Selangor: The Sensational State

Rich in art, culture and history, Selangor boasts of modern architecture alongside traditional Malay buildings, creating a visually delightful blend of cityscapes. The people are similarly a unique blend of cultures adding to the diversity of the state. Selangor is currently the richest, most industrialized and most urbanized of all the Malaysian states as reflected in its rapid development. Nevertheless Selangor still retains its natural beauty, historical influences and wide cultural diversity which make it a unique destination for visitors.

Geography
Selangor is on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, bordered by Perak to the north, Pahang to the east, Negri Sembilan to the south and the Straits of Malacca to the west. It surrounds the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. The state has nine administrative districts: Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor, Hulu Selangor, Klang, Shah Alam, Kuala Langat, Sepang, Gombak and Hulu Langat. The state capital is Shah Alam and the royal capital is Klang town. Petaling Jaya, another major urban centre, was declared a city on 20 June 2006. Hence, Selangor is one of the few Malaysian states hosting more than one city.

Selangor's capital city, Shah Alam, is a city with many beautifully landscaped recreational parks, lakes and modern buildings including the famous landmark the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, also known as the "Blue Mosque. The well-planned and modern city is equipped with some of the finest infrastructure including highways, stadiums, three airports and sporting facilities second-to-none.

Petaling Jaya. located in the Petaling district of Selangor encompasses an area of approximately 97.2 km², On 20 June 2006, Petaling Jaya was granted city status. In addition to being a major commercial and industrial hub the city also has a wide variety of dining and entertainment venues catering to both locals and visitors.

History
In the 15th century, Selangor was ruled by the Sultanate of Malacca. Initially populated by mainly the Minangkabaus of Sumatra, , Selangor saw an influx of Bugis in the 17th century. These new arrivals displaced the Minangkabau settlers and by the 18th century had established a sultanate which was constantly at war with the Dutch. In the 19th century, the economy of the state boomed due to the exploitation of huge tin reserves and the growing importance of rubber attracting a large influx of Chinese migrants. The 1860's were turbulent times for Selangor with feuds among Malay chieftains, Bugis and Chinese tin miners.

The British capitalized on the turmoil and appointed a British Resident to the state in 1874. The increasing prosperity of Selangor led the British to include it in the Federated Malay States in 1896. In 1948, it joined the Federation of Malaya which eventually became Malaysia. In 1970, Selangor relinquished the city of Kuala Lumpur to the federal government. Putrajaya, a part of Selangor, also became a federal territory in the mid-1990s.

The population of the state was estimated at 3,947,527 in 2000 with an ethnic composition comprising a majority of Malays, and a large segment of Chinese, Indians and others.

The population of the state was estimated at 3,947,527 in 2000 with an ethnic composition comprising a majority of Malays, and a large segment of Chinese, Indians and others.

Getting There & About
Selangor is internationally accessible through Port Klang and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) located in Sepang. The North-South Highway provides convenient access to Selangor from Thailand, Singapore and all parts of the peninsula.

Buses and taxis are plentiful and are also a practical way of getting about within Selangor. Commuter trains provide transportation across Selangor and into cental Kuala Lumpur. Road and rail services are also available to other states and neighbouring countries. Additionally the (Light Rail Transit) system provides a fast and efficient service to the reach destinations in the areas serviced. Overall the transportation infrastructure of the state is well developed making access to all parts of the state fast and worry free.

Heritage Discovery
Bukit Melawati (Melawati Hill)
Melawati Hill located in the coastal town of Kuala Selangor, is a popular historical site. In the late 18th Century, the second Sultan of Selangor had a fortress constructed here to protect the state from intruders as the hill provided a vantage point to monitor ships in the Straits of Malacca. All that remains of the fort now are its cannons, its original foundation stones and the execution block. Other attractions here are the Althingsburg lighthouse, a royal mausoleum and a quaint rest house. The hill offers a panoramic view of the Selangor coastline.

