Selangor State

History

Selangor's history dates back to as early as the 1600s when tin deposit were found in several areas in the state, thus attracting an influx of miners, immingrants and colonists in search of "new lands". The small village of Kampung Permatang in Kuala Selangor was the spot where the Bugis first landed and established the Selangor Sultanate in early 17th century. By the middle of the 18th century, the Bugis dominated the state economically and politically. The late 18th century was marked by wars among the Bugis, Malay and Chinese tin barons over the monopoly of mining areas and the power play of the faction groups. To control the situation, the sultan was forced to accept the appointment af a British Resident in 1874 and indirectly, giving the British a foothold in the state,s administration . After a few years of unrest, the year 1896 saw Selangor joined the federated Malay States under the control of the British administration. In 1957 Selangor became one of the states of the Federation of Malaya which later changed the name to Malaysia. Today Selangor is Malaysia's richest and most developed state. It is home to the largest port in the country, Port Klang, and to many of the country's largest industrial operations, found particularly in the Klang Valley. Its highly diversified economy ranges from agriculture, industry, and commerce to tourism. While industry is rapidly expanding, the mainstays of the state's economy remain rubber, palm-oil, and tin mining. Port Klang, already the largest port in the country, is experiencing vigorous development. Tourism is also beginning to have a major impact on the economy. Selangor completely surrounds the Federal Territory of Wilayah Persekutuan, and there are many close economic and social ties between them.

Physical Geography

Located on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia and covering 8,000 square kilometers, Selangor is bounded on the north by Perak, on the east by Pahang and Negeri Sembilan, and on the west by the Straits of Malacca.Selangor's climate is characterized by a warm, sunny days, and cool nights all year round and occasional rain in the evenings. Temperature ranges from 23°C to 33°C. Humidity usually exceeds 80%. Annual rainfall is 2,670 mm. Although rain falls throughout the year, December to February are said to be the wettest months. Selangor has been called the gateway of Malaysia. It is also the industrial hub of Malaysia; the country's largest industrial site is located in Shah Alam, the states capital, just 25 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur. It is the most populous state in the country with a total population of 2.7 million inhabitants. Despite being industry-based, the state is blessed with natural forests, waterfalls, hills, and lakes to complement its many man-made attractions.

Getting 

Travelling to Selangor is really easy and convenient as it has he most modern and comprehensive transport infrastructure of any state in Malaysia.

By Sea   

The nation's largest port is Port Klang, with ultramodern Westport complementing the sophisticated berthing facilities in the area. Nearby is the Star Cruise terminal, which was built exclusively for the convenience of tourists arriving on cruise ships. Smaller single-facility jetties serve visitors from Dumai, Indonesia and the outlying local islands while private marinas welcome foreign guests who wish to berth their yachts in comfort and convenience.

By Air

The Kuala Lumpur International Airport at Sepang is one of the largest and most sophisticated in the world, and is sometimes viewed as an attraction in itself with the forest-style landscaping, numerous eateries and the world's tallest control tower. The Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang caters mainly for domestic flights, as well as for flights to nearby regional destinations. Buses and taxicabs as well as self-drive rental car companies serve both airports.

By Rail

Visitors can come in from Thailand or Singapore by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) services, while the convenient KTM commuter trains provide regular services to numerous towns within Selangor. The state can also be accessed from Kuala Lumpur by the Star and Putra Light Rail Transit services.

By Road

An excellent network of good roads takes the intrepid traveller to any destination within the state. Selangor is also linked to Singapore, Thailand and the rest of the peninsula by a system of new tolled highways that have all amenities a traveller could need including rest areas, restaurants, souvenir shops and even suraus where Muslims can perform their prayers. These roads include the PLUS North-South Highway, the LDP Puchong-Damansara Highway, The KESAS Shah Alam Expressway, the Karak Highway linking the East Coast, The New Klang Valley Expressway and the SPRINT Expressway into Kuala Lumpur, the Selayang-Kepong Highway, the BESRAYA Salak South Highway and the pioneer project of them all, the venerable Federal Highway.

