SELANGOR

STORY ABOUT SELANGOR

Selangor is Malaysia’s most developed state located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, its nine district cover about 125,000 sqkm. Much of the land in Selangor is developed but there are still large areas under vegetation which range from coastal mangroves to lush tropical rainforests. The state capital is at Shah Alam which is also the royal town. In 1974, the city of Kuala Lumpur and its suburbs were ceded to the Federal Government for the creation of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.

Selangor is one of the main gateways to Malaysia with the state-of-the-art Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang district. Selangor also has the most important port, Port Klang, on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the coastal district of Klang.

Selangor’s proximity to Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, has made it important commercially as well as administratively and many government offices are within its boundaries. Strategic development projects in recent years have included the KL International Airport and the Multimedia Super Corridor and Technology Park. The state has the highest number of institutions of higher learning in Malaysia and its infrastructure and communications facilities rate among the best in the region.

Development and infrastructure aside, Selangor is also a fascinating destination in Malaysia with its rich potpourri of lifestyles and cultures.

Selangor is a shoppers paradise and there is a wide range of shopping opportunities in modern and luxurious malls as well as in traditional shops and night markets.

PLACES OF INTEREST

1) Shah Alam

The state capital of Selangor Darul Ehsan is just 25km south-west of Kuala Lumpur along the Federal Highway. A well-planned, modern township it is the state administrative centre and is a good mix of pleasant housing areas with recreational facilities and industrial and urban properly laid out.

2) State Mosque

The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah mosque is often referred to as ‘ the Blue Mosque’, its minarets are the tallest in the world at 142.3 m. its graceful blue dome is one of the largest of its kind. Decorative Islamic calligraphy enhances the dome and main prayer hall, while the overall architecture integrates ethnic Malay design elements.

3) Shah Alam Lake Gardens

Site of annual events such as the International Boat Show and the Selangor Orchid Exhibition, the Shah Alam Lake Gardens are a system of man-made lakes that graces the town centre, surrounded by landscaped gardens. A floating seafood restaurant and the Wet World water-theme park are within this area

4) State Museum

This blue-roofed building in traditional architecture has artifacts that display Selangor’s historical and cultural heritage.

5) Galled Shah Alam

Situated by the lakeside, the Galeri Shah Alam exhibits art, local handicraft, and fabrics for viewing and for sale

6) State Secretariat Building

On a landscaped hill overlooking Shah Alam town centre is the towering 24-story Bangunan Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, built with elements of traditional Bugis design. It houses the State Secretariat and administrative offices of the state government in attractive, scenic surroundings.

7) State Monument

Just before the state Secretariat is the State Monument with a sweeping arch, reflecting pools and gold inscriptions on grey granite. It is a favourite location for shutterbugs and tourist because of its picturesque setting.

8) Agricultural Park

The Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam Agricultural Park is a vast complex of landscaped floral gardens, agricultural plots, orchards, lakes and dense jungle. Various facilities for accommodation and camping are available, and there are scenic trails throughout the area.

9) Keris Monument

When traveling along the Federal Highway from Shah Alam to Klang visitors will notice a towering silver-colored Keris Semenanjung on the left-hand side of the road just before the Bukit Raja Industrial Estate. This is memorial erected to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the Sultan of Selangor’s installation in 1985. The Keris is a wavy balded Malay dagger used by warriors

10) Tin Museum

Built-in 1856, this building was originally known as the Gedung Raja Abdullah. Exhibits in the museum trace the history of Selangor’s tin mining industry and the role tin mining had in the development and success of the state

11) Sultan Sulaiman Mosque

The stately Sultan Sulaiman moque in Klang is a classic piece of Islamic architecture, blending colonial and Asian features. It was presented by the British colonial administration to Sultan Sulaiman in the 19th century.

12) Kota Darul Ehsan

Erected as a token of appreciation for the ceding of Kuala Lumpur to the Federal Government by the Sultan of Selangor, this magnificent marble arch incorporates architectural elements from the former state government offices, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, and the old palace Flanked by ancient cannons, the Kota Darul Ehsan can be seen on the Federal Highway and marks the state border with Kuala Lumpur.

13) The Mines Wonderland

Built around a large old mining pool, the Mines Wonderland theme park offers water sports, amusement rides, an ice-skating rink, restaurants, and souvenir shops On certain occasions there are lighted floats on the lake and laser and multimedia presentations for visitors. The Mines Wonderland is flanked by an exclusive golf course and has two hotels and a shopping centre located nearby.

14) Sunway Lagoon

Sunway Lagoon is a former tin mine that has been transformed into a major amusement park. There are several attractions in the complex including water sports facilities, roller coasters, amusement arcades, restaurants, and recreational facilities Nearby is the Pyramid shopping and leisure complex and a hotel.

