INTRODUCTION
Klang, also spelled Kelang, is the state capital of Selangor, on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia before Shah Alam. It is also the state's royal town. The town is named after the Klang River, which cuts the town in half, and sits at the western end of the Klang Valley.
DIRECTIONS TO KLANG
By train
Klang's railway station is located at Jalan Stesen in the part of town south of the Klang River. KTM Komuter, Klang Valley's commuter train network, connects Klang directly with Kuala Lumpur (RM3.60, 50 minutes) and Port Klang (RM1.00, 20 minutes). Several famous bah kut teh (see eat) joints are located near the station. There are many bakuteh speciality shops in Klang but the famous ones can be found behind the Menara Trend which is an office tower located just next to the exit of the Federal Highway.
By bus
The bus terminal is located in the part of town north of the Klang River opposite the Mydin Shopping Complex where you can catch buses to Kuala Lumpur, Port Klang, Kuala Selangor, Banting and other destinations. Nearby to this Bus Terminal there is an old library which has been in operation for many years.
- Transnasional is the main bus operator serving Klang. Frequent No. 710 go to Kuala Lumpur while No. 126 to Port Klang.
- Permata Kiara and Metrobus also operate frequent services to Kuala Lumpur.
- Other operators include Ardent Link and various minibus companies.
By boat
Klang is not located by the sea. However, there are boats between Indonesia and Port Klang which is located 8km away.
GETTING AROUND KLANG
Generally it is most convenient to drive around Klang as public transportation is limited. Taxis are available for hire outside the railway station at Jalan Stesen.
THINGS TO DO
The Sultan of Selangor's royal palace can be viewed at Jalan Istana. However, visitors are not allowed into the grounds.
SHOPPING
There are many shops selling many things in Klang.
CUISINE
Klang is the original home of bak kut teh, the Hokkien-style dish of pork rib cooked in a strong, dark herbal stock. This is considered a breakfast dish here and family get-togethers on Sundays are particularly popular.
- The Old Stall, Jalan Stesen Satu (west end of street next to parking lot). This shop needs no signboard nor menu, and in fact people can't even agree on its name, but this doesn't stop it from packing the crowds: this is Klang's oldest bak kut teh shop and their dark broth is smooth, strong and supremely tasty. Open only 5 AM to 11 AM daily, so get there early. RM5/7 for a small/large bowl, 50 sen for rice, RM2 for a pot of tea, and there's nothing else on the menu so feel free to bring your own side dishes.
- Seng Huat Bak Kut Teh, Jalan Sultan (half under the bridge). Another very popular option which has now franchised itself, but this is the original. The menu is a bit larger and the ambience is fractionally more upscale, but prices are actually a little cheaper - figure on RM15 for two. Tip: get your bak kut teh without the intestines.
- Hokkien Association, off the main KL-Klang highway.
Drink
A must try is cendol at the Klang Cendol shop. The shop is located oposite the former wet market place (which has since been relocated to Jalan Meru). It started out being sold on a tricycle, before progressing to a van, and finally to its current establishment. Besides cendol, they also sell rojak which is equally good.
ACCOMMODATION
Klang is easily covered in a half-day-trip from Kuala Lumpur, but you can find some good hotels including:
- Emerald, Jalan Meru. Downtown hotel located in the same building as the Kamdar superstore.
- GoldCourse, Jalan Pasar. High-rise business hotel located in the town center with an adjacent shopping mall.
- Histana, Jalan Batu Tiga Lama +603-3343 8999 Three-star hotel facing the "Gate Way" of Klang and just 10-minutes drive from the Jusco shopping center and Klang Town.
- Prescott, 18A Lebuh Enggang, off Persiaran Sultan Ibrahim (on a service road adjacent to the main Klang road) +60-3-33448833. Cosy business hotel with a small swimming pool at the back.
