Merdeka Day is coming, and we will soon usher in the 65th year of Malaysia's independence! This year's National Day theme is "Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama", which refers to the concept of family harmony in Malaysia. So as a native Malaysian, did you know that there are many historic buildings and places of interest in this diverse land? Some areas even have a lot of rich mythology, colours and cultures to Malaysia. Take this opportunity of the upcoming National Day holiday to visit these places!

Dataran Merdeka

The place you can’t miss must be Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka)! Every year on August 31, many people gather at Dataran Merdeka to celebrate the grand event. On every Merdeka, a muy-grande national ceremony and military parade will be held here, and fireworks will be set off to celebrate the anniversary of national independence. Since it can accommodate tens of thousands of people for activities simultaneously, with the approval of the Kuala Lumpur City Council, the government and the private sector prefer to hold large-scale outdoor activities here.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Built in 1897, this magnificent and unique building was originally several vital departments of the British colonial government. In addition to the Moorish arches, there are two towers and a bell tower with a shiny copper dome, with a 1-ton bell that rings every 30 minutes. In addition to being one of the crucial symbols of Kuala Lumpur, it is also the venue for many important events, such as the National Day Parade on August 31 and the New Year's Gala. When Malaysia gained independence in 1957, it eventually became the site of the Federal Court. The building sits on the square where the national flag was first hoisted, which is now Dataran Merdeka – where the founding father of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman chanted "Merdeka" for the first time, which is of great significance.

A’Famosa

A very famous monument in Malacca, A'Famosa was originally a fort built by the Portuguese in Malacca but was later demolished in 1808 because it was captured by the Dutch, and finally, it was British. Now there is only one gate left in the original fortress of Nuoda, which is called the gate of Santiago. The gate of Santiago was originally one of the four major passages leading to A'Famosa. Since only this gate is left, some people mistakenly call A'Famosa "Santiago". Of course, when you visit the site here, you must also remember the history and prevent the history of colonism from repeating itself!

Batu Caves

Another iconic landmark of Kuala Lumpur is known as Batu Caves. In addition to the annual Thaipusam celebrations which are held here, it has also become a must-see tourist attraction in Malaysia! The limestone of Batu Caves actually formed about 400 million years ago, and some of the early caves were used as dwellings by the indigenous people of Malaysia. In the 1860s, Malaysian Chinese dug the Batu Caves in order to obtain bird droppings as fertilizer. However, the Batu Caves were really known to the world until they became famous in 1878 when it was recorded by American biologist William Hornardy. In 1890, the statue of Shi Jiantuo was built, making the Batu Caves a worldwide Hindu holy place.

Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis is a fort in Georgetown, Penang. Built by the British East India Company in the late 18th century, it is the largest fort in Malaysia and the oldest monument in Penang. Built in 1786, the fort was built as a defence against pirates, the Kedah army and the French during the Napoleonic Wars. However, although originally built for the Royal Artillery and the Army, it was used only for administration, not the defence. The fort has never been involved in combat in its operational history, and now all that remains is a set of ten-foot-tall façades that houses an enclosed park.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is the oldest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, located at 25 Tokong Street, Malacca, built in 1646 (the 15th century) and still a popular temple today. The temple features ornate carvings and sculptures and was built to the highest Feng Shui standards. It has withstood the ravages of time and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List! There is also a 7-meter-long faded red flag pole that houses the remains of two chiefs or community leaders who contributed to the construction of the temple.

One of the things I am proud of as a Malaysian is living in Malaysia, a multicultural country with many historic sights and monuments, some of which are hundreds of years old and still preserved to this day. Whether these buildings or places are still complete, semi-complete, or renovated, they all have irreplaceable value and wonderful stories. Take the opportunity during this patriotic month, remember to travel to these sites in the spirit of #MalaysiaKita.

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