Monuments, mosques, caves and natural treasures are all among the main attractions in this part of coastal Malaysia. Some of the sights you’ll want to visit include the Batu Caves, the blue-domed Shah Alam Mosque, Shah Alam Royal Town and Sunway Lagoon and its theme park. Near the coastal town of Kuala Selangor you’ll find Melawati Hill, the site of Fort Altingsburg, built 200 years ago by the Dutch.

Batu Caves
These caves are located nine miles (15kms) north of Kuala Lumpur and are one of Selangor’s most popular sights. There are three large caves in total, including the main cave temple. The cave housing the temple is 100 metres high, and features elaborate Hindu shrines. Once inside, there’s a steep climb of 272 steps. During the yearly Thaipusam festival, more than 100,000 devotees scale these steps.

Bukit Malawati, Kuala Selangor
Several historical attractions, shaded by ancient rain trees, are found at the summit of this hill. Among the most significant sights are the Altingburg Lighthouse, the ruins of the fort known as Kota Malawati and the Royal Mausoleum. Facilities include a playground for children and a rest house that offers traditional meals. From the top of the hill you can enjoy unobstructed views of the Selangor coastline.

Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM)
You can combine a jungle trek with a visit to the remains of an Orang Asli settlement at a site maintained by Malaysia’s Forest Research Institute. The four tracks through the jungle here are the Engkabang Trail, Keruing Trail, Rover Track and the Salleh Trail. Whichever trail you choose, you’ll pass through luxurious secondary growth jungle that boasts rivers and waterfalls along the way. Website: www.frim.gov.my/.

Gombak Shah Alam Sport Complex
This complex has previously received the award for the ‘Best Sports Facility in Asia’ and features the largest and most comprehensive array of facilities in Southeast Asia. Major events are held at the Shah Alam Stadium here, which has a capacity for 70,000 spectators. Major facilities also include an air-conditioned indoor stadium with a seating capacity of 12,000 and a swimming and diving centre that was built to Olympic standards.

Kota Darul Ehsan
This magnificent arch features a blend of Malay design elements with traditional Moorish architectural style. Kota Darul Ehsan was built to commemorate the ceding of Kuala Lumpur to the Malaysian government by the Sultan of Selangor. The massive arch is flanked by ancient Selangor cannons and spans the highways at the point they cross from the Selangor state border into Kuala Lumpur.

State Monument
Located in a picturesque setting amid reflecting pools and adjacent to Selangor’s State Secretariat, you’ll find the grey granite State Monument with its sweeping arches and gold inscriptions. This is probably the most-photographed of Selangor’s attractions, largely due it massive size and its picturesque setting.

State Mosque
Referred to locally as the ‘Blue Mosque,’ the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque is undoubtedly one of Malaysia’s loveliest buildings. At over 142 metres, its minarets are the tallest in the world and its magnificent blue dome rates as one of the largest. Both the dome and the main prayer hall are embellished with Islamic calligraphy.

Sungai Tekala Recreational Forest
Join the locals at one of their favourite weekend picnic spots. The recreational park at Sungai Tekala draws visitors to its lush and unspoilt beauty. This is a tranquil place that doesn’t feature much in the way of facilities, a fact that many visitors find appealing. Only around 30 miles (50kms) from Kuala Lumpur, the forest is easily reached by public bus.

Lounge on Bagan Lalang Beach. Not far from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Bagan Lalang beach offers peace and tranquillity, which have helped to make it a popular but not overly-crowded destination. Many people like to come here for the barbecued fish, or ikan bakar, served at restaurants along the beach. There’s other seafood on offer as well, and eateries stay open until late, making sure all patrons have had their fill before closing.

Experience a Banghuris home stay. You might want to consider a home stay at one of the villages in Banghuris, Sepang for a unique experience. Around 3,000 people live in the group of villages that includes Bukit Bangkung, Hulu Chuchuh and Hulu Teris. Guests have the opportunity to observe the villagers’ lifestyle and traditions including the locals’ work at the coconut, guava and star fruit orchards, and the orchid and hydroponic vegetable farms.

Stroll the canopy walk at the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia. Swaying walkways weave their way along the tops of tropical trees, some 30 metres above the ground at the Forest Research Institute. From this vantage point, you can enjoy the plant life of the forest canopy and observe the unique bird population as well. It’s a good idea to make reservations in advance for the canopy walk, as it’s quite popular and the number of visitors allowed per day is limited to 250.

Cool off in the Genting Highlands. The days of plantation life are long gone and the Highlands have taken on a new outlook. Skyscrapers, casinos and nightclubs adorn the hill landscape now. Popular among city-dwellers of Kuala Lumpur who come here for entertainment and recreation, visitors from elsewhere will also enjoy the cooler weather here.

See Kuala Selangor’s amazing fireflies. One of the more unusual experiences offered in the area is a visit to the village of Kampung Kuantan. The village is home to the one of the world’s largest firefly colonies, where visitors can take a night-time tour to view the incredible sight of the sky illuminated by glowing fireflies. In Bukit Belimbing, the Firefly Park Resort provides accommodation for an overnight stay in a chalet set amid unforgettable surroundings.

Go bird-spotting in Kuala Selangor Nature Park. This nature reserve comprises more than 200 hectares of wetlands that include inter-tidal mud flats and mangrove swamps. It’s home to a renowned bird sanctuary, where sightings of over 160 species have been recorded. Visitors will find paths, watchtowers and wildlife hides, allowing them to watch birds and appreciate the variety of plant life represented here. There’s basic overnight accommodation on offer as well.

Follow a world class motor racing championship. Selangor plays host to several world-class motor-racing championships every year. Drivers and their vehicles are tested to their limits on this famous circuit. The track in Sepang is best known for hosting the World Formula One series and also the FIM Malaysia World Motorcycle Grand Prix. At the Shah Alam Racing Circuit crowds congregate weekly for ‘Saturday Nite’ races.