Kuala Kubu Baru

Overview

Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB) is a picturesque little town in the Hulu Selangor district approximately 70 km from Kuala Lumpur. Back in the 18th century it was a tin mining colony and the second largest town in Selangor. The original Kuala Kubu town was built between two tributaries of the Selangor River and acted as the gateway to the state of Pahang. Its name is derived from the fortress (Kubu in Malay) constructed by Raja Mahadi and Syed Mashor during the Selangor civil war against Tengku Kudin’s army before it was invaded by the British. In 1883, the Kuala Kubu dam burst resulting in a massive flood that destroyed the town’s infrastructure and killed 33 people. In 1930, the new town KKB was built atop a hill surrounded by a picturesque view of the countryside. The site of the original town is now referred to as Ampang Pechah meaning Broken Dam.

Amidst the modern housing, the town has maintained its colonial architecture including a 1930s clock tower, heritage shop-houses and an old fire station. The town is small enough to cover by foot but renting a cycle would be the best way to get about this town and its outskirts. The streets are comprised of an entertainment centre (formerly a cinema), budget hotels, an art gallery, an old railway, a golf course and temples (Hindu, Taoist and Buddhist).

Places of Attraction

The tropical jungle environment is ideal for bird watching, photography and it is possible to cycle to nearby attractions such as Aborigine villages, rivers, Sungai Selangor Dam, Sungai Sendat Waterfall Recreation Park and for those adventurous and fit enough even the Chiling Waterfall and Fraser’s Hill are accessible via biking. The choices of cuisine are Sun Sun Nam Cheong traditional shophouse serving Hainanese food, Teng Wun Bakery, Restaurant 98, Pelangi Sports Café and various hawker stalls.

Amenities and Facilities

Other amenities include Hospital Kuala Kubu Bharu, Kuala Kubu Bharu post office, Hulu Selangor District Police Headquarters, Al-Rahimah Mosque, Hulu Selangor District Library, Mini Stadium Kuala Kubu Bharu, multiple banks and a KTM Komuter station.

Accessibility and Transporations

If accessing via public transport KTM Komuter trains extend to KKB but trains must be switched at the Rawang station. Alternatively, you can use the shuttle bus service that goes through KKB on its way from Rawang to Tanjung Malim. It can also be accessed via Federal Routes 1 and 55. Along the North-South Expressway exiting at Rawang (if travelling from South) and exiting at Tanjung Malim (if travelling from North) and travelling through the old trunk road will lead to Kuala Kubu Bharu.