Shah Alam: A Mix of Traditional and Modern Taste
Located outskirt of the capital Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam has long been established as one of the cultural cities where the majority of the citizens are Malay Muslim. The urban entertainment in Shah Alam is growing fast, which is surprising because Shah Alam was once a city with no entertainment outlets such as cinemas, karaoke pubs, and bars. Nowadays, the city, which was named after former Sultan Selangor father’s — Sultan Alam Shah, has become both traditional and modern cultural attractions for visitors coming for a visit.
Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque the Blue Mosque
My visit to Shah Alam would be incomplete if I didn’t visit the iconic building of Shah Alam, The Blue Mosque, or formally named as Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque. As I was born as a Malay Muslim, this mosque has been a serene place for me to perform prayer whenever I visit Shah Alam.
Cultural Heritage: Sultan Alam Shah Museum
I visited the Sultan Alam Shah Museum because particularly I was curious about my Malay origin and traditional culture. The museum stores all the collections of Malay forefather traditional clothes, tools and cultural practice of the heir.
The museum is mainly divided into four galleries: History Gallery, Cultural Gallery, Islamic Gallery and Natural History Gallery. The admission is free for both locals and foreign visitors. If you are a big fan of Malay history and culture, this Minangkabau’s architecture building is a must-visit.
I-City
The vibrant modern city of light, this attraction place is worth a visit for visitors who love to experience a night vibe in a different scene. I went there a few times, to walk in between the colourful light trees and to enjoy the feeling of an advanced modern city.
Nowadays, I-City has been established as a theme park, which makes it even more suitable for families. You can have a night picnic while letting the kids try all the rides and attractions, including Snowland, Wax Museum, House of Horrors, and many more. It’s something that you definitely need to check out!
Laman Seni Shah Alam
Laman Seni Shah Alam, which translates into “Art Space” in English, is another place you should not skip. I was impressed by the amazing mural arts hidden in between the back lanes of boutiques and buildings. For ladies, the shops around this area sell a good variety of pastel and vintage dresses.
SACC Mall: In search for traditional clothes
Almost every year before Aidilfitri, my family and I will come to this place to shop for traditional clothes. I personally like this mall because the clothes always follow the latest trends. There are also plenty of designs for Baju Kurung, Baju Kebaya, and Peplum Dress to choose from. For foreigners looking for traditional fabrics as souvenirs, this mall also sells a lot of fabrics at affordable prices.
Skytrex and Taman Botani Shah Alam
It’s not complete to travel to Shah Alam without going for an outdoor adventure. Taman Botani Shah Alam, the greener side of the city, has long been a stomping ground for locals to have a nice walk in the wood.
With a variety of trees and plants species and a youth favourite adventure activity such as Skytrex Trails, this place was my favourite part of Shah Alam. I’d tested my fear of heights and the adrenaline rush simultaneously in different levels of adventure trails here. This park is also perfect for families and couples who wish to chill and to have a picnic or even to cycle around.
Hip Café for foodies: Cotton Craft Café
Where to eat? Do not worry. Shah Alam has plenty of food places that fit any generation taste. One of my favourite food stop to visit is Cotton Craft Café. The place is hidden from Shah Alam center, but with the help of Uber or GrabCar, you could get to the place in no time.
The interior decoration is simply endearing and lovely, with a mix of pastel blue and white. Try some of the Western dishes such as their burgers and pasta.
Glasshouse Eatery: The Parque Café, Kota Kemuning
Whenever I feel like indulging myself, I will do café hunting around Shah Alam. A little bit outskirt from Shah Alam center, my friend and I drove ourselves to Eco World Kota Kemuning. Apart from the unique and serene neighborhood place, the glasshouse Parque Café stunned us with its elegance.
The food, ambience and view here were wonderful. We had a perfect blend coffee and a piece of cake here, with a beautiful rosy pink sky. It just felt so magical.
Accommodation to stay?
For a luxurious place to stay, Concorde Hotel is a perfect choice. It is strategically located in the city center, and the fine dining option here is well-liked by locals.
For a budget yet unique accommodation, I would recommend Hotel de Art Section 19.
Hotel de Art Section 19 (CC BY3.0 /Expedia)
Hotel de Art Section 19 (CC BY3.0 /Expedia)