On your architectural hike around Kuala Lumpur, one building that will surely attract your attention is the Kompleks Dayabumi. The building stands modestly near the National Mosque and strikes as nothing more than an ordinary structure in the vast expanse of the Kuala Lumpur urban sky line. Although nothing may seem extraordinary at first glance, a closer look at the history of the building will surely reinstate the structure’s status in the onlooker’s eyes.

Built in 1980s this enormous building was the first skyscraper to rise towards the city skies. It was this very building that set the architectural trend of the high raised buildings with breath taking view, in the city of Kuala Lumpur. Apart from pioneering this trend, the Dayabumi was also the most expensive construction that the city had ventured into during those times.

Along with being the first skyscraper, the building was also the first to portray a unique blend of the traditional designs with the more modern touch. Built with regard to the Islamic style of architecture, the building is constructed with the pattern of the 8 pointed star with typical Islamic arches that adorn the top and bottom of the building. Used mainly as a commercial center, the Kompleks Dayabumi is a must visit in the city.

Another heritage venue located around the Dataran Merdeka or the Independence Square is the Royal Selangor Club. Occupying the northern fringe of the square, the Selangor Club is a social and sports club also known as Kelab Di-Raja Selangor in Malay. Opposing the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the Selangor Club is another monumental structure that is a reflection of the city’s opulence, culture and history.

Founded in 1884, the Club was initially a tiny wooden building that was strictly used as a social club, where high ranked officials and the elite of the society gathered for an evening of rendezvous, drink and merry. It was in 1890, that the humble edifice of the building underwent an extreme makeover; the resultant is what stands proudly till this very day. Architect A.C Norman was in charge of reinventing the look of the Selangor Club. Taking inspiration from the Tudor style of architecture, the renovated building had more space and an extra floor. The building underwent reconstruction again in 1910 under the leadership of Arthur Benison Hubback, the man behind the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.

Since its inception the Club has been organizing sport activities and other field and track events. Considered as one of Malaysia’s oldest clubs, the Royal Selangor Club is a must visit in Kuala Lumpur.

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is undoubtedly one of the grandest structures in the skyline of Kuala Lumpur. Standing proudly at the Jalan Raja, the building emanates authority, heritage and elegance. Strategically located opposite the Dataran Merdeka of the Independence Square, and the Royal Selangor Club, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building is one of the most treasured landmarks in Kuala Lumpur.

Built during the British occupation, the structure took shape in 1897. The chief architect responsible for its regal construction was A.C Norman along with chief engineer C.E Spooner. The building was named after the fourth Sultan of Selangor under whose reign the building was constructed, Sultan Abdul Samad.

The building boasts an excellent blend of architecture, which is distinctly inspired from the structures in India and is a concoction of Indo- Islamic and Neo-Gothic styles. History also has it that Norman, in fact visited India and from the visit drew inspiration for many of his designs. One of the oldest structures in Kuala Lumpur, the Sultan Abdul Building has ever since its inception been used by the government and presently houses the Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture of Malaysia. The structure is truly spectacular and a definitely worth the visit in Kuala Lumpur.

Founded in 1888, by the British, the Central Market is one of the best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur. Not only is it one of the prime locations to shop in the city, it is also the best place to enjoy the fruits of a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment. Because Kuala Lumpur has a rich blend of diverse cultures and people hailing from different parts of the globe, each have their unique set of handicrafts along with a unique blend that is very Malaysian. The market is one of the most visited sight in the city and quite popular destination for buying souvenirs and mementoes from your vacation.

With the addition of the cemented structure in 1937, the market got the status of a Heritage site. With constant renovations and refurbishment, the market soon had distinct stalls and zones for different races to display and promote their items. In the earlier days the Central market was nick named the “wet market” because the floors were constantly wet. The market was visited mainly by tin miners of the region and sold meat, vegetables and the catch of the day! The market is easily accessible and conveniently located close to multiple public transport facilities.

Till the construction of the Petronas Twin Towers, the Menara Maybank or the Maybank Tower dominated the skyline of Kuala Lumpur. Located near the Puduraya, the Tower is a must visit on your architectural tour of the city. Built in 1988, the Maybank Tower was till 1995, the tallest structure in Kuala Lumpur. Soaring at a height of 244m or 801 ft. (about 50 floors) the Tower was the one of the key attractions for tourists and those who loved to get a hawk eye view of the city.

Even though the Maybank Tower has long lost its position of being the tallest building in the city, it still manages to intrigue, amaze and inspire architects, both professional and amateur. Brilliantly designed by local architects Hijjas Kasturi Associates, the Menara Maybank has since its inception bagged many taglines that are in context to its unusual structure. At first glance the building may not stand out as conspicuous; however on a closer look one can appreciate the delicate nature of the design. Fashioned in a way that makes both the ends of the building stand out at very peculiar angles, the tension almost creates a visual of both the sides in a strong embrace or performing an intense tango.

Watching a movie in a regular cinema hall is something one can do anywhere, but what if you have the opportunity to watch your favorite movie in the first theatre that was built in the country? Such an experience would be truly exciting, and it awaits you at the Coliseum Theatre in Kuala Lumpur. Built in 1921, the Theatre, like many of the city’s other heritage sites, was the pioneer in the country.

The Coliseum Theatre may not look like the coliseum from the outside, but definitely has the amphitheater vibe on the insides. Launched by a rich and hardworking Chinese immigrant, Chua Cheng Bok, who earned his riches by working in the tin mines of Kuala Lumpur, the Coliseum is still a proud property of the family. Till today, the Theatre is run by the same family.

Although the Coliseum Theatre has been labeled as a heritage site, you can watch your favorite movies at the Coliseum. Functioning ever since the early 20th century, the Theatre has been showing movies nonstop for almost a century, except when the Japanese invaded Malaysia during the Second World War.
All in all a must visit site on your heritage tour of the city.

Another pit stop on the architectural trek around the city of Kuala Lumpur is the St. John’s Institution located in Jalan Bukit Nanas. A secondary school for boys, the St. John’s Institute is one of the oldest schools in Kuala Lumpur, where heritage, education and architecture meet.

Serving the city with its top class education, the St. John’s Institution has a history of providing knowledge and wisdom for over a century. Not only does it have a reputation of being one of the best schools around in the Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia, it was also declared a heritage site in 2010. Representing the Institute is an overshadowing building in brick red and white that has personified education in Kuala Lumpur since 1906. The excellent Grecian-Spanish architecture not only makes a bold and tough statement but also makes the building worthy of notice. Located in the heart of the city, just adjacent to the Bukit Nanas forest reserve, the school is surrounded by lush greenery and nature giving it a perfect ambiance. Just a stone throw away from another breath taking landmark and one of the oldest buildings in the Kuala Lumpur, the St. John’s Cathedral, this institute is a must visit.