Top Selangor Attractions
I have compiled this list of my favourite Top Selangor Attractions based on my travels and family outings over the past 3 years or so.
Selangor, or Selangor Darul Ehsan to give it its formal name, is the most developed and heavily populated of Malaysia's 13 states (estimated population as at January 2012 is over 5.5million). It is also the richest with a large share of the nation's industry and commerce concentrated here.
Selangor completely surrounds the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya which were built on land which once belonged to Selangor.
Selangor bears the scars of more than 100 years of development. Tin mining has left its mark but many of the resulting excavations have been converted into lakes for recreational or other uses. In much of the state, there is little trace of the original primary rain forest which was cleared long ago, firstly for rubber plantations which have since been replaced by oil palms or for development.
However it is still a very green state with plenty of parks and forest reserves and, along its eastern fringe there are still huge swathes of jungle covered hills to explore and enjoy.
My list of Top Selangor Attractions is a mix of urban and nature activities and, if you live or are staying anywhere within the Klang valley, they are all easily reachable within an hour or two's driving so very suitable for a weekend outing or day trip.
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This has to be one of the most popular family attractions in Malaysia. You can cool off in Snowalk, an indoor snow park with ice houses, snowmen and a mini-bobsled run, while outdoors is a fantasy forest of digital lights which is really spectacular. Recent additions include a big wheel and other fairground rides.
Sunway Lagoon is, I think, Malaysia's top theme park and one of the best in Asia with a water park, an amusement park, a wildlife park, extreme park and scream park.
3. Zoo Negara
Located on the fringe of KL, this zoo is a popular Selangor tourist attraction. It is a large zoo set in lush tropical landscaping with all the usual zoo-ey attractions. It is not quite as good as Singapore's award winning zoo but is still a pleasant day out (a lot cheaper too!).
4. Sepang International Circuit
This race track is home to Malaysia's Formula 1 and other motor sport events. It is possible to do Go-Karting here. There is also a National Automobile Museum which is worth a quick look.
Selangor does not have the best beaches in Malaysia. Much of the coastline is lined with mangrove forest or muddy stretches but the beaches at Bagan Lalang, Batu Laut and Morib are not bad. Bagan Lalang is home to the Golden Palm Tree Resort, Malaysia's version of Dubai's Palm Island.
If you enjoy seafood, a trip to Crab Island is a must. The ferry journey itself is quite interesting and on the island you can see the lifestyle of a typical Chinese fishing community.
This quiet corner of Selangor has a number of attractions - Bukit Melawati with an old lighthouse and inquisitive monkeys, one of the world's largest colonies of fireflies and a nature park. The new LATAR expressway to Kuala Selangor was opened in 2011 to reduce journey times.
Talking of nature parks, Paya Indah near Putrajaya is a man-made wetlands area with crocodiles and hippos among its star attractions. Fishing, kayaking and bird watching are possible here and accommodation is available.
Two of my favourite mountain hikes are found in Selangor. The first one is Klang Gates Quartz Ridge which is an invigorating but not too difficult walk along the spine of a quartz dyke from where you can get great views of Kuala Lumpur. This hidden secret could be one of the top Selangor attractions if it were better known.
My other favourite hill climb is Bukit Broga, a 400 meter high peak which is one of the few in Malaysia not covered in dense jungle so you get lovely views. It's a steep climb but worth it.
11. Kanching Rainforest Waterfall
This is a lovely park close to KL with a series of stunning waterfalls where you can swim and bathe (with caution), picnic, jungle trek and enjoy the clean fresh air.
This is a huge nature park at Shah Alam with stacks of activities and exhibits. Although the park is in need of renovation in parts it is still a worthwhile visit for a day outdoors.
13. Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
Another giant nature reserve whose main attraction is its canopy walkway, a slightly wobbly pedestrian suspension bridge which provides a bird's eye view of the rainforest. This has to one of the top Selangor attractions.
Jugra Hill gives splendid views over the Langat River and Carey Island. Paragliding enthusiasts like to launch themselves from here. Other nearby attractions are a beggars' chicken restaurant, Ala'eddin Palace and the Bandar Masjid.
Selangor's capital city, Shah Alam has a pretty lake gardens and Malaysia's largest mosque, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque or more simply the Blue Mosque. There is also a museum and a so-so water theme park here.
There are a few interesting sights to see in Klang's town centre including The Royal Gallery which is the best museum I have seen in Selangor. I went back to Klang a second time to see the art-deco Sultan Sulaiman Mosque and Royal Mausoleum.
The Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Buddhist Temple at Jenjarom is one of Selangor's lesser known attractions but well worth a visit, especially at Chinese New Year.
The Mines Cruise is an enjoyable boat ride on two large lakes next to The Mines shopping mall. There are plenty of large fish in these lakes and the boat driver will stop and let you you feed them.
Hope you enjoy discovering these Top Selangor Attractions as much as I have.
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