Traditional Malay Dishes That Originate from Selangor

Being the gateway and the centre of Malaysia, Selangor has an impossible number of food choices from around all the 14 states of the country. Often being overlooked is Selangor’s own gastronomical delights that have been carried down from centuries and its tradition still remains as is. Due to Selangor’s history of former migration back in the early years, some of its settlers were people from different background and country that have resulted Selangor to become culturally diverse. Hence, making the food rich in flavours! Now, giving you the best of Selangor, we highlight here the traditional flavours for you to try making at home.

Pecal

Pecal is a common appetiser that can be found just about anywhere in Selangor. Known to be a traditional Javanese salad that merely consists of vegetables topped with a mouth-watering peanut sauce that can also be served with Ketupat or Lontong. The preparation in making Pecal is extremely simple so you can easily try it at home at any time! The key ingredients to prepare this dish are peanuts or groundnuts for the gravy or which we call ‘kuah’, tofu, bean sprout, long beans and cucumber. It is that easy.

Pecal from www.maggi.com. my

Nasi Ambeng

Nasi Ambeng is usually served in a form of a platter which can be shared with four to five people per serving. It consists of a variety of food choices that will just blow your mind. When it comes to preparing this Javanese-Malay dish, you should not miss out on its side dishes which are chicken, fried noodles, long beans, sambal tempe accompanied by white rice that is served in banana leaf! In Selangor, Nasi Ambeng is normally served at festivals or large gatherings or locally known as ‘Kenduri’.

Nasi Ambeng by nona manis kitchen cyberjaya

Sambal Taun

Known as Sambal Taun or Sambal Tahun, this unique dish is famous among Selangorians. It originates from the Javanese early settlers and has become a traditional food of Selangor ever since. This dish is said to be spicy because of the amount of chili used in its preparation. Hence, the name sambal. Here in Selangor, the protein is taken from cow skin but it is commonly switch to either clams, cow lungs or even anchovies, according to one’s preference. Other ingredients needed to complete this one of a kind main dish are red onions, garlic, shrimp paste, coconut milk, oil, tamarind paste, a pinch of salt and sugar. In the past, it is believed that this dish was served during Eid celebration!

Sambal Tahun by salamisimon1 on blogspot

Wadai Kipeng

In the tongue of the Banjar people, ‘Wadai’ predominantly means ‘Kuih’, while ‘Kipeng’ is refers to pieces. Back in the day, it has been traditionally practiced by the Banjar community to plate up Wadai Kipeng on their Thanksgiving ceremony! It goes without saying, to prepare this porridge-like dessert, the must-have ingredients are glutinous rice flour, coconut, palm sugar, granulated sugar and some pandan leaves! This is a perfect sweet ending to your meal.

Wadai Kipeng by www. friedchillies.c om.

Bahulu Kemboja

We named it the ‘old-timers’ favourite traditional kuih that is still popular up to this day. Bahulu Kemboja can be served whenever you like, be it for breakfast, or even during teatime, well you choose! Having its own speciality, this kuih is sold widely but it is undeniably though to find one that taste as original as the Selangor one today. You can always try making one at home and you may be surprised at what good of a cook you are! To maintain the uniqueness and moisture of the kuih, the ingredients needed are original pandan essence straight from its leaves, wheat flour, rice flour, some coconut milk, eggs, sesame seeds for topping and of course, sugar and salt to give taste!

Bahulu Kemboja by manis2012 on blogspot

It is truly a bless to have such amazing flavours and dishes in just one state. From appetisers, main dishes, desserts and teatime snacks, all these traditional cuisine is a reflection of how splendid Selangor can be!

For more information, please log on to the official website of Tourism Selangor at https://selangor.travel/

This article is by Tourism Selangor.

Paragliding at Jugra

Humans relentlessly try to break barriers. We are never going to be satisfied being just on land. We create things to make us survive in water like fish and fly as if we are birds.

My latest adventure brought me to the sky again. You might have seen my video when I went skydiving in Houston. Both skydiving and paragliding are done in the sky but they are definitely different.

Watch my skydiving experience at 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toq250O7GM4&t=1s

Paragliding is something you have to try once in your life

First of all, paragliding is not as nerve-wrecking as skydiving. (That could give you some relief)

Second of all, my experience of skydiving gave me the impression that it is more about falling ruggedly from a plane. Paragliding on the other hand is a form of unpowered flying and it is the art of keeping afloat in the air.

Thirdly, paragliding is...SOMETHING COOL THAT YOU HAVE TO CHECK OUT YOURSELF!

When sky is our playground

Little did I know that Selangor itself is home to some pretty good paragliding locations. Bukit Jugra is one paragliding site with good wind, convenient take off and landing points that has been attracting international flyers for training. The Jugra wind is said to be WILD. If you can maneuver you way at Jugra, other flying arenas are yours to conquer!

Paragliding at Jugra is gaining popularity as an adventurous weekend activity among Malaysians but I think we can do better than that!

Checked in Hotel Impian Morib
This is where the courses are done most of the time

To start with or for leisure, you can fly in tandem with an instructor and if you find yourself falling in love with the sport, take it to the next level by learning to fly solo which is a pretty awesome skill to have!