Places to Eat/ Food

One of the best thing that Selangor has to offer the visitor is her wide range of food, and Selangor's restaurants and hawker stalls are the best and most varied; a reflection of multi-ethnic synergy. The distinctively spicy Malay food, such as nasi lemak, rendang, curry and the many palm sugar and coconut-based desserts such as cendol, shaved ice (ABC) delight to even the most jaded palate. These delicacies can be savoured at the Rasa Utara Restaurant, Subang Jaya and the Hartine Restaurant, Shah Alam. For a popourri of Malaysian cuisine, try the Lakeview Floating Restaurant, Shah Alam, and the Food Court Centre at Subang Parade, Subang Jaya. Visitors will be feasted by the endless variety of Chinese dishes, stir-fried noodle, dim sum and roost duck at the Foong Chek Yuen Restaurant, Klang, Hong Kong Kitchen Restaurant, Petaling Jaya and the Eden Restaurant, Subang Airport. For Indian cuisine, it ranges from northern Indian to southern Indian, and from fully vegetarian to fish curries and chicken tandoori. Visitors can try a luscious Indian cuisine at the Devi Restaurant at Subang Jaya or the Shiraz Restaurant, Taman Megah, Petaling Jaya. The town of Kajang in Selangor is famous for its delicious satay, regarded as one of the best in the country. The sticks are packed with succulent meat, either beef or chicken, and barbequed over charcoal to give it that special flavor. The newly Satay Complex, located strategically in the Kajang town center, offers variety of delicious satay.

Shopping

Malaysia has been cited in various surveys as a value-for-money holiday and shopping destination. Selangor, in particular, is fast gaining recognition as a shopper's paradise due to the number of shopping malls that have mushroomed all over the state, especially the Klang Valley. These malls are ‘one-stop-centres’ that offer such a wide range of quality products under one roof that consumers are spoilt for choice. Add to that friendly service and a competitive exchange rate, and visitors have the making of a super-shopping destination. Selangor is definitely the place of all kinds of everything for all kinds of people. Night markets or 'pasar malam' are a special feature of local life. Designated areas are used for these night markets on fixed nights of each week. Bargaining is the standard feature, and the smart shoppers can buy practically everything imaginable.

Places Of Interest

State Mosque

The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque is one of the most beautiful building in the country. Frequently referred to as the "Blue Mosque" its minarets are the tallest in the world at 142.3 metres. Its graceful blue dome is one of the largest of its kind. Decorative Islamic calligraphy enhances the dome and main prayer hall, while the overall architecture integrates ethnic Malay design elements.


Shah Alam Gallery

Situated at the Shah Alam Lake Gardens, the Shah Alam Gallery exhibits a wide collection of art, local handicraft and fabrics for viewing and sale.

Sultan Alam Shah Museum

This blue-roofed State Museum in traditional Selangor architecture houses some of the finest displays in the country, providing visitors with an eye-opening look at the history, culture and heritage of Selangor.

State Monument

Located adjacent to the State Secretariat Building is the serene and lovely State Monument with a sweeping arch, reflecting pools and gold inscriptions on grey granite . it is a favourite location for shutterbugs and tourist because of its picturesque setting.

Shah Alam Sport Complex

Awarded the 1996 Best Sport Alam Sport Complex features one of the largest and most dynamic sports and entertaiment complex in south East Asia. State of the art facilities and a professional management team ensures that all event held here will be successful. SASC comprises the 70,000 seats Shah Alam stadium,an adjacent warm-up track and training field , a 12,000 capacity air-conditional indoor stadium, and an Olypic standard swimming and diving centre.

Shah Alam Lake Gardens

Site of many annual events, the Shah Alam Lake that graces the city centre is surrounded by landscaped gardens. A culture centre called Laman Budaya, the Wet World Water Park and the Shah Alam Gallery are within this area. Picnic and children's playground areas dot the well-kept parkland.

Kota Darul Ehsan

Erected to mark the sacrifice by the Sultan of Selangor in ceding Kuala Lumpur to the Federal Government, this magnificent arch incorporates exquisite Moorish architecture with traditional Malay elements. Flanked by ancient Selangor cannons, Kota Darul Ehsan straddles the Federal Highways as it crosses the state border with Kuala Lumpur.

Orang Asli Museum

Situated at km 24, Jalan Gombak, visitors can have an insightful glimpse into the lifestyle and culture of Selangor's "Original People" or orang asli, that is fast disappearing with development and modernisation. It has a vast collection of tribal heritage such as blowpipes, spears, porcelain and ancestral figurines.

Batu Caves

Located 15 km north of Kuala Lumpur Batu Caves is the most popular tourist destination in Selangor. It consists of the three big caves and the main temple cave, which features ornate. Hindu shrines and has a ceiling loomin over 100 metres overhead. To reach it one has to climb s steep flight of 272 steps, a feat performed by as many as 100,000 devotees during the annual Thaipusam festival.

