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Melawati Fort, also known as Kota Melawati, is a historic fortress located on Bukit Melawati (Melawati Hill) in Kuala Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia. It is one of the most important historical sites in Selangor, offering visitors a glimpse into the colonial past of the region. The fort is set on a hill that overlooks the Straits of Malacca, making it a strategic defense point in the 18th century. Today, it serves as a popular tourist destination for history lovers, families, and anyone interested in Malaysian heritage.
Melawati Fort is located in the town of Kuala Selangor, about 75 kilometers northwest of Kuala Lumpur. If you are driving, the journey takes around 1.5 hours via the LATAR Expressway or Federal Route 5. You can use GPS or navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze and search for “Melawati Fort” or “Kota Melawati.”
Public transportation options are limited. However, you can take the KTM Komuter train to Kuala Selangor or a bus from major stations in Klang or Shah Alam. From there, you can hire a taxi or use Grab to reach the fort. On weekends and public holidays, a tram service is available that takes visitors up Bukit Melawati to the fort.
The weather in Kuala Selangor, where Melawati Fort is located, is hot and humid throughout the year. The temperature typically ranges between 26°C and 32°C. The area receives rain mostly between November and February during the monsoon season. Visitors are advised to check the weather forecast before visiting, especially during rainy months, as walking around the open areas of the fort may become slippery and uncomfortable.
The best time to visit is during the dry season or early in the morning and late afternoon when the sun is not too strong, and the temperatures are more bearable.
Melawati Fort is open to the public every day, but the tram service that takes visitors to the top of Bukit Melawati operates only on weekends and public holidays. The general visiting hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The fort area is not gated, so visitors can walk around freely during daylight hours. However, it is recommended to plan your visit between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM for safety and convenience.
Melawati Fort is famous for its rich historical background, scenic hilltop location, and colonial-era ruins. Built in the late 18th century by Sultan Ibrahim of Selangor, the fort was originally constructed to defend the state from Dutch forces. Over time, it became a battleground between the Sultanate and European colonial powers.
The fort also offers breathtaking views of the coast, historical artifacts, and a peaceful atmosphere that attracts tourists and history enthusiasts. Visitors often come not only to learn about the past but also to enjoy the surrounding nature, meet the friendly silver-leaf monkeys, and catch a stunning sunset from the hilltop.
There is no entrance fee to explore Melawati Fort. Visitors can walk up the hill or take a tram during weekends. The tram ride costs approximately RM 5 for adults and RM 3 for children. While the fort itself is free to visit, donations are welcomed for the upkeep of the area and surrounding facilities.
There are a few stalls selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs near the tram stop and entrance. You can also buy food to feed the monkeys, but be careful not to provoke or tease them. The entire site is open-air, so make sure to bring hats, sunscreen, and water.
Melawati Fort was built in the late 1700s by Sultan Ibrahim as a defense structure against Dutch attacks. The fort had thick stone walls, lookout towers, and cannons facing the sea. Its strategic position on top of the hill allowed defenders to monitor incoming ships and protect the area from invaders.
When the Dutch captured the fort, they renamed it Fort Altingburg and made modifications, including building a lighthouse nearby. Later, the British used the site as an administrative base. Today, visitors can still see the remnants of the original walls, cannons, and old wells.
Some of the key features at the site include:
There are several activities that visitors can enjoy at Melawati Fort:
Melawati Fort is not just a historical monument; it’s a place where history, nature, and local culture meet. Whether you are interested in learning about Malaysia’s colonial past, enjoying a family outing, or simply taking in a beautiful sunset, Melawati Fort is a rewarding destination worth exploring.
