Once served as the capital for the state of Selangor, Klang is a charming city that many of us overlook since it is often overshadowed by other major urban centres like Shah Alam, Subang Jaya and Petaling Jaya, besides being some distance away from Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur.
After undergoing the fifth edition of the Eat Travel Write (ETW 5.0) programme organised by the Selangor State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) – in collaboration with Tourism Selangor, Klang Municipal Council and Gaya Travel Magazine – I finally become more aware that Klang offers a wide variety of high potential tourism attractions that deserve more attention among local and foreign travellers.
Transportation: For locals, you may drive to Klang as the city is located approximately 39 minutes from Kuala Lumpur and it is also well connected to major highways. Foreigners, on the other hand, are encouraged to take the train or bus from Kuala Lumpur directly to Klang.
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Things to do?
Learn about Klang’s history through Royal Klang Heritage Walk
One of the participants donning herself a saree at Chennai Silk.
Participating in a guided walk is certainly the best way to learn and understand the city’s history better. Jointly organised by Tourism Selangor Sdn. Bhd. and Klang Municipal Council, the Royal Klang Heritage Walk provides visitors the privilege to witness various Klang landmarks including the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Royal Gallery, which is one of the prettiest colonial buildings in the city; and Klang’s first and oldest financial institution, the former Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, which is now stands as an Indian boutique. Besides, be sure to eye on the myriad items sold along Tengku Kelana Street (Little India) such as brassware, textile, gemstones, spices and herbs. Located some distance away from Little India is the Indian Muslim Mosque Tengku Klana, built to cater the Indian Muslim community in the city. Lastly, the guided walk ends at Gedung Raja Abdullah, the oldest two-storey building in Selangor.
Participation fee: Free
Contact: +6 03 3375 5555 ext. 1013/1235 (Klang Municipal Council Tourism Department) / product@tourismselangor.my
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GPS: 3.041755, 101.449210
Be awed by the grandeur of Istana Alam Shah
Alam Shah Palace
Have you ever wondered how it feels like to step into a real palace? Well, I always try to step into one whenever I travel. Fortunately, the tour inside Istana Alam Shah during ETW 5.0 grants me the chance to tick this item off my bucket list.
Before being demolished and replaced with the current Istana Alam Shah, the site used to be home of Mahkota Puri Palace, which was built in 1889 and became the official residence of Sultan Alauddin Suleiman Shah until he passed away. Istana Alam Shah today serves as the official palace of Sultan Selangor where His Royal Highness carries his official duties and responsibilities as Sultan. It is also used as a venue for ceremonies involving the Selangor royalty.
The tour provides travellers to Klang an additional spot to visit, besides the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Royal Gallery, to understand more about the Selangor Sultanate. Thus, visitors may have the access to visit some parts of the palace including Balairung Seri, Balai Dewan Di-Raja, Balai Santapan Diraja and Balai Pengampunan.
Do take note that walk-in visits are not permitted. Interested travellers and groups who want to visit Istana Alam Shah needs to make written request via e-mail prior to visiting the palace. Tours are only available on Tuesday and Thursday, every week.
Contact: +6 03 3371 3411 (Administration office) / psultanselangor@yahoo.com
GPS: 3.036099, 101.448729
Indulge in the unique local lifestyle of the quaint Pulau Ketam
Dried shrimp and seafood at Pulau Ketam
Those that wish to slow down their pace and step away from the bustling city atmosphere, Pulau Ketam is definitely the place to be. This car-free island is located off the coast of Malaysia’s busiest container port, Port Klang, and home to a Chinese fishing community, with houses perching casually on wooden stilts. Several hotels (one of them is Sea Lion Hotel) are operating on the island to give travellers the opportunity to stay overnight to learn and taste the authentic local lifestyle. Not only that, Pulau Ketam is also dubbed as a seafood paradide renowned for fresh prawns, fish and crabs. Pulau Ketam is worth to visit because it is free from air and sound pollution, traffic congestion and bustling crowd.
Getting there: The only best way to reach the island is by boat from Port Klang ferry terminal. Alibaba Pulau Ketam Cruises provides boat rides to Pulau Ketam at the cost of MYR18 for return trip. The boat is equipped with indoor air-conditioned cabin and open-air upper deck. Visit www.alibabcruises.com to learn more.
What and where to eat?
Banana Leaf Rice at Yap Kee Coffee
Banana Leaf Rice at Yap Kee Coffee
Banana leaf rice is considered one of the staple dishes of residents in Klang Valley. Travellers coming to Klang could get their chance to savour this tasty menu at Yap Kee Restaurant. Do not get confused with the restaurant’s name as it is shared by two food businesses: coffeeshop and banana leaf rice. Traveller should come early because this restaurant usually receives a huge crowd of diners, especially during lunch hour.