Sultan Alam Shah Museum
The Sultan Alam Shah Museum, with its prominent blue roof, showcases the grandeur of Selangor's past. Royal regalia of the State Sultanate are displayed in the Sultanate Hall while the Hall of History charts milestones in Selangor's history. The Hall of Culture, on the other hand, showcases the customs of the Malays in the state, their history and also the early dialects. The Hall of Natural Heritage depicts Selangor's rich natural heritage while another gallery is devoted entirely to the Islamic history of Selangor, and of course not forgetting the Hall of Menteri Besar (Chief Minister's Hall) which features the legacies of past chief ministers.

Meriam Penggawa
This cannon was found at the edge of Sungai Buluh (Buluh River) 12km to the south of Kuala Selangor in 1966, in the burial grounds of 3 Sultans of Selangor. Its original name is Petoi Boga, which means White Princess. Legend has it that Meriam Penggawa would explode or fire by itself when a calamity is about to befall the Selangor Royal Family. The Meriam Penggawa is thus always wrapped in royal-coloured yellow cloth to prevent it from blasting on its own.

Royal Mausoleum
The Royal Mausoleum of Sultan Abdul Samad, built in 1898, features a combination of various architectural styles including Western Classical and Indo-Muslim. Located in Jugra it has a scenic view of the surrounding countryside.

Kota Darul Ehsan Arch
The magnificent Moorish styled arch is the distinguished landmark which marks the ceding of Kuala Lumpur to the Federal Government by the state government in 1974. It demarcates the boundary between Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.

Arts & Cultural Exploration
Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque
The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque in Shah Alam, commonly referred to as the 'Blue Mosque', is an arresting sight. It boasts of having among the tallest minarets in the world, while decorative Islamic calligraphy dominates the edges surrounding the dome and main prayer hall, and its interior architecture exhibits ethnic Malay design elements. The blue stained glass of the mosque creates a bluish ambience in its interior as sunlight filters through the panes, bathing it in peaceful serenity.

The Garden of Islamic Arts which overlooks the mosque covers 14 hectares. It is beautifully landscaped, inspired by the Quranic Garden of Paradise. The gardens house nine galleries that exhibit a rich array of Islamic arts such as calligraphy, sculptures, paintings and architecture. Traditional Islamic performances are occasionally held here.

Shah Alam Gallery
The Shah Alam gallery located next to the Shah Alam Lake houses five arcades, an open stage, two mini studios and a hall. Displays of outstanding masterpieces, handicrafts and fabrics are for viewing as well as sale.

Orang Asli Museum
The museum showcases artefacts such as hunting tools, animal traps, household items and crafts related to the Orang Asli (indigenous people). Orang Asli are the aborigines of Peninsular Malaysia. This is the best place to learn more about their interesting lifestyle, traditions and culture.

Istana Bandar (Bandar Palace)
This palace was built in Jugra in 1905, during the early reign of the fifth Sultan of Selangor who is also said to be the designer. It boasts of exquisite woodcarvings and a magnificent marble structure. The Palace has 15 rooms and also well tended gardens. Sultan Alauddin resided at this palace for 35 years until his death in 1938. It was at this palace too, that the seventh Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, was born in 1926.

FGS Dong Zen Monastry
The Buddhist Monastry has a peaceful ambience and beautiful landscapes. It features a monumental archway, main shrine and relics shrine. Other features include an art gallery, teahouse and courtyard and an area featuring the Eighteen Arhats and the Bodhisattva Guan Yin Statue.

Little India
The town of Klang, is the place to head to through its bustling 'Little India' enclave. Amidst pre-war shophouses, visitors will be able to soak in the colourful fragrance of the resident community with its profusion of colourful attires ranging from saris to lenghas and others, sweet Indian delicacies, aromatic spices, exotic fragrances and dazzling Indian inspired adornments.

Great City Destinations
Shah Alam Lake Garden
The Gardens with its large man-made lake and lovely landscaped gardens is a pleasant place for a late-afternoon walks or jogging and for families and children to enjoy the cool evening air.

Commonwealth Forest Park
The park was launched in 1993 to honour the 14th Commonwealth Forest Meeting. It features a lush jungle with refreshing landscaped gardens, camping grounds, chalets, fountains, jogging tracks, hiking trails and other facilities. The serene natural surroundings of the park provide the ideal escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

The National Zoo
The Zoo features more than 400 species of Malaysian animals, birds and reptiles in natural surroundings. It is home to many of Malaysia's most endangered species including the Sumatran Rhino, Orang Utans, Clouded Leopard, Storm Stork, Hawksbill Turtle, Gharial and the Malayan Sun Bear. Its aquarium "Tunku Abdul Rahman Aquarium" is also a very popular attraction. The Zoo also offers nights tours giving visitors an opportunity to watch nocturnal animals in their element.

