"Selangor Darul Ehsan" Negeri Selangor by ishi01

If nothing else, I would say Selangor is the riches state in Malaysia.

Historically, Selangor together with Perak was blessed with large deposits of tin. As the tin mining industry wound down in the 60s-70s, the state launched into 2 decades of successful agricultural programs via cultivation of rubber and subsequently palm oil. In tandem with agriculture, industrialization came in full force in the 70s-80s firmly putting Selangor ahead of the other states in the country.

However, to directly attribute the success of Selangor solely on the aforementioned, would be quite erroneous; in my opinion at least. I would say, Selangor had a little extra boost that helped the state forge and stay ahead of the rest. And that, in my opinion, is the fact that is its close proximity to Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur and Selangor are like conjoined twins – both cannot live without each other.

Selangor was ruled by Malay Sultanate with close links with the Bugis Sultanate from Sulawesi (names like Raja Lumu comes to mind).
I would say Kuala Lumpur was founded circa 1857, if my school history serves me right, by a clan of Chinese miners. Where ever there are riches there would be greed. The clans were from different fractions and the greed resulted in formation of what was known as ‘kongsi gelap’ – a secret society. Now, these society are not really on friendly basis with each other, they were infact quite hostile. The Malay Sultan unable to control the warring fractions, employed the help of a Chinese kapitan (meaning Chinese Captains) the head of the Chinese society, one Yap Ah Loy to help control the warring fractions.

For a good long while Yap Ah Loy reigned supreme until the civil war broke between the Malays sultanate of Selangor and Perak. That is when the British started getting involved in the Malay states. In 1896, Selangor was convinced by the British to join the Federated Malay States (FMS) or Negeri Melayu Bersekutu (comprising Perak,Johor, Pahang and Selangor) and Kuala Lumpur was made the administrative center of the FMS.

With Kuala Lumpur getting all the attention, the rest of Selangor was kept out of the lime light. In 1974 Kuala Lumpur was conferred the status of Federal Territory and Selangor lost the little dynamo that was the hub of its economic activities.

Without Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya located west of Kuala Lumpur began to take the place as the state’s dynamo; being the gateway to the closest sea port in Port Klang. The corridor between Kuala Lumpur and Port Klang, namely Petaling Jaya, Sungei Way, Shah Alam and Klang became one of the most industrialized area in the country.

The attraction of Selangor is not in the sky scrappers and sprawling malls. Infact I would say attractions in Selangor would fall under the ‘Off the Beaten Path’ category.

Tourists strapped for time might wish to consider Shah Alam, the capital of Selangor and Klang, the royal town for the Selangor Sultanate, and tourist attractions located near Kuala Lumpur such as Batu Caves and Petaling Jaya. Those with more time to explore might be interested in exploring the country side. I highly recommend the following:

Bukit Malawati in Kuala Selangor
Kampung Kuantan Fireflies
Experience a homestay program at Kampung Sungai Haji Dorani
FRIM forest reserve
Templar Park
Kuala Kubu Bahru and many many more.

For the ‘off the beaten track’ experience I suggest you arm yourselves with a map and a rented car and a healthy dose of the adventure spirit. Selamat Datang Ke Selangor Darul Ehsan.