10 Beautiful Before-After Pictures of Kuala Lumpur That Show You How Far We’ve Come

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.