Built for the declaration of independence in 1957, this open-air stadium is where Malaysia’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, famously punched his fist in the air seven times shouting ‘Merdeka! ’ (Independence!). Other big events during its history include a boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Bugner, and a concert by Michael Jackson. There are panoramic views of the city from the grandstands and a couple of evocative photographic murals in the entrance hall.
Though not officially open outside event times, if you turn up between 9am and 5pm the guards are likely to let you take a peek inside. Land around the stadium is slated to be developed as part of the construction of the 118-storey Warisan Merdeka tower as well as a new MRT station.