To fly from zero to solo, one must go through the Student Pilot Course

Student Pilot Course to fly SOLO

Course duration: 

4 days x 10 solo flights (If you cannot attend 4 days in a row, arrangements can be made)

Contents:

Provided full equipment support during the course

1x tandem flight with instructor

Basic introduction to equipments

Wind and site orientation

Canopy inflation, control and deflation

Pre-flight equipment check

Basic techniques in glider control

Practical examination by conductor

Price: RM2600 (price may vary according to season)

Safety is of utmost importance

If you want to do it for leisure, you can always call the contact below to fly tandem (flying with instructor) which leaves all the flying responsibility to the instructor while you just awe at the experience and take photos in the sky!

Those interested for tandem flight can call En Farul 013-6666690

Price can range from RM180-RM220

Ready to take what we learnt in the classroom outside

Remember to slap on lots of sunblock

When embarking on a sport like this, it not difficult to figure out that sunblock is necessary for the health of your skin whether you are a guy or girl. The miracle of paragliding comes from the SUN. Heat is needed for keep you buoyant in the sky. This and more interesting information will wow you when you chat with your instructor. So don't expect this activity to be done on a cloudy day.

Ground handling is when you check your equipment

Paragliding is not motorized and is the simplest way of aircraft. Although it is said that paragliding  follows the course of the wind, controlling the situation to the advantage of the flyer is a skill that needs experience. 

Making decision on your own, acquiring knowledge in aerodynamics, weather, equipment, safety procedures and adhering to anti-collision rules makes paragliding a challenging sport with a bird's eye view!

Learning the ropes with Dr Elisa

Watch my paragliding experience at 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3p57NlQKhkg

Inflating the wings

Mohammad Zubair
Youngest paraglider at 9 years old
Malaysian Book of Records

Bukit Jugra, a fantastic paragliding site in Malaysia that we should be proud off

At Jugra's top

Look at the picturesque view

Dr. Elisa gliding in the air. Truely inspiring. 

Ready with loads of enthusiasm

Waiting for the right wind window

I just cannot believe it!

Watch my paragliding experience at 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3p57NlQKhkg

Dr. Elisa signing my shirt

With a flying sites like Jugra, Malaysia should use it to her advantage to hatch more paragliders to compete in international platforms. And to those who cannot get enough of adrenaline, give paragliding a go!

Top 5 Iconic Mosques in Selangor

Eid Al Adha (Haj celebration day), is a festival that is celebrated across the world in Islamic communities. It is the second most important festival in the Islamic calendar which marks the end of Haj, which falls on 31st August this year.

Appreciation of awe-inspiring Islamic architecture is not limited to only Muslims. Beautiful domes, artistic arches and the whole majestic facade have plenty to say about Malaysian history. My first trip to the mosque caught me by surprise as I did not expect myself to be immersed in its designs. 

Here are the top 5 most iconic mosques in Selangor recognized by Tourism Selangor

When visiting the holy buildings, do remember to dress decently (covering arms and legs). Remember to bring a shawl or scarf too. 

Selamat Hari Raya Haji!

Appreciation of the mosques is not limited to only Muslims. Masjid Kristal is the first mosque I entered and I still remember the beautiful impression it gave me. 

Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque

Also known as the ‘Blue Mosque’, it is the largest in Malaysia and also in Southeast Asia. It is situated beside the Raja Lumu Lake in Shah Alam.

For details: T +603 5519 9988 / 7966 7977 I www.mssaas.gov.my I GPS 3.078940, 101.519824

Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque

KLIA Mosque

The Sultan Abdul Samad Mosque or better known as KLIA Mosque is situated close to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

For details: T +603 8319 0200 / 603 8319 0300 I www.mpsepang.gov.my I GPS 2.78782, 101.67645

Sultan Abdul Samad Mosque a.k.a. KLIA Mosque

Sultan Suleiman Royal Mosque

The mosque’s architecture is of Western Art Deco and Neoclassical styles. Attractions are the Tangga Diraja (royal stairs) from Istana Alam Shah and a royal mausoleum, mesmerizing stood in Klang.
For details: T +603 3371 6044 I www.mpklang.gov.my I GPS 3.03477, 101.45052

Sultan Suleiman Royal Mosque

  Alaeddin Mosque (City Mosque)

Built in Kampung Bandar, Kuala Langat in 1924 by Almarhum Sultan Suleiman Shah, this mosque was inspired and inaugurated by HRH in 1926. Once the Selangor State Mosque, HRH often read the Friday sermon here.
For details: T +603 5519 0050 I www.padat.gov.my I GPS 2.85791, 101.44299

Alaeddin Mosque a.k.a. City Mosque

 Sultan Ibrahim Mosque

It is the district mosque of Kuala Selangor. Located at the city centre, the mosque was completed in 1985 and opened by the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah. It was named after the 18th century ruler of Selangor, Sultan Ibrahim Shah, who reigned from 1778 to 1826.

For details: T +603 3289 1439 / 6331 I www.mdks.gov.my I GPS 3.32833,

101.25798

 Sultan Ibrahim Mosque