National Zoo

The National Zoo in Hulu Klang has a fascinating animal collection from all over the world, as well as an impressive aquarium and aviary. It is considered one of the most interesting zoos in South East Asia, with large grounds for picnic, enormous lake for 'swan boating' and train rides around the zoo. 


Carey Island

Located just off the mainland. Carey Island is located to the south of Port Klang and north of Banting town. It is a huge island separated from the Selangor coast by the Langat River, connected by a bridge from Chondoi and Teluk Panglima Garang near Banting. It was named after Valentine Carey, a former British civil service officer in Malaya. Despite its name, many locals from Klang do not consider it a real island compared to Pulau Ketam due to its proximity to the mainland and the river that separates it from the mainland is practically a stream,Carey Island is well-known for the orang asli community known as the Mah Meri. They have assimilated into life with jobs in the nearby plantations and farms. However, they have retained the unique culture and way of life. Apart from exhibitions of the traditional dances and music, Mah Meri are particularly known for their votive sculptures, fashioned from a kind of a swamp hardwood called "nyirih batu".

Historic Jugra

Once the seat of ancient kings, the placid town of Jugra has several fascinating historic buildings. The intriguing Istana Bandar ( Bandar Palace), built in 1905, features exquisite woodcarvings by the late Sultan Alauddin, reminiscent of the previous century. The Sultan Alauddin Mosque, next to Istana Bandar, was erected in 1932, but its classical Mosque, next to Istana Bandar, was erected in 1932, but its classical Moorish architecture has given it timeless, mystical look. The Royal Mausoleum, the Jugra Lighthouse and the ruins of the legend shrouded Istana Jugra are also well worth a visit.

Bukit Malawati, Kuala Selangor

Bukit Melawati Hill is located at the coastal town of Kuala Selangor in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. To get here, one can drive from the city of Kuala Lumpur or Petaling Jaya and it takes about 45-60 minutes drive along a scenic route passing local towns, plantations and kampungs (villages).

However, it wasn’t long before the Dutch tangled with Ibrahim’s troops again; in less than a year, the Sultan launched a night raid and succeeded in recapturing Melawati Hill while driving the Dutch back to sea. The fort continued to be at the epicenter of many struggles and battles over the years, especially during the Selangor civil war, fought between factions created by rival sultans and Chinese tin miner gangs. When British forces arrived to impose their presence in Selangor, they hammered the fort into little pieces, with the help of massive gunboat Rinaldo. Not much was left of the fort after the merciless pounding and today, all that remains for visitors to see are a few decrepit foundation stones and walls, along with some of the 68 cannons originally used for the fort’s defence.

In place of concrete and stone, grass and shrubbery now cover the hill to create a pleasant park-like environment along with cooling rain trees that tower over the landscape. At a corner of the hill, sits a royal mausoleum for the first three Sultans of Selangor. The point where most visitors congregate is the view point in front of the Altingsburg light house, slightly below the peak. This light house was built in 1907 and continues to guide ships sailing through the Straits of Malacca today. From here, one can look out to the lush greenery and mangroves below and further out, a vista of open sea. Looking closely, you can see where the sea meets with the Selangor River, with tiny ships and boats sailing through. This particular point of the peak is also a famous tourist feeding ground for the resident silver leaf monkeys.

However, it wasn’t long before the Dutch tangled with Ibrahim’s troops again; in less than a year, the Sultan launched a night raid and succeeded in recapturing Melawati Hill while driving the Dutch back to sea. The fort continued to be at the epicenter of many struggles and battles over the years, especially during the Selangor civil war, fought between factions created by rival sultans and Chinese tin miner gangs. When British forces arrived to impose their presence in Selangor, they hammered the fort into little pieces, with the help of massive gunboat Rinaldo. Not much was left of the fort after the merciless pounding and today, all that remains for visitors to see are a few decrepit foundation stones and walls, along with some of the 68 cannons originally used for the fort’s defence.

Golf Courses

Selangor is a golf heaven. It boasts some of the most challenging fairways in the world. Night golfing is ever popular and green fees are relatively inexpensive. Caddies are friendly and affordable. Selangor was a host to the 1999 World Cup Golf Championship at the Mines Resort and Golf Club in November 1999.

