National Monument and ASEAN Sculpture Garden in Kuala Lumpur

The National Monument of Malaysia is a short walk from Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur, about 1.6 km (1 mile) to the east, across from the Botanical Gardens.  The monument is dedicated to warriors who died defending Malaysian sovereignty.

The ASEAN Sculpture Garden, established in 1987 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is located at the entrance to the National Monument.  The sculptures in the garden are from artists in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, India, and Brunei.  I wander through the tranquil grounds of the Sculpture Garden as I approach the National Monument, following the winding paths past the lakes, and streams.

 ASEAN Sculpture Garden grounds

Scattered throughout the garden are great works of public art constructed from many materials, including wood, glass, steel, marble, iron, and bamboo.

 Sculptures in the garden

At the back of the Sculpture Garden, steps lead up to the National Monument, which consists of five main components occupying 48,562 square meters (12 acres, 4.8 hectares):  the National Monument, fountains, a pavilion, a war memorial, and surrounding gardens.  In the monument, unveiled in 1966, seven bronze statues represent the triumph of the forces of democracy over the forces of evil. 

Nataional Monument

Pavilion

War memorial

The site of the National Monument has great views back toward the city and, along with the ASEAN Sculpture Garden, provides a quiet oasis for reflection.

 Views of the city

Quiet gardens

I enjoy the break from the busy city, but soon head back toward the Merdeka Square to continue my exploration.