Kuala Selangor

Kuala Selangor is a town in Selangor State.

Literally, Kuala means rivermouth in the Malay language. It is a small town where the Selangor River (Sungai Selangor) meets the sea. It was the old royal capital of Selangor prior to moving to Klang, and finally to Kuala Lumpur.

This small town was conquered by the Dutch when they invaded Selangor in 1784. It is well off the normal tourism route and maintains its traditional "kampung" (village) atmosphere.

By bus
Visitors can board Selangor Bus No. 141 from Medan Pasar Bus Hub in Kuala Lumpur. (The No 141 is the old route but now it is changed to No.100 but still in Medan Pasar Bus Hub). The bus departs half-hourly from KL between 6:30AM and 7:30PM, and takes 2 hours or more to reach the bus terminal at Bandar Malawati, Kuala Selangor. The last bus for the return trip from Kuala Selangor to KL is at 7.45pm. The one-way fare is RM7.30.

Directions to Medan Pasar Bus Hub
The bus hub is about 100 m north of Central Market. From Masjid Jamek LRT, walk 100 m southeast along Jln Tun Perak before turning right into Lebuh Ampang. After walking another 100 m, you will see the bus shelter next to a grey "clock tower" in the small square.

Directions from Bandar Malawati Bus Terminal
The terminal is in Bandar Malawati, which is about 1 km southeast of the town centre. You can then take a RM5 taxi ride or local bus to the town centre of Kuala Selangor (alternatively you can take a 15- to 20-min walk). The bus terminal is also served by Cityliner buses from Klang.

By taxi
Its a one-hour journey by cab. The cab might also not be able to pick up a passenger on the way back, so expect fares to be high. For comparison, the distance from Kuala Lumpur to its airport is about 80 km and a one-hour journey. Taxis typically want RM 70 for a trip to the airport. So you would expect something similar, or higher for this trip. You might be able to negotiate a good deal if you book the taxi for a return trip.

Hourly hire rates for a small taxi (red/white) is about RM35 an hour if you would like to book one for the duration of the trip.

By car
Make your way towards Sungai Buloh exit from North-South highway and follow the road signs towards Kuala Selangor. Alternatively if you are starting your journey from Klang, you can drive towards Kapar and head straight from there towards Kuala Selangor. Either way, the journey should not take longer than 80 minutes.

Get around
Kuala Selangor is a relatively small town and has no public transport system. So really the only options are a sweaty walk or a take a taxi. (Apart of course from the tram going up and down Bukit Melawati.)

Eat
Pasir Penambang, just minutes by car from Kuala Selangor town, is famous for seafood. Some restaurants are on the water, just by the river, and make for a good meal while watching the sun set. Expect to pay around RM15-50 per person, depending on what you order.

There is also a McDonald's along the main road.

Drink
There are no bars in the old or new center of the town, and the cafés and restaurants do not offer alcoholic beverages and close quite early (9-10PM at the latest).

If you do not have a car, and you are staying at the Firefly Resort, there is a small kedai makan (restaurant) across the road (the seafood restaurant at the resort has since closed). If you are an Orang Asing (foreigner), be sure to brush up on your Malay, though all the usual staple food is available here. Be sure to ask for Kopi Ais (iced coffee)!

Sleep

 * De Palma Hotel Kuala Selangor has 48 chalets and 12 villas. Swimming pool, musollah, and WiFi available. The hotel also offers optional mangrove walk, fishing and boating activities. For a nominal fee, visitor can pay the hotel to arrange for transportation and tour to the fireflies center. Rate from RM150. Address: Jalan Tanjung Keramat. Tel: +60 3 3289 7070 | Fax: +60 3 3289 7080 | Email: info@depalmahotel.com |
 * Firefly Park Resort offers chalet style stay with usual creature comforts such as TV, air-con and kettle. They can also help arrange for fireflies tour. The cost per night is RM130 weeknights, RM180 weekend, RM200 holiday.
 * Hotel Malawati Ria is in the centre of the town, (where the old bus station is), next to Maybank office. Excellent choice for a budget traveller (or less-of-a budget traveller as well). Very clean and comfortable rooms w/ bathroom, hot shower, friendly staff. Air-con and TV. Good, firm mattresses. Standard double (double room) RM 60, Superior double (twin room) RM 70, Family room RM 100. Small, simple, basic and clean restaurant & cafe downstairs where the reception is. Tel: 03-3289 1268 / 016-388 7183
 * Hotel Kuala Selangor is in the center of the town, opposite the old bus station. Rooms are RM30-50, with the most expensive options offering attached bathroom, TV and air-con. Overall appearance untidy and rundown. Old spring mattresses, felt blanket without sheet for cover.
 * Hotel Kuala Selangor is in the center of the town, opposite the old bus station. Rooms are RM30-50, with the most expensive options offering attached bathroom, TV and air-con. Overall appearance untidy and rundown. Old spring mattresses, felt blanket without sheet for cover.

Go next

 * From the Firefly Park Resort, you can plead for a good deal to go to towns including going to Ipoh for RM220. Make sure you get a taxi with safety belts.