Long weekend from 30 May till 2 June. While most KL folks were off holidaying overseas or out of the city—clogging every highway and airport - yours truly was stuck here.
I seldom venture out to the city center, so it's time to explore the city when there's less people. I went to the newly refurbished SAS building, the iconic & historic building of the country.
This place used to be a high court and not anyone can enter the compound freely. In the past, whenever a high-profile court case took place, reporters and cameramen would camp here.
I've only been here once during a school trip...and bumped into the late Karpal Singh, a prominent lawyer & politician.
This was my second time visiting the building....after almost 3 decades...
The 'atmosphere' is hugely different. Back then, people who entered this place are either criminal, law enforcers, judges, lawyers...with tense and serious mode but now this is a touristry attraction where people bring kids and families to visit. And this year is Visit M'sia Year hence there are several carnival/exhibitions going on in this building.
The newly refurbished interior looks brighter and cleaner with white marble floor.
A stark contrast from the yesteryear.
Colonial style corridor and staircase....
The facade that every Malaysian could recognize....and it appears in History textbooks.
The road in front is cordoned off. Closed for carnival during the weekend.
There were tents set up at the side of Merdeka Square field. Did not bother to check coz it was hot & sunny. I need to shelter myself first.
So I ended up following the crowd and went into this building😀
It was still hot, there isn't much shade....
Not much tree shade.....
I followed the crowd and went into an aircond room where people get tickets to the exhibition halls.
FOC for Malaysian. Non-citizen gotta pay RM44 per ticket.
There are 4 halls used for exhibition.
The first hall displays the artefacts during the old Malay rulers and colonial days.
Some history about Chinatown.
Another hall showcases the city in a miniature replica. The video introduces the places of attraction around KL and ended with a fireworks display.
It was a stunning show with colorful lights, 'fireworks' and sound effect.
The combination looks so real despite the miniature replica.
The 3rd hall plays a video explaining the nature, flora, fauna, and the country’s landscape. I wish i could stay here longer for the aircond, plus the 'sound of nature' is so soothing to the ear.
And the fourth hall showcases the arts, culture and architecture of the country.
There are a few kopitiams operating in this SAS building. It serves the usual kopitiam food like nasi lemak, mee siam, teh tarik sort of thing.
The colorful wall art in the 'kopitiam'.
The signboards to various landmarks in the city. I didn't know we have a textile museum.
The old building (SAS) and the new building (Merdeka118) in the background.
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Earlier on, I went to DBKL to watch the KL youth orchestra rehearsal.
There are several shows going on until end of June in conjunction with the KL orchestra festival.
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