The Royal Klang Town Heritage Walk starts from Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery. — Photos: Tourism Selangor
As one of the oldest territories in Malaysia, the Royal City of Klang in Selangor holds historical significance and even just a day spent in the area allows one a glimpse into the country’s storied past.
On the Royal Klang Town Heritage Walk, participants will learn about the role that Klang played in the formation of Selangor.
During the British colonial administration from the 1800s to 1900s, Klang was a major player in the tin-mining industry, despite not having any large-scale tin mines in the area itself.
Klang was also the former state capital of Selangor from 1974 to 1977, prior to Shah Alam’s official designation as the capital in 1978.
Now it is a melting pot that showcases mostly Malay, Chinese and Indian culture and heritage. From the majestic mosques and temples to the silk sarees and variety of cuisines, here is where you get to experience a “Malaysia, Truly Asia” moment.
Klang, located in the district of the same name, was officially proclaimed by Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah as a city effective from Nov 23, 2023.
If, like us, you have always been curious of what there is to see and do in Klang beyond its “meat bone tea” and seafood (because, admittedly, those are what most out-of-towners would visit the city for), a great way to really delve into its history is by joining a heritage walk. The knowledgeable guides will gladly enlighten you with facts about the city’s past and present.
One of the royal collections at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery.
Walk and learn
Covering 11 historical landmarks in the city, the Royal Klang Town Heritage Walk commences at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery, located at Jalan Stesen.
The walk, available on Saturdays and Sundays, starts from 9.15am. It is estimated to end at 11.45am, but the duration really depends on participants’ level of enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge. And, of course, the weather.
Experienced guide Jane Rai told us during our recent media tour that she and her associates would not keep a strict schedule if the participants were keen to spend a bit more time exploring and learning about the city.
“It is not only accessible from the railway station but it is also a relevant place to introduce the Selangor Sultanate, British Administration and Japanese Occupation,” Rai said, explaining why the gallery is the starting point for the walk.
The gallery is housed in the Sultan Suleiman Building, built in 1909, featuring neoclassical architecture by British architect Arthur B. Hubback. Its stately white facade is why it is called known as “The White House Of Klang”.
Serving as the administrative centre during the British colonial era, it was later used by the Japanese during World War II and subsequently taken into use by local authorities.
Sultan Sharafuddin opened the gallery in 2007 to honour his father, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, who was the Sultan of Selangor from 1960 to 2001. Sultan Salahuddin was also Malaysia’s 11th Yang di-Pertuan Agong from 1999 to 2001.
With no entrance fee, it is a great place for visitors to gain insight into the royal legacy through the vast collection of the sultanate’s personal belongings. Exhibits include artefacts, taxidermy and replicas of Selangor’s crown jewels.
An authentic saree-weaving machine displayed at Chennai Silk Palace.
Situated across from the gallery is an old chartered bank that was built in 1874. “Back in the day, it was also an accommodation for the bank manager who helped in minding the security of the building,” Rai said.
Located at the junction of Jalan Istana and Jalan Dato Hamzah, today it is home to Klang’s famous Indian boutique, Chennai Silk Palace.
One fascinating highlight of the boutique is its saree-weaving machine. This is possibly the only mechanical loom found in the city. According to Rai, it was imported from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu by the late proprietor to offer shoppers a glimpse into how the traditional ensemble was made.
Also located along Jalan Istana is the 123-year-old Royal Klang Club. Its nautical-inspired interior is a fine reflection of the city’s rich shipping legacy.
The club was set up by British folks residing in the area as a social and recreational centre for its members who were civil servants – British planters and administrators of Port Swettenham (renamed to Port Klang in 1972).
After Malaya’s independence, the club accepted local memberships and improved facilities to cater to the members’ needs. Squash, table tennis and a swimming pool were among the new additions.
Inside is an English-styled bar called Admiral Benbow Inn, named after the English Royal Navy officer, John Benbow. There is also Smugglers’ Inn, a dining area that doubles as an event space.
Old photos of the British adorn the walls, providing a look into the city’s colonial past.
Just a stone’s throw from the club is Istana Shah Alam. Constructed in the early 1900s, it served as the dwelling of Sultan Sulaiman Shah, who lived in the palace for more than three decades before his passing.
Presently, the sprawling complex is still used as a venue for royal ceremonies like coronation and birthday celebrations.
Although it remains off-limits to the public today, visitors can take a leisurely stroll at its beautifully landscaped park, Taman Bandar Diraja Klang.
The Royal Klang Club is more than 120 years old.
History, bravery and faith
Venturing further into the heart of Klang, you will find the city’s oldest church, the Church Of Our Lady Of Lourdes.
Erected in 1928, the worship house showcases Gothic style reflected in stained glass panels, elaborate tracery and sky-piercing spires. “The design is modelled after the church in Lourdes, France,” Rai shared.
“A grotto and statue of the Virgin Mary are placed at the back of the church to allow parishes and itinerant travellers to pray when the church is closed.”
It was a place of prayer for tin miners, traders and Tamilian planters, as well as port workers.
Another colonial structure nearby is the Klang Convent School. Helmed by the Infant Jesus Sisters (IJS), the mission school started welcoming students in 1928, four years after its construction. This is part of the education journey of IJS, which began in the mid-1800s.
