Selangor is the most populous and developed state in Malaysia and surrounds the capital, Kuala Lumpur. The state capital is Shah Alam while the royal town of Klang and the city of Petaling Jaya make up the main urban areas, and where most of the population resides. Most of the sites listed are within easy reach of KL and make for great day and weekend trips.
Photo: iStock
Batu Caves
This limestone cave complex houses one of the most famous Hindu temples outside India and was built in 1891 in honour of Lord Murugan. There are 272 steps which have recently been painted in vivid rainbow colours and it also has the tallest (42.7m) statue of Lord Murugan in the world. During the thanksgiving festival of Thaipusam, Batu Caves becomes the centre of the celebrations of with up to 1.5 million devotees attending. Take a walk up to Temple Cave and watch out for those (in)famous monkeys!
Photo: Unsplash
Sekinchan
While Kedah is known as the rice bowl of Malaysia, Selangor cultivates the crop too. An hour’s drive from KL is the town of Sekinchan, which was once a fishing village but is now known for its rice fields. The best time to visit is March to April, and September to October when the fields are a lush and that beautiful green only seen in tropics. There are seafood restaurants to try and rustic homestays that will give you a good idea of what kampung life is all about.
Photo: Tourism Malaysia
Broga Hill and Bukit Tabur
These two hills are very popular with local hikers and trail runners and are good for beginners as well as those looking for a challenge. Broga Hill is 400m above sea level and is a relatively easy climb that can be done in an hour or so. Go early and catch the sunrise. Bukit Tabur is more challenging and recommended for the more experienced hiker. Climbing permits are required – get them at the Selangor Forestry Department for RM5/person. Bukit Tabur is part of the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge, which is the largest quartz ridge in the world at 16km. There are three trails to choose from varying in difficulty so be sure to take the one that suits your abilities. Take a guide if you’re attempting the difficult trail.
Photo: Tourism Malaysia
FRIM
The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) is located within a Natural Heritage site spread over 545 hectares in Kepong and features a wide array of flora and fauna. While the canopy walk was officially closed in 2017, there are many other activities to enjoy, from bird watching and jungle walks to cycling around the park. There’s also a small waterfall, an insect house, herbal botanical garden and Rumah Terengganu, a kampung house made without the use of nails. For an afternoon in a tropical jungle within driving distance of KL, FRIM is a great place to bring the kids.
Photo: Tourism Malaysia
Sungai Chiling and Sungai Pisang
Head to these two rivers for some easy-to-moderate hiking through jungle sanctuaries. Drive to Kampung Sungai Rumput and trek for an hour or so along the river - be prepared to get wet. The reward at the end is the waterfall and a lovely picnic spot. Meanwhile, Sungai Chiling is known for being one of the best waterfalls to visit in Selangor and is located within the Sungai Chiling Fish Sanctuary run by Selangor State Fisheries Department. Head towards Kuala Kubu Baru, sign in at the park ranger post and pay a small entrance fee go. Hikers must cross the Chiling River six times so wear the correct footwear (old sneakers), waterproof your gear and bring a change of clothes. Allow five to six hours for this hike including spending time at the falls. Be aware that the river rises during the rainy season so always check the weather and check in with the ranger post.
Photo: Time Out Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Kubu Bharu
The district capital of the Hulu Langat district, Kuala Kubu Baru (the locals call it ‘KKB’) is a small town with a curious history. A former mining town, it was the scene of frantic battles during the Selangor Civil War involving Malay chiefs and later, Chinese secret societies. Visitors these days head here to visit the Sungai Selangor dam, try local kopitiams (coffee houses) and typical Hainanese cooking, and begin hikes to Sungai Chiling or Bukit Kutu. And don’t forget to try the famous kaya puffs from the Teng Wun bakery which has been in operation for almost 40 years so they must be doing something right!
Photo: Tourism Malaysia
Kuala Selangor
Kuala Selangor is a quaint fishing village located at a river estuary. Visitors come here for the firefly trips and to indulge in cheap, fresh seafood. Firefly numbers have sadly fallen over the years, but it’s still possible to book a tour – opt for the sampan (small wooden boat) version. There are several seafood restaurants to choose from and they’re all the plastic chair, tattered tablecloth variety but it’s not about the décor, it’s about the crabs, prawns, squid and fish! Stop at the historical town of Bukit Melawati on the way and visit Kota Melawati, a 16th century fort built by the Malacca Sultanate and the famous lighthouse built in 1907, which still guides ships navigating the Straits of Malacca. There’s also a museum (free entrance) and be sure to look out the silver leaf monkeys and their golden babies who roam freely around the hill.
Photo: Joyce Koh/Time Out Kuala Lumpur
Klang
Klang was once the capital of Selangor and grew with the tin mining industry – visit the Tin Museum for an insight into the history of the town. The Klang Heritage Walk is a great way to see the main historical sites in the old part of the town. These include the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery, Royal Klang Club, Klang Fire Station, Church of our Lady of Lourdes and the Tengku Kelana Indian Muslim Mosque. The walk is held on weekends and led by an English-speaking guide, takes 2.5 hours to complete and is around 3km. Go to the Sultan Aziz Royal Gallery to register at 9am for a 9.15am start. Bak Kut Teh is the de facto dish of Klang, but there is more to this town than this herbal pork soup. Seafood and typical local coffee shops are a big draw too.
Photo: Tourism Malaysia
Morib and Tanjung Sepat
Here’s some interesting history trivia - the unassuming coastal town of Morib was where Allied forces were to conduct a large amphibious landing towards the end of WWII as part of Operation Zipper with the aim of recapturing Port Swettenham and/or Port Dickson. When Japan surrendered, the operation changed course and there’s a monument commemorating this here. The beach is popular with day trippers but if you’re imagining clear water and sunset cocktails, it’s not that kind of beach. Tanjung Sepat is a small, quiet fishing village and what small-town Malaysia is all about – food, fishing boats and truly random sights like Chinese wine bottles stacked to look like the Twin Towers… oh, and there’s fresh, well-priced seafood too.
