Travel guideHistorySightsNightlifeMap

Kelang Travel Guide, Malaysia

KELANG, MALAYSIA-OVERVIEW

Kelang or Klang is a royal town in Malaysia, known for the presence of a human settlement since prehistoric times. It is located in the district with the same name and is the royal capital of Selangor state. It is close to Port Kelang, which is the busiest seaport in the world. Kelang was the capital of Selangor from 1974-1977, before Shah Alam was made the capital of Selangor.

Humans have settled in this area since prehistoric times. Artifacts from the Bronze Age have been found in the town. The area has been a point of strategic importance, being located near the Klang Valley known for its tin resource. Kelang has seen a number of wars and conflicts, including being controlled by the Portuguese and the English.

The Klang River flows down the middle of the city, dividing it into Klang North and Klang South. Today Klang South is busier than Klang North, with all the new housing and shopping complex, office and markets being built or shifted there. Healthcare facilities, both Government and private, are also located mostly in Klang South. Quite a few modern townships like Bandar Botanic, Glenmarie Cove, Bandar Bukit Tinggi have developed in South Klang, adding to the bustle of the area.

Kelang is known for its cuisine. The most famous is Bak Kut Teh, which literally means 'pork rib tea' is pig ribs and tenderloins cooked in a dark colored herbal broth. This is a very popular breakfast item, and families gather at the various stalls to have Bak Kut Teh with rice and tea. A variant called Chick Kut Teh is also available, where they use chicken instead of pork.

Chee Cheong Fun is a popular Chinese delicacy, consumed as lunch and dinner. Banana leaf Rice, which is basically a South Indian way of presenting rice along with assortments of vegetables, pickles and papadums on banana leaf, is also a sought after dish in Klang. Rojak or fruit salad, and Cendol, the quintessential dessert in the peninsula are the other delicacies well- known in Klang. Teluk Gong is known for its seafood restaurants. People from places as far as Singapore and Johor Bahru come to taste the seafood here.

There are a number of lavish shopping complexes in Klang. The largest JUSCO store in South East Asia is located at Klang's Bandar Bukit Tinggi.

email to a friendAsk our travel experts a question about Kelang