Selangor, also addressed by its Arabic honorific Darul Ehsan or Abode of Sincerity is one of the thirteen states located in Malaysia. This state rests on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia where it is ordered by Pahang to the east, Strait of Malacca to the west, Perak to the north as well as Negeri Sembilan to the south. The state surrounds the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. Earlier, both these areas constituted the part of Selangor.
The state capital of Selangor is Shah Alam whereas its royal capital is Klang. The beautiful city, Petaling Jaya is located in the state. This city has been awarded as the status of city in the year 2006. Selangor is considered to be one of the three Malaysian states which contain more than one city with an official city status, apart from Johor and Sarawak.
This state gathers the largest economy of the country in terms of gross domestic products. If estimates are to be believed, Selangor comprises of a total of 22.6 percent of the country’s GDP. This state is considered to be the most developed state of Malaysia and comprises of a good infrastructure including a great roads, highways and a very good mode of transport and communication. Selangor also has the largest population in Malaysia. The people here have a high standard of living and hence the poverty rate here is present at a very low rate.
History of the state
Initially, Selangor started off its existence as a union territory under the Sultanate of Malacca. After Malacca fell to the rule of Portuguese and then the Dutch, the Bugis people from Sulawesi arrived and settled in Selangor. In the late 18th century, the economy of the state boomed as a result of the fast growing tin industry and its demand for rubber. A large population of the Chinese people stepped into the state, however, they were entrenched in a civil war which eventually disrupted the precious mining and rubber trade going on within the state. After this, the British took an opportunity to seize the control of the state which was followed by restoring the order and prospering Selangor once again.
Selangor finally became the part of Malaysia on the Independence Day. Ever since then, the state is counted as the most developed state of the country.
Geography of the state
Selangor rests on the west of the Peninsular Malaysia where it overlooks the Straits of Malacca. The state is level of the west and hilly towards the east. Selangor occupies an area of 8,000 kilometers. It is situated in the heart of the Peninsular Malaysia on to the west coast and surrounds the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
Selangor is further bordered by two rivers – Bernam River on to the north and Sepang River on to the south. There are the might Titiwangsa Mountains on to the east as well as Strait of Malacca on to the west respectively. The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is located in the heart of Selangor. The state is further divided into nine different districts – Kuala Selangor, Sabak Bernam, Petaling Jaya, Hulu Selangor, Kuala Langat, Klang, Sepang and Hulu Langat.
Modern scenario of the state
Since Selangor is considered to be the largest and the most developed state of Malaysia, there is a smooth presence of modern growth and infrastructure within the state. The modern state is well-equipped with all the latest facilities and amenities as well as infrastructure. Citizen from across Malaysia look forward to flocking to the state in order to find growing employment opportunities or to start with their own business. There are soaring buildings as well as burgeoning population in the state, thanks to its rapid development and recognition. Apart from being highly modern and cosmopolitan, Selangor entertains one thing that adds more to its existing popularity – the tourism.
Tourism in Selangor
The westerly state of Selangor flanks Kuala Lumpur and spreads itself west along the coast as well as east to the misty highlands. Thus, this position of the state makes it a favorable tourist destination among all the travelers. A number of travelers and tourists consider this state as a day-trip territory for there are a number of destinations and spots that could be well-traveled during the day time. The pristine forests, the architecturally rich Putrajaya, the amazing Forest Research Institute Malaysia and the beautiful Batu Caves are a treat to the tourists of all kinds.
There are a few destination within the state which deserve an overnight stop. The beautiful Bukit Fraser is considered to be a heaven for all the bird watchers. There are mesmerizing Genting Highlands which are also considered to be yet another tourist spot where the tourists can enjoy a great nightlife as well as shopping experience.
Various other tourist attractions in Selangor include I-City in Shah Alam which is considered to be a retail and commercial hub, National Zoo of Malaysia, Ampang Jaya, Sepang International Circuit, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, Sunway Lagoon and many others.
Interestingly, the state is considered to be a haven for all the massage and spa lovers since it has a lot to offer to the people who look forward to rejuvenating themselves with spa and massages. Since the year 2009, there has been a great boom in the businesses that are operating as massage and reflexology parlors. Shopping is also considered to be one top attraction in the state as the state has a lot to offer to all the shopaholics. There are amazing shopping malls which exhibit the best of the brands for all the locals and tourists to shop around. The entertainment activities within the mall include bowling alleys, cinemas, fine dining experiences, skating rinks and many others that each person looks forward to doing and enjoying.
Selangor entertains a great night life where the locals and tourists could indulge into all the night activities like clubbing, driving or dining at a plush restaurants.