To the locals, paddy fields, fireflies and fresh seafood comes to mind at the mention of Kuala Selangor. Kuala Selangor is one of the Selangor districts with an area of 460 square miles. The coastal town was once the royal town of Selangor before Klang has reclaimed that title. Kuala Selangor is becoming more popular recently as a weekend getaway for urbanites who desire to get away from the shopping malls on the weekends to the idyllic and laidback pace that a small town offers. Its close proximity to Kuala Lumpur, with just an hour’s drive, makes it easily and quickly accessible.
After taking in the sights of the town, head on to one of Kuala Selangor’s fair share of popular landmarks – Bukit Melawati, Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park and the increasingly popular Sky Mirror. All three will please any nature lover.
1. Bukit Melawati
Bukit Melawati is a well-known hill hiking spot for the locals. The view from the peak is panoramic, where you can spot the Melaka Straits, and where Sungai Selangor meets the sea. The Altingsburg lighthouse, built in 1907, stands on top of the hill. Anyone who has not come close to any lighthouses will definitely find that it makes a good photo opportunity. You would also get some dose of history atop Bukit Melawati thanks to its colorful history. You will be able to spot several ruined walls of a fort, an execution rock, cannons and a poisoned well.
It is not a long or difficult hike up the hill but if you prefer, ascend the hill in an available tram. However, the service only runs on weekends and public holidays. Upon arrival atop the hill, be greeted by silver leaf monkeys and other species of macaques that make the hill their home. These monkeys can be mischievous, so be careful of your belongings for they have been known to grab handbags and plastic bags of belongings if they think it may contain food.
2. Kuala Selangor Nature Park
At the foot of Bukit Melawati is the Kuala Selangor Nature Park (Taman Alam), a park for avid birdwatchers. It has a mangrove forest and a manmade lake. The park is located at the mouth of Sungai Selangor which gives you the opportunity to also spot mudskippers, king crabs and silver leaf monkeys.
3. Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park
Kampung Kuantan is located 9 km from the town of Kuala Selangor. Surrounded by coconut and palm trees, its Firefly Park has attracted both local and foreign travelers keen on spotting fireflies along Sungai Selangor. The sight is simply amazing as hundreds, if not thousands, of fireflies light up the trees, as though it was Christmas already in the mangroves. Do not startle these lovely creatures with your camera flashes and your loud chattering, for they are extremely sensitive to atmospheric changes. If you must, use your camera without its flash and stay silent when viewing the fireflies. The boat ride to see fireflies usually starts at 8 p.m. when the firefly activities are at its peak. If you wish to spend a night in Kampung Kuantan, the Firefly Park Resort provides accommodation in the form of wooden chalets that extends out on the river’s waters.
4. Sky Mirror
Though technically not in Kuala Selangor (but somewhere on a sand bank opposite the tiny town of Jeram), Sky Mirror is a unique attraction that should not be missed. Book well in advance and keep updated on the weather as the phenomenon isn’t always accessible. Due to the low tide the water forms a mirror, which happens only once a month. Sky Mirror is an awesome place to take some unique holiday pictures.
Dinner & Drinks
A typical day trip to Kuala Selangor includes a visit to the Firefly Park, which is only open during nightfall. Just before the park opens, you should consider heading out to one of many typical seafood restaurants. It is said that around Kuala Selangor you’ll find some of the best. During our trips we always have dinner along the river banks, and we found out prices are extremely pleasant.
Staying overnight in Kuala Selangor
Will a night at Kuala Selangor be memorable? Yes, probably. But most travelers just visit the town as a day trip from Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Selangor does not have many hotels or resorts, but mostly locally run homestays. Should you choose to stay overnight, then consider a visit to the nearby town of Sekinchan as well. Here you’ll find rice paddies and several nice eateries (including Kopi Sawah, a favorite among locals).
Getting there
Those driving from Kuala Lumpur can follow the Kuala Selangor road signs after the Sungai Buloh exit from the North-South highway. You can rent a car for two days or longer and use it to explore other parts outside of Kuala Lumpur.
Travelers who rely on public transport can take a bus from TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan). It is a 2-hour bus ride to Bandar Malawati, Kuala Selangor. Tickets cost about RM20 and can be booked in advance through BusOnlineTicket, Redbus, Easybook or 12Go. Keep in mind that the last bus of the day departs around 7pm, so you might want to consider taking a taxi back to KL instead.
The easiest way is by taxi. You can hail a Grab and hope someone is willing to take you. Perhaps try to arrange a pick-up. In case of a short visit to the Kuala Selangor Firefly Park, you might be able to persuade the driver to wait at the parking (for an extra fee).
