MALAYSIAN HERITAGE BUILDINGS (2)

 

The Coliseum Hotel & Cafe (above), was established in 1921 by Chua Cheng Bok, located in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (formerly Batu Road), right next to iconic Coliseum Theatre. It was famous for its "Western Hainanese" cuisine, a favourite haunt for colonial officers, tin miners and plantation owners. The British author, W.Somerset Maugham was a notable regular during his travels in the 1920's. The original cafe had been closed in 2021 and moved to Mid Valley Megamall, IOI City Mall and Plaza 33. 

While the Coliseum Theatre was built in 1920, one of the oldest cinemas in Malaysia. Today, it is operated by Lotus Five Stars (LFS) Cinemas, maintaining its original purpose while many other heritage theaters have been demolished or repurposed. 

The SMK Maxwell School was founded in 1917 and named after Sir William George Maxwell, a high-ranking British colonial official. It officially opened its door to studen on 1 June 1922. It was officially gazetted as National Heritage site. 

Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall building was built in 1923 and the grand opening of the hall was officiated the Sultan of Selangor on 29 October 1934.The building was completed after a massive fundraising push from community leaders like Cheong Yoke Choy and Alan Loke. 

The Cheong Yoke Choy Mansion was built in 1923. Located at Jalan Sultan Idris Shah in Ipoh, Perak was built for Cheong Yoke Choy, a famous philantropist and co-founder of Kwong Yik Bank. 

Badan Warisan Malaysia heritage Building located at No.2, Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur was a 1925 British-Colonial style bungalow, was a private residence during the colonial era.

Badan Warisan Malaysia restored and adapted the building in 1995 to serve as their Heritage Centre. 

The "Rumah Degil" (Stubborn House), built in 1926 at it's original location at Jalan Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur.It was built by Haji Jaafar Sutan Sinombar, a descendant of Sutan Puasa. The final resident, Normah Manjawali refused the sell the land to developers for years, despite being surrounded by high-rise construction, that's given the house nickname of "Stubborn House".

However, it was eventually sold in 2013 and the house was dismantled piece-by-piece and was rebuilt to its current location in 2018. 

The Institute of Medical Research Building located at Jalan Pahang,Kuala Lumpur was built in 1928. Located next to the Hospital Kuala Lumpur. 

Present day, this heritage building houses the Biomedical Museum. It was gazetted as National Heritage Building in 1983, while the research Institute has moved to Shah Alam, Selangor. 

The Royal Museum, formerly the National Palace located along Jalan Syed Putra in Kuala Lumpur. It was built in 1928, originally a mansion for a local millionaire before being converted into the official residence of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (the King of Malaysia) in 1957. 

After the New Palace was completed in 2011, this site was converted into a museum and opened to the public in 2013. 

Sin Seng Nam Restaurant, located at Medan Pasar was built in 1928 by Hainanese immigrant Choong Yoo Ting and his two brothers. It reopened in April 2014 as Cafe Old Market Square. 

The Telecom Museum located at Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur was built in 1928 as the Central Battery Manual Telephone Exchange. By 1938, it made history by housing British Malaya's first mechanical (Automatic) exchange.

In 1984, the building was actually slated for demolition to make way for a 26-story skyscraper. It was saved at the last minute by then-Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, who recognized its heritage value.

The Muzium Telekom was officially opened to public in 1994.It's now Malaysia's first interactive museum, tracing over 120 years of communication history, from early Morse Code to Modern satellite. 

The Victoria Institution (VI), Kuala Lumpur's oldest secondary school, It was officially opened on 26 March 1929, by Sir Hugh Clifford. 

On September 13, 1945, the school was the site where the Japanese 29th Imperial Army officially surrendered to the British. 

In 2009, it was officially declared a National Heritage site by the Malaysian government. 

The Lee Rubber Building was completed in 1930, designed by Arthur Oakley Coltman. It served as the HQ of the Japanese Kempetai (Secret Police) during the World War II. 

