Print this article if you're a tour operator, accommodation provider or touristAn introduction to Selangor
Selangor is on the western coast of the Malay Peninsula and is a hereditary constitutional monarchy. It is a highly developed state with the largest airport, port and some of the best educational institutions and modern medical facilities in the country. Both business and culture radiate from Selangor. Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah International Airport provides convenient flight access to Selangor from Thailand, Singapore and all parts of the Peninsula. The state also boasts one of the best infrastructures in the country and a very well connected road transport network.
Geographically it is bordered by Perak to the north, Pahang to the east, Negeri Sembilan to the south and overlooks the Strait of Malacca to the west. Most of the coast of Selangor is dotted with fishing villages.
Things to see & do: Shah Alam
Shah Alam, Selangor's capital, is a city of splendour and every structure, every road tells the story of Malaysia’s development. A stellar example of its splendour is the Sultan Salahuhddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque - amongst Malaysia and indeed the world's most lavish and beautiful mosques. Construction finished in 1988 with the minarets standing at over 140 meters - the tallest in the world. The sparkling blue dome with its intricate Islamic styling seems to dominate the entire city. Its exquisitely carved timber pulpit is a masterpiece of artisans from Kelantan. The architecture is a beautiful mix of Malay styling, with an influence of Moors people.
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Shah Alam is nothing short of a pioneer in interior design - boasting a fine display of South East Asian progressive-traditional work. For true luxury on a budget, MalaysiaExplorer.net recommend basing your visit to Selangor out of our equisite top-pick, the Grand BlueWave Hotel (pictured) |
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Selangor completely surrounds the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, both of which were once under its sovereignty. Petaling Jaya is another major urban centre in the state making Selangor the only state after Sarawak with more than one metropolitan city. This region of Malaysia is well developed and modern hotels make travel both interesting and comfortable.
Shah Alam Lake Gardens
For a day of leisure there’s the Shah Alam Lake Gardens, the site of the International Boat Show and the Selangor Orchid Exhibition. The delightful man-made lake is dotted with picnic areas and has a floating seafood restaurant. The area itself is noted for its rubber and oil palm estates.
Klang
All roads lead to Selangor from Kuala Lumpur, literally and historically. Selangor enjoys a vantage location being ideally located halfway between the national capital, KL, and the viable Port Klang. Klang was once the capital city of Selangor. The town's oldest building, Gedung Raja Abdullah, is built in traditional Malay style, and is located at the centre of Klang. It overlooks the Klang River and controls access to the tin rich Klang Valley. Erected as a warehouse by Raja Mahdi in 1856. It now serves as a historical museum, with interesting exhibits on the bygone days of this former capital. Selangor's royal capital to this day is still Klang.
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Kuala Selangor
The sultanate palace used to be at Kuala Selangor, located 45 km north of Klang at the mouth of Selangor. The old twin fortresses atop two of the town's hills still guard the river mouth. The most prestigous of the pair (which sits atop Bukit Melawati) is today the royal mausoleum, which houses the remains of Selangor's deceased Bugis rulers. The fortresses are living examples of the state’s wealthy and powerful reign due to its tin trade.
Below Bukit Melawati is the beautiful 240-hectare Taman Alam nature reserve. The reserve has many designated jungle trails designed for exploring and trekking as well as spots and enclaves for those watching its abundant migratory bird population. Malaysia's Nature Society has pinpointed in the region of 150 species amongst them, like the stunning spoon-billed Sandpiper and many graceful birds of prey.
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Batu Caves
Shah Alam lies around 25 km to the west of Malaysia's capital city, Kuala Lumpur. In 1974, Kuala Lumpur became recognized as an entity in its own right (a Federal Territory) and Shah Alam subsequently ceded KL as the capital city of Selangor state. 13kms to Kuala Lumpur's north are the magnificent Batu caves, a major sight seeing and pilgrimage spot because of the Hindu shrine beneath the 100 m vaulted ceiling of the largest cave. The temple or Cathedral Cave, as it is known, is thronged by thousands of Buddhist devotees from all over the nation as the Thaipusam festival takes place in January. Men, women and children alike scale the high flights of stairs to the shrine. Some even carry Kavadis, vibrantly decorated frames carrying an assortment of body piercing tools, as a form of penance.
The third cave, situated right below the steps, is home to a fascinating range of intricate statues and cave paintings representing important figures in Hindu mythology. A little below the Temple Cave is the Dark Cave comprising of relatively untouched caverns with some diverse cave fauna and some unique species. Access to these caves requires a special permit from the Malaysian Nature Society.
Malaysia Agriculture Park
Just 10 minutes from Shah Alam is the 1,258-hectare Malaysia Agriculture Park, the largest agro-forestry park in the world. The park contains specimens of almost all agricultural resources in Malaysia, such as coconut palms, paddy fields and many different fruit trees, all in a lush rain forest setting. The park stages many outdoor presentations and exhibits, demos, workshops and nature trails for visitors too. These offer a useful insight into the nation’s beautiful nature assets. Tourists can rent bicycles to ride around and view the other sights in the park like the dams, fishing lakes, the suspension bridge and even the safari park! Note, however, that organized bus trips are generally only on over weekends and so midweek visits will generally necessitate travelling by car. There are chalets here at very reasonable rates of RM30 for overnight stops. There is also a nominal admission fee of RM2 for adults and RM1 for children.
Search the widest range of accommodation options and resorts in Selangor's capital city Shah Alam and other areas of the state with MalaysiaExplorer.net's booking partner - also find verified guest reviews™ and image galleries.
Complete your trip with our travel essentials checklist: Tours, Flights and Car Rental
- Tailor all aspects of your holiday or visit to Shah Alam with comprehensive tour and package choices.
- Read our top tips on car rental to ensure you choose a suitable vehicle at a good price.
- Our guide to Malaysia flights is packed with advice and pointers on finding the best routes and super deals.
Nature abounds in Selangor - a pleasant contrast to its neighbour Kuala Lumpur, a busy and highly developed urban center by all accounts. Double click the map below to zoom in on Selangor, and double right-click to zoom out!
Photo Credits: INK and Auswandern Malaysia
