Selangor, or Selangor Darul Ehsan to give it its formal name, is a heavily populated state in Malaysia. The state completely surrounds the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. However it is still a very green state with plenty of parks and forest reserves and, along its eastern fringe there are still huge swathes of jungle covered hills to explore and enjoy.
1) Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park (Kuala Selangor)
Fireflies is also known as kelip-kelip by the local. It dwells along the Selangor river banks and feeding on the Berembang trees (also known as mangrove trees). Visitors would experience riding on a traditional sampan (small boat) into the darkness at night down the Selangor River and observe the fireflies in close proximity. The fireflies gather in Berembang trees to feed on its tree sap and flash to attract a mate. Both male and female species light up. But, only the males do it together in union. Viewing time starts from sundown at 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm with a maximum number of 4 people per boat.
2) Kuala Selangor Nature Park (Kuala Selangor)
Kuala Selangor Nature Park (Taman Alam Kuala Selangor) comprises over 200 hectares of coastal land. It is a haven for a wide variety of flora and fauna where a large part of it is mangrove swamps. Mangrove ecosystem protect the coastline, serve as fish breeding ground, give refuge to diverse wildlife and supply wood. The Nature Park includes inland secondary forests, muddy estuaries, mudflats, and a brackish lake that is inhibited by wetland animals.
3) Bukit Broga (Semenyih)
Bukit Broga (Broga Hill) is also called as ‘Bukit Lalang’. It is a place where hikers frequently drop by for exercise or morning sunrise. There are three peaks for Broga Hill. You will first pass by the oil palm estate, then the forest. After the forest, you will need to climb up the little steep hill. The steps created by humans’ footsteps. At the end, you’ll definitely love Broga Hill once you reach the top and withness that amazingly beautiful sun-rise with your own eyes.
4) Ampang Recreational Park (Ampang)
The Ampang Recreational Forest is also known as Taman Rimba Ampang or Bukit Belacan. It is located about 13.5km east of Kuala Lumpur. The river is cool and clear, with many shallow pools to wade in and small rocks that provide natural massage. The site is a popular get away for a lazy, afternoon picnic by the river.
5) Shah Alam Lake Garden (Shah Alam)
Shah Alam Lake Gardens is a man-made lake with beautiful landscape in the middle of the city centre of Shah Alam. It is divided into three sections in which all are surrounded by beautiful gardens that are ideal for family outing and picnic. The three sections are the east, the west and the central. The east section is called Tasik Damai, the west section is called Tasik Permai and the middle section is called Tasik Indah. You can see the tortoise, fish and other fresh water habitat in the surrounding area. The facilities here include a water theme park called Wet World Shah Alam, a floating seafood restaurant that serves Malaysian cuisine, children playgrounds, benches and kayak for rent facility.
6) Zoo Negara (Ampang)
Zoo Negara covers 110 acres of land. It is situated only 5km from the city of Kuala Lumpur. It has a total of over 5137 specimen from 476 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish.
7) Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam (Shah Alam)
Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam (TBNSA) is also known as Bukit Cahaya Sri Alam. It is an area of forests combined with plantations/botanical gardens that lies towards the north of Shah Alam city. The rainforest, mainly centered on some hills, while the lowlands are home to the botanic gardens, with many plots featuring various types of agricultural crops and trees grown alongside the rainforest trees. Visitor can expect to spot a variety of common lowland forest birds, insects, and small mammals like macaques, squirrels, and monitor lizards. The main attractions here seem to be bicycle riding, paintball, and outdoor activities (like flying fox) offered by a local outfit called Skytrex.
8) Chilling Waterfall (Kuala Kubu Bharu)
Chiling Waterfall is one of the most spectacular and impressive waterfalls in Selangor. It is located in a reserve called the Sungai Chiling Fish Sanctuary, a fisheries research project run by the Selangor State Fisheries Department.You need to walk for about an hour and wade across the Chiling River five times to get there.
9) Pantai Redang (Sekinchan)
Pantai Redang (Redang Beach) is a hidden beach in Sekinchan. It is very near the seafood restaurants area at Bagan. You can take an unbeaten track along the coastal line, away from the jetty, and you may find a nice and secluded spot for birding, especially to look out for egrets, waders, and terns. It’s also a good hunting ground for hermit crabs of reasonable size.
10) Gunung Nuang (Hulu Langat)
Gunung Nuang is situated in the Hulu Langat district of Selangor state is often described as Selangor’s tallest peak. Gunung Nuang is 1439 metres high (4898 feet). The entrance to the trail is near the village of Pangsoon. It’s around 200m above sea level. You can hear the loud insect, bird and monkey calls along the way. You will also have to cross the shallow river using stepping stones within the journey.
