Malaysia is a beautiful country that has modernized well over the past few decades. From the kampung state that used to be conquered by the British and Japanese has now turned into an independent country.
Have you ever wondered though what some of the hot spots in Klang Valley looked like before today? Once upon a time, when KLCC wasn’t built yet or how China Town used to look?
Check these pictures out and see for yourself! #BuangBalik
1. China Town or Petaling Street
China Town or also known as Petaling Street is one of the hottest night market spots for tourists. Back in the early 20th century, this used to be the atas neighborhood where the rich Chinese businessmen would build their shop-houses.
THEN
NOW
2. Masjid Jamek
Masjid Jamek or Jamek Mosque is well-known to urbanites to as the spot for Friday prayers and the interchange between the Ampang and Kelana Jaya LRT lines. It is also where the famous Klang River and Gombak River meets.
THEN
NOW
3. Dataran Merdeka
This is where our very first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman screamed Merdeka!” seven times on August 31, 1957, signifying the independence of our country.
THEN
NOW
4. Central Market
Back before Pasar Seni became so atas and modernized, it used to be a pasar basah where most of our grandparents would do their marketing.
THEN
NOW
Source: Kuala Lumpur
5. Pavilion
One of the most famous shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur used to be an all girls’ school! Bukit Bintang Girl’s School was established in 1893 but then moved to Taman Shamelin Perkasa. The original school site was demolished and Pavilion was built.
THEN
NOW
6. Bukit Bintang
The heart of Kuala Lumpur, also known as Bukit Bintang that used to be a kampung is the hottest spot in the whole of Malaysia. Not only do tourists visit this spot, locals too love to lepak in this bustling area.
THEN
NOW
7. Kuala Lumpur Station
You thought that our current Kuala Lumpur Railway Station (KL KTM Station) was the old station. Well, before this current building was built in 1910, there was an even older building as seen in the above picture. One thing that’s for sure, this KTM station has been very well maintained over time.
WAYYYY BACK THEN
THEN
NOW
8. KLCC
Malaysia’s signature building Petronas Twin Towers used to be the Selangor Turf Club. What is a turf club? Well its a super atas club for the kaya-raya gentlemen. The usual activities that take place in this particular turf club were horse racing and cricket matches.
THEN
NOW
Source: Hype
9. Batu Caves
One of the most famous Hindu shrines outside of India, Batu Caves is the place for tourists to learn more about Hinduism and about the ecosystem in the cave. One thing nobody should ever miss is being here during Thaipusam, a Hindu festival. The experience is just so breathtaking!
THEN
NOW
10. Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur was once a small city with only a few several buildings. However, over the years, our beautiful city has become more and more modernized, but still holds on to our 1Malaysian culture.
THEN
NOW
Source: Setia Wisata
BONUS: Kuala Lumpur Flood
Flash floods are also something common in Kuala Lumpur. It is called the Muddy Confluence after all.
THEN
NOW
All image are sourced from Perpustakaan TTDI’s photo album.
