Muzium Sultan Alam Shah … the keeper of Selangor history...

Well before we walk in to this museum lets see the Selangor history:

The states history dates to the 16th century, when rich tin deposits were found in the region. The area's natural wealth, along with its relative freedom from the presence of the Dutch, attracted miners, immigrants and colonizers.

One especially important group of settlers were the Bugis, a Malay people from Macassar (now Ujung Pandang) in Celebes. Bugis emigration from this great port city followed the steady encroachment of the Dutch over territory previously dominated by Portuguese traders, with whom the Bugis had allied themselves.

The Bugis soon rose to prominence in Selangor. By 1700 they dominated the state both politically and economically and had established the present Sultanate of Selangor. However , my observation while driving in the rural area of Selangor found more Javanese influence than the Bugis. Hmm…wonder if the historian getting the fact right.

Over the course of the eighteenth century, Selangor extended its sphere of influence to become a regional political power. As the western colonial presence increased over the following century, in-fighting between the Bugis, Chinese and Malay nobility forced Selangor to accept the presence of a British Resident in 1874.

Unsurprisingly, this foothold in the prosperous state's administration proved out to be rather obstinate. In 1896, the British included Selangor in the Federated Malay States, at about the same time that rubber cultivation began in Malaysia. In 1948 the state joined the Federation of Malaya.

Ok…enough of history lesson. We’re going to the museum today. This museum was opened in 1989 by the late Sultan of Selangor Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah.

The museum was named Sultan Alam Shah Museum in honour of the 6th Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sir Hishamuddin Alam Shah Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ala'eddin Suleiman Shah.

According to historical fact. This is the second museum after the Taiping museum. And when Kuala Lumpur was declared a Federal Territory in the year 1974, the museum was handed over to the Federal Government to be functioned as the National Museum.

However, in my humble opinion. After visiting National Museum. I think this museum were more interesting to visit.

They have more “real” artifact than he national Museum.Even though the size is smaller than the former in Kuala Lumpur.

And the staffs were friendly too. The one way set was unique. Meaning when you enter the museum. You are not allowed to turn back. You must walk a head an continue the historical “journey” of Selangor state.

Getting there... a nice journey of Federal Highway and majestic view of State Mosque

Shah Alam is approximately 40km from Kuala Lumpur and 40 minutes drive .

After the Batu Tiga Toll Plaza, drive toward Klang you will pass though the Carlbergs beer factory.

Turn right into Persiaran Kayangan. Drive for another 10 minutes and turn into the Persiaran Masjid.

Your landmark is the distinctive Selangor State Mosque with big blue dome. The museum itself is very unique as it has a triangle sharp turquoise roof.

Admission is free. And the parking too is free.

The Sultans of Selangor are descended from a Bugis dynasty that claim descent from the rulers of Luwu in the the southern part of Celebes (today known as Sulawesi).

Nobles from this bloodline were involved in the dispute over the Johor-Riau Sultanate in the early 18th century, eventually placing their full support in the cause of Sultan Abdul Jalil of the Bendahara dynasty against the claimant to the Malaccan lineage, Raja Kechil.

For this reason, the Bendahara rulers of Johor-Riau established close relations with the Bugis nobles, providing them with titles and control over many areas within the empire, including Selangor.

Daeng Chelak's prince, Raja Lumu arrived in Selangor and founded a new government at Kuala Selangor in 1766. He was installed by the Sultan of Perak as Sultan Salehuddin Shah and became the first Sultan of Selangor.

You could see some of the artifact here with clear explanation in English too.

The Cultural Gallery

Showed the detail of customs of the Malays in the state.

There were photos and exhibit of Malay martial art and weapon.

And musical instruments on display such as the “gamelan”, "Gendang Sembilan" and "Cempuling

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