1. Silvered leaf monkeys (Silvery lutung)
During my visit to Kuala Selangor in January, I was supposed to visit Bukit Malawati but a change in schedule meant that I had to give it a miss. I finally had the chance to visit this historical hill last week.
2. silvered leaf monkey (Silvery lutung) chilling atop a tram
I’ve heard a lot about Bukit Malawati, especially the silvered leaf monkeys and their orange babies that call this hill home, but never had delved into the historical facts or explored Malawati until this trip. Bukit Malawati in Kuala Selangor is about an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur.
3. monkey colony
The silvered leaf monkeys live in harmony with longtail macaques. Do take note that the macaques can be rather fierce, unlike the silvered leaf monkeys. Feeding is allowed and there are even vendors around who sell fruits and vegetables to visitors who wish to do so.
4. trams that are used to ferry visitors up Bukit Malawati
By the way, while cars are allowed up the hill on weekdays, only trams are used to ferry visitors on weekends, due to insufficient parking bays. Two trams are available, with each capable of accommodating 44 to 50 pax. The fare is RM5.30 per adult and RM3.20 per child (3 – 12 years of age). Those who wish to exercise may walk up the hill, which takes about 30 minutes.
5. Kuala Selangor Lighthouse, built in 1907
Atop the hill sits the Kuala Selangor Lighthouse, also known as Altingsburg Lighthouse. Built in 1907, this lighthouse is so well maintained that it is still in use today, to guide ships that sail along the Straits of Malacca. Hence, the lighthouse is lighted up from 7pm to 6am daily. We were allowed to climb up the lighthouse but only to the first level. I was informed that on “Open Day”, visitors are allowed to climb the lighthouse till the top.
6. En Mahadi, Museum Assistant
Adjacent to the lighthouse is the Historical Museum of Kuala Selangor District. If you are a history buff, this is the place for you. Spend time to read up on the history of Kuala Selangor and Bukit Malawati. Information boards are in Bahasa Malaysia and English.
7. a diorama depicts Sir Francis Light, who came to trade with Selangor during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim circa 1782 – 1826
8. porcelain coffee set
Admission to the museum is free of charge. Opening hours are from 9.30am to 5.30pm daily, except for Fridays from 9.30am – 12 noon and 2.45pm to 5.30pm.
9. cannonballs in three sizes, made from iron
Descending the hill is the final resting place of the first three Sultans of Selangor, at The Kota Malawati Royal Mausoleum:
1st Sultan of Selangor: Sultan Salehuddin (1766-1782)
2nd Sultan of Selangor: Sultan Ibrahim (1782 – 1826)
3rd Sultan of Selangor: Sultan Muhammad (1826 – 1857)
10. The Kota Malawati Royal Mousoleum
For more information about Bukit Malawati or Kuala Selangor, contact:
Kuala Selangor District Council
Add: Jalan Majlis, 45000 Kuala Selangor, Selangor.
Tel: +603-32891439
Web: http://www.mdks.gov.my/
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