Melawati Hill (Bukit Melawati)

The basics

The story of Melawati Hill dates back to 1766, when a noble renegade, Raja Lumu, established the town of Kuala Selangor, crowned himself sultan of Selangor, and built his capital, Kota Melawati, on a hill overlooking the river. Today, the majority of travelers visit for the monkeys, part of a triptych of Selangor animal attractions that include sea eagles and fireflies. Most travelers find Kuala Lumpur, the modern-day capital of Selangor state, the ideal base for Kuala Selangor, although the Petaling Jaya suburb is a little closer.

Things to know before you go

• The monkeys are skilled pickpockets. Avoid climbing Bukit Melawati with food in your bag and watch out for phones, jewelry, sunglasses, cameras, and spectacles.
• There is a small charge to ride the electric tram up the hill (optional), but no entry fees.
• Melawati Hill is stroller-friendly and many kids will love the monkeys and the cannons. Don’t let children play with or feed the monkeys: Some are macaques, which can bite and carry rabies.
• There is wheelchair access to much of Melawati Hill but surfaces can be uneven and bathrooms are not adapted.

How to get there

Melawati Hill sits at the heart of the little town of Kuala Selangor, just a 42-mile (68-kilometer) drive northwest of downtown Kuala Lumpur. The journey takes around three hours by bus from KL’s Medan Pasar station, and the fort is a 1-mile (1.5-kilometer) walk from Kuala Selangor bus station, so it’s best to book a tour, self-drive, or plan on staying the night.

When to get there

The museum is closed on Saturdays and operates reduced hours on Friday, but Melawati Hill is open well into the evening seven days a week. Sunsets are lovely, if your firefly-watching schedule allows.

Kuala Selangor Firefly Cruises

Most travelers come to Kuala Selangor not for its history but for the fireflies, which glitter and flicker through the Selangor River mangroves after dark. A clear, moonless night is an ideal viewing condition, and the display, a mating ritual, usually peaks around 8pm. Many tours include a dinner, typically of local seafood favorites, to while away the hours.

What is Melawati Hill (Bukit Melawati) known for?

Melawati Hill (Bukit Melawati) is known for its resident silver-leafed monkeys and important role in colonial history. It’s also famous for its sweeping views of Kuala Selangor—a perfect place to watch the sunset over the water—and for the historic remnants of a former fortress at its summit.

What are the must-see attractions on Melawati Hill (Bukit Melawati)?

The must-see attractions on Melawati Hill (Bukit Melawati) are Batu Hampar (Execution Rock) at the entrance, where legend has it that traitors were beheaded; the Royal Maseuleom, the final resting place of several sultans; and the Poisoned Well, said to have been used to torture traitors.

Do any tours visit Melawati Hill (Bukit Melawati)

Yes, Melawati Hill (Bukit Melawati) is a popular feature of tours of Kuala Selangor departing from Kuala Lumpur. These excursions typically combine the former fortress with an evening boat ride past thousands of glowing fireflies and a seafood dinner. Sometimes, tours stop at the UNESCO-listed Batu Caves.

Can you see wildlife on Melawati Hill (Bukit Melawati)?

Yes, you can see wildlife on Melawati Hill (Bukit Melawati). The jungle surrounding the hill is home to long-tailed macaques and the rare silver-leafed monkeys. You can buy peanuts to feed the primates, but be careful and secure loose objects, as the monkeys are renowned for being mischievous.

When is the best time to visit Melawati Hill?

This part of Malaysia experiences a hot and humid climate year-round, so it's best to visit Melawati Hill (Bukit Melawati) in the morning or evening before temperatures peak. Sunset is a lovely time to visit, but wear plenty of insect repellant to ward away mosquitos.

What are the best things to do in Kuala Selangor?

The best things to do in Kuala Selangor include going on a firefly-spotting tour along the river, feasting on the spicy seafood dishes the town is famous for, watching eagles swoop during a feeding tour, experiencing the phenomenon of the ‘Blue Tears,’ when algae glow blue beneath the water at night.