Today, it is now home to Else Kuala Lumpur, a luxury boutique hotel that opened in 2022. 

The Sulaiman Building located at Jalan Hishamuddin, Kuala Lumpur was built in 1926 and completed in 1930, was officially opened in 1933. It was originally built as the New Railway Offices for the Federated Malay States Railway.It was named after Sultan Sir Alaeddin Sulaiman Shah, the 5th Sultan of Selangor. 

At present, it is the HQ of the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC). 

The Oriental Building, the historical landmark located at the corner of Jalan Tun Perak and Jalan Melaka, was completed in 1931. Designed by Arthur Oakley Coltman, a key figure in shaping KL's pre-war skyline. 

For many years, it served as the HQ of Radio Malaya until late 1960's. It was built for the Oriental Government Security Life Assurance Company. 

In August 15, 1932, Hotel Majestic opened its doors in Kuala Lumpur.  Designed by Dutch firm Keys and Dowdeswell, it was commissioned by the estate of Loke Wan Tho (son of Loke Yew).

After WW2, the hotel played a pivotol role in Malaysia's birth. Leaders like Dato' Onn Jaafar and Tunku Abdul Rahman (Malaysia's first Prime Minister) held regular meetings here to discuss independence from Britain. 

The hotel was closed in 1984 and was converted into the National Art Gallery, howerver, in 2012, it was reopened by YTL Hotes as The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur featuring the original "Majestic Wing". 

Bangunan MATIC (Malaysia Tourist Information Complex) building was built in 1935. It was originally built as a private residence for Eu Tong Sen, a legendary tin mining and rubber tycoon. 

During the World War II, the building's purpose shifted drastically:

• 1941: served as the war office for the British Army
• 1942-1945: became the HQ for the Japanese Imperial Army
• 1959: hosted the very first meeting of the Malayan Parliament.
• Coronation of Yang di Pertuan Agong
• 1988: refurbished and renamed the Malaysia Tourist Information complex (MATIC).

The Tung Shin Hospital, a landmark that truly does date back to 1935, the building was donated by the famous Aw Brothers (Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par), the philanthropists behing Tiger Balm and the Sin Chew Jit Poh newspaper. 

While the building is from 1935, the hospital itself is much older. It was founded in 1881 by Yap Kwan Seng, the last Kapitan of Cina of Kuala Lumpur. 

Built in 1936, the Central Market building was designed by Y.T. Lee, it was a bustling wet market before its 1980's transformation into the arts and culture hub as we known today. 

Originally known as Anglo-Oriental Building, the building was completed in 1937, served as the HQ for Anglo-Oriental (Malaya) Ltd. the world's leading tin mining and management company. Designed by Arthur Oakley Coltman,the same visionary behind the Lee Rubber Building and the Odeon Cinema. Situated at the corner of Jalan Tangsi (formerly Barrack Road) and Jalan Parlimen (formerly Club Road). 

It was renamed Wisma Ekran in 1995 after being acquired by Ekran Berhad. 

The Odeon Cinema building, opened in 1936, located at the intersectionof Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (formerly Batu Road) and Jalan Dang Wangi, it was designed by Arthur Oakley Coltman. Commissioned by Cathay Organisation (founded by Loke Wan Tho). 

Today, the building has been revitalised as ODEON KL, no longer functions as a cinema but has been repurposed into a multipurpose heritage event space. 

The OCBC Building, built in 1937 and was designed by Arthur Oakley Coltman of the firm Booty & Edwards. It sits right at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers, just a stone's throw from Masjid Jamek. 

The Agnes Keith House, located at Sandakan,Sabah was rebuilt in 1946 to replace the original house which was destroyed during World War II. Agnes Keith was an American author who popularised the phrase "The Land Below The Wind" for Sabah. After surviving the internment in Japanese POW camp, she write a book "Three Came Home", where she and her husband rebuilt their house that was destroyed during the war. 