Must try: The flavourful banana leaf rice, which consists of fried chicken or mutton, vegetable and curry gravy. Top it off with the thirst-quenching air kedondong (ambra juice with dried sour plum).
Operation hours: 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
GPS: 3.044342, 101.448763
Lontong Klang
Lontong Klang
Selangor’s royal town is also well known for its Indonesian cuisine called lontong (pressed rice served with peanut sauce and curry soup). Many of us would not mind driving all the way from our place, within Klang Valley, to Emporium Makan (situated nearby Pasar Jawa), just to have our breakfast at Lontong Klang. Although there are already a few Lontong Klang branches in Shah Alam and Bukit Tinggi, it is best to have it at the Klang flagship branch to taste the lontong at its most authentic.
Must try: Lontong spesial (with the addition of squid and fried egg); and nasi lemak (fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf).
Operation hours: 7.00 a.m. till 11.00 a.m. daily. Closed on the third Monday of the month.
GPS: 3.049592, 101.447386
Chong Kok Kopitiam
Myriad of palatable dishes including roti telur goyang (soft-boiled egg on toast), chee cheong fun (rice noodle roll) and aromatic coffee served at Chong Kok Kopitiam.
If you are a fan of traditional Hainanese food and keen to have the best one in Klang, simply head to Chong Kok Kopitiam, which is a 76-year-old Hainanese coffeeshop located close to the Klang train station (KTM) and currently one of the extremely popular breakfast spots in the city. It is an interesting sight to see Malaysians of all races and backgrounds gather here for breakfast before starting their day.
Must try: Roti telur goyang (soft-boiled egg on toast); nasi lemak; and aromatic coffee.
Business hours: 7.00 a.m. till 6.00 p.m. (Monday to Saturday) and 7.00 a.m. till 2.00 p.m. (Sunday)
GPS: 3.042954, 101.449504
Claypot Asam Pedas Pak Andak
Spicy asam pedas served at Clyapot Asam Pedas Pak Andak.
As the name suggests, Claypot Asam Pedas Pak Andak serves up the delectable asam pedas (sour and spicy fish or meat stew dish in light gravy). On top of that, the one item that makes this family-run business become more popular is the telur berlada (a Malaysian fusion spicy scrambled egg) cooked in various forms. As bonus, most of the dishes here are cooked once the order has been made to ensure the freshness of their food.
Must try: Asam pedas ikan pari (sour and spicy stingray cooked in light gravy); nasi goreng telur berlada meletup (fried rice cooked with spicy scrambled egg); cucur ikan bilis (anchovy fritters); roti canai telur goyang (Indian flat bread served with soft-boiled egg); and signature drinks.
Operation hours: 12.00 p.m. till 2.00 a.m. (Daily)
GPS: 3.041251, 101.459816
Warung Pak Din, Taman Palm Grove
ABC Tembikai at Warung Pak Din in Taman Palm Grove.
Located between two bungalows at the intersection of Jalan Ladang and Jalan Pinang, Warung Pak Din is a humble stall that you wouldn’t want to miss when visiting Klang. It has been operating since 1975 as a tiny stall nearby and has evolved into a roofed eatery allowing visitors to comfortably enjoy their evening with a sip of refreshing coffee or tea and over 50 sweet and savoury traditional delicacies. Once you try some of the eatery’s specialties, you definitely want to return for more.
Must try: Cheesy curry puff; goreng pisang (banana fritter); ABC Tembikai Palm Grove (milky shaved ice served with watermelon).
Operation hours: 11.00 a.m. till 6.00 p.m. daily. Closed every Friday.
GPS: 3.028551, 101.432916
Restoran Sate Famili (Sate Sidek)
Restoran Sate Famili (Sate Sidek) offers one of the best satays in Klang.
Satay (grilled small pieces of meat on skewers) is a top favourite among Malaysians. I have tasted various satays and finally discovered Restoran Sate Famili as one of the restaurants that serve the best satay in Klang Valley. Most diners coming here will opt for nothing but their juicy and flavourful satay, usually for supper.
Must try: Chicken, meat and tripe satay; cendol (shaved ice with dark green pulpy dish of rice flour, coconut milk and areca sugar syrup); and mini nasi lemak.
Operation hours: 3.00 p.m. till 11.00 p.m. (Monday – Saturday). Closed every Sunday.
Watch our ETW5.0 journey exclusively, here.
Filed in: Eat.Travel.Write / ETW
