While we as a nation glance in the rear view mirror to see how far along we have come since our Independence on 31 August 1957, we can also relive the country’s history in numerous places around the capital. In the same vein, Tourism Selangor has highlighted a handful of museums across the diverse state which hold pieces of past just waiting to be perused. Varied in their contents and offerings, each of these places warrants a visit whether you’re a history buff or not, so tarry not in making those travel plans, and remember to stick to the SOPs!
Jugra Insitu Museum
Essentially the over-a-century-old ruins of a district police station built in 1878 by a British Officer, Captain Harry Charles Syers, this building also served as a center of Government administration by the Selangor Sultanate. It has since found new life as a museum with three exhibition halls containing historical titbits. Entry is free of charge, however photography is not allowed.
Picture courtesy of Tourism Selangor
Visiting hours are from 9.30am to 5.30pm (Saturday to Thursday) and from 9.30am-12pm and continue at 2.45
WHERE Bukit Jugra, Banting, Selangor
WHEN 9.30am-5.30pm (Sat-Thur), 9.30am-12pm, 2.45-5.30pm (Fri)
TEL 03 3103 0048 / 03 3103 1279
info@heritage.gov.my
Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery
Located in Klang, Selangor, this Royal Gallery is dedicated to the former Sultan of Selangor Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah. The building itself was constructed in 1909 and called Bangunan Sultan Sulaiman when it was used by the British Government as the Land Office and Administration Office of British Malaya. The building was later on seized by the japanese and used as their headquarters during the Japanese occupation of Malaya.
Picture courtesy of Tourism Selangor
After the country secured its Independence in 1957, the building was converted into the Klang District Office before finally assuming its current title as a Memorial Museum on 19 October 2007. Admission is free.
WHERE 3, Jalan Stesen, Kawasan 1, Klang, Selangor
WHEN 10am-5pm (Tue-Sun)
TEL 03 3373 6500
selangor.travel
Kuala Selangor District Museum
This place is a treasure trove of historical Selangor artefacts such as tombstones, weapons, spears, cannons and other curios which were prevalent during the time of the war involving the Sultanate of Selangor by Sultan Salehuddin (Raja Lumu) in 1766. There was civil war in Selangor alongside the battles fought with the Dutch and the British. Notable figures of the civil war included Sultan Abdul Samad, Raja Mahmud, Raja Abdullah from Kuala Lumpur, Raja Sulaiman (the then ruler of Klang), Tengku Kudin, and Raja Mahadi.
Picture courtesy of Tourism Selangor
Like a number of wars throughout history, it was a fight to determine who will be in power. This museum is close to Altingsburd Lighthouse which visitors can add to their itinerary.
WHERE Kuala Selangor, Selangor
WHEN 9.30am-5.30pm
TEL 03 3289 7167
selangor.travel
Kajang Heritage Centre
Built on the foundation of tin mining and rubber cultivation activities, this heritage centre showcases a vivid tapestry of the early days of the area. In the 1850s, Hulu Langat District became the first place for tin mining in Rekoh. Sultan Abdul Samad then offered to open a tin mine in Bukit Arang for Towkay Chin Ah Chan in 1868.
Picture courtesy of Tourism Selangor
Mandailing immigrants from Sumatra pioneered the clearing of the dense forest land in Kajang to make way for the booming industries above, which were an indispensable part of the early Malayan economy.
WHERE 39, Jalan Mendaling, Bandar Kajang, Kajang, Selangor
WHEN 10am-5pm (weekend only)
leekimsin@gmail.com
Sultan Alam Shah Museum
Opened in 1989 and featuring design cues taken from Minangkabau culture, this museum covers a large swathe of history pertaining to the state and beyond, and contains a number of interesting exhibits.
Picture courtesy of Tourism Selangor
From prehistoric artefacts of early human settlements and drum fragments from the Bronze Age (Dong Son) dating back to 600 BC, to the arrival of the Portuguese, Bugis, Dutch and the Melaka and Johor Sultanate, visitors can get their fill of local history and culture. Admission is free.
WHERE Persiaran Bandaraya, Seksyen 14, Shah Alam, Selangor
WHEN 9.30am-5.30pm (Tues-Sun)
TEL 03 5519 0050
info@padat.gov.my