Mention Kuala Selangor and you will most likely be met with blank looks when asked about places of interests in this town. Located about 63 km from Shah Alam, the capital of Selangor, and 70 km from Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Selangor is a coastal town that sits at the mouth of the Selangor River.
Most local travellers visit Kuala Selangor for the fresh seafood that it’s known for, but there’s more to explore in this small town than meets the eye. It was the old royal capital of Selangor and with its historical background dating back to the Dutch settlement era in the 1780s, you can visit historical sites that still exist, and get in touch with nature, and even engage in some adventurous activities.
Bukit Melawati
A tranquil peak in the heart of Kuala Selangor, Bukit Melawati is a historical site that tells of this town’s interesting history. Within its compound, visit the fort’s ruins with cannons from colonial days. See the landmark of Bukit Melawati – the Altingburg Lighthouse – a lighthouse built in 1907 to replace the original constructed by the Dutch in the 1780s. It is a working lighthouse to this day, as its beacon continues to shine and guide vessels navigating the Straits of Malacca. Step into the Kuala Selangor Historical Museum and explore the displays of relics, artifacts, old weapons, specimens of old currencies that showed its colonial past.
Sasaran Beach (Sky Mirror)
Sasaran Beach is one of the known attractions in Kuala Selangor, but also a unique one because it’s only accessible during the new moon and full moon periods where the waves roll back to reveal a secret sandbank. The perfect reflection on the water makes a picture-perfect Instagram post, which explains why the tours are very popular, so be sure to book in advance for a spot to visit!
Kuala Selangor Nature Park
Nature-loving visitors will enjoy spending time at Kuala Selangor Nature Park. Stretching over 800 acres of land space, it is more than a swamp with mangroves. You will find inland secondary forests, mudflats, and a man-made brackish lake in the middle of the park where many wetland animals inhibit. It also provides an ideal roosting and feeding site for more than 150 species of resident and migratory birds from as far away as Siberia. Bird lovers will enjoy spending time here bird watching, especially during the migratory seasons.
Walk along the four trails at Kuala Selangor Nature Park and explore the flora, fauna, and wildlife along the way. Choose from the easy Egret Trail that is only 550 metres long, to the Coastal Bund that spans 1.7km. You can easily spend an entire day soaking in nature. If you like, you can seek out the park’s nature guides who will take you around the park on a guided walk, explaining to you the sights you see in the park.
Fireflies in Kuala Selangor
Kuala Selangor is said to be where one of the biggest firefly colonies in the world live, and during the night, you can find them illuminating the mangrove trees lining Selangor River’s riverbanks. You step onto the boat donning your life jacket, and head out into nothing but pitch-black darkness and the sound of cicadas surrounding you. Soon, you will find both sides of the riverbanks filled with thousands of fireflies twinkling like stars in the night. It is a breath-taking experience as you stare in amazement and wonder how these tiny creatures are able to create such a magical sight. It is definitely an experience you won’t want to miss.
White Water Rafting
White water rafting technically does not happen in Kuala Selangor but is something you can look forward to doing in Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor where the Selangor River flows, all the way down to Kuala Selangor.
Being the source of water for Kuala Lumpur, enjoy its crystal clear waters and scenic unspoilt beauty as you raft down the river, which takes an estimated 2 hours from start to end. Enjoy the ride down the 8km long course as you navigate class 2 to 4 rapids. Be sure to call and book in advance, and check the rapids’ status before heading over!
Despite being a small town, Kuala Selangor sure has some fun to offer for that short trip away from home. Don’t forget to indulge in a seafood feast there before you head back!