Ports are always the center of amalgamation of cultures. I have always marveled at the buzz of colors and cacophony of noises that surround these port cities. One of the more understated ones is the royal city of Klang in Malaysia. An erstwhile outpost of the British Empire, this city held its importance due to the flourishing tin trade emerging out of this peninsular nation. With a host of British administrators mingling with the Chinese traders and Indian workers, it has left a mark on the city’s skyline. I visit Klang to discover these multicultural influences in the form of the architectural beauties and some finger licking food.
Sultan Suleiman Building
Our discovery starts at the Sultan Suleiman Building or the White House, the nerve center of colonial Malaysia. The British administrative building imposes itself on the skyline with its stark white color and typical Victorian-era columns. Although the building housed the law and administrative offices of the British, it has now been converted into a museum in 1988 that honors the ninth Sultans of Selangor, HRH Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah. It houses artifacts, photographs along with clothing and ornaments used by the eight monarch of Selangor and trace his life from being a crown prince, then holding various public offices and finally culminating in him being crowned the Sultan in 1960. The Gallery also traces the royal genealogy of the Sultans of Selangor right till the current monarch, HRH Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
Royal Klang Club
The Royal Klang Club is another throwback to the colonial ages. Built in 1901, it served as the center for recreational activities for the British officers. There is a typical colonial feel to the place with ample use of wood and leathered sofas. The Dining Room known as “Smuggler’s Inn” has a nautical feel to it while the old watering hole, Admiral Benbow Inn retains its cozy colonial touch. The Royal Klang club also has a plethora of sports activities on premises like swimming, lawn tennis and many others.
Istana Alam Shah
Unlike many of the kings in India, the Malaysian monarchs were on extremely friendly terms with the British. So, it should not come as a wonder when you come to know that the royal residence of the current king was built by the British. This magnificent behemoth combines the best of Victorian and Saracenic architecture in a way that truly befits a royal residence. Entry to the palace is severely restricted but the outskirts paint quite a scenic picture replete with beautifully manicured lawns.
Jalan Tengku Kelana or Little India
During the times of colonial trade, the British settled hundreds of workers from Southern India here. Many of them have gone on to make Malaysia their home and their influence plays a major role in shaping the landscape of Klang. Jalan Tengku Kelana or Little India is always abuzz with the colors and smells of India. The footpaths are lined with an array of shops selling home-cooked delicacies along with utensils, clothing and items for home décor. Standing in the middle of the all the bustling activity, I felt right at home as the typical smell of coconut oil wafted into my nostrils.
Archana restaurant
We check into Archana restaurant for a taste of South India in Malaysia. The Thalis are served on Banana leaves along with a traditional green coconut. Not only their traditional food, the Tamilians have also brought their colorful garland shops along with them. The moment I approach the lane, a beautiful scent hits my nostrils. The shops lined up have been around for decades and sell large garlands which are used for worship purposes. Another influence of the Southern part of India has been the erstwhile Chartered Bank building which now has a shop selling Chennai Silk Sarees.
Indian Muslim Mosque, St. Barnabas Church and Sri Nagara Thendayuthapani temple
One of the most endearing pictures that I remember Klang by is that of a mosque, a church and a temple all present in the same vicinity. The Indian Muslim Mosque is a remembrance to both the architecture of Southern India and Muslim architecture. It is rumored that the mosque serves Biryani during Ramadan. While the St. Barnabas Church is a modern brick building but it’s the Sri Nagara Thendayuthapani temple that draws me in with its colours. Rising into the skyline, this triangular structure is typical of South Indian architecture and is managed by the influential Chettiyar community. The temple is dedicated to the Lord Murugan and is one of the most beautiful temples that you will notice.
Kuan Yin Temple
A bit further down the trail is the impact that the Chinese traders have left on Klang. The Chinese temple, Kuan Yin Temple is one of the most picturesque Buddhist temples I have seen in a long time. The pagoda style buildings are beset with colors that will dazzle you. Beautiful carvings on the wall tell you about the life of Confucius along with a plethora of carvings from Chinese mythology, including dragons. The central idol is that of Kuan Yin flanked by his loyal attendants, the Jade Girl and the Golden Boy while the intricate timber carving on the roofs is quite mesmerizing. There is also a small Koi garden which also has a small tea pavilion sitting right above it.
Our Lady of the Lourdes Church
The skyline of Klang would not have been complete without a Roman Catholic Church. Our Lady of the Lourdes Church is built in a typical Gothic style with large windows and colored glass that throws a plethora of colors on the walls of the chapel.
The city of Klang is located at a distance of about 1.5 hours from Kuala Lumpur and is one place that should definitely be on your itinerary when you visit Malaysia. Tourism Selangor offers a heritage walk through the city of Klang which starts at 10 AM and is completely free of charge.
