On the shores of the Straits of Malacca, Selangor is the richest state in Malaysia and surrounds the bustling capital city of Kuala Lumpur. Selangor is often dubbed the ‘heart of modern Malaysia’ and is loaded with signs of fast development as well as with tin mines and oil-palm and rubber plantations.
Sha Alam is the capital of the province, built in the 1960s as part of a program to set up new urban areas to counterbalance the influence of Kuala Lumpur. It does not have a lot of tourist interest apart from the Shah Alam State Mosque and its aluminum dome. Nearby, climbers will enjoy the popular Bukit Takum rock climbing spot.
Highlights of the province include the magnificent Batu caves, Klang Valley and its historical interests and Templer Park with its jungle streams and trekking excursions. The forest reserve of Hutan Kanching with its stunning waterfalls and Gedung Raja Abdullah, the former capital of Selangor, provide other diversions.
The fort of Melawati hill, built in the 18th century, is also an intersting place to go, as is Serendah International Orchid Park. To have some fun head to the state’s recreational parks: Sunway Lagoon in Petaling Jaya and Mimaland, a recreational resort 18kms (11 miles) northeast of Kuala Lumpur, are the best, with the latter featuring the largest pool in Southeast Asia.
Being the most economically developed Malaysian state, Selangor is loaded with transportation facilities. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is easily accessed and serves flights to destinations around the globe.