Selangor Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scenes, where to stay, and more in Selangor, Malaysia. Learn the local culture, customs and safety tips for your next trip.


Introduction to Selangor

Selangor is a state located in the West Coast region of Malaysia, in Southeast Asia. It has a diverse mix of cultures, religions, and traditions that make it a fascinating place to visit. This state is home to many modern cities like Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, as well as natural wonders like waterfalls, caves, and mountains. With warm weather year-round, Selangor offers plenty of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and food experiences.

In this comprehensive travel guide for Selangor, we will take you on a journey to discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scenes, where to stay and more. Let’s dive in!

List of Places to Visit in Selangor

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Muzium Sultan Alam Shah – This museum showcases the history, culture, and heritage of Selangor. The exhibits include royal artifacts, traditional costumes, and old photographs.
  2. Royal Selangor Pewter Factory and Visitor Centre – This is the largest pewter manufacturer in the world, and visitors can tour the factory and see the craftsmen at work.
  3. Kanching Rainforest Waterfall – This 7-tier waterfalls are perfect for hiking, picnicking and swimming.

Natural Attractions of Selangor: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Batu Caves - A limestone hill that has a series of caves and cave temples. This famous site is home to many monkeys that you can feed.
  2. Kuala Selangor Nature Park – This mangrove forest reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including migratory birds and fireflies at night.
  3. The Chiling Waterfall – A popular hiking spot with adventurous travellers who love trekking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Selangor

  1. Bukit Tabur – This is a must-do for adventure seekers, with a climb that offers stunning views of the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge and Kuala Lumpur city skyline.
  2. Taman Negara – The Taman Negara rainforest offers different jungle trails suited for first-time hikers or seasoned trekkers.

Best Things to Do in Selangor: Activities and Tours

  1. Sunway Lagoon – A kid-friendly amusement park featuring multiple theme parks, water parks, and a wildlife zoo.
  2. Sepang International Circuit – where dozens of motorsport enthusiasts come to experience the thrill of high-speed laps.
  3. Jugra Hill – This hill is a popular paragliding spot. Visitors can enjoy the view from the top or sign up for a paragliding experience.

Week-Long Itinerary for Selangor

Here is a week-long itinerary for Selangor:

  • Day 1: Visit Batu Caves and Royal Selangor Pewter Factory and Visitor Centre.
  • Day 2: Head to Kuala Selangor Nature Park for a river and firefly tour.
  • Day 3: Visit Muzium Sultan Alam Shah, located in Shah Alam city.
  • Day 4: Go hiking at Bukit Tabur.
  • Day 5: Visit Kanching Rainforest Waterfall and enjoy a picnic.
  • Day 6: Go on a paragliding adventure at Jugra Hill.
  • Day 7: Explore the cityscape of Kuala Lumpur and enjoy some shopping at a mall.

Food and Drink Scene of Selangor

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Nasi Lemak – This is a popular Malaysian breakfast dish made with coconut milk rice, chicken curry, sambal, and fried anchovies.
  2. Satay – A grilled skewered meat of chicken, beef or lamb, served with spicy peanut sauce.
  3. Bak Kut Teh – A Chinese pork soup dish usually served with rice.

Local Beverages

  1. Teh Tarik – A milk tea drink is poured back and forth between two glasses to create froth and served hot or cold.
  2. Air Batu Campur – A sweet, refreshing dessert made of shaved ice, red beans, corn, grass jelly, and syrup.

Where to Stay in Selangor: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Awana Genting Hotel – nestled amidst the foothills of Genting Highlands, offering stunning views of the surrounding lush greenery.
  2. Hilton Petaling Jaya – Conveniently located near the city area of Petaling Jaya.

What to Buy in Selangor: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Pewter products – Made famous by the Royal Selangor brand, these pewter items make for unique, high-quality souvenirs.
  2. Batik – Hand-drawn, designed and painted fabrics that make up, many of Malaysia’s traditional outfits.

Local Culture and Customs of Selangor

The state’s culture and customs are a mixture of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. Malays and Muslims form the majority in Selangor and observe a high level of Islamic tradition. It’s considered polite to remove your shoes before entering a home or mosque. While visiting religious sites, like Batu Caves and mosques, visitors are expected to dress modestly. Individual photoshoots are not allowed during prayer time.

Best Time to Visit Selangor

The climate in Selangor is generally warm and humid throughout the year, with an average temperature of 27-32 °C. The best time to visit is between September and February when rainfall decreases slightly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Selangor

Do:

  1. Dress modestly while visiting religious sites like Batu Caves.
  2. Try the local cuisine, like nasi lemak and satay.
  3. Learn basic Malay phrases to communicate with the locals better.

Don’t:

  1. Show public affection.
  2. Disrespect religious rules and customs.
  3. Leave valuable items unattended in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Selangor

Selangor is a relatively safe state to visit, but visitors should take standard precautions to prevent petty theft, such as pickpocketing and snatch theft. It’s advisable to avoid less crowded areas at night.

Health in Selangor

Before travelling, visitors should get vaccinated against common diseases such as Hepatitis A&B, Cholera, and Typhoid. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, zika, and chikungunya are common in Malaysia, so it’s advisable to apply insect repellent to prevent being bitten.

Getting to Selangor: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Selangor

  1. Kuala Lumpur International Airport - Malaysia’s busiest and most significant airport, located in the Sepang district in Selangor.
  2. Subang Airport - a smaller airport handling some passenger flights and private jets.

Bus Stations Near Selangor

  1. Terminal Bersepadu Selatan - the main bus terminal in Kuala Lumpur, located in Bandar Tasik Selatan, Southern KL.
  2. Terminal Bas Klang Sentral - a newly opened bus terminal in Klang that serves local and long-distance buses.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel by train to Selangor, with KTM Komuter operates train services within the state.

How to Get Around in Selangor

Visitors can use public transport like buses, commuter trains, and taxis to get around Selangor. Alternatively, hire a car to explore the attractions and hidden gems.

Where to Go Next from Selangor: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Malacca – well known for its rich history and historic sites, including St. Paul’s Hill and the A Famosa Fortress.
  2. Langkawi - Crystal clear waters, pristine beaches and offering duty-free shopping.

Conclusion

Selangor is a destination that offers an excellent blend of culture, nature, and adventure. There are plenty of attractions and activities to suit all types of travellers, including hiking, cultural attractions, and delicious food. Plan your next trip to Selangor for an unforgettable experience.

The placid Klang River, flowing through Klang The placid Klang River, flowing through Klang


    Klang
    Kuala Selangor
    Port Klang
    Pulau Ketam
    Sepang
    Subang Jaya