Former Supreme Court of Malaysia

While all tourists` eyes are drawn to the majestic Sultan Abdul Samad Building on Merdeka Square, its lesser-known predecessor sits in the shade of ancient trees on the very bank of the Gombak River. The former High Court Building of Malaysia is a beautiful gem of colonial architecture in Kuala Lumpur`s historic center.

The High Court building is located at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang Rivers (the site where Masjid Jamek, the city`s first mosque, now stands). In 1857, the first tin miners landed here.

Constructed in 1898, the High Court predated its famous neighbor, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, and largely set the architectural tone. It is a pure, almost textbook example of the "Moorish" or "Indo-Saracenic" style adapted by the British for the tropics. Notice the characteristic features:

• Deep verandas and arched galleries: They provided shade and ensured natural ventilation in the era before air conditioning. 
• Elegant domes and minaret-like towers: References to Islamic architecture, respecting the local culture. 
• Snow-white walls and contrasting brickwork: An elegant and restrained appearance, different from the more ornate and pompous Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

What to See Around the High Court Building:

View from the bridge: The best angle is from the pedestrian bridge leading from Merdeka Square to Masjid Jamek. From here, you can see how the building harmoniously fits into the landscape between the river and the mosque.

Walk around the perimeter: Circle the building. From the river side, you`ll see the massive cast-iron columns supporting the gallery and appreciate how the architects used the river as a natural "air conditioner."

A historical pause: Imagine Kuala Lumpur in the late 19th century—a dirty, bustling mining settlement. This building embodied the new order, law, and civilization that the British sought to bring. Here, fates were decided, justice was administered, and the future nation was shaped.

Practical Information: 
Location: Jalan Raja, just north of Masjid Jamek, on a narrow strip of land between the Gombak River and the road. 
The building is still used by government institutions (currently housing the Judicial Service Commission), so entry inside is generally closed to tourists. However, its exterior and the atmosphere of the place are worth including this short stop on your route from Merdeka Square to Masjid Jamek.

The former High Court building (constructed in 1898) is not just an old house. It is a stone illustration of how Kuala Lumpur transformed from a "wild" tin mining settlement into a governed colonial city. When establishing their authority here, the British wanted the new government buildings not to look alien.

Therefore, they specifically chose the "Indo-Saracenic" style—a blend of European, Indian, and Islamic architectural details (arches, domes, towers). This design was a kind of "architectural compliment" to the local Muslim population. It seemed to say: "We respect your culture, and our laws and courts are a natural part of it."