Sekinchan (适耕庄) is a coastal town at the north-western region of Selangor. It is roughly a 2-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.
The place is known for fresh seafood and golden paddy fields. As a result, Sekinchan is famously nicknamed “the land of fish and rice” (渔米之乡).
Sekinchan originally comprised of individual settlements that were created during the Malayan Emergency. Site A was approximately 6 kilometers inland, while Site B, Site C and Bagan (fishing village) were closer to the coast. Today, the last 3 villages have somewhat merged into a single town.
Jalan Pantai Redang, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia
2 hours
Free
Further reading: Pantai Redang
Pantai Redang is a renowned tourist attraction. The public beach is best known for the iconic wishing tree (许愿树). Over the years, thousands of hopefuls have covered the old banyan tree with red streamers.
The Lucky Red House (幸运小红屋) is another popular attraction here. The wooden tree house was featured in a romantic comedy, “Outbound Love” (单恋双城).
Lot 9990, Jalan Tali Air 5, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia
(+60) 16-205 6558
9:00am-5:30pm
2 hours
RM5.00
Further reading: Paddy Gallery
Sekinchan has among the highest rice yields in Malaysia. In fact, Sekinchan derives its name from the Chinese phrase “suitable for farming” (适耕庄). If you wish to catch the golden paddy fields, time your visit to the harvest season in late May or late November.
To learn more about rice cultivation in Sekinchan, visit the Paddy Gallery operated by PLS Group. The attraction begins with a video presentation, followed by a tour of the rice mill. Visitors can also learn about rice farming equipment – both manual and mechanized ones.
Lot 10376, Jalan Tali Air 5, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia
(+60) 14-230 5753
10:00am-6:00pm
1 hour
Free
Further reading: Ah Ma House
Ah Ma House is a bakery that specializes in traditional Chinese biscuits. The shop occupies an old wooden house which still retains its nostalgic charm.
If you are lucky, you can see the traditional way of making kuih kapit (椰奶酥). Other delectable snacks on sale are bahulu (阿嬤鸡蛋糕), kuih bangkit (番婆饼), pineapple tarts (凤梨酥) and more.
Lot 10355, Jalan Tali Air 5, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia
(+60) 19-365 3431
9:00am-6:00pm, closed on Monday to Friday
2 hours
RM8.00
Further reading: Sekinchan Ocean Gallery
Just across the road from Ah Ma House is Sekinchan Ocean Gallery, a maritime-themed museum. Visitors to the museum are shown traditional and modern fishing techniques around Sekinchan.
Within the museum’s compound is an eatery called Kampung Atuk (阿公的家乡). Teochew png kueh (潮州桃粄) is high recommended. It is a sticky, peach-shaped snack with savory fillings.
Jalan Tali Air 4, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia
(+60) 12-809 2216
11:30am-9:00pm, closed on Monday to Wednesday
A peculiar landmark in Sekinchan is an old bus on top of a shipping container; I have no idea how the bus got up there. The bus’ interior serves as a café called N.16 Cafe. Due to its popularity, customers are required to make reservations 2 days in advance.
Kampung Kian Sit, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia
7:00am-6:00pm
1 hour
Free
Further reading: Nan Tian Gong
Kampung Kian Sit (垦殖新村) is also known as Site A of Sekinchan. The village is relatively isolated from the rest of Sekinchan. The residents here are predominantly rice farmers.
Nan Tian Gong is the most prominent landmark in the village. The Taoist temple affords great views of the surrounding paddy fields. Nan Tian Gong is bustling with devotees during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival (九皇爷诞), which is held for 9 days on the 9th month of the Chinese lunar calendar.
248, Lorong 4, Kampung Kian Sit, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia
(+60) 19-303 9406
11:00am-6:00pm (Monday-Tuesday), 9:00am-6:00pm (Wednesday-Sunday)
Further reading: Mango King
Finally, Mango King is a small fruit stall near Nan Tian Gong. Besides selling local fruits, the stall also serves food and drinks. Try the pure mango smoothie (现打芒果冰沙); the mangoes are so sweet that no sugar needs to be added to the beverage!
Sekinchan is a popular staycation destination for the people of Klang Valley. The town combines the charm of quaint farms with the abundance of fresh seafood. In fact, most visitors take the opportunity to stock up on rice and seafood before heading home!