 

BANGI GOLF RESORT
No 1, Persiaran Bandar,
43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor
Tel: 603 - 8925 3728
Fax: 603 - 8925 3726
Designer: Ronald Fream
Description: 18 holes, 6027m, par 72

BERINGIN GOLF CLUB
Lembah Beringin,
44110 Kuala KubuBahru,
Selangor
Tel: 603 - 6462 0023
Fax:603-64620026
Designer: Ted Parslow
Description: 18 holes, 5955m, par 72

BUKIT BERUNTUNG GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT CLUB
Lot 1994, Bandar Bukit Beruntung,
Mukim Serendah,
Hulu Selangor, Selangor
Tel: 603 - 608 1841
Fax: 603 - 608 1843
Designer: Instangreen Sdn Bhd
Description: 36 holes - East (6241m, par 72),
West (6271m, par 72)

BUKIT KEMUNING GOLF CLUB
Lot 031, Batu 7, Jalan Bukit Kemuning
42450 ShahAlam, Selangor
Tel: 603 - 8920 2888
Fax: 603 - 8920 2009
Designer: Dato' Ng Thian Hock
Description: 18 holes

BUKIT UNGGUL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Lot PT 2180,
2181 Mukim Dengkil Daerah Sepang,
Selangor
Tel: 603-8920 2888
Fax: 603 - 8920 2009
Designer: Ronald Fream
Description: 18 holes, 5374m, par 71 

KELAB GOLF NEGARA SUBANG
Jalan SS 7/2, Kelana Jaya,
47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 603 - 7876 0388
Fax: 603 - 7875 5267
Designer: S.I. Inouye, Tom Verify,
Bradford, Benz & Michael Poellet
Description: 36 holes -
Main Course (6326m, par 72),
New Course (5732m, par 72)

EMVILLE GOLF RESORT
P. 0. Box 97, Pejabat Post Bandar Baru Bangi
43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor
Tel: 603 - 850 1088
Fax: 603 - 850 2088
Designer: Bobby Lim
Description: 18 holes, 6247m, par 72

GLENMARIE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
No. 1, Jalan Kerjaya,
40000 ShahAlam, Selangor
Tel: 603-703 9090
Fax: 603 - 703 2728
Designer: Max Wexler
Description: 36 holes, par 72 -
Garden Course - 6432m
Valley Course - 6325m

KAJANG HILL GOLF CLUB
Lot 1917, off km 29, Jalan Semenyih
43500 Semenyih, Selangor
Tel: 603 - 703 9090
Fax: 603 703 - 2728
Designer: Bobby Lim
Description: 18 holes, 6247m, par72

KELAB GOLF SULTAN ABDULAZIZ SHAH
P. 0. Box 7267, 41)708 Shall Alam, Miaugui
Tel: 603-5519 1512/5510 5872
Fax:603-55105860
Designer: Thomson, Wolveridge & Associates
Description: 3x9 holes, par 36,
- President's Nine (3066m),
- Sultan's Nine (3095m),
- Alam Shah's Nine (3073m) 

 

KELAB GOLF SERI SELANGOR (PUBLIC GOLF COURSE)
Persiaran Damansara Indah,
off Persiaran Tropicana,
40701 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 603-706 1111/1666
Fax: 603 - 706 1777
Designer: Ross Watson
Description: 18 holes, 6304m, par 72

KELAB RAHMAN PUTRA
13 1/2 mile, Jalan Kuala Selangor,
Bukit Rahman Pntra, 47000 Sg Buloh, Selangor
Tel: 603-656 6870
Fax: 603 - 656 0280
Designer: YB Tun Ghafar Baba
Description: 4x9 holes, par 36 - 1st Nine (3111m),
2nd Nine (3036m),
3rd Nine (3027m),
4th Nine (3009m)

KELAB REKREASI UNIVERSITI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA
Locked Bag No 8, UKM, Bangi, Selangor
Tel: 603 - 8925 7685/1570/1575
Fax: 603 - 8925 0855
Designer: DL Golf Management Sdn Bhd
Description: 18 holes, 6150m, par 72

KELAB REKREASI TENTERA UDARA
Pengkalan Udara TUDM,
Subang, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor
Tel: 603 - 746 3200
Fax:603-7464415
Designer: Istijaya Sdn Bhd
Description: 18 holes, 6224m, par 72

KINRARA GOLF CLUB
Jalan Kinrara 6, Bandar Kinrara,
47100 Puchong, Selangor
Tel: 603 - 576 2100
Fax: 603 - 570 7822
Designer: E.H. Parslow & Roslee Muda
Description: 18 holes 

