August and September are special months for Malaysians, to remember the history of Malaysia. So, it’s good that we visit places with historical concepts and take lessons from various stories and past events as guidance towards a more harmonious future.
Did you know that there are many historical places in the Districts of Kuala Langat, Klang, Kuala Selangor, Hulu Langat and Hulu Selangor?
Take this opportunity to bring your family and loved ones to experience these amazing places and their stories!
1. Istana Bandar Jugra, Kuala Langat
Originally, Istana Bandar was the Administration Centre of the Selangor Government for more than 100 years.
Photo via Live Life Lah
Almost all the castle’s structures are made of brick and lime, while the doors and stairs are made out of cengal wood. The design of the building is a mix of local art and British colonial art.
Now, Istana Bandar is used as a Royal Gallery or “living museum” that can be visited by locals and tourists, and it is also used as a study center for the Quran by the Malaysian Islamic Organization. Admission is free and it is open daily!
2. Bukit Malawati, Kuala Selangor
Photo via mdks.gov.my
Bukit Malawati was the war headquarters during the administration of the Sultanate of Selangor in the 18th century, where there were fights between the Dutch with Johor and Riau. The journey will take you 1 hour from Shah Alam and you can enjoy the mesmerizing scenery of Kuala Selangor at sunrise and sunset.
Apart from that, you may find friendly “Silver Leafed” monkeys where visitors can actually feed them. There is also a tram service available for visitors on weekends.
Admission is free and the fee for the tram ride at Bukit Malawati is only RM3 for adults and RM2 for children that are 3-12 years old. It is open from 9 am to 6 pm on weekends and public holidays only.
3. Royal Klang Town, Klang
Klang is known as one of the oldest cities in Malaysia, rich in history, traditions, and costumes. The city originated on the south bank of the Klang River, which was known around the world for producing tin as early as the 15th century.
Photo via Shutterstock
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 town heritage walk is unique as visitors can experience visits to historical buildings and various shop lots where there are fortune-telling services, paintings, Indian textiles weaving, and many more!
Visitors can also shop for handicrafts at Jalan Tengku Kelana, or also known as Little India. Along the way, you can also interact directly with the Klang community of various religions and races who are friendly and welcoming.
4. Morib Beach, Kuala Langat
Photo via Visit Selangor
The 3 km-long beach overlooking the Straits of Melaka, is an important historical site in the past. In 1945, the 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 the region.
With a one-hour long journey from Kuala Lumpur, this beach has become a place for recreational and relaxing activities, camping, and many more.
5. Kajang Town, Hulu Langat
Did you know that Kajang was the settlement of the Temuan tribe in the 1700s.
Photo via The Edge Markets
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 the time.
Close to Sungai Langat, Kajang City has successfully developed over the years. Sungai Langat was very important because it was the main trade route for the transportation of tin and rubber abroad such as to Great Britain. Apart from that, Kajang is also famous for its Satay Kajang which is favoured by every other Malaysian.
6. Kuala Kubu Baru, Hulu Selangor
Photo via The Star
Kuala Kubu Bharu was originally known as Kuala Kubu which was placed under the administration of the British Resident namely President Frank Swettenham 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 center to Kuala Kubu Bharu on 6 May 1931. It was also the main gateway to send supplies to the British forces which were previously located in the former Old Market Town.
It has now become a comfortable and rapidly developing city. Apart from that, Kuala Kubu Bharu offers many eco-tourism activities for fans of extreme sports such as paragliding, white water rafting, and water tubing.
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.
Photo via MNY Homestay Shah Alam
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 of the strength of the Raja Mahadi empire.
Visitors can stop at Kota Raja Mahadi near the Sultan Alam Shah Building to take pictures and see the remains of this historical door.
8. Bangunan Tan Boon Chia, Hulu Selangor
The Tan Boon Chia building is located in Rasa, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Hulu Selangor which is an urban area known as a tin mining site that contributes to wealth.
Photo via Free Malaysia Today
This historical building was built in 1918 by a miner named Tan Boon Chia. The building 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 outside and visitors can also visit Bandar Rasa to enjoy some relaxing activities.
9. Dutch Hill, Kuala Selangor
Known as the City of Ultrech in conjunction with the name of the Dutch ship used around the time King Haji Fisabilillah’s defeat by the Dutch in Teluk Ketapang.
Photo via Vision KL
This hill was also the first and most-fortified Dutch fortress because of its strategic location which enabled enemies to be seen from afar. Close to Bukit Malawati, visitors can also stop by and visit Dutch Hill to take pictures and enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere.
The history of the country is very important for future generations and Tourism Selangor recommends domestic tourists to visit and learn from the stories of these historical places and preserve our customs and traditions.
Pusing Selangor Dulu, guys!
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.
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
