Bukit Melawati in Kuala Selangor
Part of the Kuala Selangor travel guide — see every topic in All Kuala Selangor Guides.
Bukit Melawati is a small hill that rises above Kuala Selangor town, close to the mouth of the Selangor River. Today it is a quiet hilltop park with big old trees, lawns, a white lighthouse and wide views. It is best known for its silvered leaf monkeys, which live in the trees and often come close to visitors.
The silvered leaf monkeys
The stars of Bukit Melawati are the silvered leaf monkeys, also called silvery lutungs. The adults have grey fur and a dark face framed by long silver hair. The babies are a surprising bright orange, so they are easy to spot. These monkeys eat mainly leaves and are usually calm. Long-tailed macaques also live on the hill, and they are bolder and can grab food or bags. Watch the monkeys from a short distance. Please do not feed them, because human food makes them sick and aggressive.
The lighthouse and views
The white lighthouse at the top of the hill is the main landmark. It is still working, and its light can be seen far out at sea. Visitors usually see it from outside, as it is not normally open to climb. From the hilltop you can look down over the river mouth, the mangroves, the town and the sea of the Strait of Malacca. In the late afternoon, the hill is a good place to watch the sun go down over the water.
Getting up the hill
A road winds up to the top of the hill. You can walk up in about 15 to 20 minutes from the bottom, which is pleasant in the cool late afternoon. A small tram has carried visitors up and down, often on weekends, but the service can change, so check locally. There is shade from big trees, and benches along the way. The top is a gentle area of lawns and paths, easy for families and older visitors. Wear a hat on sunny days.
Tips for your visit
Come in the late afternoon. The light is soft, it is cooler, and the monkeys are often active. Keep bags closed and hold drinks and plastic bags tightly, because macaques may try to grab them. Do not leave food in open cars. Combine the hill with Kuala Selangor Nature Park, which is at the foot of the hill, then go for an early seafood dinner and a firefly boat after dark. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes for the walk up.
Bukit Melawati at a glance
| Getting there | In Kuala Selangor town; walk up the hill road |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daytime; check locally |
| Cost | Free to walk; small fee for the tram if running |
| Best time | Late afternoon for monkeys and sunset |
| Wildlife | Silvered leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques |
| Rule | Do not feed the monkeys |