Selangor
Selangor is often referred to as the gateway to Malaysia because the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the largest port in the country, Port Klang, are located in the capital of Selangor. The capital of Selangor is Shah Alam while the other larger towns are Petaling Jaya, Ampang and Klang. The country's capital city, Kuala Lumpur, used to be part of Selangor 20 years ago before it was made a Federal Territory. Similarly, Putrajaya, the country's administrative centre, was previously part of Selangor.
Selangor surrounds the capital city and is home to many city commuters who commute to neighbouring Petaling Jaya or KL. Moving at a slower pace, Selangor exudes a regal atmosphere as it is home to the country's most influential sultan. His palace stands high on a hill in the state capital of Shah Alam, overlooking his neat and carefully planned city.
Until just 25 years ago, what is now the state capital was just a rubber and palm oil plantation. But in the late 70s, a massive building programme spawned a well-developed infrastructure and a rapidly growing population.
Rich in history and culture, it is home to spiritual landmarks such as the Batu Caves and Malaysia’s very own Blue Mosque. The Batu Caves, which are carved out of limestones by Mother Nature, is home to a Hindu shrine which is the focal point for Malaysia's millions of Hindus. Located 15 km north of KL, the Hindu shrine comes alive every January or February when up to a million devotees flock to the shrine for the exuberant and colourful celebration of Thaipusam.
The Shah Alam Mosque, nicknamed the Blue Mosque for its blue aluminum dome covered with verses from the Quran, is Malaysia's largest mosque and can accommodate 24,000 worshippers. Its four minarets are the world's tallest at over 140 metres.
For more information on Malaysia, please log on these websites:
www.virtualmalaysia.com
www.tourism.gov.my
www.motour.gov.my
