Selangor

Dancing fireflies, Formula One races and enchanting limestone caves are some of the delights you will find in one of Malaysia’s most developed and varied states. 

Few states in Malaysia boast such a multitude of attractions as charming Selangor, with its high-tech theme parks and shopping malls, jungle trails and tropical beaches, ancient religious monuments and museums. Located 45 miles (70 kilometers) northwest of Kuala Lumpur on the west coast of Malaysia, Selangor has long been a popular getaway for the capital’s locals and expats and is home to many of the country’s finest attractions.

Take a trip to the National Zoo of Malaysia, where over 450 species of animal are on display. Children will love the Kidzania and Sunway Lagoon theme parks, while there are adrenalin-fuelled thrills and spills of a different kind at the Sepang International Circuit. Sit in the stands and watch some of the world’s top drivers race in the Formula One Grand Prix. Take a tour of the stadium or get behind the wheel yourself and take the kids for a few laps around the go-kart track.

Make sure you visit the fascinating Batu Caves, three limestone caves with a huge statue of Murugan, the Hindu god of war, at the entrance. For superb views across the city, climb the 272 steps up to the Temple Cave. Enjoy another enchanting experience when you visit the Firefly Sanctuary. Every evening, these tiny insects put on a stunning light display. You’ll see a magnificent light display of a very different kind when you visit I-City, an urban development with sculptures created from millions of LED lights. This area also houses a shopping and entertainment complex.

Malaysia’s tropical climate makes Selangor a pleasant place to visit year-round, but the beaches of the Gold Coast are best enjoyed from June to October, outside of monsoon season. Excellent air, road and rail links connect Selangor with the rest of Malaysia, making it an easy place to visit, either as a stopover or as an exciting holiday destination in its own right.