Must-Visit Heritage and Historic Destinations in Selangor

August and September are the months for Malaysians to remember the history of Malaysia. It is good for sightseers to visit places with historical concepts, taking lessons from various stories and past events as guidance towards a more harmonious life. There are numerous such historical places in the Districts of Kuala Langat, Klang, Kuala Selangor, Hulu Langat and Hulu Selangor. Therefore, take the opportunity to visit the historical places in the state of Selangor with your family and loved ones at your convenience.

1) ISTANA BANDAR JUGRA, KUALA LANGAT
Originally, Istana Bandar was the Administrative Centre of the Selangor Government for more than 100 years.

Almost all castle structures are made of brick and lime, the doors and stairs are from cengal wood. The design of the building is a mix of local and British colonial art. Presently, Istana Bandar is utilised as a Royal Gallery or “living museum” to be visited by tourists. It is also used as a centre for Quran studies by the Malaysian Islamic Organisation. Admission is free and is open daily.

For more information, email: info@heritage.gov.my

2) BUKIT MALAWATI, KUALA SELANGOR
Bukit Malawati was the war headquarters during the administration of the Selangor Sultanate in the 18th century where there were battles between the Dutch, Johor and Riau.

The journey from Shah Alam to Bukit Malawati takes an hour. You can enjoy the mesmerizing scenery of Kuala Selangor during sunrise and sunset. Apart from that, you may come across friendly “Silver Leafed” monkeys where visitors can actually feed them. A tram service is available to tourists on weekends. Admission is free, while fare for the tram ride at Bukit Malawati is only RM3 for adults and RM2 for children (3-12 years old). The operation hour is from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm on weekends and public holidays only.

For more information, email: ydp@mdks.gov.my (Kuala Selangor District Council)

3) ROYAL KLANG TOWN, KLANG
Known as one of the oldest towns in Malaysia, Klang is rich in history, traditions and customs. The town originated on the south bank of the Klang River, which was known around the world for producing tin as early as the 15th century.

Klang became the capital of the Government before being transferred to Kuala Lumpur. Tourism Selangor has also introduced the Royal Klang Town Heritage Walk Tour Programme. The uniqueness of the Royal Klang Town can be experienced with visits to historical buildings and various shop lots where fortune telling services, paintings, Indian textiles weaving and many more can be found. Additionally, holidaymakers can shop for handicrafts at Jalan Tengku Kelana, aka Little India. Along the way, visitors can interact directly with the Klang community of various religions and races who are friendly and welcoming.

For more information, email: product@tourismselangor.my (Selangor Tourism District Council)

4) MORIB BEACH, KUALA LANGAT
The 3 km-long beach overlooking the Straits of Melaka, was an important historical site in the past.

In 1945, this beach was a symbol of the arrival of the British army during World War II to occupy Malaya and became a stronghold of the Japanese assault which signified the end of World War II in this region. Now, with an hour’s journey from Kuala Lumpur, this beach has become a place for recreational and relaxing activities, camping and many more.

For more information, email: mdkl.gov.my (Kuala Langat District Council)

5) KAJANG TOWN, HULU LANGAT
Kajang was the settlement of the Temuan tribe in the 1700s. Batin Seri Alam was a leader based in Kajang before his power was subdued by the Sultan of Johor because he was under the Johor colony at that time.

Located near Sungai Langat, Kajang Town has successfully developed over the years. Sungai Langat was strategic because it was the main trade route for the transportation of tin and rubber abroad such as to the Great Britain. Besides, Kajang is famous for its Satay Kajang which is favoured by all Malaysians.

For more information, email: leekimsin@gmail.com (Kajang Heritage Centre)
 
6) KUALA KUBU BHARU, HULU SELANGOR
Kuala Kubu Bharu was originally known as Kuala Kubu which was under the administration of the British Resident, namely Resident Frank Swettenham together with J.P. Rodger and Edward Maxwell.

Kuala Kubu became the gateway to the State of Pahang at that time. Due to a great flood, the British moved their administrative centre to Kuala Kubu Bharu on 6th May, 1931. Kuala Kubu was also the main gateway to send supplies to the British forces which was previously located in the former Old Market Town. Kuala Kubu Bharu has now become a comfortable and rapidly developing town. Furthermore, Kuala Kubu Bharu offers eco-tourism activities for enthusiasts of extreme sports such as paragliding, white water rafting and water tubing.

For more information, email: webmaster@mdhs.gov.my (Hulu Selangor District Council)
 
7) RAJA MAHADI TOWN, KLANG
Located not far from the Klang Municipal Council building, Kota Raja Mahadi was built by Raja Mahadi Bin Raja Sulaiman at the height of the Klang War in 1866.

The Klang War occurred due to the power struggle to rule the Klang District between Raja Mahadi and Raja Abdullah. However, over the years, the remaining building structure left is only the gate which became a landmark denoting the strength of the Raja Mahadi empire. Visitors can drop by near the Sultan Alam Shah Building to take pictures, including seeing the remains of this historical door found in Kota Raja Mahadi.

For more information, email: klang@selangor.gov.my (Klang District Office)

8) BANGUNAN TAN BOON CHIA, HULU SELANGOR
The Tan Boon Chia building is located in Rasa, Hulu Selangor which is an urban area known as a tin mining site that contributes to economic wealth.

This historical building was built in 1918 by a miner named Tan Boon Chia. The mansion has 51 rooms and served as the administrative headquarters of Malaya which was colonized by Japan during World War II. The building can now only be seen and photographed from the exterior. Guests can visit Bandar Rasa to enjoy some relaxing activities, too.

For more information, email: webmaster@mdhs.gov.my (Hulu Selangor District Council)
 
9) DUTCH HILL, KUALA SELANGOR
Known as the City of Ultrech in concurrence with the name of the Dutch ship used during the time King Haji Fisabilillah was defeated by the Dutch at Teluk Ketapang.

This hill was the first and most fortified Dutch fortress due to its strategic location which could spot enemies from afar. Nowadays, visitors can also stop by Dutch Hill to take photographs and enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere. The site is near Bukit Malawati.

For more information, email: ydp@mdks.gov.my (Kuala Selangor District Council)
 
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the history of any country is paramount for future generations. We must apply the pure value of unity to live a harmonious life. In addition, Tourism Selangor recommends domestic tourists to visit and learn from the stories of these historical places and preserve our customs and traditions. However, please do not neglect our responsibility to always comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus.