Bukit Melawati, Kuala Selangor

Bukit Melawati (or Melawati Hill) is an interesting place to visit, part of a day trip from Kuala Lumpur. Historically, the hill was strategically important to trade within the Straits of Malacca, and it was also home to the Sultan of Selangor.

Today it is a park, containing a lighthouse and some very old cannons. However these are not the main attraction. 

If you are travelling with children, this will be a very special experience for them. You are able to purchase a sugar-bag of vegetable treats from local sellers to feed the macaques and silvered langurs. Beware though, some of the animals can be rather bold and will happily clamber up on your shoulders if you are inattentively holding food. For the most part, though, it is a fun experience.

If you venture here mid-week, take care with the human traffic. Vehicles are permitted to enter the park, and this will interfere with your enjoyment of the animals. Weekends, however, are much busier and all vehicles must be stationed in the car park at the bottom of the hill. So, the choice is cars or crowds!

While in Kuala Selangor, seek out a seafood meal, and on dusk, you must go to the display of kelip-kelip, fireflies, at Kampung Kuantan, just a short drive from Bukit Melawati. This is a must-see experience.