Located just west of one of Asia’s most popular destinations is an ancient Islamic empire, which, despite its impressive monuments, sees far fewer visitors.
Despite Kuala Lumpur’s popularity, drawing millions of tourists each year, very few venture on a short taxi ride from Malaysia’s bustling capital to the quaint waterside city of Klang. Situated on the Malacca Strait, which divides Malaysia and Indonesia, lies the often-overlooked yet historically rich Selangor Sultanate. Klang, the royal capital of the sultanate, boasts hidden gems such as the majestic Alam Shah Palace.
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Although the palace itself remains off-limits to visitors since it serves as the residence of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, the ninth ruler of the Selangor Sultanate, one can still admire its impressive gilded dome from a distance. Visitors can also embark on new walking tours of Klang’s heritage sites, which collectively narrate the history of the Selangor Sultanate’s rise following a royal assassination, its resistance against European colonizers, its influence on Malay history, and its significant role in the founding of Kuala Lumpur.
What is the Selangor Sultanate?
Selangor has a rich and intricate history that has shaped its current status. It remains a royal region governed by a sultan, yet it is also one of Malaysia’s 13 states. Malaysia itself operates as a constitutional monarchy similar to the United Kingdom and Canada, with a parliamentary democracy led by a king. The Malaysian monarch changes every five years, with the role rotating among the sultans from nine royal families, including that of Selangor.
The origins of the Selangor Sultanate are intertwined with migration, Dutch interference, and the assassination of a Malay ruler. In the late 17th century, Bugis people from Indonesia migrated to Selangor, seeking refuge from the Dutch, who had established colonies across Southeast Asia.
In 1699, the dominant power in the region, the Johor Sultanate, lost its monarch to assassination. This led to a decline in Johor’s influence and a subsequent power vacuum.
«The lack of a unifying ruler in Johor provided an opportunity for various ethnic groups that had migrated to the area—Bugis, Minangkabau—to establish their own states, often through intermarriage with local Malay elites,» explains Timothy Barnard, associate professor of history at the National University of Singapore.
The Bugis gradually expanded their power in the Malacca Strait and eventually founded the Selangor Sultanate in 1766.
What to do in Klang
Tourists can immerse themselves in the history of Selangor at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery in Klang. The gallery is situated in a historic colonial building dating back to the early 1900s and is personally curated by Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
Through a collection of paintings, maps, displays, and artifacts, visitors can learn how Selangor engaged in military, political, and trade conflicts with the Dutch, and how it established a mining region that eventually developed into Kuala Lumpur. However, the sultanate eventually succumbed to British colonial rule, which lasted over a century from 1824.
For a deeper exploration of this imperial heritage, tourists can join new English-language guided walks that take them through 11 key historical sites. These tours are set to be available regularly from June 2024.
Alternatively, visitors can embark on this heritage trail on their own using the map provided on Visit Selangor’s website. By following the trail, tourists can see notable landmarks such as the towering minarets of Tengku Kelana Indian Mosque, the bustling Little India market, the striking red-and-white exterior of the old Klang Fire Station, and the colonial charm of the Royal Klang Club.
An Instagram-famous mosque outside Klang
Selangor’s royal heritage extends beyond Klang, reaching into other districts such as Kuala Langat, located 10 miles south. There, visitors can marvel at the beautifully manicured gardens and intricate stonework of Jugra Palace, an official imperial residence dating back to the early 1900s.
In contrast, Selangor’s modern state capital, Shah Alam, offers visitors a glimpse into royal history at its expansive Sultan Alam Shah Museum and the nearby Shah Alam Royal Mausoleum. The museum, designed in the style of a traditional Minangkabau house, boasts almost 4,000 artifacts across five galleries. The mausoleum is a lush sanctuary where tourists can view the gold-adorned tombs of Selangor’s royal figures.
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However, Shah Alam’s most popular attraction is the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque, a striking 1980s structure renowned on social media for its visual appeal. Tourists are drawn to its giant azure dome, 466-foot-tall minarets, and elaborate geometric designs. Many are unaware that this stunning mosque is named after a ruler of the Selangor Sultanate.
Despite the intriguing history and unique walking tours offered in Klang, it is unlikely to become a major tourist destination anytime soon. The city’s hidden treasures continue to lie in the shadow of the ever-expanding skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur.
What to Know
How to get there: The royal capital of Klang is conveniently located just 40 minutes away from downtown Kuala Lumpur by taxi. Selangor’s state capital, Shah Alam, is situated roughly halfway between the two, making it easy to visit both cities.
What to see: In central Klang, visitors can explore the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery, which is open from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Where to stay: While Klang offers limited accommodation options, staying in Kuala Lumpur may be more convenient, as the city boasts some of the most affordable hotels in Asia for a large urban center. In Kuala Lumpur, you can find 5-star hotels with buffet breakfast included for $120 or less per night. Notable options include Park Royal Collection Kuala Lumpur, Ascott Star KLCC, and Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur Hotel.