Mogadishu—as depicted in the Netflix original Malbatt: Misi Bakara.
Address: Muzium Tentera Darat, Kem, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: 10am to 5pm, closed on Monday & Tuesday
10. Pasir Salak Historical Complex, Perak
This memorial complex in Perak honouring Pasir Salak’s remarkable history is one you should not miss. Pasir Salak made significant strides in helping achieve independence—the complex honours valiant fighters like Datuk Maharajalela and Datok Sagor, who fought against the British for Malay independence in Perak. The memorials are uniquely designed to resemble ‘Sundang’, a type of sword often wielded by the locals.
Address: Kompleks Sejarah, 36800 Kampung Gajah, Perak
Opening hours: Daily, 9:30am to 5pm
