The Colours Of Kuala Selangor

Sekinchan awaits you!

Did you know that you can experience the miles and the lush green of paddy fields in Selangor? You can just come to the small town of Sekinchan in Kuala Selangor, where it is known as one of the main rice producers in Malaysia, and also "the rice bowl of Selangor." It is recommended to check your calendars and come here during the golden view of the green paddy fields. So, when is the best time to visit? Let's read more to find out!

The lush greenery of paddy fields in Sekinchan, also known as ‘the rice bowl of Selangor’

Golden apple snails or locally known as Siput Gondang Emas

2. SEKINCHAN (PADDY FIELDS)

Sekinchan is a tiny town located on Malaysia's west coast, in the Sabak Bernam district of Selangor. From Kuala Lumpur, it only takes around one and half hours to two hours of driving to reach the town. Sekinchan is a main rice-growing location in Malaysia, providing most of the harvesting and production of rice in the country. Most tourists travel to Sekinchan for a day trip or a weekend getaway to take photographs of the lovely paddy fields.

The ideal time to go is when its magnificent green carpet views are in March to May and September to November. If you want to view golden paddy fields, plan your trip for the end of May or November when the plants have grown, and the rice fields are at their greenest. Check out the table below for your convenience!

Plan your best time to visit Sekinchan.

2. PADDY GALLERY

One of the active rice-processing factories in Sekinchan.

Another must-visit at Sekinchan is one of the rice factories (owned by PLS Marketing as pictured above) that has its own Paddy Gallery. Visitors will be accompanied by a guide at the factory who will show a short yet instructive video about the planting, growing, harvesting, and processing of paddy as well as the whole process from turning paddy to rice.  Also, you can see the actual machinery they use to sort the rice in the warehouse. It was a fascinating and an eye-opening experience to learn more about the food we eat daily.

As part of the tour, we learned about the several varieties of rice that are grown. These include white rice, pearl white rice, aromatic pearl rice, fragrant brown rice, and Basmathi rice. Popular in Sekinchan is Pearl Rice, a short-grained sticky rice that can be used for sushi and rice pudding. Besides rice, the factory also makes various rice-based products, such as soaps, crackers, chips, noodles, and desserts. Be sure to purchase these products and more at the store on the main level as part of your souvenirs on your way back.

Paddy Gallery, and raw rice chips that are ready to eat.

3. PADI BOX HOMES & CAFÉ

An Instragrammable container hotel in the middle of a paddy field

 A cosy homestay and café amongst the green paddy fields

Wondering where you can spend the night? Get ready to be enthralled by this multi-coloured accommodation in the middle of the vast paddy fields! Padi Box is made of revamped containers with beautiful interirors, making it Instagrammable from every angle. Located 5km from the Redang Beach, you'll be surrounded by paddy fields, akin to the famous Windows wallpaper, especially if you visit during the months for golden view.

Enjoy the serenity of picturesque paddy fields and fresh air.

4. SKY MIRROR (PANTAI CERMIN)

The surreal Sky Mirror in Sekinchan, Kuala Selangor.

Sky Mirror, also one of the main highlights in Sekinchan, is a sandbank that will only appear during low tides, making it appear like a hidden island. Located at Sasaran Beach, the mirror-like sandbank has given the place a new name known by many: Pantai Cermin (directly translated to Mirror Beach). It appears about 3km away from the fishing village of Jeram, in the middle of the Straits of Malacca Sea.

Sky Mirror is often called Malaysia’s “Salar de Uyuni”, or the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia. The sand perfectly mirrors the colour of the blue sky, giving it a spectacular and unique effect for photos when the sea is nearly completely still during low tides. It's highly recommended to get the help of the tour guide for your perfect and creative shots. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast ahead of your trip to get the blue skies in your photographs!)

Tips: Dress in light bright coloured clothing to get perfect vibrant photos!

5. BUKIT MELAWATI

Bukit Melawati, also known by the locals as Bukit Selangor, is another attraction here at Kuala Selangor. There are several historical remains undiscovered on the hill, making it a fascinating educational experience. Kota Melawati, a fort built by the Malacca Sultanate in the early 16th century, sits on top of a hill overlooking the shoreline. Some of the cannons, foundation stones, Poisoned Well, and colonial houses are some of the remains that are still present from the fortress until today. Back in the day, the poisoned well used to contain liquid rubber and scratchy bamboo shoots. Traitors, prisoners, or anyone that broke the law were tortured here and possibly drowned here too.

You can also visit some of the other attractions such the lighthouse, the royal palace, the observation tower, and the museum at Melawati Hill. Other than that, the hill is home to several monkey species known as Silver Lutung and Macaques. Melawati Hill is an ideal day-trip destination for nature lovers, historian enthusiasts, and those looking to get some exercise!

Silvery Lutung, Melawati Hill, Kuala Selangor

APPETITE OF KUALA SELANGOR

6. WARUNG DIMYATI ROTI CANAI PELANGI

Various colours and flavours of Rainbow Roti Canai

Undoubtedly, apart from nasi lemak, the main breakfast menu that is quite synonymous with the community in Malaysia is roti canai. Warung Dimyati consists of durian, apple, strawberry, and yam flavors for their roti canai. This local stall is located in Kampung Sungai Yu, Kuala Selangor, and is known for its special dish: Rainbow Roti Canai! Stop by between 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. to get a taste of their scrumptious dishes.

7. MEE UDANG BANJIR, KUALA SELANGOR

 Mee Udang Banjir Udang Galah with XL-sized prawns.

Satisfy your cravings for a bowl of mee udang right here in Kuala Selangor! Restoran Mee Udang Banjir serves various types mee udang (prawn noodles) with various sizes and types of prawns to choose from, including tiger prawns. Side dishes such as keropok lekor, sata, udang goreng tepung, cakes, and other desserts are also available.

8. RESTORAN LEMBAH BERNAM

Taste the exotic food and delicious village cuisine at Lembah Bernam Restaurant

Lembah Bernam Restaurant, Sekinchan, is where to go if you're looking for a unique dining experience. The restaurant is located in the Tali Air 9 Pasir Panjang's Main Canal (Main Canal) area. The restaurant is only open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Fridays. Try out their exotic dishes made from porcupine and deer meat (to name a few).

All in all, Kuala Selangor is the best place to enjoy and explore with your family and friends, and if you have never been to a rice paddy before, this is your chance to go and experience for yourself. We recommend that you plan for a weekend trip instead of just a day trip here as there are a lot to discover in Kuala Selangor!