The National Monument (locally known as Tugu Negara) was built to commemorate the warriors who died defending the sovereignty of the country, principally against the Japanese occupation during World War II and the Malayan Emergency, which lasted from 1948 until 1960.
Getting there:
The easiest way would be to drive or hail a taxi/Grab. (Photo above from http://tamantuguproject.com.my/en/taman-tugu/)
* Parking is available for free in the Taman Tugu Nursery itself from 7am – 6.30pm. At 6.30pm, the main gates will be closed. Any exit thereafter shall be fined RM50.
The nearest metro station is Masjid Jamek or Pasar Seni station but both stations are far (around 30-min walk) next to busy highway.
KL Hop-On-Hop-Off tour bus: stop 19 (Lake Garden)
Before entering the monument complex, all visitors are required to wear a mask. register with MySejahtera app or in a book, and do a temperature check.
The monument complex encompasses five main components, the National Monument, fountains, pavilion, a war memorial and the surrounding gardens. Upon entering the complex, you'll see a tall cenotaph. This cenotaph was erected near the Railway Station after World War I to commemorate the warriors who died during the war, prior to the construction of National Monument. In 1964, it was moved from its original location to the site of the National Monument.
A simple ceremony to honour their passing and sacrifice is held on 11 November every year. The names of warriors who died during World War II were added on the cenotaph until it was replaced by the present National Monument.
Walking towards the pavilion and fountains before I could see the National Monument.
It was a hot day. The pavilion and the fountains provided some much needed shade and respite from the hot sun.
The monument was designed by an American sculptor, Felix De Weldon and was completed in early 1966. Surprise, surprise! The bronze statue is the world's tallest bronze freestanding sculpture grouping.
The sculpture depicts seven figures, each of the seven bronze figures represents a certain quality: courage, sacrifice, leadership, suffering, strength, unity and vigilance. The topmost figure grips the Malaysian flag, flanked by a soldier with a machine gun while the other figure on his right bears a rifle and a bayonet. Soldiers tending to wounded compatriot represents the victorious allied forces while the other two figures that lie on the ground represents that of the defeated communist forces.
While you are visiting the National Monument, I would recommend to spare some time to visit ASEAN Sculpture Garden which is situated adjacent to the National Monument.
ASEAN Sculpture Garden is a lovely landscaped garden showcasing prize-winning sculptures by artists from ASEAN member countries. The sculptures are made from materials such as wood, glass, steel, marble, iron and bamboo.
This park is less crowded as compared to the Lake Gardens. Of course, if you have more time, do visit the Lake Gardens in the vicinity like I did.
National Monument
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm daily
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