History of Culture Tourism in Selangor

Selangor’s first capital, Kuala Selangor was established in 1766 which was later replaced by Kuala Lumpur.  In 1978, 4 years after Kuala Lumpur was incorporated into a Federal Territory, Shah Alam took over the reigns as the first planned city.

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, plan ahead on what you want to do and explore Selangor, be prepared to be blown away by the surprises that are waiting.

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.

The history of the Bugis influence in Selangor started way back in 1722 when the five Bugis Brothers set out to oust the then ruling Sultan, Raja Kechil and one of the brothers, Raja Sulaiman was crowned the ruler of Johor-Riau.  In 1766, one of the descendent, Raja Lumu established Kuala Selangor and became the first Sultan of Selangor.  He is also known to have a built a fort strategically placed on a hill in Kuala Selangor and named it Kota Melawati. The fort was used for Selangor’s defense.  Later in 1784, the Dutch conquered the fort and renamed it Fort Altingsburg, but soon after was recaptured by Sultan Ibrahim on the 28th June 1785.

Shah Alam Palance

Raja Mahadi Fort

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Located 32km to the west of the capital city of Malaysia lies the 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 learn 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 preserved in these places. Gedung Raja Abdullah, where it was once used to store weapons, tin and food supply is another interesting stop you should make while in Klang. In 1874, it was converted into a government office. And now, it is converted into a tin museum. And on the way there, be sure to 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.  Top of the list is Melawati Hill as it is a host of many historical attractions such as the ‘Itching Well’ which was used to torture enemies.  Those captured were forced to submerge themselves in the well filled with ‘poison’ or later we learn it was latex and bamboo shoots that made them unbearable.  It was often used to force information from the captives.

Besides that, some old relics can still be found here such as an execution block made out of a black, solid stone about 1.5 metre by 1.2 metre and a canon known as Meriam Penggawa (Guardian Cannon) in the Royal Masouleum which is always draped in yellow cloth. As the legend goes, if it is not covered by the yellow cloth, it will fire on its own.