By Tharmini Kenas, Viktor Chong and Aisyah Suwardi
AS a steadily growing city with a unique culture and lifestyle, Shah Alam is endearing to the older folk who have settled there for decades. At the same time, sprouting trendy townships have endeared themselves to the younger generation who have decided to move to Shah Alam.
To find out what makes Shah Alam the vibrant and well-rounded neighbourhood that it is, we walked, cycled and drove in search of its charm. We explored the outdoors, arts and culture, urban lifestyle, sports, and food -- themes that are deemed to be the city’s attractions.
What we discovered was an all-encompassing Shah Alam, with its own flavour that captures the hearts and minds of dwellers as well as visitors.
With its lush greenery and carefully crafted facilities, Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam provides quality space for families and friends to spend time together and to rejuvenate amid nature. Various activities such as cycling and swimming prompt visitors to embrace an energetic lifestyle while the endless green soft grass invites happy family picnics.
There’s something for everyone visiting the 1,295 hectares of tropical rainforest and agriculture park -- from clear lakes and indigenous plant life for the nature enthusiasts to Skytrek for the more adventurous.
Address: Taman Botani Negara, Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor
Contact details: 03-5510 6922/23 or 03-5510 7048, e-mail tbnsa@moa.gov.my
Opening hours: 7.30am-4.30pm (Tuesday-Sunday), close on Mondays except during public holidays and school holidays
Galleries: Tropical Fruits Garden, Sungai Baru Dam, Air Kuning Dam, Cactus Park, Kampung Idaman, Cultural Village, Spice & Drinks Garden, Herbs & Medicine Conservation Park, Animal Park, Four Seasons House, Multi-purpose Barn
Activities: Botanical class, Skytrek, fly fishing, cycling, swimming, archery, horse riding, ATV and kayaking
Entrance fee: Adults (12-54) RM3, Kids (6-11) RM1, Senior citizens (55) RM1
Parking fee: Car/Van RM3, Motorcycle RM1, Bus/Lorry RM5
Website: http://www.tbnsa.gov.my/web/guest/home
This joint initiative by Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MBSA), KHZNH Studio and a group of talented local artists is a back lane that will make the hipster in you go wild. Full of colour, vibrant and highly Instagrammable, Laman Seni 7 is a continuation from Laman Seni 2 from Seksyen 2, Shah Alam.
However, there is more to the art and installations lining the lane. Besides being visually pleasing, the wall art and installations aim to draw attention to social issues such as global warming, pollution and deforestation.
The visitor will exit the #lorongbelakang enlightened and more aware of happenings in Malaysia as well as critical global issues.
Address: Laman Seni 7, Shah Alam, Jalan Plumbum R7/R, Seksyen 7 Shah Alam, Selangor
Contact details: +603 5510 5133, toll-free 1800 88 4477
Opening hours: Always open
Entrance fee: No charge
Website: www.visitselangor.com/laman-seni-7
With the tagline "Ideal Space, Urban Minds", Eco Ardence is the contemporary representation of urban spaces. The Ardence Lab is located within Eco Ardence and uses refurbished containers housing retail and F&B brands.
The lab blends arts, culture and commerce, providing co-working spaces for startups to realise their blueprints and business plans. Visitors will get to experience lakefront shopping and dining while getting the perfect Instagram shot.
Address: Persiaran Setia Alam, Setia Alam, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor
Contact Details: 03-8605 3650
Opening Hours: Daily 10am -10pm
Retail brands: Jaya Grocer, U Bistro, Heritage Nyonya Cuisine, Puros Lavanderia, Healthy Lane Family Pharmacy, Tealive, Llao Llao, Master Clean, Wespo Mini Mart, Tato Tato, Piacevole, Balloon Lab, Famous Kleener, Mich’sology, i1 Fitness, Let’s Joy Cafe, Plant Cartridge, Cykel & Cyclist, Chaiwalla & Co., Bamboo Biryani, PotSpot, Popo’s House, Kebab Bowl, Laughing Monkey, AROI Mak Mak, Big Blind, Hinata Cafe, U-Mai, and Cocomomo Urban Pets Hotel.
Entrance fee: No charge
Parking: Free
Website: www.ardencelabs.my
The culinary field of Shah Alam is also decorated with other exotic halal cuisines, such as Homst that offers a variety of Chinese-Muslim dishes, or Mozer’s with its assortment of Syrian delights.