Introduction:

Selangor is a state in Malaysia, located in the central region of Peninsular Malaysia. With its strategic location, Selangor is a fastest developing state in the region, with the highest population of 4.7 million people comprising of 41% Malays, 37% Chinese, 19% Indians and 3% others. Selangor is also the richest and most industrialized state among others in Malaysia.

Selangor’s first capital, Kuala Selangor was established in 1766.

Selangor is the place to visit as it encompasses a range of attraction to fulfill the desires of its visitors. With its rich cultural heritage, naturally beautiful landscapes and surrounding, outdoor activities as well as a wide selection of shopping centre to invade, tourists will be spoilt for choice. Amidst the hustle and bustle of development, Selangor still retains its natural beauty which still attracts people around the world.

There are just too many things to do in Selangor that will require you to spend more time into exploring the wonders of the beautiful state. Get yourself ready, have a plan on what you want and visit Selangor to be blown away by the surprises that is waiting to be explored.



Heritage & History:

Selangor was associated with tin and ore mining activities since the past. And Selangor’s history dates back to more than 2,000 years back with Klang being in existence long before Parameswara’s discovery of Malacca.

Klang was mentioned in many historical documents such as the Chinese’s maritime map who accompanied Admiral Cheng Ho, the Portuguese apothecary and writer Tomes Pires mentioned about a tin mining place called “Calam”.

The Klang river was a huge mode of transportation of tin mines from Selangor and the maritime trade flourished because of the existence of the Klang river.



Capital of Selangor and the influence of the Bugis in Selangor:

The history of the Bugis influence in Selangor started way back in 1722 when the five Bugis Brothers, named Daeng Perani, Menambung, Merewah, Chelak and Kemasi assisted Raja Sulaiman to oust Raja Kechil. Raja Sulaiman was crowned the ruler of Johor-Riau with the name of Sultan Sulaiman Badrul Shah, and Daeng Merewah was elevated to the position of Yam Tuan Muda (Crown Prince).

Raja Lumu is the son of Daeng Chelak, who succeeded his brother, Daeng Merewah as the crown prince of Johor-Riau. In 1766, Raja Lumu established Kuala Selangor and became the first Sultan of Selangor.

Raja Lumu built a fort strategically placed on a hill in Kuala Selangor and named it Kota Melawati. The fort was used for Selangor’s defense.

The Dutch conquered the fort in 1784 and renamed it Fort Altingsburg, but soon after was recaptured by Sultan Ibrahim on the 28th June 1785.



A Progressive State:

With the growing demand of rubber and tin, Selangor began thriving on its massive resources available and soon grew to become an influential political power in the region around the 18th century.

Power struggle soon occurred and caused the economy to be unstable when the British arrived. The Sultan of Selangor was forced to accept a British Resident in 1874 and right after that, Selangor was brought to the road of prosperity by becoming a part of the Federation of Malaya and in 1963, the Federation of Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur was handed over to the Federal Government in 1970. And in 2002, Putrajaya became a part of the Federal Territory.

Being declared a developed state on the 25th August 2005, Selangor continues to grow and thrive while maintaining its beauty as a wonderful state.



Historical Attraction:

Located 32km to the west of the capital city of Malaysia lies a royal town by the name of Klang, where trade began in Selangor.

Klang is the place to visit if you are interested in seeing heritage sites and know more about the history of Selangor. Drop by the Bandar Palace, the Sultan Abdul Samad Mausoleum, Raja Mahadi Fort and the Shah Alam Palace and be amazed by the history that is well-kept in these places.

Also do drop by Gedung Raja Abdullah, where it was once used to store weapons, tin and food supply. In 1874, it was converted into a government office. And now, it is converted into a tin museum. And on the way, look out for the Klang Fire Station that was built in 1974.

Another interesting historical site in Selangor is none other than Kuala Selangor, where the ruling of the state started.

For starts, Melawati Hill should be on your list as it is a host of many historical attraction such as the ‘Itching Well’ which was used to torture enemies. The enemies were forced to submerge themselves in the well filled with ‘poison’ or what we know it as latex and bamboo shoots that it becomes unbearable for them and they would speak up.

Besides that, an execution block can be found there. It is made out of a black, solid stone about 1.5 metre by 1.2 metre.

Meriam Penggawa (Guardian Cannon) in the Royal Masouleum was wrapped in yellow cloth. And as the legend goes, if it is not covered by the yellow cloth, it will fire on its own.



Conclusion:

Selangor is a colourful state, housing a variety of history and modern cultures and practices. A place that reflects the Malaysians as one, and a true standing testimony of time that racial harmony is indeed possible. It is also a place where most Malaysians from all over the country flock to, in search for a better future.

All in all, Selangor is a beautiful place to visit. Transportation around the state, especially the city area is well-connected. But if you want to visit sites that are away from the city, there are many tours available to cater to your needs.