The River of Life in Kuala Lumpur is a transformative urban rejuvenation project aimed at revitalizing the city’s historic riverfronts. Spanning over 10.7 kilometres along the Klang and Gombak rivers, this initiative blends environmental restoration with aesthetic enhancements to create a vibrant, dynamic waterfront.
History and Location
The River of Life KL project, initiated in 2011, took several years to complete and was once recognised by the Independent newspaper in London as one of the 10 best waterways in the world. The River of Life KL project focuses on the confluence of the Gombak and Klang rivers, set against the historic backdrop of Masjid Sultan Abdul Samad, Kuala Lumpur’s oldest mosque.
Street Art
Kuala Lumpur boasts an impressive street art scene, from Chinatown’s Kwai Chai Hong Street to Graffiti Alley near Changkat Bukit Bintang. The River of Life can now be added to this list, featuring one of the largest street art murals and illustrations in the city. When it comes to things to do in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur, you can always stay at the Travelodge City Centre as your base before you start exploring.
Merdeka Square
Merdeka Square, also known as Independence Square, is a renowned Kuala Lumpur landmark where Malaysia’s independence was declared in the 1950s. Brimming with colonial charm, it features black and white Tudor-style buildings, a cricket green, and an enormous flagpole showcasing the national flag.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Image via Wikimedia Commons – Dudva, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Kuala Lumpur, CC BY-SA 4.0
As you stroll along the River of Life on the left-hand riverbank by the observation deck and Makan Buzz, the last building you’ll encounter before reaching Merdeka Square is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Built in the 1890s, this former government building once housed the British colonial administration.