Beyond Kuala Lumpur and Travel Guide

Beyond KL | Selangor | Pahang | Negeri Sembilan | Malacca

The attractions of Kuala Lumpur provide the visitor a foretaste of the many alluring spots that wait to be . explored beyond the city. By driving or joining a sightseeing tour one can enjoy the diversity of the Malaysian experience.

A good place to begin is Templer's Park, a popular green lung with waterfalls and jungle trails, just half an hour's drive from the city. Nearer to the city is the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) which gives an insight into the country's tropical forests and related products.

At the periphery of the city is the Malaysia Agriculture Park at Shah Alam where the country's agricultural activities are displayed in natural surroundings.

An hour's drive away lies Kuala Selangor, a coastal riverine town, popular with birdwatchers for its large population of marshland and migratory birds. Within the vicinity is Kampung Kuantan, where fireflies at dusk along the upper reaches of the river attract nature lovers.

To the northeast of Kuala Lumpur, perched on the mountain, is Genting Highlands Resort, offering fun and excitement for the whole family amid cool surroundings, while further northwards the tranquil setting of Fraser's Hill forms the ideal retreat for weary travellers.

Sun worshippers looking for their own place in the sun will be spoilt for choice at the 18km long coastline at Port Dickson. Situated on the coast about 2 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur is Melaka, an intriguing destination which was the seat of a once great empire and subsequently ruled by several colonial powers.

Selangor

Shah Alam Located about 25km southwest of Kuala Lumpur is this model township, with beautifully landscaped roa sand parks as well as modern buildings. Its most famous landmark is the majestic Sultan Salahuddin dui Aziz Shah Mosque referred to as the 'Blue Mosqu'. Decorative Islamic calligraphy in white enhances the bfue dome, one of the largest in the world. Its minarets, at 142.3 metres are the tallest in the world.

Gracing the town centre is Shah Alam lqke Gardens, a pleasant combination of several inter-connected man-made lakes and landscaped gardens with picnic areas. A floating seafood restaurant stands on the fringe of the lake. In the vicinity is the Wet-World water theme park. The park offers recreational rides like the Monsoon Buster - an uphill watercoaster that rises and dips for 222 metres. Tel: 03-5513 2020 Open: 12pm - 8pm, daily except Wednesday. Weekend: 10am - 8pm Admission: RM7 (Adult) RM4 (Child)

Just beyond the outer periphery of Shah Alam is the Malaysia Agriculture Park Malaysia's first agricultural park. The 1,258 hectare park offers visitors a glimpse of Milaysia's agricultural resources such as oil palm, padi field, rubber, cocoa, coffee, coconut and fruit trees. Other attractions in the park include a spice and beverage garden, ornamental garden, mushroom garden, orchid garden, cactus garden, bamboo garden, fishing lake, a four seasons house, a suspension bridge, a bird and a deer park. Bicycles are available for hire at the park while buses ferry visitors between various spots within the sprawling grounds on weekends. There are also facilities for camping out, or chalets for overnight visitors. One can get to the park by bus or taxi from KL.

Located in Bandar Sunway, is Sunway Lagoon, a theme park with stomach-churning thrills. Within the park are water-based attractions like giant waterslides, twin speed slides, double twister, wave pool, toboggan, slow river, waterfall garden, and wave pool.

Western frontier fun comes alive at Fort Lagoon - Wild, Wild West where you can take 'white knuckle' rides on a Grand Canyon River Rapids, the Buffalo Bill Coaster and the Colorado Splash.

The park also offers dry adventure activities. Ride in Apache Pots, test your nerves on the Flying Carpet or ride the skies on a Galleon. Other attractions include runaway train, pedestrian suspension bridge and skyflyer.Tel:03-56358000 Open: 12 noon - 7.30pm tv)onday -Friday. Closed Tuesday. lOam - 7.30pm on Saturday, Sunday, Public and School Holidays. Admission: RM28 (Adult) all park ticket, RM18 for waterpark, RM15 for dry park

Mines Wonderland is a family-oriented theme park, located along jalan Sungai Besi, south of Kuala Lumpur, on the fringes of a huge lake, once the site of the world's largest open cast mining. Its main attraction is the dazzling musical fountain and multi-coloured laser show held at 7.30pm. Visit the Snow House to experience winter and enjoy the many rides and amusement facilities at the park.

Adjoining the Mines Wonderlan,d is the Mines Shopping Fair. A novel way to travel from the Mines Wonderland to this Venetian-inspired shopping complex is to take a water taxi to enjoy the scenic views of the lake. On the third floor is Snow Town, an indoor theme park with a range of snow-based attractions such as an Ice-Skating Rink, a Fun Pub and a 28-Lane Bowling Centre.

