Nostalgia is tricky business. In megacities like Kuala Lumpur where development is king and the purpose of land is largely determined by dollars and cents, old buildings are rapidly torn down in place of the shiny and new.

The city’s history began in the middle of the 19th century with a thriving tin-mining industry. Chinese headmen were appointed by the British as Kapitans (or captains) to ensure law and order. The third, Yap Ah Loy, oversaw the golden rise of Kuala Lumpur from a quiet town to Selangor’s most advanced city. As it survived the course of history, Kuala Lumpur has flourished organically, most of it without any central planning, resulting in a charming mix of architecture reflecting both its European colonial and Chinese influences.

While old buildings carry memories and scars of yesteryear, mindfulness and care in restoration and preservation work is integral to protect the soul of a place. Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur for example, manages to balance its modern façade with a touch of history. Previously known as the Merlin Hotel from 1957 till 1990, the hotel is an icon in central Kuala Lumpur where generations have dined in its ‘Dragon Court’ Chinese Restaurant (now known as XIN Cuisine).

In celebration of its heritage, Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur has preserved a magnificent pair of dragon pillars located in XIN Cuisine, original tiles on the 8th floor, which were manufactured in 1957, and a classic brick walkway with the Merlin Hotel initials (MH) in front of the swimming pool.

For Miss Tee Chai Wai, who manages housekeeping at Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, coming to work every day is like taking a walk down memory lane. She first started working at Merlin Hotel more than 30 years ago and progressed from chambermaid to a supervisor who oversees more than 100 staff.

“I love it here because we are like family,” she says. “There is a strong sense of belonging because everyone puts their heart into their work and over so many years we become more than just colleagues.”

Ms Chow Jie Jing, remembers following her parents to work in the Chinese restaurant kitchen, where they were dim sum chefs. Today, while her sister works at XIN cuisine, Jie Jing is a marketing communications executive at Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur. “Memories make a place significant for me,” she says. “Especially when it bonds my family together.”

Continued in Part 2, we bring you on a nostalgia trail to discover the rich memories central Kuala Lumpur holds beyond its glitz and glamour

Two delicately-crafted golden dragon pillars take centre stage at Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur's Chinese restaurant, XIN Cuisine

Although Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur has a modern facade, much has been done to preserve pieces of its history, including this classic walkway with the Merlin Hotel initials

A troupe leader at Saloma theatre wears a traditional costume.

H Directory

XIN Cuisine

Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur
2 Jalan Sultan Ismail