Destinations
Exploring Vibrant
SHAH ALAM Te x t & I m a g e s b y H A N I A R A F E I
124
Shah Alam, the capital city of Selangor and a major industrial hub in Klang Valley, has now matured into a destination in its own right. Though I’ve been studying at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam for almost three years, I hardly even scratched the city’s surface. As a matter of fact, if it were not for the familiarisation trip organised by Tourism Selangor to selected tourism attractions in Shah Alam, I would have not known how interesting the city really is. Apparently, there is more to Shah Alam than i-City and Skytrex, which are already popular and attract visitors in droves.
WHERE TO GO IN SHAH ALAM? Selangor International Islamic Art Complex (http://www.mbsa.gov.my/en-my/infoshahalam/senikebudayaan/Pages/seni_ islam.aspx) This complex showcases the achievement of Islamic aesthetics through its three galleries. This place is not just the hub of replicating the manuscripts of the Quran but designed in accordance to Islamic principles and etiquettes demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h, for instance the hexagonal design of the building representing the six pillars of Islamic faith. The main gallery offers a three dimensional exhibition entitled Rehlah Nabawiyyah comprising 26 segments of the life of Prophet Muhammad, displayed through miniatures, models and 3D animations, including a scaleddown replica of the house belonging to Prophet Muhammad and his wife Aisyah, diorama of an iconic battle that Prophet Muhammad led, and replicas of swords owned by the early Muslim warriors. As you enter the exhibition, it is as if you’re transported back to the days of Prophet Muhammad. The complex has a ‘secret room’ too where no cameras are allowed inside because it stores valuable handwritten Quranic manuscripts decorated in gold that came from each state in Malaysia. The complex even provides a calligraphy service for your name to be written in Jawi (Arabic alphabets). This complex closes on Mondays. Galeri Shah Alam (https://galerishahalam.com/) Located on the banks of a lake garden and built in wooden architecture, this free-admission gallery exhibits paintings, sculptures, fabrics and Malaysian handicrafts created by various local artists including the media. The beautiful artworks that can be seen here are pleasing to the eyes, restful to the minds and soothing to the soul. This is also the place where you can buy beautiful crafts. This gallery closes on Saturdays and Sundays, except when there is an exhibition of paintings from local and foreign artists. Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Shah (http://www.mssaas.gov.my/) One should never give this Blue Masjid a miss. As a matter of fact, it is the most visible landmark in the city that puts Shah Alam on the international tourist’ map. Claimed to be one of Malaysia’s biggest mosques in Malaysia, this building can fill up to 24,000 worshippers at any one time. The main prayer hall is split into two levels: bottom level is reserved for men while the upper is for the women. I really adore the decorative calligraphy works that adorns the outer side of the mosque’s majestic dome, besides the ubiquitous intricate geometric patterns that grace most of the mosque’s walls and doors. NonMuslims are welcome to visit the mosque and they will be given special attire to wear if they decide to enter.