Getting there: Take the KTM Komuter from KL Railway Station and alight at the Serdang Station. The Mines is within walking distance. Tel: 03-8942 5010 Open: 5pm - 1 Opm Weekdays & 4pm - 11 pm on Public Holidays and Weekends . Admission: RM12 (Adult) RM8 (Child)

The Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) is a well-managed forest science park. Located in Kepong, 16km northwest of Kuala Lumpur covering 600 hectares of experimental plants, arboretum and reforested areas, FRIM is the nearest nature destination for KL wish to see and experience the wonders of a tropical forest without the rigors of travelling to the national parks. There are jungle trails, canopy walkway, waterfalls, a herbarium, a library and a museum housing different species of wood, their uses and products. A nominal fee is charged for the canopy walk. Open: 8am - 4.15pm, daily. Saturday: 8am - 12.45pm.
Closed: Sundays and Public Holidays. Admission: RM3 per car. Tel: 03-6274 2633 Fax: 03-6276 7753

Kuala Selangor, a coastal town located about 64km northwest of Kuala Lumpur, is the ideal destination for those seeking a blend of history, local flavour, nature and wildlife. The drive itself is interesting as it passes through coconut, cocoa, rubber, oil palm and banana plantations, and rustic villages.

Once a thriving port, Kuala Selangor was the first state capital of Selangor as it used to be the seat ofthe government.

Overlooking the town is Bukit Melawati, the highest point in the area which is the site of the 200-year-old Fort Altingsburg built by the Dutch, a lighthouse and the official residence of the District Officer. Panoramic views of the Straits of Melaka and surroundings can be enjoyed. It was from this vantage spot that the Dutch surveyed the surrounding countryside before capturing it in i 794. In the vicinity is a royal mausoleum where three past sultans of Selangor are buried.

A short distance away is Taman Alam, a nature reserve covering 240 hectares. It has well-marked jungle trails for trekking. Birdwatching is a popular activity here as the mangrove swamps along the coast are frequented by migratory birds. Some 1 30 species have been identified by the Malaysian Nature Society, amongst them the rare spoon-billed Sandpiper and Nordmann's Greenshank. Chalet accommodation is available for those who wish to extend their stay.

At Kampung Kuantan, a few kilometres outside Kuala Selangor is a spectacle of nature - a fireflies display which takes place at dusk. Travel upstream in a small boat or sampan or take a motorised boat at Bukit Belimbing and in the quiet darkness, you will see thousands of fireflies flickering like Christmas lights on mangrove trees lining the banks of the Selangor river. It is recommended to take a tour for this destination.

Templer's Park Rich in natural wilderness beauty is Templer's Park, located 21 km north of Ku.ala Lumpur. A verdant forest reserve forming a 1,214 hectares 'green lung' for the cityfolk, Templer's Park attracts nature lovers, photographers, and picnickers.

Waterfalls and mountain streams feed the thriving vegetation here. Soft mosses cover the forest floor and huge ferns grow as epiphytes, while matured trees form soaring canopies. Within this green haven, various forms of wildlife such as monkeys, birds and numerous species of insects can be found.

For most visitors, the main attraction here is the gushing waters of the waterfall. Sheltered picnic spots and changing areas are provided and walkways have been built where necessary to ensure safety. There are restaurants, food stalls and ample parking space. For overnight stay, there are chalets and camping facilities for visitors.

Bring along a change of clothes, swimwear, insect repellant and a pair of binoculars if you are into bird watching. Wear suitable shoes as the rocks around the waterfall can be slippery.

Pulau Ketam (Crab Island) About 10km west of Port Klang lies Pulau Ketam, a fishing island which has a character and ap.peal of its own. Inhabitants of the island are either fishermen or involved with the fishing industry. Here you can see activities such as the processing of shrimp paste relished by the locals, or witness jelly fish and crabs being harvested from the open sea farms.

The island attracts marshland birds lured by abundant fish and mangrove swamp creatures. Fiddier crabs, mud crabs and the rather strange mudskipper which swims in water, Ijves on land and climbs trees are all found here. If you linger on the island until 4pm you will see fishermen return from sea and unload the day's catch. Enjoy a fresh seafood meal at one of the restaurants.

The best way to get to the island, is to take the Komuter train early in the morning from Kuala Lumpur Railway Station to Port Klang. Upon arrival in Port Klang, walk across to the nearby jetty and continue the trip by boat to the island.

Homestay programme are available should you wish to spend a night with a fisherman's family.

Beyond KL | Selangor | Pahang | Negeri Sembilan | Malacca