No Merdeka Plans Yet? Enjoy Congkak-Inspired Afternoon Tea, Traditional Massages & More at The RuMa

No Merdeka plans yet? If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate Merdeka a little differently this year, The RuMa Hotel and Residences — a One MICHELIN Key Hotel — has plenty in store.

Celebrating Merdeka for the 8th year, The RuMa is inviting you to experience Malaysia through good food, traditional wellness, and a little staycation!

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You can dig into Malaysian-inspired afternoon tea, flavours from one of KL’s most iconic neighbourhoods, Indigenous wellness rituals and even a special Korean dining experience.

Here’s everything you can experience at The RuMa this Merdeka.

Not your usual afternoon tea

Afternoon tea might have made its way to Malaysia during the colonial era, but The RuMa is putting a Malaysian spin on the classic experience.

The Chapters of RuMa Afternoon Tea at The LIBRARI is inspired by the stories and heritage behind the hotel, including the history of tin mining that helped turn Kuala Lumpur into the city it is today.

What really makes this afternoon tea stand out is how it’s served. Instead of the usual three-tiered stand, your treats are served on a handcrafted congkak board made by a local Malaysian artisan, with each hollow filled with Malaysian-inspired bites and artisanal creations.

There’s also a fortune-teller-inspired interactive menu that lets you uncover little stories about The RuMa as you go, making the experience feel a little more playful than your usual afternoon tea.

And because it’s Merdeka, there’s even a little bonus for those who dress up in your favourite traditional Malaysian attire: get 10% off your afternoon tea.

• 📍 The LIBRARI
• 📅 Now till 15 November 2026
• 🕧 First seating: 1.30 PM–3.30 PM | Second seating: 3.30 PM–5.30 PM
• 💰 From RM168+ per person

Take a seat at The Towkay Table 

Ask anyone in KL about Chow Kit, and they’ll know exactly where you mean. The neighbourhood has been part of KL’s identity for decades, and this Merdeka, The RuMa is bringing some of Chow Kit’s food culture to the table through ATAS × The Chow Kit Kitchen & Bar. 

One of the highlights is The Towkay Table, a two-course set lunch inspired by the old-school tradition of towkays gathering around a table to eat.

The menu celebrates the Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous influences that have shaped Malaysia’s food culture, with dishes such as Johor Laksa, Ikan Assam Pedas, and Nyonya Kari Kapitan.

• 📍ATAS, Mezzanine Floor
• 📅 Now till 15 November 2026
• 🕧 Monday to Saturday, 12 PM–2.30 PM

Experience traditional Malaysian healing at UR SPA

It’s not just Malaysian food that The RuMa is highlighting this Merdeka. They are also bringing Malaysia’s traditional healing practices into the spotlight, with two signature treatments at UR SPA: Dusun Inan Body Therapy and Urutan Malaysia. 

The Dusun Inan Body Therapy takes inspiration from the traditional healing techniques of the Lotud Dusun community in Northern Borneo. It was originally used to relieve the physical strain of working in paddy fields, using rhythmic movements and deep pressure to work through tired muscles.

At UR SPA, those same techniques have been adapted into a treatment that helps you release some of that built-up tension.

Then there’s Urutan Malaysia, which brings together various Malaysian wellness traditions into a single treatment. It includes:

• Malay and Indigenous massage
• Malaysian Herbal Foot Soak
• Chinese Qi Gong Breathing
• Indian Head Massage
• Reflexology

So if you’ve ever wanted to experience some of Malaysia’s traditional wellness practices in one place, this is a good place to start.

Stay a little longer and discover The RuMa

Of course, you don’t have to squeeze everything into a day trip. If you’re looking for a little staycation this Merdeka, The RuMa is a good place to slow down.

Ever wondered where The RuMa got its name? It comes from the Malay word rumah, meaning “home”, and you can definitely feel that idea throughout the hotel.

From warm interiors and locally inspired touches to Malaysian snacks in the minibar and KL skyline views, the little details make the hotel feel cosy and familiar.

If you’re staying the night, you can start your day with complimentary yoga, relax by the pool, or join a walking tour around Kuala Lumpur.

And when you’re ready for your next meal, there’s one more dining experience to add to the itinerary.

Get Korean steak by a MICHELIN-starred chef at ATAS

GU:UM, the modern Korean steakhouse founded by MICHELIN-starred Chef Louis Han, has brought its dining experience to ATAS for a four-month residency.

While Korean steak may seem like an unexpected choice for a Merdeka celebration, it actually fits the theme pretty well. Malaysia’s food culture has always been a melting pot of different influences, so why not add some Korean flavour to the mix?

Want to turn dinner into a staycation? The RuMa x GU:UM package comes with a night at The RuMa, dinner for two at GU:UM, daily breakfast at ATAS, and a stocked minibar. Find out more about the room package here.

Make your Merdeka a little more interesting

There’s no one way to celebrate Malaysia, and The RuMa’s Merdeka line-up is a good example of that, bringing together food, traditions, wellness and flavours from different cultures.

So this Merdeka, why not eat something new, learn a little about where it came from, and take some time to unwind along the way?

The RuMa’s Merdeka experiences are available now until 15 November 2026, so you’ve got plenty of time to check them out.

For more information, visit The RuMa’s website, Instagram, and Facebook!