Known for its deep culture and history, it is no surprise that Klang is regarded as the heart and soul of Malaysia. The town is home to different buildings, each with a unique design, allowing you to immerse yourself in its beauty, whilst deepening your knowledge of the wondrous buildings and other sites it has to offer.
One of the oldest territories in the Selangor state, Klang town begins at the southern bank of the Klang River. As early as the 15th century, Klang was widely known for its tin-mining industry and prior to the establishment of the city of Kuala Lumpur, Klang was initially appointed as the royal capital of Malaysia.
Needless to say, the town holds a great amount of history dating back to the late 1800s and mid-1900s during the British colonial administration. Klang was, and still is, notable as a place of settlement of people from different ethnic backgrounds.
Buildings that surround the town exude a touch of history and colonial architectural style dating back over a century as a reflection of structural development by the British. Various buildings and monuments are still standing today, opening their doors to visitors to come and appreciate the culture and history they have to offer.
The idea of this gallery was first established in the year 1988 by the late Yang di-Pertuan Agong XI, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj. The gallery holds an impressive selection of His Majesty's artefacts, memorabilia and other royal paraphernalia.
Designed by British architect B. Hubback, The Royal Gallery first served as a land and administration office for the British. During the time of the Japanese occupation, the building was also used as the war headquarters during the Second World War.
As you enter the courtyard of the gallery, you will be faced by two towering lion statues. These great sculptures are placed side by side as potent symbols to ward off evil.
The Royal Gallery features many rooms, each having its own significant story to tell. Visitors are encouraged to begin their exploration at the royal meeting room, which is filled with pictures of different Sultans over the years.
Officially opened to the public in 2007, the gallery is now home to many artefacts and a wealth of information as well as a well-curated video room for the public to get a better understanding of the origins and stories surrounding the royal family.
Formerly known as The Old Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, today, Chennai Silk is known as one of the most famous saree shops in the Klang Valley. During the 1800s however, the building was known as Klang’s first and oldest financial institution. Situated at the corner of Jalan Istana and Jalan Dato Hamzah, at present, the building still features design styles referencing the original Neo-Classical era.
Chennai Silk can be immediately spotted just as you enter the heart of Klang town. Visitors who visit the boutique will be spoilt for choice by an array of different sarees ranging from the most beautiful materials such as silk, cotton, chiffon and many more. Situated at the heart of the store also, is a great saree weaving machine. Visitors are welcome to have a close-up experience, observing the art of saree-making as a specialist sits at the machine and carefully weaves some of the most beautiful sarees that are also available for sale in the store.
The Royal Klang Club was formed over a century ago in the year 1901, and was known to be a place where casual gatherings of British planters, civil servants and port administrators were held. This royal club is a must-visit as the interior features a marine-inspired feel. From the ceilings to the flooring, the Royal Klang Club is decorated and styled to mirror the interior design of a ship.
Drop by the Smugglers Inn, a marine-inspired dining area that also serves as a place where events are held. The club has hosted various events and dignitaries while providing a glimpse of Klang’s social and recreational life during the British era.
Known as one of the oldest places of worship in town, The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes sits proudly just a stone’s throw away from the Royal Klang Club. Built in 1923, the church served as a common worship ground for Catholic Chinese and Indian migrants who originally settled in the bustling town of Klang. The church’s design was based on early 20th-century Western architecture and still serves as a house of worship to those living around the Klang area today.
From the back of the church, visitors can get a stunning view of the beautiful and intricately crafted stained glass. Known as The Rose, the stained glass gives the church a beautiful reflection when the sunlight hits the colourful glass panels. As you venture to the back of the church, you will be able to get a glimpse of the beautiful grotto that was built to represent the cave in the town of Lourdes.
This bustling street located in the central part of Klang town is filled with a wondrous array of Indian stores from which to shop in. As you stroll along the street, prepare to be mesmerised by the majestic sights, sounds and scents coming from the little shops along the lane.
Visitors can also stop by the Tengku Kelana Street to enjoy a hearty meal at one of the many banana leaf restaurants that are in the area. Ignite your taste buds with the delicious and mouth-watering dishes, that are packed with flavour and spices.
Once your tummies are filled, walk along the street to shop some more at one of the many local stores. The narrow shophouses offer a variety of items originating from the vibrant Indian culture such as jewellery, spices, brassware and much more.
Located next to the Tengku Kelana Street is the Klang Fire Station, which is a Victorian style building that was built in 1857. The fire station was established by the British Colonial Government to safeguard the town from fires at the time. To this day, the building holds and maintains its original structure and architectural design.
Visitors are welcome to visit the fire department gallery, located at the entrance of the fire station. The Klang Fire Station gallery is filled with a multitude of artefacts and firefighting tools such as the various types of fire extinguishers that were used, dating back to the British occupation.
One of the many interesting pieces that can also be found in the gallery is the safe box. This 1920s safe box was once used to store important and confidential documents going as far back as the years of the British era. However, over time the key to the safe has been lost and until this day, the contents of the safe remain a mystery.
All that said, Klang town is a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike. Each building that you stumble upon holds such deep history and culture, and has a story of its own to share. If you are interested in having a detailed view and understanding of the town, you can also consider participating in the local tour that is led by Tourism Selangor. Visit Tourism Selangor’s website for more information.
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