It’s only a short walk from here to Gedung Raja Abdullah. Having existed for over 160 years, the 19th-century timber and concrete structure was originally a warehouse belonging to Raja Abdullah for the distribution and storage of tin.
“Raja Abdullah, the Malay chief of Klang who was tasked to locate the natural resource, and his family lived in the warehouse,” Rai said.
However, they were forced to vacate when a dispute emerged in the mid-1860s.
Several years later, the empty complex was turned into a government office. In the 1880s, it functioned as a police station for almost 100 years before becoming a tin museum, which ceased operations following the opening of the Sultan Alam Shah Museum in Shah Alam in 1989.
Items and artefacts displayed at the Klang Selatan Fire And Rescue Station.
Journeying down Jalan Gedung Raja Abdullah, a red-and-white building comes into view: The Klang Selatan Fire And Rescue Station. Initially a police department for over six decades, it was turned into a fire station in the 1950s. Even though the building has undergone several facelifts, a large portion of its original structure remains.
A mini gallery, now in its ninth year, displays items such as musical and old vehicles.
Among them are saxophones and tubas used by the firefighters (for entertainment, not firefighting) and a striking red motorcycle.
Tucked in a corner, an unmistakably sturdy safe box from the early 1900s stands unopened for decades, its key long lost. “People have tried opening it, but they failed. This shows how secure the safe is,” said Rai.
Next on the walk is one of Klang’s oldest streets, Jalan Tengku Kelana, popularly nicknamed Little India. It was called Rembau Street prior to its name change in 1963.
Lining the street are shophouses selling an array of food, garments and knick-knacks. Nearby are two prominent worship places, the Indian Muslim mosque, Masjid Tengku Kelana, and Sri Nagara Thendayuthapani Hindu temple.
The former is a reconstruction of the original mosque built in 1910. The latter, meanwhile, has a history spanning more than 160 years. A beacon of hope for Indian immigrants who flocked to the temple for prayers, today it stands as a significant cultural symbol for the people of Klang.
Little India is one of the oldest streets in Klang.
More to explore
The heritage walk barely scratches the surface when it comes to the many attractions and offerings that Klang has. Hence, it’s best to allocate a few days or make multiple visits to really appreciate its places of interest that provide a closer look at its nature, culture and community.
There is a particular area located directly across from the royal gallery that will appeal to mural hunters. Named Laman Seni Safari, it’s easy to see where the appellation derives from once you spot the zebras, ostrich, rhinoceros and other exotic animals painted on the walls along the alley.
Located a little further, about 20 minutes by car, is the Malaysian Book Of Records-certified largest wholesale mall in Malaysia. GM Klang houses over 2,500 stores selling everything from fashion and food to home decor and wedding accessories. A good place to shop without the big crowds malls in the capital city often attract.
For a more cultural experience instead, head to Pandamaran New Village, about 12 minutes from the wholesale mall.
Here, you’ll find Rumah Papan Pandamaran. The wooden house, also called Ban Chu in the Hokkien dialect, holds culture- related exhibitions from time to time. Join the guided tours for an in-depth understanding of not only the village’s but also Klang’s history and cultural significance.
For visitors who enjoy a panoramic view of the sea, you’ll feel right at home in Tanjung Harapan. The seaside promenade stretches roughly 3km along Klang’s North Port. Taking a seaside stroll, fishing and feasting on seafood at the restaurants lining it are among the popular activities here.
If you want to do all this but on an island, head to Pulau Ketam. At the South Port Passenger Terminal that’s around 12 minutes away from the promenade, you’ll find boats and ferries that you can take to the “crab island” (that’s what its name translates to).
A day trip should suffice but you could stay overnight if you wish the enjoy the tranquillity of island life a little longer.
Scan the QR code at the platforms to track the KTM Komuter. — FLOREY D. MIKIL/The Star
KL to Klang
There are several ways to get to Klang, be it by car, bus or train. Let’s use KL Sentral as the starting point and the destination will be Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery. Getting to Klang by car means either taking your own or booking one through a ride-hailing service.
For the former, you will need to drive for roughly an hour, depending on traffic condition. Do note that parking space is limited in the gallery’s compound.
For the latter, you’ll get a break from driving but you will have the fare to be concerned about. It typically costs around RM40 one way, but the price can easily double – or even triple – during peak hours.
A more affordable option, costing RM5 per trip, is taking the KTM Komuter that, interestingly, evolved from the railway system that was once a vital part of the tin mining industry during the British’s ruling.
However, the train ride takes roughly an hour and 30 minutes one way. You’ll also need to factor in the roughly 10-minute walk from the station to the gallery.
Also, timing is everything because once you miss the train, you’ll need to wait for the next one – arriving an hour later.
You can scan any of the QR codes found on the platform to track the train’s movement from one point to another. Based on our experience, it was off by a few minutes but good enough to keep you informed on the train’s whereabouts.
The most cost-effective method (costing nothing to board) will be taking the Smart Selangor Bus. It operates from 6am to 9pm with a frequency of 15 to 30 minutes. But do check the Smart Selangor website for the latest updates on stops and routes.
Booking for the Royal Klang Town Heritage Walk must be done in advance (via https://forms.gle/3peoVzyc9oAt8kQ56).
