Malaysia               Melaka               Selangor

Selangor also known by its Arabic honorific, Darul Ehsan, or "Abode of Sincerity" is one of the 13 states of Malaysia. It is on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is bordered by Perak to the north, Pahang to the east, Negeri Sembilan to the south and the Strait of Malacca to the west. It surrounds the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, both of which were once under Selangor's territorial sovereignty.

The state capital is Shah Alam, however the first city in Selangor, and the royal capital is Klang. Another major urban centre is Petaling Jaya which was awarded city status on 20 June 2006. Selangor is one of only two Malaysian states with more than one city; the other is Sarawak. Selangor has the largest city in Malaysia and it is growing rapidly due to modernisation in the Klang Valley.

The state of Selangor has the largest economy in Malaysia in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) with RM 128.815 billion (roughly USD 42 billion) in 2010 making up 23% of the total GDP of Malaysia. This state is also the most developed in Malaysia with good infrastructure such as highways and transport. The state also has the largest population in Malaysia, with a high standard of living and the state's poverty rate is the lowest in the country.

History

In the 15th century, Selangor was ruled by the Sultanate of Malacca. After the fall of Malacca to the Portuguese in 1511, the area became hotly disputed between the Portuguese, Johor, Aceh and Siam. When the Dutch displaced the Portuguese from Malacca in 1641, they brought in Muslim Bugis mercenaries from Sulawesi. They established the present hereditary sultanate in 1740. In many districts, Bugis settlers displaced the Minangkabau settlers from Sumatra, who had established themselves in Selangor some 100 years previously.^{[citation needed]}

In the 19th century, the economy boomed due to the exploitation of huge tin reserves and the growing importance of rubber. This attracted a large influx of Chinese migrant labourers. Chinese secret clan societies, allied with Selangor chiefs, fought for control of the tin mines. The increasing violence created social and economic havoc. It also opened a window of opportunity for the British government, which forced the Sultan of Selangor to accept a British Resident in 1874. Under the stability imposed by the British, Selangor again prospered. In 1896, largely through the co-ordination of the Resident, Frank Swettenham, Selangor united with Negri Sembilan, Perak and Pahang to form the Federated Malay States, with its capital in Kuala Lumpur.^{[citation needed]}

The Federated Malay States evolved into the Federation of Malaya in 1948, which became independent in 1957, and Malaysia in 1963. The city of Kuala Lumpur functioned as both the national capital of Malaysia and the state capital of Selangor. In 1974, Selangor relinquished Kuala Lumpur to the federal government.^{[citation needed]} The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Salahuddin, reportedly shed tears of sadness upon signing away Selangor's sovereignty over its beloved capital. To commemorate Selangor's sacrifice, the Sultan decreed that an archway be built on the borders of the new Federal Territory and Selangor; this archway is the Kota Darul Ehsan that now towers majestically over a section of the Federal Highway between Bangsar and Petaling Jaya. The state capital was moved to Shah Alam after the cession.

Putrajaya, a new city designed to be the new administrative capital of Malaysia, was built by the federal government in Selangor. Sultan Salahuddin was asked again to cede land to the federal government. Putrajaya became a federal territory in 2001.

Bandar Palace

The stately Bandar Palace is located in the historical town of Jugra, near the southern coast of Selangor. In the past, when Jugra was the seat of ancient kings, Bandar Palace was the venue to entertain prominent dignitaries and foreign emissaries.

Built in the early 20th century and inspired by the fifth Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Alauddin Shah, the palace boasts exquisite woodcarvings that enhance its magnificent marble structure.

This remarkable edifice has 15 huge rooms and a lush garden, a great contrast to its humble surroundings.

Nearby is the historical Sultan Alauddin Mosque, boasting graceful domes with interesting display of Islamic architecture.

Royal Mausoleum

Situated atop one of the several hills in Jugra, the Royal Mausoleum of Sultan Abdul Samad is a combination of various architectural styles including Western Classical and Indo-Muslim.

Built in 1898, this mausoleum commands a scenic view of the surrounding countryside. Here, the fourth Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Abdul Samad and other members of the past royal family were laid to rest.

