Foreign Tourists Laud Dataran Merdeka Heritage Walk.

Date: 15 December 2012

Foreign Tourists Laud Dataran Merdeka Heritage Walk.

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) - The free-of-charge Dataran Merdeka Heritage Walk, complemented with professional tour guides, was a big hit with foreign tourists when it was launched for the first time Saturday. The tourists described the heritage walk as interesting and spectacular. It is jointly organised by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Development Council.

First-time tourist from Russia, who wanted to be identified only as Vladimir, said he was "extremely delighted" to be given the opportunity to experience such an interesting tour. "I think this is the most spectacular guided tour that I have ever joined. Very interesting, not only we were exposed to the different functions of the historical buildings, but also given a tour to see the magnificient architectures of the buildings. I recommend this programme to everyone," the 37-year-old told Bernama here Saturday.

The two-and-a-half hour tour which kicked off at 9.30am, covered 11 heritage sites in the vicinity of Dataran Merdeka which includes the Sultan Abdul Samad Building built in 1894, former High Court Building (1909), Federated Malay States Railway Station (1905) and the old City Hall (1896). It also covers the Government Printing Office (1898), Chartered Bank (1919), St Mary Cathedral (1895), Royal Selangor Club (1884) and the field where the British Union Jack was lowered and the flag of an independent Federation of Malaya raised for the first time on Aug 31, 1957.

Italian tourist Giovanni, 27, here on his maiden visit, described the heritage walk as a good activity since most tourists did not know much about the historical aspect of Dataran Merdeka, which is the focal point for the British Administration before the country's independence.

For Briton, Frida Halvarssor, 24, who is in the country for her second visit, the walk was truly educational. "This is my second time in Kuala Lumpur and for me, this programme is very good for foreign tourists because we can discover 11 historical sites around Dataran Merdeka...we can learn and know details, everyone should join in the walk," she said.

Tourists who joined the heritage walk need to register at pelacongan@dbkl.gov.my before taking part in the tour which is being carried out thrice a week for free, namely Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. They can also logon to www.visitkl.gov.my for details on the heritage walk.

By Noor Adila Ali

Copyrights @ BERNAMA