The Federal Hotel, located at Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur opened its door on August 28, 1957, just three days before the declaration of Independence on August 31, 1957. It was specifically commissioned by Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, and was built by tycoon Tan Sri Low Yat. The hotel restaurant was actually used by Tunku Abdul Rahman to host early cabinet meeting and official government functions before Malaysia had a formal Parliament House. 

Compiled by :

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, KL

7/2/2026: 10.02 a.m

MALAYSIAN HERITAGE BUILDINGS (1)

 

The Stadhuys in Melaka, one of the most recognisable landmarks in Malaysia. Built by the Dutch in 1650 as the office of the Dutch Governor and Deputy Governor.Believed to be the oldest remaining Dutch colonial building in the Southeast Asian region. The building weren't always red, it was painted by the British in 1920's. 

The Clock Tower infront of the building, the Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower was built in 1886 by a wealthy Chinese family in honor of a philanthropist. 

The Stamp Museum at Bandar Hilir, Melaka, there is no exact record of the specific day the foundation was laid, historical records generally agree that the building was constructed in 1660 during the Dutch colonial era. 

For decades before it became the Stamp Museum in 2007, locals simply knew it as the Malacca State Museum. It held that title from 1954 until 1982, when the main collections were moved to the larger red buildings of the Stadhuys. 

St.Peter's Church in Melaka, the oldest functioning Roman Catholic Church in Malaysia. Built in 1710 during the Dutch occupation of Melaka. It was built on a and donated by a Dutch gentleman name Maryber Franz Amboer. 

The Dutch who were Protestant intially suppressed Catholicism after taking over from the Portuguese in 1641.

Right next door to the Stadhuys sits the iconic Christ Church Melaka built in 1753, the oldest functioning Protestant Church in Malaysia. 

The Church of St.Francis Xavier in Melaka, built in 1849 under the direction of Father Peter Farve, a French priest from the Paris Foreign Missions Society (MEP). It was built on the site of the former Portuguese Dominician Convent of Our Lady of the Rosary (built in 1553). It was name after St.Francis Xavier the "Apostle of the East" and co-founder of the Jesuits, who used Melaka as a base for his missionary work in Japan and China during the mid-16th Century.

In front of the church, you'll se the statues of St.Francis Xavier and Yajiro (the first Japanese convert to Christian), commemorating their meeting in Melaka in 1547.

Tung Shin Hospital, established in 1881, one of Malaysia's oldest and most respected healthcare institution, located at Jalan Pudu, KL.It was founded by Yap Kwan Seng (the last Kapitan Cina of Selangor).  

Perak Museum located in Jalan Taming Sari, Taiping, Perak is the oldest museum in Peninsular Malaysia. Founded in 1883 by Sir Hugh Low (the 4th British resident in Perak).

The Building was built in 1888, originally house the Chartered Bank of India, Australia dna China until 1965. It was converted to the National History Museum in 1996, the second National Museum after the Muzium Negara. As November 2007, it is closed and the entire collection has been moved to National Museum. The building was designed by A.C.Norman. 

The Building of Klinik Kesihatan Tanglin at Jalan Cencerasari, Kuala Lumpur has been a cornerstone of public health in the city since 1889. Originally established as the Tanglin Government Hospital, it was built by the British to provide medical services and the local community during the colonial era. 

The Cathedral of St.Mary the Virgin, located at Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur, was built in 1887 on Bluff Road, completed in 1894. It was designed by A.C. Norman the same architect responsible for the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building located just across the Dataran Merdeka. 

The Buddhist Maha Vihara located in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, one of the most significant Theravada Buddhist landmarks in Malaysia. Founded by the Sinhalese community from Sri Lanka. Founded in 1894 by its first resident monk, Ven.Patthalegedera Dhammananda Thera. 

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building built in 1894 and was fully completed and opened in 1897. Primarily designed by A.C. Norman and R.A.J. Bidwell, with later touches by A.B.Hubback. 

