Exploring Malaysia 
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Batu Caves
13km north of Kuala Lumpur you find the magnificent caves known as ‘Batu Caves’. The best known and most visited of the caves is the Temple or Cathedral Cave which houses a Hindu Shrine. Around late January every year it is the venue of an unforgettable experience as thousands of devotees and curious onlookers gather to witness the spectacle of penance or sacrifice during the Hindu festival of Thaipusam. Pilgrims carrying ‘kavadis’, which vary from brass pots filled with milk to an assortment of body piercing implements attached, mesmerise devotees and tourists alike as together they make their slow and torturous path up the 272 step stairway leading to the cave.
A little lower down the slope is the Dark Cave, a two-kilometer network of caverns which has been placed under the care of the Malaysian Nature society (MNS). A diverse host of cave flora, fauna and formations, some rare, can be experienced if one is brave enough to slither through the narrow connecting pathways of the caverns. In order to preserve the unique ecology of the caves access is restricted and under the auspices of the MNS. A third cave, located at the foot of the steps, houses statues and paintings depicting scenes and figures from Hindu mythology.
Kuala Selangor Nature Park
Every year the Kuala Selangor Nature Park, at the foothills of Bukit Melawati, plays host to hundreds of thousands of migratory birds that descend on the mangrove swamp dominating the park. Covering 330 ha of mangrove swamps it is home to various wildlife species such as otters, silver-leaf monkeys, birds, crabs of different hues and mudskippers. Accommodation facilities are available within the park grounds.
Firefly Park Resort Bukit Belimbing
The Firefly Park Resort in Bukit Belimbing in Kuala Selangor is the only place in the region to witness the sight of millions of fireflies flashing in synchrony on the branches of the ‘Berembang’ trees along the riverbanks. The cruise down the Selangor River after sunset to view this display is a spectacular and unforgettably experience!. Delightful seafood is available at the Firefly Park Seafood Restaurant while there are also tasteful wooden chalets available for those who wish to indulge in the ambience longer.
Waterfalls
Selangor has two spectacular waterfalls in the Hulu Langat district that take your breath away. The Sungai Gabai Waterfall has several water cascades that plunge over 100 metres into a series of pools that are excellent for swimming. It is splendid spot for picnics and relaxation. The other is the Sungei Batangsi Waterfall, which is a photographer’s paradise.
Recreational Forests
Selangor is endowed with several recreational forest and parks. Templer’s Park is set within a lush green forest and limestone hills with waterfalls, natural pools and trekking trails while the steep outcrops at Bukit Takun give rock climbers a challenging course to conquer.
The Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM)ocated in Kepong, 15 km from Kuala Lumpur encompasses a forest reserve and houses a forest museum, a canopy walk and varied flora and fauna. Four jungle tracks: Keruing Trail, Rover Track, Engkabang Trail and Salleh Trail, will take you through spectacular secondary forest trails in the forest reserve.
Other recreational forests in Selangor include the Sungai Congkak Recreational Forest, the Sungai Tekala Recreational Forest, the Ampang Recreational Forest, the Gunung Nuang Recreational Forest, the Sungai Pertak Recreational Forest, the Sungai Tua Recreational Forest and the Kanching Recreational Forest.
Gunung Nuang (Mount Nuang)
Mount Nuang is the highest peak in Selangor. Being close to Kuala Lumpur, in Ulu Langat it is an often-climbed mountain taking most two days to get to the peak. Several campsites along the way to the peak are located close to large streams.
Hulu Tamu Hotsprings
The Hulu Tamu hotsprings is located in the Hulu Selangor district. The hot water from the underground springs is believed to have medicinal value, especially for skin ailments and rheumatism. Visitors to the hotsprings will be able to drive through traditional villages as well as rubber and oil palm plantations.
