Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor
Kuala Kubu Bharu is a charming hill town in the Hulu Selangor District of Selangor. Known for its colonial-era architecture, serene atmosphere, and proximity to nature, it serves as the district’s administrative capital. The town’s elevated setting and lush surroundings make it one of the most picturesque and historically significant places in Selangor. 1
Quick Facts
- Administrative capital of the Hulu Selangor District.
- Located about 64 km north of Kuala Lumpur.
- Built in 1930 after the destruction of the old town of Kuala Kubu by a flood in 1883.
- Features many well-preserved colonial buildings and shophouses.
- Gateway to Fraser’s Hill and Sungai Selangor Dam.
- Connected via North–South Expressway Northern Route (PLUS, E1) and Kuala Lumpur–Kuala Selangor Expressway (LATAR, E8).
- Governed by the Hulu Selangor Municipal Council (MPHS).
History and How the Town Was Established
The origins of Kuala Kubu Bharu trace back to the late 19th century when the original settlement, then known as Kuala Kubu, was an important tin-mining centre. However, in 1883, a catastrophic flood caused by the collapse of a dam destroyed the town and claimed many lives, including that of the district officer, Sir Cecil Ranking. 2
The present town, Kuala Kubu Bharu (“New Kuala Kubu”), was established in 1930 as a planned settlement. It was designed by British town planner Charles Reade and is regarded as the first garden township in Malaysia. Its layout features wide roads, generous green spaces, and a well-organised grid pattern typical of early 20th-century British town planning. 3
Kuala Kubu Bharu (17 July, 2004)
Characteristic of the Town
Kuala Kubu Bharu retains much of its old-world charm, with colonial shophouses, government buildings, and quiet streets surrounded by forested hills. The town’s cooler climate and relaxed pace offer a pleasant contrast to the bustling lowland cities of Selangor. It has also gained popularity among hikers, cyclists, and weekend visitors seeking a tranquil getaway. 4
Real Estate and Property Market There
The property market in Kuala Kubu Bharu remains modest and affordable, primarily comprising single-storey terrace houses, traditional shophouses, and small-scale developments. Demand comes mainly from local residents and retirees, as well as from investors looking for tourism-related opportunities such as guesthouses and homestays. 5
With growing eco-tourism in nearby Fraser’s Hill and the Sungai Selangor Dam area, the town is slowly evolving into a base for nature tourism and rural leisure activities. 6
Accessibility and Transportation
Kuala Kubu Bharu is accessible from Kuala Lumpur via the North–South Expressway Northern Route (PLUS, E1), exiting at Tanjung Malim or Rawang, and continuing along Route 1. It can also be reached through the Kuala Lumpur–Kuala Selangor Expressway (LATAR, E8) that connects to the northern towns of Selangor. 7
The town has its own KTM Komuter station, Kuala Kubu Bharu Station, which links it directly to Kuala Lumpur, Rawang, and Port Klang. Local buses and taxis provide connections to surrounding rural villages and recreational areas. 8
Landmarks and Places of Interest
- Kuala Kubu Bharu Clock Tower – a heritage landmark located in the town centre.
- St. Paul’s Anglican Church – one of the oldest churches in Selangor, dating to the early 20th century.
- Sungai Selangor Dam – a scenic reservoir popular for photography and picnics.
- Chiling Waterfall – a famous multi-tiered waterfall and fish sanctuary a short drive from the town.
- Fraser’s Hill – a cool highland resort just 30 km north of Kuala Kubu Bharu.
- Hulu Tamu Hot Springs – a natural hot spring located about 12 km away.
Fun Fact
Kuala Kubu Bharu was once nicknamed the “Little England of Selangor” for its colonial architecture and carefully planned town layout. The town’s initials, “KKB,” are commonly used by locals and visitors alike. 9
Map of Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor
Sights in Kuala Kubu Bharu
- Alor Lempah (GPS: 3.5444, 101.65857)
- Hospital Kuala Kubu Bharu (GPS: 3.56486, 101.6528) Phone: +60 3-6064 1333
- Hulu Selangor Land and District Office (GPS: 3.56172, 101.65849) Phone: +60 3-6064 1026
- Kuala Kubu Bharu Clock Tower (GPS: 3.56221, 101.65898)
- Kuala Kubu Bharu Post Office (GPS: 3.56283, 101.65902) Phone: +60 13-406 6376
- Kuala Kubu Bharu Bus Terminal & Taxi Stand (GPS: 3.56557, 101.6604) Phone: +60 13-406 6376
- Mahkamah Rendah Syariah Hulu Selangor (GPS: 3.56127, 101.65129) Phone: +60 3-6064 4684
- Mahkamah Sesyen Kuala Kubu Bharu (GPS: 3.56025, 101.65941) Phone: +60 3-6064 1255
- Masjid Jamek Ar-Rahimah (GPS: ) Phone: +60 3-6065 1285
- Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple (GPS: 3.55941, 101.65923)
- Stadium Kuala Kubu Bharu (GPS: 3.56053, 101.6564)
Hulu Selangor Land & District Office, Kuala Kubu Bharu (17 July, 2004)
Kuala Kubu Bharu Monument Clocktower (17 July, 2004)
Kuala Kubu Bharu Monument, now a Clocktower (17 July, 2004)
Going to Kuala Kubu Bharu
To reach Kuala Kubu Bharu from the North South Expressway Northern Route (E1), exit the expressway at Exit 121. That takes you to the interchange with the Old Trunk Road (Federal Route 1). Go straight and then turn right in the direction of Kuala Kubu Bharu.
Kuala Kubu Bharu is 
on the Map of Towns in Selangor
References
- Wikipedia – Kuala Kubu Bharu
- Tourism Selangor – Kuala Kubu Bharu
- The Star – Malaysia’s First Garden Town
- EdgeProp – Klang Valley’s Other Hillside Haven
- PropertyGuru – Kuala Kubu Bharu Area Guide
- Majlis Perbandaran Hulu Selangor (MPHS) – Official Site
- KTM Berhad – Official Website
- Tourism Selangor – Sungai Selangor Dam
- Time Out Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Kubu Bharu Guide
