Activities aim to connect M’sians with capital’s heritage
PETALING JAYA: For many years, iconic landmarks in Kuala Lumpur have remained symbols admired from afar.
This National Day, Malaysians can do more than remember the places that shaped the nation’s history. They can experience them first-hand.
Warisan KL hopes the reopening of Stadium Merdeka, Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad and Seri Negara will help Malaysians develop a closer connection with the capital city’s heritage.
“People can walk through these spaces, participate in activities and engage with the stories embedded within them.
“History comes alive, becoming tangible and emotionally resonant,” Warisan KL said in a response to The Star.
That approach will be reflected in Xplorasi Warisan KL: Edisi Merdeka 2026 on Aug 30.
The event will bring together 300 participants in 75 teams of four, starting at Stadium Merdeka and ending at Dataran Merdeka.
The event reimagines the classic Amazing Race as a “Passport Quest”, with each team carrying a heritage passport and collecting official stamps after completing tasks at the checkpoints.
Participants will visit six heritage locations, including the Kuala Lumpur Old Railway Station, Kompleks Dayabumi, Pasar Seni, Jalan Petaling, Masjid Jamek and Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad.
Participants may visit the checkpoints in any order but must travel by foot or public transport, as private vehicles are not permitted.
The tasks include heritage trivia, identifying architectural features, photo challenges, craft activities, food-related tasks and creating social media content.
Warisan KL said the aim is to make heritage part of everyday life rather than something confined to museums or restored buildings.
“Technology is a bridge that brings more people into the heritage conversation,” it said.
Interactive experiences, it added, could make heritage more accessible while retaining the authenticity of the places and stories.
The approach is also intended to make Kuala Lumpur’s heritage more relevant to younger Malaysians, particularly those more familiar with the capital as a modern and rapidly developing city.
Instead of passively consuming historical information, participants are encouraged to explore locations, solve challenges and discover stories for themselves.
“Heritage is about helping people understand their place in an ongoing story. Through Xplorasi Warisan KL, we want to present Malaysians with authentic but also accessible ways to experience their capital city,” Warisan KL said.
The initiative is also part of a broader effort to encourage people to return to heritage spaces throughout the year.
Warisan KL said it is working with asset owners, cultural institutions, communities, businesses and partners on exhibitions, public activities and other events.
It hopes the programme will encourage Malaysians to revisit these places, learn their stories and support local cultural communities.
The Xplorasi journey will end at Dataran Merdeka, the historic site of the country’s independence celebrations.
The site will also host the Ambang Merdeka festival.
