RUNNING from Bandar Utama to Johan Setia, the new LRT Shah Alam Line (formerly known as LRT3) offers a fresh route for commuters to explore the cities of Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and Klang in Selangor.
Launched on June 28, the 37.8km route includes 20 stations, featuring interchanges at Bandar Utama and Glenmarie 2.
From dining and shopping to heritage sites, StarMetro highlights places of interest located near 10 LRT stations along the track that commuters can visit.
1. Skateboarding and recreation
Bandar Utama Station is directly connected to 1 Utama shopping centre by a sheltered walkway.
Beyond shopping, 1 Utama also has plenty of recreational attractions, including the 1 Utama Skatepark. About 1.5km from the station, the outdoor facility was designed by American skatepark designer Tim Altic.
It has six zones with bowls, ledges, grind rails and other obstacles. It is free to use and does not require booking. Sskateboards, rollerblades, scooters and BMX bikes allowed.
If skating is not your thing, 1 Utama’s Rainforest offers a more relaxed stop, with lush greenery, koi ponds and an overhead suspension bridge.
Admission to the skatepark and rainforest is free.
2. Swimming and sports
Glenmarie 2 Station is a good stop for those looking to get active, with the Kelana Jaya Municipal Pool about 1.1km from the station. The swimming complex has three pools, including an eight-lane public pool and a separate children’s pool with slides. There is also a small playground within the complex.
The pool operates in three sessions daily: 9am-12pm, 2pm-5pm and 6pm-9pm. On Fridays, the afternoon session starts at 2.30pm.
Admission to the complex is RM5 for adult and RM3 for child (between three and 17 years old) on weekdays, while on weekends and public holidays, charges are RM6 for adult and RM4 for child.
Beyond the pool, the surrounding sports area is also home to the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Stadium and Taman Bandaran Kelana Jaya.
3. Weekend marketing
For a Sunday morning outing, Bazarena Shah Alam offers everything from fresh produce and potted plants to clothes, books and accessories. The bazaar also has plenty of food stalls, with covered seating for visitors to refuel between bargains.
The bazaar is about 400m from the Stadium Shah Alam Station.
It is held every Sunday from 8am to 1pm along Jalan Lontar Peluru 13/39 in Section 13, Shah Alam.
4. History and tranquillity
Hop off at Dato’ Menteri Station to explore the heart of Shah Alam, with some of the city’s best-known attractions close by.
About 750m from the station, Muzium Sultan Alam Shah takes visitors through Selangor’s history and cultural heritage. Its exhibits include prehistoric artefacts, traditional costumes, dioramas and cultural objects alongside displays on the state’s Islamic heritage.
It is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 9.30am and 5.30pm.
Admission is RM5 for Malaysian adult and RM2 for child aged between seven and 12 and those with a student card. Children aged six and below, students in uniform and persons with disabilities enter for free.
For a change of pace, the Selangor-Japan Friendship Garden, about 1.1km from the station, brings a slice of Japan to Shah Alam.
The 2.4ha garden features koi ponds, bonsai trees, traditional torii gateways and a moon bridge. Its Zen Garden and Japanese-inspired landscaping make it a pleasant place for a leisurely stroll, with several spots suitable for photographs.
Admission to the garden is free. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10am and 7pm.
Other nearby attractions include Aneka Walk, PKNS Complex and Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, better known as the Blue Mosque.
5. Art and local eats
Street art and local food make Section 7 Shah Alam Station a worthwhile stop along the line.
About 400m from the station, Laman Seni 7 turns the back lanes of Jalan Plumbum into an open-air gallery of colourful murals, with each lane offering a different backdrop for photographs. An initiative by Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), the free art space showcases murals and installations inspired by themes including the local community, tourism and the environment.
Jalan Plumbum is also home to several ayam gepuk eateries, all within walking distance of the station, making it a convenient spot to try the popular dish.
6. Golfing activity
Those looking to get that golf swing right, can disembark at Bandar Baru Klang Station to get to KEC Driving Range, about 800m away. The outdoor range has covered bays and netting, with lessons available from professional instructors.
It is open daily from 8am to midnight. Golf balls for rent are RM8 for 50 balls and RM16 for 100 balls. Rental for the golf clubs are RM5.
7. Heritage and grub
Get off at Jambatan Kota Station and you are within walking distance of some of Klang’s best-known heritage and food attractions.
Pasar Jawa is just 140m from the station, where visitors can sample local favourites such as cendol, rojak and mee goreng, while browsing shops selling snacks, clothes and groceries.
About 350m from the station, Jambatan Kota is Malaysia’s first double-decker bridge, with its lower deck now open to pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles. Its lower deck offers a closer look at the historic structure and views of Sungai Klang.
For a deeper look at Klang’s past, join the Royal Klang Town Heritage Walk, a free guided tour by Tourism Selangor and Klang Royal City Council (MBDK), covering 11 heritage sites in the city.
Starting at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery, about 1km from the station, the walk takes in landmarks such as Royal Klang Club, Klang Selatan Fire Station and Jalan Tengku Kelana, better known as Little India.
Along the way, you will get a glimpse into Klang’s royal, colonial and multicultural heritage, from historic buildings and places of worship to old shophouses.
The heritage walk takes place on Saturdays and Sundays, with advance registration required.
It is free and scheduled on weekends from 9.15am to 11.45am for seven to 10 participants in a group.
For enquiries, contact Tourism Selangor at 03-5513 2000 or MBDK at 03-3375 5555.
8. Landmark temples
Taman Selatan Station is a good stop for a glimpse of Klang’s religious heritage, with two historic temples nearby.
About 1.3km from the station is the Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple, the country’s largest and first all-granite temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Nearby, the Kuan Yin Temple is about 1.4km from the station. Built in 1892, the temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy and is a heritage landmark in Klang. Its round archways, carved pillars, ornate roofs and doors showcase the temple’s distinctive Chinese architectural style.
As some routes to the temples involve walking along roads, visitors can consider Rapid KL’s On-Demand service as an alternative, with a fixed fare of RM2.
9. Chinese mosque
About 1.4km from the Klang Jaya Station is Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim Klang.
It is the only mosque in Selangor with Chinese architectural influences. Inspired by the Great Mosque of Xi’an in China, it features a three-tier pagoda, traditional grey roof tiles and Chinese Muslim calligraphy throughout the complex.
The mosque also offers an insight into Chinese Muslim heritage in Malaysia, with guided tours covering its history and architecture. Visitors can contact the mosque in advance for tour arrangements.
For more information, visit the mosque’s website at masjidcinaselangor.com.my
Admission to the mosque is free and it opens daily from 6am to 10pm. Visiting hours for non-Muslims are during three designated sessions: 9am-12pm, 2pm-4pm and 5pm-6pm.
Modest attire is advised, with women required to wear a headscarf when inside the mosque. Headscarves, sarong and shirts are available for rent from RM2 to RM5.
10. Bargain shopping
Those looking for a bargain can head to GM Klang Wholesale City, about 1km from Bandar Bukit Tinggi Station. Spanning three blocks, the wholesale centre has more than 2,500 stores selling everything from fashion and food to homeware and wedding accessories.
It is open daily from 10am to 10pm.
