The Heartland of the Nation
BACKGROUND
All roads away from Kuala Lumpur lead to the state of Selangor,
Malaysia's most populated and prosperous state. Selangor
surrounds the burgeoning capital with green suburban arms
and industrial tracks, but as the city is left behind, a
different, older and more natural order quickly unfolds.
To the west is the Klang Valley, whose tin mines were inextricably
linked to the history and development of modern Malaysia.
It was here that much of Malaysia's Civil War was played
out. Continuing past the city of Klang, one eventually comes
to Port Klang, where sampans come and go. Both to the north
and south, Selangor is dominated by fishing villages on
the coast and the Kampung inland. Heading east from KL,
it is not the ocean but hills and forests that dominate.
This is the beginning of the lush Malaysian heartland, and
the spiritual connection to the landscape first takes hold
at the extraordinary Batu Caves. Even further inland are
the Genting Highlands, one of Malaysia's finest hill stations.
Any direction one takes in Selangor eventually leads to
some sight that is deeply connected to Malaysia's development;
a tin mine, an oil-palm or rubber plantation - for this
reason, the state is often called "the heart of modern
Malaysia."
Located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Selangor
covers an area of 8,000 sq km.
Given its proximity to Kuala Lumpur, Selangor has become
the most important gateway to Malaysia while extensive highway
network and excellent rail connections make it easily accessible
from the rest of the country.
Being the most developed state in Malaysia, Selangor is
home to the country's largest port and airport, as well
as many of its institutions of higher learning. Its infrastructure
and communications facilities have been rated among the
best in the region.
Despite a fast-growing economy, Selangor remains a fascinating
land of verdant greenery and rich cultural heritage.
HISTORY
Selangor's history dates back to the 16th century when rich
tin deposits were found in the region.
The Bugis migrants from Makassar in Celebes, famous for
their capabilities as sea traders and warriors, soon rose
to prominence in Selangor. By 1700, they had dominated the
political scene and established the present Sultanate of
Selangor.
In the 18th century, Selangor extended its influence to
become a regional political power.
In 1874, the in-fighting between Bugis, Chinese and Malay
nobility forced the state to accept a British Resident.
In 1896, Selangor was included in the Federated Malay States
and later joined the Federation of Malaya in 1948.
In 1974, Kuala Lumpur was ceded to the Federal Government
as Federal Territory and the state capital was consequently
moved to Shah Alam.
GETTING THERE
Selangor is accessible internationally through Port Klang
and Kuala Lumpur International Airport at Sepang. The North-South
Highway provides easy access from the rest of West Malaysia,
Singapore as well as Thailand.
