Go Explore Asia - Selangor

Selangor

Selangor surrounds the capital city and is home to many city commuters who commute to neighbouring Petaling Jaya or KL. Moving at a slower pace, it is also touched by a regal atmosphere as Selangor is home to the country's most influential Sultan. His palace stands high on a hill in the state capital of Shah Alam, which overlooks his neat and carefully planned city. Until just 25 years ago, what is now the state capital was little more than a rubber and palm oil plantation. But in the late 70s, a massive building programme spawned a well-developed infrastructure and a rapidly growing population. Rich in history and culture, it is home to spiritual landmarks like the Batu Caves and our very own Blue Mosque. The Batu Caves are a focal point for Malaysia's millions of Hindus. A shrine, located in a huge cave 15 km north of KL, comes alive every January or February when up to a million devotees flock to the shrine for the exhuberant and colourful holiday of Thaipusam. The Shah Alam mosque, nicknamed The Blue Mosque for its blue aluminium dome covered in verses from the Quran, is Malaysia's largest mosque and can accommodate 24,000 worshippers. Its four minarets are the world's tallest at over 140m. Selangor is Malaysia's most populous state, with the nation's biggest conurbation, the Klang Valley. Selangor's geographical position in the centre of Peninsular Malaysia contributed to the state's rapid development as Malaysia's transportation and industrial hub. Selangor, the most developed state in Malaysia, abounds with a fascinating variety of attractions. Hailed as the gateway to Malaysia, the state is home to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the country's main entry point and Port Klang, the country's largest port. There is a wide range of accommodation to suit all tastes and preferences. Most international-standard hotels and resorts are situated in the vicinity of shopping malls and recreational facilities. Visitors will find a wide array of cuisine from local delicacies to international fare.

What to See and Do in Selangor?

Firefly Park. Visit one of nature's most astounding attractions. Kampung Kuantan and Kampung Bukit Belimbing are among the few places in the world where visitors can watch the spectacular display of fireflies. Night river cruises to these villages are extremely popular.
Sepang International Circuit. This is the venue of the annual Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix. Acclaimed to have one of the world's most challenging tracks, it is also the only circuit in the world to provide a double-frontage grandstand area.
Blue Mosque. Popularly known as 'The Blue Mosque', the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque is one of the most stunning structures in the country. Boasting the tallest minarets in the world, it is also famed for its remarkable interior architecture. Situated opposite is the Garden of Islamic Art, a beautifully landscaped park featuring calligraphy, paintings and sculptures.
Batu Caves. These limestone caves are a popular attraction, especially during the annual Hindu festival, Thaipusam. Scaling the 272 steps leading up to the temple is one of the highlights. The 140-feet statue of Lord Muruga here is reputed to be the tallest in the world.
FGS Dong Zen Monastery. A peaceful ambience and beautiful landscapes greet visitors at this Buddhist monastery. It consists of a monumental archway, main shrine and relics shrine, an art gallery, teahouse and courtyard as well as an area featuring the Eighteen Arhats and Bodhisattva Guan Yin Statue.
Royal Selangor Visitor Centre. Visit the home of the world-renowned Royal Selangor pewter. Children and adults alike can enjoy a variety of attractions and gain insights into the pewter industry.
National Zoo. Spend a day observing nearly 4,000 mammals, reptiles, birds and fish. Highlights include entertaining performances by orang utans and sea lions as well as horse, camel and elephant rides.
Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM). Home to a wealth of flora and fauna, this forest reserve features herb gardens, arboretums, nature trails and a wetland area. A highlight here is the canopy walkway, suspended 30m above ground level.
Kanching Recreational Forest. This invigorating natural enclave is haven for various species of birds and monkeys. The main attraction here is the Kanching Waterfall, featuring seven tiers and cascading waters.
Kota Darul Ehsan Arch. This Moorish styled arch is a distinguished landmark, erected to mark the ceding of Kuala Lumpur to the Federal Government by the state of Selangor in 1974. It demarcates the boundary between Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
Orang Asli Museum. Gain an insight into the traditional lifestyles and cultures of the country's indigenous communities. Displays include weaponry, clothing, musical instruments and replicas of dwellings.
Carey Island. is home to the indigenous Mah Meri community, famed for their woodcarvings and masks.
Homestays. Stay with a friendly host family and experience traditional Malay lifestyle in the state's rustic villages. Banghuris, Dorani and Sungai Sireh are among the popular villages for homestays.
Little India. Visit this bustling township to discover a profusion of authentically Indian items. Browse through the colourful costumes, assortment of sweetmeats, aromatic spices and dazzling accessories.
Sultan Alam Shah Museum. This commanding blue-roofed building gives a glimpse into the grandeur of Selangor's bygone era. Treasured artefacts include the royal regalia of the Selangor Sultanate and relics of the British era.
Shah Alam Lake Gardens. Set within a beautifully landscaped garden, this man-made lake graces the Shah Alam town. It is a favourite spot for picnics, jogging or recreational activities.
Bandar Palace. Built in the 20th century, this stately palace is made of wood and marble and boasts exquisite woodcarvings. In the past, it served as the venue to entertain prominent dignitaries and foreign emissaries.
Royal Mausoleum. Built in 1898, the royal mausoleum of Sultan Abdul Samad is a combination of various architectural styles including Western Classical and Indo-Muslim. Here the fourth Sultan of Selangor and other members of the past royal family were laid to rest.
Melawati Hill. This is the site of several historical attractions. Visitors can see the cannons and original foundation stones of an 18th century fort, a fabled execution block and a lighthouse. The landscaped hill offers a panoramic view of the Selangor coastline.
Shopping. The state is hailed as a shoppers' paradise for its large number of shopping establishments. Most shopping malls serve as one-stop centres and are situated adjacent to theme parks and well-appointed hotels. Popular malls include:
1. 1 Utama Shopping Centre
2. Mines Shopping Fair
3. Sunway Pyramid
4. Subang Parade
5. The Curve
6. Ikano Power Centre
7. Amcorp Mall
8. Jaya 33
9. IOI Mall
Mines Wonderland. Built on what used to be the world's largest open cast tin mine, this park abounds with delightful attractions. Visit the Animal Kingdom, or cruise in a water taxi. It is also the site of the best musical fountain in Southeast Asia and the first-ever winter wonderland in Malaysia.
Sunway Lagoon Theme Park. The sprawling 80-acre Sunway Lagoon offers fantastic rides and attractions. Among the highlights are 'Waters of Africa', 'Wild Wild West' and the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge.
The Wet World Water Park in Shah Alam is another popular attraction.
Yachting and Golfing. The oldest yacht club in Malaysia, Royal Selangor Yacht Club offers various services and activities. The state has close to forty golf clubs, with something to interest golfers of all levels.