KOTA PERMAI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
No 1, Jalan 31/1 OOA, Kota Kemuning,
Section 31,40460 Shah Alam,Selangor
Tel: 603 - 522 3700
Fax: 603 - 522 3703
Designer: Ross Watson
Description: 18 holes, 6396m, par 72

KUNDANG LAKES COUNTRY CLUB
Km28, Jalan Kundang,
48020 Rawang, Selangor
Tel: 603 - 6034 2725
Fax: 603 - 6034 2729
Designer: Michael Coate
Description: 18 holes, 6333m, par 72

MONTEREZ GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
141, Jalan Merah Kesumba
U9/18, Seksyen U9,
40000 Shah Alam,
Selangor
Tel: 603-746 5989
Fax:603-7469864
Description: 18 holes, 5699m, par 71

PALM GARDEN GOLF CLUB
101 Resort,
62502 Putrajaya,
Selangor
Tel: 603 - 8948 7160
Fax: 603 - 8942 2844
Designer: Robbins & Associates International
Description: 27 holes, par 36 - Putra (2963m), Palm (3022m), 101 (2784m)

PERANGSANG TEMPLER GOLF CLUB
No 1, Jalan Ipoh-Rawang,
Km 20, Templer Park Resort.
48000 Rawang, Selangor
Tel: 603 - 6091 0022
Fax: 603 - 6091 0023
Designer: Instangreen
Description: 18 holes, 6227m, par 72

 

PORT KLANG GOLF RESORT
Lingkaran Sultan Hishamuddin,
Selat Klang Utara
42000 Port Klang, Selangor
Tel: 603-3176 1323
Fax: 603-3176 1324
Description: 18 holes, 6280m, par 72

SAUJANA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Saujana Resort Seksyen U2,
40150 Shah Alam
P.O. Box 8148. KelanaJaya,
46783 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 603 - 746 1466
Fax:603-7467818
Designer: Ronald Fream
Description: 36 holes, par 72.
Palm (6005m),
Bunga Raya (5870m)

SAUJANA 1MPIAN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
14th mile, Jalan Cheras,
43000 Kajang, Selangor
Tel: 603-8734 4195
Fax:603-87348133
Designer: Ross C Watson & Tze To Kok Yia
Description: 18 holes, par 72

SERENDAH GOLF LINKS
38 km, Jalan KL-Ipoh, Serendah
48200 Ulu Selangor, Selangor
Tel: 603 - 601 1077 / 78
Fax: 603 - 601 2612
Designer: Max Wexler
Description: 18 holes, 6294m, par 72

SUNGAI LONG GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Batu 11 1/4 miles. Jalan Cheras,
43000 Kajang, Selangor
Tel: 603-9075 2733
Fax:603-90764581
Designer: Jack Nicklaus
Description: 18 holes, 6415m, par 72

TASIK PUTERI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Bandar Tasik Puteri,
48000 Rawang, Selangor
Tel: 603 - 6034 4722
Fax: 603 - 6034 4723
Designer: Australian Golf Management
Description: 36 holes, par 72

TEMPLER PARK COUNTRY CLUB
Km 21, Jalan Rawang, 48000 Selangor
Tel: 603-6091 9617
Fax: 603 - 6091 9807
Designer: Masashi Ozaki & Kentaro Sato
Description: 18 holes, 6532m, par 72

THE MINES RESORT & GOLF CLUB
10 1/5 miles. Jalan Sg Besi,
43300 Sen Kembangan, Selangor
Tel: 603 - 8943 2288
Fax: 603 - 8943 9212
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr
Description: 18 holes, 6224m, par 71

TROPICANA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Jalan Kelab Tropicana, off Jalan Tropicana Utama, Persiaran Tropicana,
Tropicana Golf & Country Resort. 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 603 - 704 8888
Fax: 603 - 704 3688
Designer: Marsh Watson Pte Ltd
Description: 27 holes, par 72 - East (6162m), West (3060m)

UNIT GOLF UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA
Unit Golf, Bahagian Pembangunan UPM
43400 UPM Serdang,
Selangor
Tel: 603 - 8948 6101
Fax: 603 - 8943 3972
Description: 18 holes, 6332m, par 72

VALENCIA GOLF CLUB
Lot 4403, Main Road, 12th mile,
47300 Sg Buloh, Selangor
Tel: 603 - 656 0021
Fax:603-6569877
Designer; Sho Tobari
Description: 18 holes, 6388m, par 72