Selangor Culture and Heritage, Malaysia

Bandar Palace

The stately Bandar Palace is located in the historical town of Jugra, near the southern coast of Selangor. In the past, when Jugra was the seat of ancient kings, Bandar Palace was the venue to entertain prominent dignitaries and foreign emissaries.

Built in the early 20th century and inspired by the fifth Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Alauddin Shah, the palace boasts exquisite woodcarvings that enhance its magnificent marble structure.

This remarkable edifice has 15 huge rooms and a lush garden, a great contrast to its humble surroundings.

Nearby is the historical Sultan Alauddin Mosque, boasting graceful domes with interesting display of Islamic architecture.

Royal Mausoleum

Situated atop one of the several hills in Jugra, the Royal Mausoleum of Sultan Abdul Samad is a combination of various architectural styles including Western Classical and Indo-Muslim.

Built in 1898, this mausoleum commands a scenic view of the surrounding countryside. Here, the fourth Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Abdul Samad and other members of the past royal family were laid to rest.

Melawati Hill

Melawati Hill is located in the coastal town of Kuala Selangor, a 30-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur. In the late 18th Century, the second Sultan of Selangor had a fortress constructed on Melawati Hill to protect the state from intruders.

The hill provided a vantage point to monitor ships in the Straits of Malacca. Even with a strategic hold, the Melawati Fort yielded to the Dutch cannons.

It was again destroyed during the Selangor Civil War, when warring factions fought for tin-rich lands. All that remains of the fort now are its cannons, its original foundation stones and fabled execution block. The landscaped hill offers a panoramic view of the Selangor coastline.

Visitors will be delighted to watch the free-roaming Silverleaf Monkeys in the area. The adults are dark-haired with a tinge of silver, while the young ones are a bright orange. Gentle and adorable, they graciously wait for bread or fruits from visitors, unlike the mischievous Long Tail Macaques.

Other attractions here are a lighthouse, a royal mausoleum and a quaint rest house.

The Blue Mosque

The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque in Shah Alam is one of the most stunning structures in the country. Commonly referred to as the 'Blue Mosque', it boasts the tallest minarets in the world.

As visitors approach the mosque, the awe-inspiring blue dome welcomes them. Decorative Islamic calligraphy dominates the edges surrounding the dome and main prayer hall, while the interior architecture exhibits ethnic Malay design elements.

Sunlight filtering through the blue stained glass of the mosque renders a bluish ambience to its interior, evoking a sense of peace and serenity.

Garden of Islamic Art
Overlooking the Blue Mosque, the Garden of Islamic Arts is a beautifully landscaped park inspired by the Quranic Garden of Paradise. Covering 14 hectares, this spiritual sanctuary houses nine galleries that exhibit a rich array of Islamic arts such as calligraphy, sculptures, paintings and architecture. Occasionally traditional Islamic performances are held here.

Sultan Alam Shah Museum

Situated in the heart of Shah Alam, the Sultan Alam Shah Museum is a commanding blue-roofed building that showcases some of the finest exhibitions in the country.

Entering the museum, visitors will be enveloped by the grandeur of Selangor's bygone era. Some of its treasured artefacts are the royal regalia of the affluent Selangor Sultanate as well as the relics of the British era.

Batu Caves

Located in a limestone outcropping 15 km north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Selangor.

This famous destination draws people from all over the world during the annual Hindu festival, Thaipusam. It consists of three big caves, including the main temple-cave which features ornate Hindu shrines.

Scaling the 272 steps leading up to the temple is one of the highlights of a visit to Batu Caves. Nearby is the Ramayana Cave where evocative scenes of Indian epic myths are artistically painted along its walls. This massive limestone hill is also a popular spot for rock climbing.

Little India

For those in search of unique buys, head to Klang to browse through its bustling 'Little India'.

Here, amidst the pre-war shop houses, visitors will find a vibrant community that has preserved its distinct way of life.

Discover a profusion of authentically Indian items such as colourful saris, an assortment of sweetmeats, aromatic spices, exotic fragrances and dazzling adornments.

Homestays

Experience the traditional Malay lifestyle in the state's rustic and peaceful villages. Homestays offer the unique opportunity of living amongst the friendly villagers, while enjoying their unhurried lifestyle and colourful culture.

These closely-knit communities undertake many interesting tasks collectively. Join them as they celebrate a kenduri, or feast, or participate in a traditional wedding ceremony.