Kampung Baru, the last Malay enclave … located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, was founded by the British Colonial Government in 1899 as a Malay community known as the Malay Administrative Settlement (MAS).

Comprising about 225 acres, it is an amalgamation of 7 villages, Kampung Hujung Pasir, Kampung Masjid, Kampung Paya, Kampung Periuk, Kampung Pindah, Kampung Atas ‘A’ and Kampung Atas ‘B’.

A laid back village … Kampung means Village and Baru means New … literally a ‘New village’.

Frequented by Malaysians of various diversity and tourists alike, Kampung Baru offers a glimpse of the ethnic Malay lifestyle and it is home to Malay families who have lived there for the last 4 generations!

Towering modern architecture seamlessly blending with its sprawling buildings, Kampung Baru is living museum, a history in its time. Its residents continue to preserve the tradition and stories that exist within its walls.

With skyscrapers including the iconic Petronas Twin Towers surrounding it, Kampung Baru is now a rustic Malay Village … but indeed it is as alive as ever!

With the setting sun at dusk, Pasar Minggu teases the senses with the aroma of grilled fish charred with banana leaves, ayam goreng rempah, satay, fresh fruits and vegetables neatly stacked … and of course Nasi Lemak! A true food haven!

The magnificent Masjid Jamek is the focal point of the Malay community. But a short walk away, there is another religious institution, the Gurdwara Tatt Khalsa. The presence of this awe-inspiring Sikh temple is a testimony of Malaysia’s multi racial landscape.

While Kampung Baru’s landscape is in the midst of progression, the strong native atmosphere lingers on.

And this is what makes Kampung Baru, unique and it’s village charm continues and mesmerizes visitors, Malaysians and foreigners alike!

Fuad Fahmy, a 4th generation native of Kampung Baru and historian, is set to unravel the Magical of Kampung Baru!