Bukit
Melawati is a historical hill and one of Kuala Selangor's most popular
tourist attractions during the day. This small peak was once home to a
mighty fortress built by Sultan Ibrahim of Selangor towards the end of
the 17th century, an effort to safeguard the state from Dutch forces
that had conquered Malacca, a little further down south. The fort faced
the sea with a commanding view of the coastline and the Selangor River
mouth. Built with solid slabs of stone and held by massive pillars, it
was certainly an impressive sight during its days. Despite all its
stature, the fort faltered in the face of powerful Dutch cannons and
fell to their naval forces after a two week siege.
