Attractions Nearby Shah Alam, Day Trips and Excursions

(Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia)



Shah Alam is surrounded by towns and cities, and those that have an interest in the city will enjoy similar attractions in these nearby places. While Kuala Lumpur is not for everyone, it has the best facilities and shopping in the country and is just a short ride away.

Closer to Shah Alam are the attractions of Subang Jaya (east) and Klang (west), both of which can be visited on the same day trip. If you prefer to be away from the tourist element, consider an excursion to Putrajaya, farther south-east, or Kuala Selangor (north-west) up on the coast.


Subang Jaya

Nearby Subang Jaya is just 15 km / 9 miles to the east of Shah Alam and is home to the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (formerly Subang International Airport), which was Kuala Lumpur's principal air facility until the arrival of KLIA in 1998. This burgeoning university city boasts a historic district and many modern attractions, with the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park in nearby Petaling Jaya being especially close. Subang Jaya has excellent facilities and countless shopping opportunities. The World's Longest Pencil and the 3K Sports Complex are also here, while if you are just visiting the city for the shopping, the top destinations include the Empire Gallery, the Subang Parade and the USJ 19 City Mall.

Klang

Klang is a laid-back town in the Klang Valley, between Shah Alam and the coast. Although there is little in the way of eye-catching buildings and fine architecture, it has some well priced restaurants. There is, though, a huge monument shaped like a dagger, as well as the Raja Mahadi Fort, the hilltop Royal Palace / Sultan of Selangor's Palace (Istana Alam Shah), the Galeri Diraja Sultan Abdul Aziz and the Masjid Di Raja Sultan Suleiman mosque. Close by, Pelabuhan Klang offers boat trips to Tanjung Balai in North Sumatra.

Kuala Lumpur

Address: Federal Territory, Malaysia, MY
The Malay capital is just 30 minutes away from Shah Alam by road or rail, and is the top draw to the country. If you've come directly to Shah Alam from KLIA airport (just south of town), Kuala Lumpur is a must-see even if you are no lover of big cities. This capital city is brimming with class hotels, attractions and shopping. Take a walking tour around the vibrant Chinatown district, marvel at the spectacular Petronas Towers, and go shopping at the onsite Suria KLCC Mall. Then maybe enjoy the serenity provided at the Lake Gardens, admire the beautiful paintings on display at the Islamic Arts Museum, and check out the breathtaking architecture of the Thean Hou Temple in southern Kuala Lumpur.

Putrajaya

Putrajaya serves as an important administrative capital for the Federal Government of Malaysia and is off to the south-east, on the way to the airport, where it is commonly known as the 'Intelligent Garden City'. Once a mass of rubber plantations and palm-oil forests, the Putrajaya of today is a growing city and has many eye-popping landmarks and monuments. There are huge mosques and wide boulevards here, and the place is quite non-touristy. Notable local attractions include the futuristic Putrajaya Convention Centre, the Dataran Rutra plaza, the Palace of Justice (Istana Kehakiman) and the Putra Mosque. If you are here as a day trip, consider taking a cruise around the Putrajaya Lake, and then visiting either the Taman Botani botanical gardens or the Taman Wetland Park.

Kuala Selangor

This small coastal town to the north-west of Shah Alam straddles the Selangor River and is the former state royal capital. Kuala Selangor is relatively non-touristy and lies rather off the beaten path, somewhat lacking the glitz and glamour that you would typically find in Kuala Lumpur. Old Dutch buildings and river trips are highlights, along with the remains of the Bukit Melawait fortress and the Taman Alam Kuala Selangor Nature Park, with its mangrove walkways, long-tailed macaque monkeys and exotic wading birds. Nearby, evening excursions to see the fireflies at Kampung Kuantan are extremely popular and traditional wooden rowing boats transport passengers along the river for the best views.