The National Monument (Tugu Negara) which was built in 1966 is made in remembrance of the fallen ‘soldiers’ during the fight for freedom to independence in Malaysia. The statue represents the general freedom in Malaysia; the national anthem (anthem of freedom) is typically associated with this. The monument is one of the largest bronze statues in the world with 15.5 meters of height. The statue consists of seven soldiers carrying the Malaysian flag. Each of the warriors symbolizes one of the seven qualities of leadership: command, unity, strength, wariness, suffering, courage and sacrifice. The National Monument is a 48,562 sq meter space with 5 major components. The components are the monument, the pavilion, the surrounding gardens, the fountains and the war memorial. An American architect, Felix de Weldon who also designed the famous Iwo Jima Memorial, is the designer of the famous National Monument. Every year on 31st of July, the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, the Prime Minister as well as the heads of military and police pay their respects to the heroes who have fought so hard to free our country from the clenches of foreign occupation.

How to Get There

If you are traveling from the Kuala Lumpur city center, just hop on any RapidKL bus that is going to Damansara and hop off at the Lake Gardens bus stop. Otherwise, if you are coming from Petaling Jaya, hop on a city-bound bus that goes through Damansara and hop off at Padang Merbok and you are just few minutes away from The National Monument. Alternatively, metered taxi and Uber are also available at around the city center.

Tourist Attractions

Attractions around the monument are plentiful as it is near to the Lake Garden. The Lake Gardens is a 92 hectares of picturesque greenery and lush vegetation, it simply a place for you to come unwind and relax over the weekend. While you are here visiting the National Monument, you can drop by at the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park which is the world renowned aviary. It houses over 3000 birds from a range of 200 species. Other attractions also include the Deer Park Kuala Lumpur where you can find several species of deer being exhibited. Feeding and photo-taking are allowed at both parks. There are also the Butterfly Park as well as the Hibiscus Garden and the Orchid Garden. Other than the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, admissions to the other parks are gardens are free of charge.

Hotels

Pacific Express Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Transcend into Kuala Lumpur’s heritage bustling city or walk pass streets of historical buildings, discover the shopping haven of Chinatown and Masjid India as Pacific Express Hotel, Central Market offers convenience and accessibility to provide a truly unique travellers experience. Ideally located in the heart of downtown Kuala Lumpur, Pacific Express Hotel is the premier choice for even the most discerning travellers who pursue both style and convenience. The rooms in Pacific Express Hotel are designed to offer guests the ultimate comfort and convenience with its distinctive services and amenities. It is conveniently located within walking distance of some of the city’s most popular historical landmarks such as the copper-domed Sultan Abdul Samad Building, KL Railway station, the Textile Museum and St Mary’s Cathedral.

Cosmo Hotel Kuala Lumpur

The newest and trendiest hotel in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Cosmo Hotel Kuala Lumpur opened its door on 1 December 2016. Located at Leboh Ampang, the 4-star hotel offers a total of 347 spaciously designed guestrooms and suites. Facilities such as five meeting rooms, a boardroom, a gymnasium, Lobby Lounge, and a fashionable all-day dining restaurant to cater for breakfast, lunch and dinner. An ideal address for both business and leisure travellers, Cosmo Hotel Kuala Lumpur is within walking distance to some of the city’s banking institutions and popular attractions such as Central Market, the historic landmark of Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Merdeka Square, Chinatown as well as a host of shopping enclaves. With the Masjid Jamek Interchange Station just steps away, the hotel offers easy accessibility to and around the city; and just two stops away to KL Sentral for a seamless journey to the airport via the KLIA Express.