Located along Jalan Raja, standing directly opposite the Dataran Merdeka, it has witnessed the most pivotal moments in Malaysian history.

On August 31, 1957, the Union Jack was lowered for the last time in front of this building, and the Malayan flag was raised, marking the end of British rule in Malaya. 

It was renamed in 1974 after Sultan Abdul Samad (the reigning Sultan of Selangor when construction began) and has served as a courthouse and currently houses the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

The Panggung Bandaraya (City Theatre), located at the junctionof Jalan Raja and Jalan Tun Perak in KL. It was built in 1896 and completed in 1904 it was originally built to serve as the Old City Hall.

Designed by the renowned British Architect, Arthur Bennison Hubback (A.B.Hubback) who was also responsible for other famous KL landmarks like the KL Railway Station and the Masjid Jamek. 

The Loke Mansion, located at No. 273A, Jalan Medan Tuanku, Kuala Lumpur. It was the home of Loke Yew, a Chinese-born businessman who became the richest man in British Malaya through tin mining, rubber and various industries. 

While the site originally belonged to another miner, Cheow Ah Yoke (built around 1860), Loke Yew bought it in 1892 and spent 12 years expanding and renovating it into its current grand form, which was completed in 1904. This mansion is credited as the first private residence in Malaya to have electricity. 

Located in Taiping, Perak, the Nawab Din building is a significant heritage landmark that represents the early entrepreneurial history of the Indian Muslim community in Malaya. 

The founder, Nawab Din (1858-1943) was a Punjabi migrant who originally arrived in Taiping in 1886 as a member of the British Army or police force under Coloner R.S.F. Walker. 

After retiring from the force, he established his business in 1892. He used this building as a factory to produce military and police uniforms. 

Nawab Din's descendants became notable figures in Malaysia, for instance, his son, Dr. Abdul Karim bin Nawab Din, was a pioneering dentist in British Malaya. 

Carcosa Seri Negara was built in 1896 as the official residence for Sir Frank Swettenham, the first Resident-General of the Federated Malay States. However, the Carcosa final touches were completed around 1904. Designed by A.B.Hubback, in a mix of Neo-Gothic and Tudo Revival styles. 

As December 2025, Seri Negara has officially reopened to the public as Galeri Seri Negara, featuring immersive exhibits on Malaysia's journey to independence. 

Established in 1899, Convent Bukit Nanas is one of the most prestigious and oldest all-girls schools.  Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, it is celebrated for its distinctive English Gothic architecture and its long-standing history of academic excellence.

The Church of the Holy Rosary,located at Jalan Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur was officially opened in 1903. Founded by Father Francis Terrien, a French missionary, to serve the growing Chinese Catholic community in the early 20th century. 

Vivekananda Ashrama, located at Jalan Tun Sambanthan in the heart of Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. Built in 1904 by the Ceylonese Tamil Community, it stands as a tribute to the Indian monk Swami Vivekananda, who visited Malaya in 1893. The bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda in the foreground was unveiled in 1983 to mark the centenary of his famous speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago. 

The St.John Institution Kuala Lumpur, located at Jalan Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur was founded in 1904 by the De La Salle Brothers. It is one of the oldest schools in Kuala Lumpur and has produced many of Malaysia's prominent leaders. 

The Malay College Kuala Kangsar, Malaysia's first fully residential school. Officially opened on January 2, 1905, was a brainchild of R.J. Wilkinson, a British colonial education officer, who wanted to create a school for the sons of Malay Royalty and nobility to prepare them for government service. The building was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback. 

The Ipoh High Court, (formerly Ipoh Supreme Court), located at Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab. Offcially opened in 1906 and was officiated by E.W. Birch (the British Resident), it was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback. 

The Loke Hall / Loke Chow Kit Mansion located at Jalan Tangsi, Kuala Lumpur, built in 1907 by Loke Yew for his close friend and partner, Loke Chow Kit. It later served as the Empire Hotel and the HQ for the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM). 

