Kuala Selangor

Kuala Selangor is a coastal town about 70km away from Kuala Lumpur, perched next to a large river mouth that feeds into the sea. Hence, its name means 'Confluence of the Selangor River'. Once the center for a tin mining industry that helped define the early history of Malaysia, Kuala Selangor is now a popular eco-tourism destination to see fireflies - nature's very own Christmas lights. Every night, boats ferry tourists from surrounding villages to watch these natural wonders light up mangrove trees along the river banks. The Nature Park mangrove sanctuary, Bukit Melawati historic hill, and seafood restaurants of Pasir Penambang are also popular attractions for visitors.

Some time in the 14th Century, Bugis traders (and pirates) arrived at the coast of Selangor, having searched out new lands with an intrepid spirit. Establishing their foothold, they lived peacefully under a matriarch until her passing. Without a proper leader, the land came under the rule of the Malacca Sultanate in the 16th Century. It became an important trading dock, attracting merchants from around the world, which would soon attract colonial powers. Later, the Bugis would set up a state and install Raja Lumu as ruler in the 17th century. The Dutch, having conquered Malacca, were the first to set their sights on Kuala Selangor, the capital of this new state.

Battles raged, mostly around what is known as Bukit Melawati today, until Selangor fell to Dutch control in 1784. Later, it reverted back to Bugis rule, but fell again during the Selangor Civil War, when rival sultans made alliances with Chinese gangs to control newly discovered tin mines. The British entered the fray, looking out for their own economic interests vested in tin mining. Backing their chosen Sultan and Chinese gang, they stamped their authority with cannons and guns - This was the final chapter of the violence that plagued Kuala Selangor. After the colonial era has passed and Malaysia became independent, Kuala Selangor regressed into a sleepy fishing town, but it was no long before fireflies were discovered along the river, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Kuala Selangor can be visited all-year-round, with little impact from monsoon winds except for heavy thunderstorms. However, Selangor's coastline is highly susceptible to hazy weather, due to its frontline positioning towards Sumatra, within direct range of smoke blowing from agricultural fires. The geographically flat landscape, lack of original wetlands, numerous palm oil plantations and heavy industrial activity from nearby Klang also account for the usually less than stellar skies at Kuala Selangor. The climate can get very hot during the day, which is typical of flat coastal areas that lack natural grennery with high levels of development. Dress Light and bring along your sunglasses.

Accommodation is limited mostly to budget hotels within town, with a slightly more luxurious resort (De Palma Hotel) at the outskirts. Room rates are generally low and remain fixed rates throughout the year, as most visitors prefer to make it a day trip while Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya have many more hotels while being only around an hour away. The foothill of Bukit Melawati have the highest concentration of budget hotels among the shoplots, including Hotel Kuala Selangor, Melawati Ria and Zande Motel. Sun Inns, Melawati Hotel and YH Hotel lie further inland, near the Sungai Buloh T-junction. Finally, The Nature Park offers basic chalet and hostels for overnight visitors.