Selangor is centrally located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Selangor is also known as Darul Ehsan. With a population of over four million residents, Selangor is said to be the richest and most industrialised of all Malaysian states. Selangor is the country's premier state with its huge resources, well developed communications network, industrial estates, and skilled manpower. It was declared as a developed state in the year 2005.
Kuala Lumpur was the capital of Selangor until it was made the federal capital in 1974. The state's appeal lies in its wide range of attractions: natural, man-made, historical and cultural. Most of these attractions are within close proximity to KL and can be covered within a few days. Shah Alam, a well-planned city and the capital of Selangor, is home to the country's first agro-forestry park at Bukit Cahaya. The sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque in the heart of Shah Alam is an architectural masterpiece.
With Port Klang, the largest port in Malaysia situated here, the state has since developed into a rapidly growing economy. The diverse economy is mainly based on tin, rubber, agriculture and tourism. As tin and rubber became prime commodities in the world market, Selangor's wealth grew, thus laying the foundation for activities, which thrusted the state into industrialization. Many of the country's largest industrial operations are found in the various industrial zones. They range from commercial activities to manufacturing, tourism, and industrial.
Once a prolific producer of tin-ore, Selangor today is renown for the world famous Royal Selangor Pewter. Pewter items are made from refined tin, antimony, and copper. Royal Selangor pewter is considered original and the best of its kind. Its factory, located in Setapak, is opened to public.
Selangor has a fascinating diversity of creeds, cultures, and races in its population. Malay, Chinese, and Indians mingle freely with other minorities such as the Eurasians. Home to more than 2.74 million, Selangor is also the most populated state in the country.
The Kuala Selangor Nature Park, a sanctuary for a myriad of migratory birds is the perfect place for bird-watching and outdoor activities like camping and jungle trekking. A few kilometres away at Kampung Kuantan one can watch the spectacular 'light' show of thousands of fireflies in a mangrove swamp at dusk. The Batu Caves, a well-known Hindu shrine located in a huge limestone outcrop outside KL, attracts a daily stream of visitors as well as thousands of devotees during the annual Thaipusam festival. The Forest Research Institute of Malaysia in Kepong provides the uninitiated an educational experience and a breathtaking view of a typical Malaysian forest from its canopy walkway amid the tree tops. Closer to KL, Selangor's premier theme park, the Sunway Lagoon, offers world-class recreational facilities for hours of family fun and excitement.
The climate of Selangor is tropical in nature with tepid, sunny days and cool nights all year round. The state receives irregular rainfall throughout the year with January and February receiving the most. The humidity levels are also high in this part of Malaysia.
Shopping in Selangor is an experience in itself. There are bustling "pasar malam" (night markets), bazaars, quaint little shops, department stores, and modern multifaceted shopping malls, each providing its own unique shopping experience.
Eating out will be no problem in Selangor. The state has evolved into a gourmet's paradise with its varied offerings of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and international cuisine. Selangor abounds with high classed restaurants of every imaginable cuisine. However, the cheapest and therefore most popular places are the roadside hawkers who offer a full range of local delicacies. The visitor may also find that coconut and sugarcane juices are great thirst quenchers, as well as easily available!
