The Best Day Trips From Kuala Lumpur

With its culture, lifestyle and iconic touristic sights such as Petronas Twin Tower, KL Tower, and Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur is one of Malaysia’s most visited cities. Yet some travellers want to take a short break outside the city so here are the best travel destinations from Kuala Lumpur to visit within a day.

Sekinchan

Sekinchan is known for vast areas of rice paddy fields and a fishing village that provides rice and seafood as local produce. Enjoy the scenic views of wide paddy fields when they are green (March to May and middle of September to November) and yellowish (middle of May to June and middle November to December). Make your wishes at the Sekinchan’s Wishing Tree by throwing your written lucky red cloth up to the tree. Learn about how the rice is produced at the Paddy Processing Gallery. Discover the fishermen’s lives at Bagan fishing village. End your day by dining on fresh and affordable seafood while watching the sunset.

Sekinchan, 45400, Selangor, Malaysia

Take a three-hour drive down to Perak’s capital city, Ipoh that has various places to discover. Visit the Kellie’s Castle, an unfinished mansion with secret passages on a former rubber estate, and go exploring limestone caves at Gua Tempurung. Explore the limestone cave temples at Sam Poh Tong and Kek Lok Tong.

Visit Han Chin Pet Soo to learn about the tin mining history, development, and culture. If you are into art, walk around the “Art of Old Town” and take photos with murals including some designed by Ernest Zacharevic. Don’t forget to try Ipoh’s delicacies like nga choy kai (steamed chicken and beansprouts served with rice), chicken kway teow soup, and drink Ipoh’s Old Town white coffee.

Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

Melaka

Melaka is a historical town and home to Peranakan culture. Savour the local delicacies such as Nyonya laksa, satay celup, chicken rice ball, and cendol. Visit the cultural heritage sites to learn about how Melaka became a wondrous town, from colonial times to independence, including A Famosa fortress, Red Square, St. Paul’s Hill, and St. Paul’s Church. Take a couple of photos with the murals while walking around and relax at some of the popular cafes, such as The Daily Fix, if you are in the mood for coffee.

Melaka, Malaysia

Putrajaya

Putrajaya may be a city full of residences and government buildings but it is an ideal day trip to visit its architectural buildings and parks. Hop on the 25 minutes to two-hour cruise to view iconic landmarks including Putra Mosque, Perdana Putri (Prime Minister’s Office), and Putra Bridge. Discover the luscious greenery at Putrajaya Botanical Garden and unique architectural details at Moroccan Pavilion. Walk around the Saujana Hijau Park, followed up by munching on the local delicacies at Putrajaya Farmer’s Market that opens on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Putrajaya, Malaysia

Fraser’s Hill

Fraser’s Hill is a hill village in Pahang which still has colonial cottages crumbled in the jungles. You will feel the cooler air in Fraser’s Hill after a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. This is suitable for those who are hiking. Hike along the popular trails including Abu Suradi Trail, Bishop Trail, and Mager Trail while learning about the colonial history and wildlife of Fraser’s Hill. Have your lunch and afternoon tea at Ye Old Smokehouse that features a beautiful garden. Paddle boats at Allan’s Water and feed fishes and turtles, and enjoy a nice picnic with calming views at Jeriau Waterfall.

Fraser’s Hill, Pahang, Malaysia

Bentong

Bentong is by the Repas and Perting rivers where the ridge was built by tin miners after they found tin in the rivers. It is a little town with delicious local foods while there are various naturalistic spots outside of town. Have your meals at the town with a delicious and affordable lunch at SHL Restaurant and homemade ice cream and ais kacang at Kow Po. Take away homemade kaya and pineapple puffs as your snacks at Mokie Home Baked Pastry.

Wander around the Colmar Tropical French Themed Resort (40 minutes from the town) and admire the 16th century architectural buildings. Relax by the Chamang Waterfall in Bukit Tinggi Forest Reserve followed by eating some durians at Jimmy’s Durian Orchard.

Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia

Colmar Tropicale French Theme Resort in Bentong

Kuala Selangor

Kuala Selangor is just an hour’s drive away from Kuala Lumpur where you can enjoy your time at the fishing village and watch the fireflies at night. Eat some local delicacies, especially the seafood, and learn the fisherman’s daily lives at Pasir Panembang, another fishing village. Trying the lala and siham (cockles and clams) dishes is a must. Watch the sunset by the Bukit Melawati Hill together with the silver leafed monkeys. Learn its history by visiting the Royal Mausoluem, Seven Wells, and Poisoned Well. Head down to Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park and see the breathtaking views of the fireflies wandering around in the night sky through a 20-minute boat ride.

Kuala Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia

Sunset in Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park, Kuala Selangor

Pulau Ketam (Crab Island)

Pulau Ketam, known as Crab Island, is a fishing village which is off the coast of Port Klang. Take a ferry from Port Klang (RM7 per person) and find the little crabs on muddy grounds during low tide. Rent a bike for RM5 for the whole day and cycle around the village. You will discover colourful buildings and murals as you cycle around the streets. Have a mouthwatering seafood meal including the fried squid and flower crabs at the local seafood restaurants. Don’t forget about hunting for snacks, such as oyster pancakes and prawn crackers, at the food stalls. Take note that the first ferry is at 7.45am and the last ferry is at 5.30pm.

Pulau Ketam, Selangor, Malaysia

Fishing Village in Pulau Ketam (Crab Island)

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