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Destinations: Shah Alam

Exploring Vibrant Shah Alam

Text & Images by HANIA RAFEI

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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)

A scaled down replica of the house belonging to Prophet Muhammad and his wife Aisyah.

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.

Selangor International Islamic Arts Complex offers calligraphy service for visitors have their names written in Jawi (Arabic script).

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/)

Picture taken from the 12th floor of Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Shah.

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.

During my visit, I was taken to explore the 12th floor of one of the mosque’s minarets, which was truly a surprise because not many people know the existence of that floor. It is fascinating to view the entire mosque and surroundings from that perspective. However, due to safety reasons, the minaret is not open to the public and can only be accessed by not more than eight authorised individuals at any one time.

Kebun Komuniti, Seksyen 8 ( Jalan 8/3, Seksyen 8, Shah Alam)

Kebun Komuniti Seksyen 8, Shah Alam.

Though Shah Alam is modern and well developed, the city also emphasises on urban agriculture and wants its residents to venture into this industry by helping to create farms that are well equipped with facilities like water drainage systems. The farm has been operating since 2014 and looked after by residents who are retirees and housewives, including youths. Some of the crops grown here are spinach, eggplant, tomato, and mustard. Each crop is cared by individual owner for his or her own consumption or simply to be shared with the community.

Perpustakaan Raja Tun Uda (http://www.ppas.gov.my/)

Perpustakaan Raja Tun Uda.

This has got to be the coolest place for children, teenagers and students in Shah Alam by far. This library encourages children and teenagers to read in a cool place instead of hanging out at the malls. Perpustakaan Raja Tun Uda (Raja Tun Uda Library), located on Jalan Kelab Golf, has brought the library experience to a whole new level. Comprising six storeys and 190,000 books, Perpustakaan Raja Tun Uda does not only provide world class library facilities, but also a gym, multipurpose hall, XD/6D Theatre and 3D Cinema that fits 8 and 30 persons respectively. The fee for the gym is RM5 for three hours, while the Mini 3D theatre and the 6D theatre can used for MYR7 per session and MYR10 per movie respectively. Perpustakaan Raja Tun Uda is a gift from His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah to his subjects, costing approximately MYR70 million and built over five years. It has attracted over 500,000 visitors since it first opened in 22 July 2011. The library even holds coding class every weekend for free. Equipped with Apple products and cosy vibrant-coloured furniture, this is a must-visit attraction that captures the public’s imagination, testifying that there’s more to a library than just books.

WHERE TO STAY?

Concorde Hotel Shah Alam (https://shahalam.concordehotelsresorts.com/)

Concorde Hotel Shah Alam is undeniably one of the most established hotels in the capital of Selangor due to its location, efficient services, reliable facilities and excellent food and beverage outlets, making it a good choice among business and leisure travellers. Located in Section 9, Shah Alam, Concorde Hotel Shah Alam is a stone’s throw from the iconic Sultan Salahudin Mosque – some of the rooms at the hotel designed face the view of the mosque.

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