Royal Selangor Visitors Centre
Established in 1885, Royal Selangor is the most well known name in the pewter industry, reputed internationally for its high quality and craftsmanship. As Malaysia is home to the world’s finest pewter, thousands of visitors to the country make it a point to visit the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre, just 20 minutes from the city centre.

Designed to bring the visitor closer to the beauty and versatility of pewter and the rich history of Royal Selangor, the Centre comprises three main sections: the Gallery which offers a host of interactive exhibits, the Factory Tour where you can see how pewter is crafted and the Retail Store which offers a wide selection of pewterware at reasonable prices.

Coasts & Beaches
Beach
Bagan Lallang Beach
Just 30 minutes from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport is the Bagan Lallang Beach. It offers horseback riding and a wonderful view of the sunset, among other activities. Tall, shady pine trees provide plenty of shade for campers and picnickers. Bagan Lallang is also popular for its fresh seafood and several restaurants near the beach open for dinner.

Morib
Morib is an idyllic seaside spot located in the Kuala Langat district. Swaying palms and shady casuarinas create a calm, tranquil atmosphere. The beach is popular particularly during weekends when many food stalls spring up to cater to visitors though you could also opt for your own picnic under a shady tree.

Islands
Pulau Ketam
Pulau Ketam (Crab Island) is a wonderful island with scenic landscapes and an ideal fishing venue. It is also known for mouth-watering seafood and friendly people. Fishing and bird-watching tours are available as are offshore home stay opportunities.

Pulau Carey
Pulau Carey, which is mainly covered by oil palm estates is also home to the Mah Meri, an aboriginal tribe well known for their traditional woodcraft based on their ancestral spirits. Traditional restaurants on Pulau Carey serve many local dishes, the most famous of which are their pepper crabs.

Eco-Adventures
Agro-Tourism
Agro Forestry Park
The Agro Forestry Park, a part of the Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam Agricultural Park, is the only agro forestry park in the region. Located in Rantau Panjang, Rawang it covers over 1,000 ha. You can hike and trek through the quiet shady forest or visit the variety of gardens in the park. Paddy and mushroom gardens feature how these are grown, harvested and processed to end up as tasty morsels on your plate. Then there is the orchid garden, cocoa garden, ornamental garden and even an animal park. Alternatively the cool waters of Sungai Kuning can wash away all your cares or you can take a walk on the hanging bridge in the park for an aerial view of the park. You could even hire a bicycle to explore the park !

Selangor fruits Valley
The 100 ha Selangor fruits Valley, lies along Jalan Rawang,-Kuala Selangor in the Rantau Panjang permanent Forest Reserve. This vast fruit orchard is one of the country's top tropical fruit exporters. In addition to its star attractions, the starfruit followed by the papaya, the orchard also boasts of a wide selection of other fruits such as pineapples, bananas, chikus, pomelos, mangoes, longans, dokongs, pulasans and also other crops such as lemon grass, sweet potatoes and yellow tapioca. In addition to enjoying the welcoming feast of fruits and aromatic herbs visitors can visit the handicraft sales centre, marine livestock as well as the info centre. Fishing facilities, boat rides on the lake and accommodation by the lakeside or in the plantation are other activities one could enjoy in the valley.

Serendah International Orchid Park
The Serendah International Orchid Park is perched 300m above sea level, at the fringe of Banjaran Titiwangsa (Titiwangsa Range). Its backdrop is one of the oldest forests in the world. The park which features recreational cum educational discoveries in undisturbed original habitats is home to an endless diversity of trees, plant, insects, bird and mammals. The Park showcases more than 100 species of orchids and exotic hybrids. There are also interesting footpaths, jungle trails and a waterfall, and the opportunity to watch rare birds, insects and monkeys and the picturesque sunset from the observation deck.

Nature's Bounty
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) located 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.