Food for Thought

The traditional Malay cuisine in Selangor has received influences from Johor, Bugis, Java and Minangkabau. Basically in Selangor one can find dishes from most of the states in Peninsular Malaysia. Selangor and Kuala Lumpur is the epicentre for Malaysia's economy hence many migrate from their hometown to call Selangor home and they bring their culinary delights with them. Eating in Selangor is fairly easy. Restaurants, side walk cafes, stalls, food bazaars and night markets are almost everywhere in Selangor. Foods ranging from local favourites to ones that need your courage to try are everywhere in Selangor. Not to forget food courts Food courts are almost everywhere where human traffic is high. Major towns and Petaling Jaya itself are abundant in food courts where you have choices of local and western cuisines. Coastal towns such as Klang and Kuala Selangor are also famed for seafood. Some of the famous eateries in Selangor are;-

Sate Kajang Haji Samuri is a famous Sate Kajang fast-food restaurant chain in Malaysia. The main headquarters is located in Medan Sate, Kajang. Satay Kajang used to be available only in Kajang but Hj Samuri's satay outlets had been expanding like nobody's business. The choice of satays (skewed marinated meat grilled over burning charcoal served with peanut sauce) nowadays also is quite amazing when thinking about it. Chicken and beef satay used to be the only choices available traditionally but now you can have even tripe satay, fish satay, rabbit meet satay, and deer meat satay. Most Malaysians vouch Haji Samuri's satays are the best!

Bagan Lalang Seafood Restaurants & Stalls. Bagan Lalang is a great place to relax, unwind, enjoy some fresh sea breeze and at the same time, delicious seafood. Believe it or not, this place is just half an hour drive from the Sepang F1 Circuit. If you arrive an hour before sunset, you will be amazed at the unspoilt beaches, fine sands and the beautiful sunset. Being located close to a fishing village has also given Bagan Lalang a reputation for fresh seafood and there is no shortage of ikan bakar stalls which offers a wide range of other seafood prepared in various styles at reasonable prices. Most of the seafood is sourced from the nearby fishing village so freshness is guaranteed. There is a whole assortment of fishes from siakap, garoupa, sea bass, kembung and cencaru to choose from. That is not all; they have a healthy stock of flower crabs, bamboo lala, sea prawns and for great appetisers, otak otak. Items are priced per gramme and include cooking as well.
Restaurant Tanjong, a new eating place in Seksyen 9 Bangi offers various foods and its speciality is Nasi Daging Kepala Batas. Nasi daging (rice with beef) is very popular in Penang is cooked using specially blended spices, and serve with spicily boiled beef, special dalcha (dill in gravy) and tasty air asam (tamarind sauce). Being the grandson of a well known nasi daging specialist, the restaurant owner is very glad to continue serving their specialty. Restaurant Tanjong offers a relaxing and calm environment and serves other foods as well including Thai and Chinese cuisines.

Flaming Steamboat Restaurant. Fancy a streamboat dinner? You have to try Flaming Steamboat nearby the infamous shopping complex, Sunway Pyramid. Here they practice eat all you can for only RM17.50 for adults and RM8.50 for children aged 10 and below. It's free for kids below the age of 4. Among the dishes served for the steamboat includes seafood, yong tau foo, various noodles, beef and many more. If steamboat is not your thing, they also serve ala carte dishes like fried rice, fried noodles and many more. Where is it? No. 124, Jalan PJS 11/2, Spectrum Shops, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, , Selangor, Malaysia, 46150. Business hours are from 5pm till midnight.

Pulau Langat Seafood Centre. Pulau Langat bends over backwards to ensure you have the freshest thing from the boat. Try the chilli crabs with some fried mantou buns. And to cap it all off, some fried meehoon with small clams. The meehoon is delicious with teensy little clams that add a chewiness and tastiness to the noodles. This is a good option to get if you don't want to get too full from rice. The mantis prawns is a little sweet but surprisingly good. The mayonnaise gives it a certain tang and richness. Prawns are fried first in flour so that it's crunchy. Crabs are also on the sweet side so we recommend next time to have it with kam hiong style (curry leaves) or fried with duck's eggs. The good thing about ordering crabs with gravy though is that you can mop it up with the fried mantou and this is so sinfully good, you won't care about the fact that it's all going straight to your hips. Best dish of the day is the super fresh snapper. Flesh is firm and melts in the mouth. This is a real treat with bits of garlic and scallions giving it texture and pungency. After you are satisfied, it's time to sit back, order another bottle of that coconut drink and enjoy the sunset. If you come later do get a table on the boat as they light up all the lanterns at night so you feel like you are dining by some riverside in Old China. Where is this delightful place? Lot 8620, Kg. Air Hitam, Batu 6 1/2, Jalan Langat, Klang, Selangor.