Melawati Hill

Melawati Hill is located in the coastal town of Kuala Selangor, a 30-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur. In the late 18th Century, the second Sultan of Selangor had a fortress constructed on Melawati Hill to protect the state from intruders.

The hill provided a vantage point to monitor ships in the Straits of Malacca. Even with a strategic hold, the Melawati Fort yielded to the Dutch cannons.

It was again destroyed during the Selangor Civil War, when warring factions fought for tin-rich lands. All that remains of the fort now are its cannons, its original foundation stones and fabled execution block. The landscaped hill offers a panoramic view of the Selangor coastline.

Visitors will be delighted to watch the free-roaming Silverleaf Monkeys in the area. The adults are dark-haired with a tinge of silver, while the young ones are a bright orange. Gentle and adorable, they graciously wait for bread or fruits from visitors, unlike the mischievous Long Tail Macaques.

Other attractions here are a lighthouse, a royal mausoleum and a quaint rest house.

The Blue Mosque

The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque in Shah Alam is one of the most stunning structures in the country. Commonly referred to as the 'Blue Mosque', it boasts the tallest minarets in the world.

As visitors approach the mosque, the awe-inspiring blue dome welcomes them. Decorative Islamic calligraphy dominates the edges surrounding the dome and main prayer hall, while the interior architecture exhibits ethnic Malay design elements.

Sunlight filtering through the blue stained glass of the mosque renders a bluish ambience to its interior, evoking a sense of peace and serenity.

Garden of Islamic Art
Overlooking the Blue Mosque, the Garden of Islamic Arts is a beautifully landscaped park inspired by the Quranic Garden of Paradise. Covering 14 hectares, this spiritual sanctuary houses nine galleries that exhibit a rich array of Islamic arts such as calligraphy, sculptures, paintings and architecture. Occasionally traditional Islamic performances are held here.

Sultan Alam Shah Museum

Situated in the heart of Shah Alam, the Sultan Alam Shah Museum is a commanding blue-roofed building that showcases some of the finest exhibitions in the country.

Entering the museum, visitors will be enveloped by the grandeur of Selangor's bygone era. Some of its treasured artefacts are the royal regalia of the affluent Selangor Sultanate as well as the relics of the British era.

Batu Caves

Located in a limestone outcropping 15 km north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Selangor.

This famous destination draws people from all over the world during the annual Hindu festival, Thaipusam. It consists of three big caves, including the main temple-cave which features ornate Hindu shrines.

Scaling the 272 steps leading up to the temple is one of the highlights of a visit to Batu Caves. Nearby is the Ramayana Cave where evocative scenes of Indian epic myths are artistically painted along its walls. This massive limestone hill is also a popular spot for rock climbing.

Little India

For those in search of unique buys, head to Klang to browse through its bustling 'Little India'.

Here, amidst the pre-war shop houses, visitors will find a vibrant community that has preserved its distinct way of life.

Discover a profusion of authentically Indian items such as colourful saris, an assortment of sweetmeats, aromatic spices, exotic fragrances and dazzling adornments.

^Cultures

Poja dance is a dance that is very popular in the state of Selangor. Poja dance is a dance that symbolizes the cultural identity or Selangor.
Poja from Bugis word meaning "praise" This DUREN, Dance poja a dance danced while praising the Sultan. This dance was presented during the Sultan was relaxing.

In the present era, poja dance performed at the beginning of a ceremony before an event. Poja dance all the dances that welcomes or symbolic welcome to guests who attended the ceremony kesesebuah. Once upon a time, dance is a dance poja only presented in the House-Palace to celebrate the Royal Family for a crowd. This DUREN, poja dance is a dance palace guarded the quality and value of art by royal families. Dance poja now no longer is a dance palace but can be performed anywhere and be viewed by anyone.

Once the dancers to dance consists of females only. The only man to play a musical instrument. This has happened in the past DUREN, the daughter spend time with dance activities APPOINT males play a musical instrument.

The effects of these pastimes then there differences in the presentation, where only men play musical instruments and folk dancing only daughter. When the dance was first presented to the public and dikrasikan not only performed in the palace.

This dance has a duration of over 4 minutes to almost five minutes initially. After changing acceptance of this presentation, duration turns 3 minutes.


Popular Food

Satay Kajang

Cendol