Sultan Abdul Samad Building (Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad)

The basics

Today, the building is the home of the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture. With its 135-foot-tall (41-meter-tall) clock tower flanked by two copper cupolas, the structure is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most recognizable landmarks, and it’s a staple on city sightseeing tours, which often combine it with stops at the Petronas Twin Towers, National Monument, and the National Mosque of Malaysia.

Things to know before you go

• You can go inside the building at certain hours, but most visitors agree that the outside is far more spectacular than the interior.

• The area surrounding the building is paved and flat, making it easy to navigate in a wheelchair or with a stroller.

• The clock tower was designed to replicate London’s Big Ben in the Elizabeth Tower.

How to get there

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is located on Jalan Raja, opposite Dataran Merdeka. The closest subway stop is Masjid Jamek, which is served by trains AGL and SPL, and is a 10-minute walk from the building. You can also opt for a tour in an air-conditioned vehicle, to add some ease to your travels.

When to get there

Though you can see the outside of Sultan Abdul Samad Building at any time of day, the structure is particularly impressive at night, when the domes and clock tower are gloriously illuminated. After sunset, Kuala Lumpur’s infamous humidity also takes a dive, so you’ll be able to pose for photographs without feeling quite as hot and bothered.

What to see in Merdeka Square

Just opposite the building is Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka), the exact spot where Malaysia declared its independence in 1957. The flagpole from which Malaysia’s flag billows is allegedly the tallest in the world, at a height of 330 feet (100 meters), while the nearby Central Market Kuala Lumpur takes care of all of your souvenir shopping needs.