Homestay
Selangor Homestay
The villages of Banghuris, Dorani and Sungai Sireh are among the more popular destinations for homestay experiences in the state. These villages allow visitors to experience traditional Malay village lifestyle and culture. The villagers in these villages are warm, friendly and hospitable and visitors are given the chance to learn firsthand, the culture and traditions of local Malays. Among the activities they can participate in are rubber tapping, cooking Malay dishes, going for an evening walk at the fruit orchards and oil palm estates and taking a sampan ride on the river. Some stage mock Malay weddings and dances for the visitors while others also offer traditional spa treatments to their visitors.

Culinary Delights
The traditional Malay cuisine in Selangor displays the influences of Johor, Bugis, Jawa and Minangkabau. Famous dishes in the State include Mee Jawa, Satay Kajang, Ketam Darul Ehsan and Sayur Masak Rebung.

Satay Kajang (skewered barbecued meat served with spicy peanut sauce) is now found all around Selangor. However, to get a taste of the authentic stuff head on over to the town of Kajang. As you wolf down sticks of charcoal barbecued meat accompanied by spicy peanut sauce, cucumber, onions and ketupat you can enjoy the ambience of the thriving small town.

For seafood, with an ambience to match the food, two of the more popular haunts are the port town of Klang and the fishing villages in Kuala Selangor. Both have a host of seafood restaurants catering to a variety of tastes. Klang is also famous for its Rojak Klang, Lontong Klang as well as the Klang Bak Kut Teh, a herbal pork soup which is eaten during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Sports and Recreation
Theme Parks
Selangor is home to two of Malaysia’s largest and most famous theme parks — Sunway Lagoon in Bandar Sunway and Mines Wonderland in Seri Kembangan. Both theme parks offer unlimited excitement and thrills and spills, which include fun water activities, virtual experiences, games, adventures and rides. Other smaller theme parks in Selangor are the Kajang Water Theme Park and Wet World Water Park.

Sunway Lagoon
Living up to its theme ‘Feel The Fun’, Sunway Lagoon provides both entertainment and excitement. The park can accommodate up to 70,000 visitors a day. Its themed attractions include World of Adventure, Wild-Wild West, Waters of Africa, Voodoo Adventure River, Kalahari Kids, Pirate’s Revenge, Surf Beach and Morphis which all have their own unique attraction. Colourful events and fun shows are organised daily to spice up the fantasy and wonder particularly during holiday seasons. The park also offers choices in food and retail outlets all around the park;

The Mines Wonderland
This is another fantastic theme park, is the Mines Wonderland. Once the world’s largest opencast tin-mining lake it is now a hot tourist spot. Located just 15 minutes from Kuala Lumpur it is the perfect destination for family outings. Unique attractions include its Snow House which allows you to experience a winter wonderland in the middle of a hot sunny afternoon !. Other favourites include the dancing musical fountain and the thrilling roller coaster rides. Also a popular attraction is the water taxi ride around the resort which takes you across the lake into canals and other attractions. Other entertainment at the park includes the spring garden, mini golf and water sports like water-skiing and jet skiing.

Spectator Sports
F1 Sepang Circuit
The world-renowned F1 Sepang Circuit is known as one of the most demanding. The sophisticated 5.4-km track, with sweeping corners and wide super fast straights, test drivers’ skills and thrills the fans. Diehard motor sports enthusiasts from around the world flood the circuit annually to catch a glimpse of their racing idols and to get a first hand experience of the roaring excitement.

Selangor Turf Club
Located at Sungei Besi, just South of Kuala Lumpur in the State of Selangor is the modern, fully equipped SJC Racecourse. This has a grass track and features exciting horse race meetings throughout the year. Betting is all electronic (no bookies) with electronic totalisator. When not in use as a racecourse, many equestrian events are conducted at this major venue including national dressage and show jumping events.

For other outdoor activities you can try White water rafting for a spot of danger and excitement. Take a canoe or inflatable dinghy for an exhilarating ride down the rapids of Sungai Selangor. For the well heeled the Royal Selangor Yacht Club grants temporary membership up to a maximum of three months annually. It is also the host club for the prestigious Raja Muda International Regatta, a world-class event.

