Klang travel guide

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Klang, also spelled Kelang, is the state capital of Selangor, on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia before Shah Alam. It is also the state's royal town. The town is named after the Klang River, which cuts the town in half, and sits at the western end of the Klang Valley.

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Klang's railway station is located at Jalan Stesen in the part of town south of the Klang River. KTM Komuter, Klang Valley's commuter train network, connects Klang directly with Kuala Lumpur (RM3.60, 50 minutes) and Port Klang (RM1.00, 20 minutes). Several famous bah kut teh (see below) joints are located near the station. There are many bakuteh speciality shops in Klang but the famous ones can be found behind the Menara Trend which is an office tower located just next to the exit of the Federal Highway.

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The bus terminal is located in the part of town north of the Klang River opposite the Mydin Shopping Complex where you can catch buses to Kuala Lumpur, Port Klang, Kuala Selangor, Banting and other destinations. Nearby to this Bus Terminal there is an old library which has been in operation for many years.

    * Transnasional is the main bus operator serving Klang. Frequent No. 710 go to Kuala Lumpur (RM3, 35 minutes)) while No. 126 to Port Klang.
    * Permata Kiara and Metrobus also operate frequent services to Kuala Lumpur.
    * Other operators include Ardent Link and various minibus companies.

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Klang is not located by the sea. However, there are boats between Indonesia (Dumai and Tanjung Balai Asahan) and Port Klang which is located 8km away.

Get around

Generally it is most convenient to drive around Klang as public transportation is limited. Taxis are available for hire outside the railway station at Jalan Stesen.

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Most travel brochures do not list Klang as one of "must visit" place in Klang Valley as it has no architecture wonders of Kuala Lumpur nor the natural attractions of Kuala Selangor. Klang is more widely known for its mouth watering dishes instead of its sight.

However in the town where bloody civil wars were fought and tin mines were traded, Klang offers some sites and building that are of historical values.

    *  Tugu Keris (Kris Monument) - A towering silver Keris (an ancient crooked dagger-like weapon used by ancient Malay warriors) welcomes visitors who come to Klang via the Federal Highway. It can be seen at the left hand side of the highway as you passed the Sungai Rasau toll plaza. The monument was erected to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the Sultan Selangor's intallation in 1985. The symbol of Keris was chosen as it depict power, strength and unity. Entry is free of charge.

Kota Raja Mahadi
Kota Raja Mahadi

    * Kota Raja Mahadi (Raja Mahadi Fort) - The fort, or what's remaining of it is situated at Bukit Kota in Klang. The fort was built by Raja Mahadi as a defence for him against Raja Abdullah in a power struggle for the control of Klang district. The fort was used as a vantage point to lookout for enemies ships that sailed through to Pangkalan Batu. Later on the fort fell into the hand of Tengku Kudin who was sent by the Sultan of Selangor to take revenge on Raja Mahadi who never paid his dues to the Sultan. The bloody battle lasted six months and ended with the retreat of Raja Mahadi. Now the fort serves as an impressive landmark next to the Klang Municipal Hall.

    * Royal Palace - The Sultan of Selangor's royal palace can be viewed at Jalan Istana. However, visitors are not allowed into the grounds.

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The Little India enclave in Jalan Tengku Kelana, Klang is the biggest Indian street in Malaysia. Fierce competitions among shop owners translated into cheaper price for consumers, and people are literally spoilt for choice in the midst of rows of shops on the left and right of the road and stalls spilling into the sidewalks and backlanes sell myriads of items such as saris, colorful accessories such as bangles and necklaces, textiles, stainless steel pots, Indian delicacies, gold and flowers.

During Deepavali, the street is transformed into a colorful spectacle of lights and sound befitting the festival of light. Most shop owners polled their resources together to decorate the street and the walkways of their shops. The street will be decorated weeks before the festival. The atmosphere is eletrifying and traffic will be clogged up as thousands of people made their way from as far as Singapore to make their purchase. Some shop owners will also invite shoppers up to their shop to sample delicacies and to celebrate the festival together.

It is easy to be caught up in the throngs of people walking in the narrow walkways, but a little awareness and precaution should be practiced for your own safety. Police manned the street during festive season to avoid unwanted incidence and to control traffic flow. Moreover the Klang main police headquarters is just a stone throw away from the street and generally is free from muggers.

Parking is a hazard and very limited, so it is advised to take a public transport to Little India. The bus station is located at the beginning (or the end to some people) of the street. Take Metrobus from the junction facing Pasar Seni, Kuala Lumpur and it goes all the way to Klang bus station. Alternatively you can take the train from KL Sentral and alight at Klang station. Indian Street is only ten minutes away from the train station.

cjacobbs

This is so nice. chirng thank you for the posts. It will be a great help to me and my family going there this coming month..
Thanks for sharing..
regards,
christine
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