The Gian Singh Building, located at Jalan Tun Perak, Kuala Lumpur was constructed in 1909,serves as a gateway to the city's colonial-era business district. It was named after Gian Singh & Co. a Punjabi textile trading firm. 

Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. Opened in 1909, the mosque was designed by the British architect Arthur Benison Hubback. It was renamed as Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad in 2017, honoring the 4th Sultan of Selangor who reigned when the mosque was built. 

Old Federated Malay State Survey Office, located at the intersection of Jalan Tun Perak and Jalan Raja was built in August 1909 and was completed in late 1910. Designed by A.B. Hubback, is one of the longest heritage facades in the city.  

The Royal Selangor Club, located at Jalan Raja, KL was built in 1910. It is one of the oldest in Asia and sits right at the edge of Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square). Designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, the same architect who designed the famous KL Railway Station. 

Penghulu Abu Seman House  at Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur was built between 1910 and the early 1930's. It is originally stood in Kampung Sungai Kechil, Bandar Baharu, Kedah. It was the residence of Penghulu Abu Seman bin Nayan, local village headman. 

In 1996, Badan Warisan Malaysia dismantled the house piece-by-piece and relocated it to its current site at Jalan Stonor, K.L. 

The Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, completed in 1910 and was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback. 

For decades, the station housed the Station Hotel (later Heritage Hotel), allowing travelers to sleep just steps away from their platforms. 

While KL Sentral took over as the main rail hub in 2001, this station is far from a museum, it still serves as a key stopfor the KTM Komuter lines. 

Old Post Office located at Jalan Panggung in KL's historic Chinatown, was built in 1911. A unique blend of Mock-Tudor and traditional Malay influences. It served as a sub-Post office for the Federated Malay States Postal Authority. 

Today it's operated as a popular heritage-themed eatery, the Kafei Dian, serving as a traditional Kopitiam. 

The Proclamation of Independence Memorial in Bandar Hilir, Melaka, was completed in 1912. It first served as the Malacca Club. It became historically significant on February 20, 1956 when Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman,arrived at the field right in front of this building to announce the date of the Federation of Malaya's independence after returning from negotiations in London. It was converted to the Memorial in 1985. In the courtyard you can see the 1957 Chevrolet with license plate BE 52, used by the Tunku during the proclamation. 

The Gap Resthouse, located at Fraser's Hill, the building is older than the Fraser's Hll itself, appearing in travel guides as early as 1913. It is also mentioned in Henry Fauconnier's "The Sould of Malaya" and F.Spencer Chapman's "The Jungle is Neutral". Chapman reportedly stayed there while observing Japanese troop movements during World War II. 

The Ipoh Town Hall, built in 1914 and was completed in 1916, was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback. A classic example of Neo-Classical architecture. The building shared space with the Post and Telegraph Office for many years. As of early 2025, it is being repurposed into a performing arts center. 

Methodist Girl's School was established in 1896.The school building in the photo was completed in 1916. In the earlier year, the school was operating in a simple wooden bungalow at the corner of Kampung Attap and High Street.

Today the primary and secondary schools are located nearby at Jalan Cenderasari(formerly Young Road). 

The KTMB Headquarters (Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd), completed in 1917 and was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, who was also responsible for the KL Railway Station right across the street. 

Built in 1917, the Ipoh Railway Station, was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, the same visionary behind the KL Railway Station and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Kuala Lumpur. 

The RRIM Building at Jalan Ampang,Kuala Lumpur was officially opened on 4 May 1937. It was designed by the profilic British Architech Arthur Oakley Coltman (of the firm Booty & Edwards), a mastermind behind several KL's Art Deco icons including the Odeon Cinema, the Lee Rubber Building and the Clock Tower at Old Market Square. 

Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia was established in 1925 to modernise rubber production, this specific building at 260, Jalan Ampang became its permanent home in 1937. 

Compiled by :

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, KL

6/2/2026: 3.36 p.m