Golf
Selangor is a land for golf enthusiasts as it has more than 30 golf courses. The premier ones include Saujana Golf & Country Resort, Templer Park, KGNS Subang, Glenmarie and a host of others. Apart from its fine golf courses, these clubs also offer tennis courts, squash courts and swimming pools for the fitness-minded traveller.

Events, Fiestas, Fairs & Festivals
Thaipusam Festival at Batu Caves
This day of penance and thanksgiving by Hindu devotees, held in honour of the deity Lord Subramaniam, is celebrated with great pomp and ceremony in Selangor. The Batu Caves temple in Selangor is the destination of the jewelled chariot led by the mass procession of devotees and curious onlookers. The sight of thousands of devotees carrying the huge kavadis and pots of milk making their way up the 200 over steps leading to the cave temples is an awe inspiring sight.

Sepang International Circuit
Bringing together some of the best race drivers in the world several races are scheduled to be held at the Sepang International Circuit in 2008. Among this will be the Formula 1 World Championship (March), the SuperGT Championship – Malaysian Round (June), Merdeka Millenium Endurance Race (August), World Motorcyle Grand Prix (October) and the A1 Grand Prix (November). It should be a thrilling season for racing fans in Selangor this year!

Entertainment & Shopping
Shopping
Selangor is definitely a shopper’s paradise. It caters for all kinds of pockets, styles and preferences. Its retail range begins from exclusive high-end products to great bargains. From night markets selling all kinds of merchandise, to giant regional shopping centres, Selangor has it all.

Sunway Pyramid, The Mines Shopping Fair, 1-Utama, Ikano Power Centre and The Curve are some of the major shopping havens within the State of Selangor.

Sunway Pyramid
The Egyptian Pyramid inspired the architecture of this mall which features a huge variety of merchandise with popular international and local names. It houses more than 300 specialty outlets and a one-stop IT centre as well. A special feature of the centre is the ice-skating rink. Other amusement is offered by the 48-lane bowling centre and the cineplex.

1-Utama
1-Utama is located in the township of Bandar Utama. The mall covers an area of over 2 million sq feet, housing a wide range of retail outlets with international brand names, two Cineplexes, entertainment centre, food chains, coffee joints, gym and juice bars.

The Mines Shopping Fair
The canal running through the mall creates a Venice-like environment. Apart from the countless retail stores, Mines incorporates an ice-skating rink, in-door theme park, bowling alley and an extensive IT center. This shopping mall is located in Seri Kembangan.

IKEA & Ikano Power Centre
IKEA offers you a grand choice of furniture, furnishings and other trappings to recreate your living and working environment. The renowned Swedish store also has a café f that offers lovely Swedish delicacies. Adjacent to IKEA is the Ikano Power Centre, which houses numerous anchor tenants and restaurants with generous floor spaces for added shopping convenience. Across the road is the food and fashion centre – The Curve and also the hypermarket, Tesco.

The Curve
The Curve is Malaysia’s first lifestyle pedestrianed shopping mall. The mall houses an exciting mix of global, regional and local brands, shopping and dining opportunities. The 3-storey Curve clearly segregates its offerings into a Fashion Mall and a Street Mall with each floor divided into The Walk and the Street, with The Walk referring to its air-conditioned area and The Street, the open courtyard area inside the building. The location of the Curve is strategic as it is located next to other world-class retail establishments such as IKEA Home Furnishings, IKANO Power Centre, Tesco Hypermarket and the Cineleisure Damansara.

Health & Beauty
Selangor offers a variety of health and wellness centres offering both eastern and western treatments both within hotels as well as within specialised spas. Javanese beauty and wellness regimens are popular as well as traditional indian ayurvedic treatments. Acupressure is a popular feature in most spas with treatments like foot reflexology and shiatsu massage being the more popular. Medical spas are also available.

Education Toursim
Selangor is growing in its role as a regional educational hub with its growing offerings of world-class educational establishments. A wide range of courses at various levels is available from pre-university to Ph.D. Fully-equipped with sophisticated infrastructure and convenient facilities; the state has become a major higher education destination for students from all around the world.

Tourist Information Centre
Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Visitor Service Centre,
Phone: +603-877 656 47 / 51  

KL Tourist Police
Tel: 603 2163 4422