A visit to Selangor is not complete without a visit to its capital, Shah Alam. Shah Alam is home to numerous attractions which represent the beauty of Malaysia. From the nation’s largest mosque to expansive botanical and lake gardens with many other places of interest in between, let us delve into a few of the many things to do in this exciting city!
Places to visit in Shah Alam
1. Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque
Also referred to as the Blue Mosque, the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque is the largest mosque in Malaysia and the second-largest mosque in South-East Asia. The mosque incorporates both Malay and modernist styles in its architecture complete with a striking blue and silver dome and surrounded by four minarets which are amongst the tallest in the world. The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque has much for visitors to admire from its alluring architecture to its intricate interior design.
2. Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam
Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam may be a beautiful, expansive botanical garden but it offers more for its visitors than just sightseeing and natural appreciation. Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam has numerous parks and gardens such as the Animal Park, Ornamental Garden, 4 Seasons Temperate House, Spice and Beverages Garden, Cactus Garden, Tropical Fruits Garden, Paddy Field, and Herbs and Medicinal Garden. You can also go on a tour bus ride around the park! Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam is a great location for a family-friendly outing.
3. Taman Tasik Shah Alam
Another highly recommended place for a family-friendly outing is Taman Tasik Shah Alam. The beautiful landscape of this lake garden includes three man-made lakes; each of which offers fun activities such as fishing, paddle boating and kayaking. If relaxation is what you find yourself looking for in Shah Alam then this garden has gazebos, lakeside promenades and walkways and even reflexology paths. There are also jogging and cycling tracks for the sporty visitors and children can get their fill of fun at the playgrounds. Taman Tasik Shah Alam is the perfect place for spending a relaxing day with the family!
4. Wet World Water Park Shah Alam
If names such as Super Hurricane, Monsoon Buster, Whirlwind Escape, Bermuda Triangle, Island of Treasures, and Pirate Cove pique your interest then you are going to want to settle your curiosity about these rides at Wet World Water Park Shah Alam. This water park prides itself to be a family-oriented park which provides value for money and is a popular attraction that has people travelling from miles away for a splashing good time! Wet World Water Park is also an ideal place for group events such as birthday parties, carnivals, family days, school trips and corporate events.
5. i-City
i-City is the talk of the town in Shah Alam. Aside from being the only place in the nation where people can experience snow, i-City is a family-friendly amusement and theme park with a beautiful technological urban landscape. Walk through the City of Digital Lights at night for a display of a million vibrant, colourful LED lights, interact and take pictures with your favourite celebrities in wax form at the Red Carpet 2, submerge yourself in water activities at Waterworld, let your children run loose at Itsy Bitsy and of course, indulge yourself in a winter wonderland at Snowalk!
6. Sultan Alam Shah Museum
The state museum of Selangor, Sultan Alam Shah Museum, contains a display of historical artifacts, unique Malaysian arts and culture specific to the various ethnic groups in Selangor, environmental exhibits, sports achievements, Islamic history and even outdoor showcases of antique motor vehicles. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply find yourself looking for an interesting activity to do in the area, the Sultan Alam Shah Museum will fascinate you.
7. Shah Alam Royale Theatre
If you are one to appreciate the performing arts then you may want to consider paying the Shah Alam Royale Theatre a visit. Though Shah Alam is home to several theatre facilities for cultural and performing arts, there is none as grand as the Shah Alam Royale Theatre. Enjoy the unique experience of local theatre productions brought to you by the creative minds of Malaysia from a comfortable seat in the audience of a very spacious theatre.
8. Galeri Shah Alam
If you find yourself at Taman Tasik Shah Alam, you should take the opportunity to visit Galeri Shah Alam which houses exhibits of arts and crafts. The gallery is comprised of traditional Malay architecture with a modernized interior design. If you are an art appreciator, Galeri Shah Alam is definitely the place to go for displays of traditional, modern and contemporary art customarily with a localized theme.
9. Selangor International Islamic Arts Complex
While on the subject of art, Islamic art heritage is of great significance to Malaysian history as the Selangor International Islamic Arts Complex will tell you. Managed by Yayasan Restu, an organization dedicated to enhancing Islamic practices via artistic means, the Selangor International Islamic Arts Complex exhibits Islamic architecture, interior design, paintings, calligraphy as well as Quran manuscripts. Visit the various themed galleries for a themed journey through Islamic history, watch skilled artists at work and you may even get lucky enough to witness a traditional Islamic performance!
10. Raja Tun Uda Library
If being surrounded by an expanse of books in a quiet environment so that you can completely submerge yourself in what you are doing then you are meant to be at the Raja Tun Uda Library. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, staffed with qualified librarians, and overlooking garden and lake views, the Raja Tun Uda Library is the go-to place for locals to study and work in a conducive environment. You can also experience the 3D and multi-sensory 6D theatres, virtual reality and on-location reporters for speaking skills amongst many other facilities. Children may have their fill of education and entertainment at the Reading Tree area.
Wrapping-up
Visitors of Shah Alam often stop at a few of the main attractions and believe that they have seen everything there is to see in the city but, as this list makes evident, there are so many more things to do in this beautiful city!
There is something for everyone so whether you are looking to go on a casual stroll at a park, embark on exhilarating rides at theme parks, appreciate local arts and culture or even just a quiet environment for work or study, Shah Alam has some of the best places for you to do so!