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Just 20 kilometers west of Kuala Lumpur in the Klang Valley lies Shah Alam, the Malaysian state capital of Selangor. Getting to Shah Alam by train or bus is equally convenient as both the KTM komuter line from Kuala Lumpur and the RapidKL bus service provide excellent transportation to the city center. Road links and infrastructure are strong and modern so another preferred mode of access is by car from KL.
History
On February 14, 1974 Shah Alam was declared the new capital of Selangor by the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz. This modern state capital was once an expanse of rubber and palm plantations, but due to a well planned urban program it has developed into a modern city, providing excellent infrastructures and public facilities.
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The equisite dining room of MalaysiaExplorer.net's Shah Alam accommodation top-pick: the Concorde Hotel (pictured - decorated for a wedding reception!). The hotel has a prime location and also boasts stunning views of the dazzling blue mosque (below). Service too is excellent and the food delicious! |
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Shah Alam is packed with amazing sights, most of which are located around the tropical lake gardens and the Green Park of Bukit Cahava, the only agro-forestry park in the world.
Things to see & do: the Blue Mosque
The epicenter of the city’s architectural treasures is the Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque due to its striking blue aluminum dome. This building, built in the traditional Selangor style, houses some of the finest cultural displays in the country, providing fascinating and valuable historical information about the country and heritage of Selangor.
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State Library
A visit to the Perpustakaan Tun Uda is also worthwhile. This building is the largest state library in Selangor boasting three floors and an underground level exclusively dedicated to students, while the top floor is equipped with books and facilities for children.
Shah Alam Lake Gardens
The Shah Alam Lake Gardens offer an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Spreading out from a large hand-crafted lake, the gardens provide several playgrounds for children in various spots throughout the expanse also for jogging and bike trails. Boating is a popular activity on the lake, where kayaks and boats can be rented for a trip across the water. This is a great idea for couples and families looking to spend an afternoon relaxing, chatting and picnicking.
Out and about: Nature Zoo
The Agricultural Park named Taman Pertanian is also a natural haven, where those visiting the city can wander around on bicycles or enjoy horseback riding while admiring the verdant scenery. There is also a mini zoo within the park to the delight of children, while for the older generations an interesting exhibition is available at the Four Seasons building. Here visitors can view a captivating reproduction of the evolution of the four seasons throughout the year.
Sultan's Palace
A striking spectacle is also offered by the Sultan of Selangor’s Palace. Ideally located on the top of a hill overlooking Shah Alam, it provides spectacular views of the city below.
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Sports & Activities
Other activities the city of Shah Alam has to offer are skateboarding and extreme sports at the Shah Alam Extreme Park, which is open around the clock. There are also fast food outlets available within the activities park.
Kart Racing is also popular in Shah Alam Stadium, with a large race track available for those seeking the thrill of speed. At the Wet World Shah Alam visitors will find a great way to spend the day in the small water park, offering plenty of water activities for the joy of both children and adults.
Shopping
Shah Alam is a treasure trove for avid shoppers with its Kompleks PKNS, one of the largest and oldest shopping centers in the city. Here shoppers will find three floors of choice items as well as a roof top food court serving up splendid dishes. Other shopping alternatives are the Shah Alam City Centre Mall or the Plaza Shah Alam, a family shopping center with several department stores, situated on the outskirts of the city center.
Dining
Shah Alam has plenty to offer as far as dining options are concerned with a variety of food for all tastes. Most of the restaurants are pleasant and provide international menus and delicious fish dishes. The Ikan Bakar (named after the gorgeous dish) in Medan Selera is a great place for tasting grilled fish platters. This restaurant is excellent for quality and price and is ideally located opposite the Shah Alam water park.
Where to stay
Accommodation is easy to find in Shah Alam and will suit every budget and requirement set. Ranging from low budget bed and breakfasts to exclusive five star hotels, the city offers lodging options for all traveler types. Some of Malaysia's finest and most renowned hotels can be found in Shah Alam, such as the Concorde Shah Alam or the Grand BlueWave hotel to name a few.
Search the widest range of accommodation options and resorts in Shah Alam 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.
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