SHAH ALAM, Aug 9 — Do you know that Selangor is home to 74 indigenous villages consisting of the Mah Meri, Temuan and Semai tribes?
The state’s culture and heritage are among the key attractions for both domestic and international tourists and have been consistently featured to maintain the unique socio-culture in Selangor.
In celebration of the World’s Indigenous Day on August 9, which is observed to raise awareness and advocate the rights of indigenous cultures worldwide, this year’s theme, Indigenous Languages Matter, creates the opportunity to recognise and celebrate indigenous peoples’ distinct cultures, traditions, languages and contributions to world heritage.
The following are the six locations that offer the unique culture and heritage of the indigenous communities in the state as highlighted by Tourism Selangor.
Mah Meri Cultural Village, Kuala Langat
Mah Meri cultural village is a cultural destination that showcases the lifestyle, arts and customs of the Mah Meri people, an indigenous ethnic group living in coastal areas, particularly Pulau Carey in Kuala Langat. Tourists can experience the Mah Meri tribe’s way of life at the Mah Meri Cultural Village with their spiritual dance “Tarian Jo’oh”, wood mask carving, woven leaves and a few others. The Mah Meri Cultural Village is open to the public every weekend from 10am until 6pm.
Muzium Orang Asli Gombak
Muzium Orang Asli Gombak is a museum that is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of the Orang Asli community. The museum focuses on the native people residing in Peninsular Malaysia, with diverse ethnic groups such as Temuan, Semai, Jah Hut, Mah Meri and others, and is open daily from 9am until 5pm.
Kampung Orang Asli Serigala, Hulu Selangor
Kampung Orang Asli Serigala is situated in a serene natural setting surrounded by lush greenery and abundant wildlife, with over 53 families of the Semai tribe residing in the village. The unique name came from the local hunters that have accidentally met a pack of wolves while hunting. Tourists can visit the community during specific celebrations to learn more about the Semai tribe. The Hulu Selangor Municipal Council has recognised the Orang Asli community since they have an active community that has been promoting their culture and heritage.
Kampung Sungai Judah, Kuala Langat
The river and the sea are not only a source of water and sustenance for the Mah Meri tribe in Kampung Sungai Judah, but hold spiritual significance and meaning to the community. The local people believe it is a conduit to communicate with their ancestors through various rituals and ceremonies during Sea Ancestors Day, which is celebrated yearly after the Chinese New Year. Being celebrated for five days straight, tourists can participate in their rituals and sacred ceremonies such as decorating Balai Moyang, parade to the Teluk Tanjung River and Bangkong Beach and a food fest in the Sangga for the spirits of the ancestors. Tourists are advised to inform the Tok Batin prior to the visit to join the Sea Ancestors Day.
Jungle School Gombak
By teaching students practical skills such as survival methods, traditional crafts and sustainable farming practices, the school provides an alternative and immersive approach to education. It emphasises environmental conservation and fosters a profound love of nature. Tourists can engage in the five levels of the survival course, which include Orang Asli hut building, rainforest sustainability awareness, jungle law, and tree planting programmes. For additional information, tourists can go to https://www.jungleschoolgombak.com.
National Botanical Garden Shah Alam
The National Botanical Garden Shah Alam is an agro-tourism park designed for leisure purposes that presents agrarian activities in a beautiful and natural setting, such as agriculture, horticulture, botany, zoology, inland fisheries, fruit crops and more. The park also houses an Orang Asli community at their cultural village with activities that tourists can participate in. They are also welcome to view replicas of indigenous tribe houses in a dedicated exhibition area, built in conjunction with the Selangor Indigenous Arts Festival organised earlier.
For more travel inspiration in Selangor, visit Tourism Selangor’s official website at www.selangor.travel, or follow Tourism Selangor’s official social media platforms on Instagram, Facebook, X (@TourismSelangor), TikTok, and Tourism Selangor’s YouTube channel. #PusingSelangorDulu!
