Guided tours at Dataran Merdeka to help tourism

All set to go: (from left) Ahmad Phesal launching the guided tours with a beat of the gong.


Effective this week, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will start offering free guided tours of Dataran Merdeka.

Launched by Kuala Lumpur mayor, Ahmad Phesal Talib, the programme will offer a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour of the square and the buildings surrounding it every Saturday, Monday and Wednesday. Participants will take in the history and architecture of Dataran Merdeka, one of the oldest parts of the city.

“Dataran Merdeka was chosen as the pilot programme for the free heritage guided walks in the capital considering its status as the focal point of the British administration before our independence. “It is also a classic example of our success in preserving original structures and its historical value,” said Ahmad Phesal during the launch of the programme at the Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

The walk will begin at the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, a building that was constructed in 1989 to house the printing facility for the then British Malaya Administration, and end at the Royal Selangor Club that was established in 1884.

“This heritage walk tour will be marketed to tourists in the city through postcard flyers that will be made available at hotels and strategic places and it will also be promoted overseas,” said Ahmad Phesal

“The walk is part of our plans to establish more world class attractions in Greater Kuala Lumpur and help increase tourism. “We will also be introducing three other heritage trails in stages, beginning early next year,” he added.

The Dataran Merdeka Heritage tour is free for tourists and book- ings can be made through pelancongan@dbkl.gov.my. For details visit www.visitkl.gov.my.
-thestar online.