Shah Alam
Introduction
You will find that Shah Alam serves as the state capital of Selangor, situated within the Petaling District and a small portion of the neighboring Klang District. As the first planned city in Malaysia following independence from Britain, it offers a structured urban landscape shaped by its unique history.
The city assumed its role as the capital of Selangor after Kuala Lumpur was incorporated into a Federal Territory. Exploring this area allows you to experience a locale defined by its status as a major administrative center and a significant milestone in Malaysian urban planning.
Before you go
Prepare for a unique urban layout where you will navigate through numerous roundabouts that connect major road arteries across the city's many sections. You can explore various shopping malls, such as Plaza Alam Sentral, SACC Mall, Plaza Shah Alam, Ole-Ole Seksyen 18, Anggerik Mall, and Kompleks PKNS. While the area is rich with eateries, cafes, and large hypermarkets like Tesco and Giant, you should note a lack of cinemas due to local government policies.
As you travel through the city center sections or toward newer townships like Setia Alam and Kota Kemuning, you will notice that road signs are displayed in both Roman and Jawi scripts. The vibrant commercial areas are primarily concentrated in Seksyen 14, Seksyen 13, and Seksyen 9.
Getting there
You can reach Shah Alam via several major highways that connect it to other cities in the Klang Valley, including the Federal Highway, New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS), Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE), North-South Expressway Central Link (ELITE), and the Kemuning-Shah Alam Highway (LKSA). These routes provide access from major transportation hubs such as Kuala Lumpur International Airport and KL Sentral.
For rail travel, the KTM Komuter line runs from Kuala Lumpur to Klang with several stops in Shah Alam. You can choose between stations like Batu Tiga, which is near Section 13, or the Shah Alam station located in Section 19. Local buses also serve the city, with various routes connecting you to different areas such as Section 2, Section 14, and the central region of the city. Taxis are available for public transport within commercial areas and for travel to nearby attractions.
Getting around
You can navigate the local area using a mini bus service that connects the Shah Alam Kommuter station to Section 16, Section 17, Kompleks PKNS, and Wet World. For longer journeys, the Shah Alam express bus terminal at Jalan Junjung 17/12 serves as a central hub for various operators.
From this terminal, you can access several express bus companies including KMK Express, Starmart Express, KPB Express, and Qistna Express. You can also reach the terminal using the RapidKL T754 bus route.
Where to stay
You can choose from a variety of accommodations ranging from mid-range stays to luxury retreats. For a comfortable stay with modern amenities like satellite TV and internet access, you can find options in the local area. Some properties offer spacious rooms with various bed configurations, while others provide extensive facilities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and dedicated dining areas.
If you prefer a more upscale experience, you can stay in high-end hotels featuring luxurious suites, spa treatments, and expansive grounds. You might choose a resort set amidst tropical gardens with championship golf courses or a hotel situated away from the city center's noise, surrounded by greenery and offering convenient access to nearby theme parks and shopping districts.
Food & drink
Savor a variety of local flavors across the city's diverse dining scene. In Section 7, you can relax in comfortable Mamak dine-in restaurants to enjoy milk tea shakes and cheese tosai while watching televised football matches. For those seeking traditional flavors, head to Medan Selera at Section 2 for grilled fish or visit Bangkok House in Section 19 for authentic Thai cuisine. If you prefer a broader selection, Kites Restaurant offers a mix of Western and local dishes, while Fu-Rin serves an authentic spread of traditional Japanese fare.
Refresh your palate with a variety of local beverages and treats:
- Try the famous Malaysian tea known as teh tarik at a Mamak stall in Bukit Jelutong.
- Visit Pak Akob's stall near the Section 16 mosque for cendol.
- Enjoy high tea at a BBQ grill located within a nearby hotel.
What to see and do
Explore the architectural grandeur of the Blue Mosque, a prominent landmark featuring a massive blue and silver dome and four towering minarets. You can admire the blend of Malay and Modernist styles, including intricate aluminum grills, stained glass that creates a peaceful atmosphere, and timber panels on the high ceilings. The mosque overlooks the Garden of Islamic Arts, a landscaped park inspired by the Quranic Garden of Paradise where you can view galleries of calligraphy, sculptures, and paintings.
Visit other local landmarks such as the Muzium Sultan Alam Shah to see miniatures of old colonial buildings or the expansive Perpustakaan Tun Uda. You can also see the Selangor State Assembly Building, which features a unique design, and the nearby Tugu Negri monument. For outdoor activities, head to the Shah Alam Agricultural Park to explore various themed gardens like the orchid, cactus, and mushroom gardens, or visit the Shah Alam Lake Gardens for water recreation. If you prefer more active pursuits, you can find kart racing near the stadium, a dedicated area for skateboarding and extreme sports at the Extreme Park, or experience an Arctic environment with ice sculptures at Snowalk I-City.
When to go
You can expect a tropical rainforest climate characterized by consistent warmth and high humidity throughout your stay in Shah Alam. While the weather remains consistently warm year-round, you should prepare for heavy monsoon rains during the months of October through March.
During the northeast monsoon period, particularly in November as it moves in, you will experience frequent showers and intense rainfall. If you prefer drier conditions with less rainfall, you can plan your visit outside of this monsoon window, though you should still expect humid and warm conditions at all times.
Three days in Shah Alam
Day one, you begin your journey in the heart of Selangor by exploring the local atmosphere within the Petaling District. You can spend your time visiting various shopping centers such as Plaza Alam Sentral or SACC Mall to experience the local retail scene.
Day two, you travel through the Klang Valley area. You can navigate the surrounding region and visit nearby locations like Plaza Shah Alam or Anggerik Mall while experiencing the local culture of the district.
Day three, you head toward the outskirts to explore areas such as Setia Alam or Kota Kemuning. You can conclude your time in the region by visiting the Kompleks PKNS before your departure from the area.