Selangor
Selangor is one of the 13 states of Malaysia. It is on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is bordered by Perak to the north, Pahang to the east, Negeri Sembilan to the south and the Strait of Malacca to the west. It surrounds the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, both of which were once under Selangor’s sovereignty. The state capital is Shah Alam, the first city in Selangor, and the royal capital is Klang. Another major urban centre is Petaling Jaya which was awarded city status on June 20, 2006. Selangor is one of only two Malaysian states with more than one city; the other is Sarawak. Selangor has the largest city in Malaysia and it is growing rapidly due to modernization in the Klang Valley.
The state of Selangor has the largest economy in Malaysia in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) with RM 128.815 billion (roughly USD 42 billion) in 2010 making up 23% of the total GDP of Malaysia.This state is also the most developed in Malaysia with good infrastructure such as highways and transport. The state also has the largest population in Malaysia, with a high standard of living and the state’s poverty rate is the lowest in the country.
Batu Caves
Batu Caves is one of Malaysia’s most famous tourist destinations. Site of a Hindu temple and shrine, Batu Caves attracts thousands of worshippers and tourists, especially during the annual Hindu festival, Thaipusam. This attracts up to 800,000 devotees and spectators, the highlight is seeing devotees in a trance carry kavidi, a metal frame attached to the body.
Rising almost 100m above the ground, Batu Caves Batu Caves has three main caves featuring temples and Hindu shrines. Its main attraction is the large statue of the Hindu God at the entrance, besides a steep 272 climb up its steps to finally view the stunning skyline of the city centre.
Monkeys frolic around the caves, and it is a popular spot for rock climbing enthusiasts. Paintings and scenes of Hindu Gods can also be seen in the Ramayana Cave. Stalactites jutting from the cave’s ceiling and stalagmites rising from the floor form intricate formations such as cave curtains, flow stones, cave pearls and scallops which took thousands of years to form. The Malaysian Nature Society organizes regular educational and adventure trips to the Dark Caves.
The other main cave is the Art Gallery Cave located at the foot of the steps. Statues and wall paintings depicting Hindu deities and mythology are displayed here. The walk to the entrance is itself quite a pleasant experience through a lake and ponds filled with hundreds of colourful fish.
Sepang International Circuit
The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is the venue used for the Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix, A1 Grand Prix as well as the Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix. It is also used as a venue for many other major motorsport events. It’s just located outside the KL International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang.
The Sepang circuit boasts superb pit garage and media facilities, as well as impressive grandstands and patron amenities. The Sepang F1 Circuit has a double-frontage grand stand for 30,000 spectators and natural stands that are able to accommodate 100,000 spectators. Since it first played host to Formula 1 in 1999, now become one of the most popular circuits among the F1 drivers.
The main circuit, normally raced in a clockwise direction, is 5.54 kilometers long, and is noted for its sweeping corners and wise straights. The layout is quite unusual, with a very long back straight separated from the pit straight by just one very tight hairpin.
Sunway Lagoon Theme Park
Sunway Lagoon is Malaysia’s Premier Theme Park and has become the most visited tourist destination in the country.
Sunway Lagoon is strategically located in the township of bandar Sunway in Petaling Jaya. Spanning 80 acres, the Lagoon draws fun seekers from all over with its reputation as a fascinating land of fun and excitement.
Sunway Lagoon is separated into 3 major themed lands, each boasting their own exciting attractions. Find entertainment, adventure and excitement all in place. A place where you will bring back more than just memories.
Sunway Lagoon, being part of Malaysia’s first fully integrated themed resort- Sunway Lagoon resort, offers visitors the convenience of a 5 star hotel, a grand shopping mall right next door and other ultra-modern facilities.