Attractions in Selangor
It is not only the richest state in Malaysia, but it also has some tourist attractions that attract people from all over the world. Domestic as well as international tourists visit this state in large numbers.
Well, it seems as if being among the top most prosperous states in Malaysia has not done away with the state’s beauty and authenticity. Several attraction sites are there to give you an eyeful of things that you will not see elsewhere in the world, or at least in your country.
These include:
Zoo Negara
This zoo is located in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur and it is estimated to cover all of 44 hectares, making it the largest zoo in the country. The surrounding urban settlement and development has not had any effect on the zoo as its green terrain has been amply maintained. The management of the zoo is under a non-governmental organization, the Malaysian Zoological Society, which relies on ticket sale proceeds, sponsorship and donations for funding.
The zoo is home to 5,137 animals from 476 species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds. About the birds, there is a well-maintained aviary, a butterfly garden, a children’s world, which is a petting zoo for kids. The zoo also has primates, a penguin house, a bee museum, crocodiles, tapirs, tigers and lions. The list is endless.
Visiting the zoo will assure you a good view of animals you probably did not know exist. However, such viewing is limited because the animals are caged, a problem that is being fixed to have an open concept zoo with large enclosures for the animals. This ensures a close relationship between the people and the animals without any interference or impediment from the cages. The newest addition to the zoo that can be considered as the major attraction is the Giant Panda Conservation Centre, which comprises of a pair of 8-year-old Giant Pandas. Remember Kung Fu panda movie? This is your opportunity to see them live.
I- City
This is also called the city of digital lights. It is a park containing a manmade forest, located on the outskirts of Shah Alam and it is adorned with so many colorful LED lights. At night, the park lights up courtesy of the LED lights, and looks like a dense and colorful forest of lights. The spectacle looks like something out of a fairy tale for children.
Since Malaysia is not a place where you would find snow, I- City brings you snow. Beside the illuminated forest, there is the Snowalk, an enclosed indoor snow park, which gives a cool escape from the heat. The park has sculptures, a bar made out of snow, but no drinks are served, snowmen, ice penguins and icehouses, among other various things, including more LED lights. All these are meant to enhance the snowy feeling, especially for the local tourists, that is, the Malaysians, who may not have had the privilege of seeing snow before.
Moreover, you need not worry about not having the right attire for the snowalk. Warm jackets are given out as you enter the snowpark and their cost is included in the entrance fee. If you need trousers and boots, you will be allowed to rent them at a small price.
Outside the snowalk but still within I- City, other great attractions include a reptile house, an amusement arcade, a laser warzone for laser tag games, restaurants and food stalls. Then there is the huge cinema screen, a pirate ship, a circus travel, a spacewalk that is on an elevated rail ride through the illuminated forest, bumper cars, happy trains a castle mania and a mini bee spinner.
Sepang International Circuit/ Sepang F1 Circuit
If you are an adrenaline junkie and you happen to visit Sepang, the Sepang F1 Circuit is made for people just like you who cannot resist a fast car. The Circuit hosts various racing events and you may just catch a race. However, even if there is no event that is taking place, it is still not a lost cause. This circuit has the best Go Kart track in Malaysia that enables one to have a feel of go karting, if he or she is at the right age, 13 years or above.
The Sepang F1 Circuit is also home to the National Automobile Museum, which houses a range of vintage cars and some of them are Malaysian made brands. The best part is that to get into the museum, you do not need to pay anything.
Paya Indah Wetlands
The Paya Indah Wetlands are manmade wetlands that were originally tin mining sites. They have been turned into lakes that have become home to fish and other water plants, in addition to the trees that have been grown to blend in with the earlier surviving forest, which have become home to a variety of birds, insects and animal species.
Bird viewing is made easier by the lookout tower. You can enter the park free of charge. You can also try out jungle trekking, cycling, hippo feeding, crocodile feeding, fishing and kayaking.
Klang Gates Quartz Ridge
For anyone who is into a good topography and hiking, the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge is a sight to behold and a challenge to take. It is shaped like a protruding backbone, measuring 14 kilometers in length and 200 meters wide. It narrows down to a few meters in some areas. It might not be ranked as one of the highest mountains as far as Malaysian mountains go, but is a good hiking challenge for the whole family.
Kanching Rainforest Waterfall
This is also known as the Kanching Recreational Forest. The waterfall and the surrounding terrain provide a good destination for a picnic and photography sessions. It is also a natural beauty, one that is very relaxing. If you love adventure, you can climb the stairs to the various levels of the waterfall, from level one to level seven, which is the highest level. Mind the monkeys though, they could be a bit cantankerous, especially now that they have become used to people.
Broga Hill
This hill is one of the best areas to take a hike and it’s beauty will not escape you once you get to the top. It is covered with lalang grass instead of trees. When you get to the top, after the strenuous hike, you are rewarded with the most beautiful sight below you. The steep hill is a good challenge that will help you work out without the mindset that you are working out. You will love it very much.
Of course, these are just a few of the attractions in Selangor. There are many more things to see and do, restaurants to try out, cinemas and so on.