SELANGOR
The gateway to Malaysia, Selangor encompasses both the Kuala
Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Port Klang, the largest port in the
country. It is one of the most progressive states and extends along the west
coast of Peninsular Malaysia at the northern outlet of the Straits of Malacca.
The capital city Shah Alam is a modern township, hailed as one of the most well
planned cities. The heartland of the nation m Selangor’s infrastructure and
communication facilities are among the best in the region. The state is also
renowned for its world class sports facilities, which include the Sepang
International Circuit and the Shah Alam Stadium. Despite its progress, Selangor
remains a captivating and scenic destination in Malaysia, providing visitors
with numerous sightseeing as well as shopping opportunities.
THE INTRIGUING TALES OF MELAWATI HILL
Melawati Hill or Bukit Melawati has a colorful past that is
steeped in history and preserved by time. During the reign of Sultan Ibrahim,
the second Sultan of Selangor (1778-1826), a fort was built on this vey hill to
defend the state against the Dutch invasion. Nevertheless, in 1784 a brutal
fight ensued and the Dutch conquered Kuala Selangor and with it Melawati Hill.
In the heart of battle, the fort collapsed but was reconstructed
and renamed Fort Altingsburg, in honour of the Dutch Governor,General Alting.
Sultan Ibrahim and his men retreated to safety but the desire to reclaim their
land burned fiercely in their hearts. In 1785, the Sultan spearheaded an attack
against the Dutch and reclaimed the fort. Alas, such victory only signified the
beginning of more battles to come. The fort continued to serve as a battle
ground in several other wars involving different forces that tried to gain
control of this stronghold until the British intervention in 1874.
Today, Melawati Hill is a popular tourist attraction for
those who want to revel in its rich and intriguing past. The silent figure of
the Altingsburg Lighthouse perched on the summit of the hill offers a
commanding view of sea and land. Still in working condition, the lighthouse is
out of bounds to the public.
Nevertheless, its sheer magnificence is a sight to
behold. Next to it are the ruins of the first fort.An outer wall of the fort
with 3 original cannons still overlooks the sea. Part of the fort’s original
gates remain intact as is the courtyard with the executioner’s stone block
known as BAtu HAmpar that was used to behead criminals. Legend has it a girl
residing in the fort, caught committing adultery was executed at the stone and
her blood was then sprinkled around the fort as a warning to anyone else who
would defy the law.
Leading up to the
courtyard are the remains of the “Hundred Steps” , aptly named after the number
of terraces leading down to the Batu Buruk docks. In the old days, travellers
and merchants had to pass through these steps before heading towards the
markets in Kuala Selangor. Other attractions at Melawati Hill include the
Poisoned Well used to execute traitors. Filled with a lethal mixture of late
and juice from bamboo shoots, many infidels, met their doom by being slowly
lowered into this well.
In addition to these intriguing places, tourists can also
visit the Kuala Selangor Museum and the Royal Mausoleum where the first 3
Sultans of Selangor were laid to rest .A Penggawa or Chief Cannon, ceremonially
draped in yellow cloth, sits in the mausoleum. It was discovered in 1966 in the
Buluh River, about 19 kilometers from Kuala Selangor and was originally known
as Petai Boga. Melawati Hill is located in Kuala Selangor, 75 kilometers
northwest of Kuala Lumpur.
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