Independent hotels in Shah Alam

Malaysia’s first planned city is home to vibrant commercial areas, modern housing complexes and recreational areas. It has no entertainment outlets, but this is no way makes it any less interesting to visit, as it has plenty of attractions that entice both Malay and foreign tourists.

The most famous sight in Shah Alam is Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, or the Blue Mosque, which is the largest mosque in all of Malaysia. It features a large 106-metre high blue and silver dome and four minarets that rise to a height just above 132 metres. Close to the mosque is the Garden of Islamic Arts, a lovely 14-hectare park that is home to nine galleries that display a variety of Islamic arts.

Those interested in the history of Shah Alam and the rest of the state of Selangor should visit the Muzium Sultan Alam Shah. If you are travelling with your family it is good to visit Shah Alam Lake Gardens with its numerous playgrounds, the Wet World Shah Alam waterpark or Snowalk I-City – the largest snow-based theme park in the country.

Those visitors who like the outdoors and recreational activities can spend a day at the massive Shah Alam Agricultural Park horseback riding, kayaking, cycling, jogging or walking around the 1,295-hectare park. Shah Alam Extreme Park is great for skateboarding and other extreme sports, while go karters can enjoy zipping around the car park of the Shah Alam Stadium.

Most of the best restaurants in Shah Alam are located in the high-end hotels, though there are a few good clean and cosy options in the Section 7 neighbourhood of the city. There are also plenty of local restaurants scattered around that serve Chinese, Malay and Halal food, as well as a few Thai and Western options. There is not much nightlife here, with bars being almost non-existent other than in some of the hotels. Most visitors opt to have a few drinks with dinner instead.

There are not any must-buy items in Shah Alam that you will be sorry to go home without. Instead, like any modern city, there are a few large shopping malls that house a selection of branded shops, including Shah Alam City Centre Mall (SACC Mall) and the open-air Kompleks PKNS. Visitors can also head just outside of Shah Alam to shop at the large Setia City Mall.