Of fireflies, food and far-flung nature of Kuala Selangor

By Tharanie Rajendran 

With barely an hour’s drive on the new LATAR highway from Templar Park, you will find yourself in Kuala Selangor, a quiet rustic town. It used to be old capital of Selangor before the capital moved to Shah Alam.

Today, its tranquility is broken at weekends when scores of cars visit the town and its vicinity for a day of sightseeing and food hunting. A day trip is perfect and rewarding with the number of things to do and places to eat without being away from home.

Places to Visit

1. Bukit Melawati

Learning about the history has not been this fun. Visitors can board on a tram that starts from the foot of Bukit Melawati for a slow scenic ride to a small museum uphill beside a picturesque lighthouse that comes to life at night.

2. Kampung Kuantan

When the sky gets dark, this is the most beautiful place to be. The mangrove swamps along the banks of the Selangor River are one of a handful of places in the world where fireflies gather in such huge numbers. Boats from Kampung Kuantan are taken out every night to observe this beautiful twinkling illumination.

3. Kuala Selangor Nature Park

This 240 hectare park plays a vital role in conserving the swaths of coastal mangroves of Kuala Selangor. Kuala Selangor Nature Park, managed by the Malaysian Nature Society, is a great choice for first-time trekkers as it features a varied mix of trails and wildlife habitats as it is the home for several species of herons, egrets and of course, the long tail macaque.

4. Sekinchan

Lush green paddy fields stretch for miles to the horizon. In its midst is a huge warehouse building to store the grains.

Food To Try

1. Cendol Bakar

This famous Malaysian dessert is not roasted, as the name may suggest. It is a popular warung (restaurant) that is named after the owner Bakar. The only thing that is roasted is the Gula Melaka (palm sugar) that is added in the bowl of Cendol. There are six varieties of Cendol to choose from at Cendol Bakar and the popular Cendol is the Cendol Durian Pulut, which has pulut, durian, nata de coco, corn and beans. The gula Melaka balances of the milk of the cendol and the milk of the durian very well.

2. Karipap King Kong

Currypuffs have been a popular tea time dish, but the Karipap King Kong is more famous for its size, which is as big as an adults palm. This currypuff has a very rich and savoury filling, but it is something to be shared among your friends and family.

3. Yang Ming Seafood Restaurant

Yang Meng restaurant serves authentic and fresh seafood. It’s reasonably priced and cheaper than most of the other restaurants such as jeti or riverview. It’s simply less commercialised here and has a laid back ambience. The service is also great!!

4. Seafood at Bagan Seafood Restaurant

Listed as one of the top seafood restaurant choice around Kuala Selangor, Bagan Seafood Restaurant serves amazing shellfish and extremely fresh prawns. The way  squids prepared here is irresistable, and this restaurant has really good view to enjoy too.

5. Steamboat at Mak Engku Seafood & Grill

 Mak Engku Seafood & Grill is a very laid back place for some good seafood and grill and it is very suitable for families. Friendly staffs and reasonable price is their main highlight here. Make sure you make a reservation during peak season or else you have to wait in line to be seated.