15) Templer Park

North of Kuala Lumpur is several forest parks. Templer Park, the first one reached after Kuala Lumpur on the way northward is an extensive area of forests and cascading waterfalls nestling beside the Serendah Forest Reserve and the landscape Commonwealth Forest Park. The latter has accommodation and camping facilities

16) Batu Caves

Just 13km away from Kuala Lumpur’s central business district and just outside the city limits, these limestone caves are a popular tourist attraction for the annual Thaipusam festival. The festival is a spectacular affairs which attracts thousands of devotees and spectators. There are several caves within the Batu Caves complex. The main Temple Cave has a ceiling of over 100m and is decorated with Hindu shrines. To reach it one has to climb a steep flight of 272 steps, a feat performed by as many as 100,000 devotees during Thaipusam.

17) Forestry Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Museum

Located on the sprawling grounds of the Forestry Research Institute Malaysia at Kepong, 15km from the city, is the FRIM Museum. The arboretum was established in 1952 with the objective of collecting and displaying the different varieties of tree species found in the country The museum also serves to educate the public on Malaysia’s rich forest heritage and exhibits the different species of woods, their uses, and products. Guided tours are available by prior appointment.

18) Gombak Orang Asli Centre

Situated at the 20km mark on Jalan Gombak after Batu Caves, this settlement nestles amidst secondary forest and features an Orang Asli Museum and Craft Shop. Visitors can get a glimpse of the life and culture of Selangor’s aboriginal people.

19) National Zoo

The National Zoo has an animal collection from all over the world, an aquarium and aviary. Restaurants, picnic facilities and rides are also available just 13km from the city centre, it is in a scenic and convenient location.

20) Kuala Selangor Nature Park

The Kuala Selangor Nature Park covers about 800 acres of secondary scrub wetlands comprising intertidal mudflats and mangrove swamps. It is a world-renowned bird sanctuary, with about 160 species recorded mostly migratory birds. Amongst the sightings include the rare spoon-billed Sandpiper and Nordman’s Greenshank. Run by the Malaysian Nature Society, it features hides, paths, watchtowers, and boardwalks with facilities for lectures and Chalet accommodation.

21) Kuala Selangor

Kuala Selangor a coastal town located about 64km northwest of Kuala Lumpur, is the ideal destination for those seeking a blend of history, local flavor, nature, and wildlife. The drive itself is interesting as it passes through coconut, cocoa, rubber, oil palm and banana plantations, and rustic villages. Once a thriving port, Kuala Selangor was the first state capital of Selangor as it used to be the seat of the government. Overlooking the town is Bukit Melawati, the highest point in the area which is the site of the 200-year-old Fort Altingsburg built by the Dutch, a lighthouse, and the official residence of the District Officer. Panoramic views of the Straits of Melaka and surroundings can be enjoyed. It was from this vantage spot that the Dutch surveyed the surrounding countryside before capturing it in 1794. In the vicinity is a royal mausoleum where three past sultans of Selangor are buried.

22) Kampung Kuantan Fire Flies

Just outside Kuala Selangor town is the quiet town of Kampung Kuantan, the site of one of the largest firefly colonies in the world. The fireflies which are found in abundance along the estuarine river system can be observed on river cruises a night. These nocturnal tours are extremely popular and sampan or small boats are easily hired at the jetty which is also a handicraft complex.

23) Carey Island

Located just off the mainland, Carey island is well known for the unique Orang Asli, or aboriginal community was known as the Mah Meri. The Mah Meri have assimilated into modern life with jobs in the nearby plantations and farms but they retain their unique culture and way of life. Apart from exhibitions of their traditional dance and music the Mah Meri are particularly known for their sculptures which are made from a kind of swamp hardwood known as “Nyireh Batu”.

24) Jultra

Once the sear of ancient kings, the placid town of Jultra is noted for its several historical buildings. One of these is the Sultan Allaudin Mosque built-in 1932, which has elements of classical Moorish architecture. The Istana Bandar or Town Palace contains old woodcarvings by Sultan Allaudin. The Royal Mausoleum, the Jitra Lighthouse, and the ruins of the legend-shrouded old Palace are also well worth a visit.

25) Sungai Chongkak Recreational Forest

This scenic recreational forest is 33km from Kuala Lumpur. There are fruit orchards close to the tropical rain forest and facilities for camping, picnicking, and swimming. Accommodation includes chalets. Weekend hawkers offer a variety of food and drinks.

26) Sungai Gabai Waterfalls

Located on the same road to Sungai Congkak in Hulu Langat district, the Sungai Gabai Waterfalls are a weekend attraction. The waterfalls offer a picturesque view of several falls which cascade into a series of small pools. The area is suitable for swimming with public facilities nearby. The Sungai Batangsi Waterfalls and Sungai Lallang Recreational Forest are down the same road to Hulu Langat.

27) Pulau Ketam, Mang

Literally translated as “Crab Island”, this fishing village is basically a whole community living on a wooden island. The houses are made of wood and built on stilts. The pedestrian way comprises wooden planks that are just five feet across. Common traffic is people, motorbikes, and bicycles.

Fishing and bird watching tours are available. There is a ferry service to the island from Port Klang and the crossing takes about one hour.

28) Morib Beach

This quiet seaside is historically noted for being one of the first landing points on the west coast for the British and Indian Army liberation forces during WWII. It has a small but suitable beach for swimming

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