Bukit Melawati
Bukit Melawati (Melawati Hill) at Kuala Selangor was the administrative
center and stronghold of the Selangor Sultanate in the late 18th and early 19th
century. A heavily fortified fort once stood on the summit. It was built during
the reign of Sultan Ibrahim from 1782 to 1826 to fight against the Dutch.
Selangor had been sucked into the struggle between the Dutch and the ruler of
Johor and Riau.
The fort fell to the Dutch in 1784, renamed it "Altingsburd Fort" after they did
not hold it for long. Sultan Ibrahim recaptured the fort in January 1785 in a
daring night attack with the aid of warrior from Pahang and mercenaries from
Permatang. The victory was significant. It was the first time that a local
Sultan had been able to retake his fort from a foreign power.
In Bukit Melawati are found relics of the past, including the protective walls
of the fort, the palace ground, a lighthouse, royal graves, seven walls, a flat
stone used for beheading offenders, a 100-step ladder, a poisonous well and
several cannons pointed at the moth of the Selangor River (Sungai Selangor).
Bukit Melawati was designated a historical monument and historical site under
Antiquities Act 1976 in 1977.
As a historical place, Bukit Melawati has several remnants from the past that
appeal to those interested in its history. A few leftover cannons and foundation
stones attract visitors here for their historical values of Bukit Melawati. On
top of Bukit Melawati stands a huge and well maintained light house that was
built in the year 1907. This century old structure is still in use today to
guide ships that sail along the Straits of Malacca. Kuala Selangor Historical
Museum is also located on top of the hill and is opened daily except on Mondays.
There are many historical artifacts and write up about Kuala Selangor and the
surrounding areas that you can see and explore while you are here.
Other attractions that you can see here include the Poisoned Well that was said
to be filled with a poisonous mixture of juice from bamboo shoots and latex. It
was used to execute traitors by lowering them into the well. Old cannons that
were used in the olden days can be seen along the higher ground of the hill.
Apart from being a historical site, being at the top of the hill gives you an
excellent panoramic view of Selangor coastline. You would be able to see the
Straits of Malacca on a clear day, or bask in the warmth of a sunset on a clear
day, or bask in the warmth of a sunset on a calm evening. Some fishing
settlements are within view as well.
Getting There
If you are driving and are coming from Kuala Lumpur or Petaling Jaya, take the
NKVE and exit at Sungai Buloh toll plaza. Follow the trunk road towards the
direction of Kuala Selangor. The drive will take you approximately 45 minutes to
1 hour.
As you reach the town, look for the signage of Bukit Melawati. During the
weekends, there will be trams run up the hill from the foothill with fees.
folder_open Attractions in Selangor