Selangor

Cendana Klasik musicians, bridging the gap between two generations through their love and passion for cempuling music. Photo by Akugraphy.

Immerse in cultural tourism experience for a well-rounded trip to Selangor!

By Tourism Selangor on May 21, 20213 minutes read

The Malaysian state of Selangor is a melting-pot of cultures. Its ethnic diversity, history and gastronomy make it into a memorable travel destination. Travellers seeking a well-rounded and immersive travel experience should come to Selangor. As such, the following list has been put together by Tourism Selangor for travellers to “Dream Now, Travel Later” as a way to help them in coming up with ideas as they navigate their way around Selangor once the borders are open.

1. History and Heritage Appreciation

Participants will get to know the stories behind some of Klang’s heritage and iconic buildings during Royal Klang Heritage Walk Tour. Photo by lokalocal.

Selangor is rich with history and heritage that remain visible. The Royal Klang Heritage Walk Tour and Kajang Heritage Walk Tour Programmes are simply dedicated to take travellers to iconic and historical sites in Klang and Kajang towns. These tours are guided by local guides who truly know Klang and Kajang by heart. In addition, Selangor for the past few years has been hosting the Selangor International Indigenous Arts Festival to showcase the intriguing cultures of the aboriginal communities found in Selangor, including elsewhere . The much-anticipated annual event will resume once the pandemic subsides.

2. Home to Experiential Tourism

Homestay Sg Haji Dorani offers packages that include accommodation, breakfast, lunch and activities. Photo by Amierah Noor.

Experiential tourism is climbing in popularity as the land blessed with the best of both worlds: a perfect mix of urban meets vintage. City-dwellers in Selangor have the opportunity to escape their modern lives and opt for experiential packages offered by Homestay Sg Haji Dorani, Homestay Sg Sireh and Homestay Banghuris in the districts of Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor and Sepang, respectively. You will get to excitedly wallow in mud to catch catfish with your bare hands (yes you heard it right), or even learn to cook traditional dishes first-hand from the locals, including witnessing enchanting cultural and local art performances such as the barongan and silat, bringing you closer to an authentic cultural experience!

Also read: 10 Unique Things You Should Look For at Kampung Hulu Chuchoh, Kampung Hulu Teris & Kampung Bukit Bangkong in Sepang

3. Cruise-stop City/Village Tour

Mah Meri Dance — The captivating Mah Meri dance.

Port Klang, the gateway to Malaysia, is often chosen as a port-of-call among cruise ships. Close to the port is the Mah Meri Cultural Village where travellers can learn about one of Selangor’s aboriginal communities called Mah Meri, who are renowned for their exotic wooden handicrafts and cultural performances. Further into the heartland lies Shah Alam, the current capital of Selangor, which is home to the iconic Blue Mosque, the second largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

4. Gastronomic Delights

Warung Ibu serves her Nasi Ambeng in a tray full of bold flavours and love. Photo by Amirul Adzim.

Being one of Malaysia’s economic hubs that attract people from various places, Selangor is bursting with types of food hailed from many parts of Malaysia. Often being overlooked are Selangor’s own gastronomic delights that have been passed down through generations. Due to Selangor’s history as the land where migrants from other parts of the Malay archipelago settled and turned it culturally-diverse, the food offerings are rich in flavours! Be sure to try Pecal, a traditional Javanese salad that consists of vegetables topped with a mouth-watering peanut sauce; Nasi Ambeng, a Javanese-Malay dish consisting of chicken, fried noodles, and long beans as sides accompanied by white rice that served in a tray to be shared between three to five persons; and Wadai Kipeng, a dessert by Selangor’s Banjar community made from glutinous rice flour, coconut, palm sugar, granulated sugar and pandan leaves!

Also read: Eat Travel Write 7.0: The Regalement of Selangor

A visit to Selangor must be carried out with adherence to the SOPs. Tourists should download the “SElangkah: Langkah Masuk Dengan Selamat” mobile application and register accordingly. They are also urged to maintain social distancing, apply hand sanitisers regularly and wear face mask at all times when being in public places.

For more information on what Selangor has to offer, log on to Tourism Selangor’s official website.