In the early days, Bukit Rotan had wide swaths of rubber estates whose workers were predominantly Hindu. Today, this rural community is home to Sri Shakti Devasthanam (ஸ்ரீ சக்தி தேவஸ்தானம்), one of the most prominent Hindu temples in Malaysia.

The current temple was constructed between 2002 and 2013. The sanctum sanctorum is enclosed on all sides by walls over 13 feet in height. The 74-feet rajagopuram (entrance tower) has 5 tiers and is best photographed during sunrise.

Sri Shakti Devasthanam is truly the pinnacle of Hindu architecture. Detailed carvings on the walls and pillars reflect fine craftsmanship that went into the temple’s construction.

Visitors are allowed to visit the inner sanctum but photography is prohibited inside. As with all places of worship, please observe silence and respect the sanctity of the temple.

Address: Jalan Kuala Selangor, 45700 Bukit Rotan, Selangor
Contact: 03-4044-4645
Business hours: 5:30am-12:00pm, 4:30pm-9:00pm (Monday-Thursday), 5:30am-12:30pm, 4:30pm-9:30pm (Friday-Sunday)

Kuala Selangor was the seat of the Selangor Sultanate from its founding until 1857. The administrative center was on a hill called Bukit Malawati. Commanding a good view of the Strait of Malacca, Bukit Malawati was an important fortification for the newly established sultanate.

Today, Bukit Malawati is the most popular tourist attraction in Kuala Selangor. A one-way road loops around the hill and passes by several points of interest. Bukit Malawati can be explored by car or on foot.

To prevent congestion, private cars are not allowed on weekends and public holidays. On these days, Bukit Malawati offers tram rides for RM5.00 per adult and RM3.00 per child. Tram tickets can be bought near Pintu Gerbang Malawati (Malawati Gate).

The first stop is Perigi Beracun (Poisoned Well). Filled with poisonous saps, the well was used to torture traitors. The condemned was lowered into the well until he was submerged chin-deep, resulting in a slow and painful death.

Next to Perigi Beracun is Muzium Permainan Tradisional (Museum Of Traditional Games). The museum was damaged by fire in 2011 and has been closed since.

Muzium Sejarah Daerah Kuala Selangor (Historical Museum Of Kuala Selangor District) is perched at the top of Bukit Malawati. The museum is divided into 7 sections and describes the history of Kuala Selangor in chronological order. It is open from 9:30am to 5:30pm daily, except for a 2-hour break between 12:30pm and 2:30pm on Friday. Admission is free.

Before the advent of satellite navigation, lighthouses served as a navigational aid for passing ships. The one standing today was erected by the British in 1907 to replace the Dutch lighthouse some two centuries ago.

Kota Malawati (Malawati Fort) provided the Selangor Sultanate vital protection from land and from sea. The fort saw combat with Dutch forces, who briefly occupied the hill and built the first lighthouse.

Batu Hampar (The Bedrock) is located near the entrance of Kota Malawati. The squarish stone slab measures 5 feet by 5 feet, and is around 1 foot in thickness. The purpose of Batu Hampar is unknown, but it might have been used to execute criminals.

As a vital stronghold in the early days of Selangor, Kota Malawati was fortified with many cannons. Some of these cannons were left behind by Dutch and British forces.

The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles. The first sight of the new moon is used to determine the beginning of each month. Baitulhilal (New Moon Sighting Pavilion) was constructed specifically for this purpose.

Makam Diraja (Royal Mausoleum) was where the first three rulers of Selangor were laid to rest. The tomb also houses Meriam Penggawa, a sacred cannon wrapped in yellow cloth. Makam Diraja is not open to the public, so visitors can only view the mausoleum through the gates.

Tangga Seratus (Hundred Stairs) used to be the main entrance to Bukit Malawati. Visitors who arrive by sea had to moor their boats at the base, and then walk up the stairs. Tangga Seratus is said to have exactly one hundred steps in total, hence its namesake.

Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells) refers to 7 wells that dot this section of Bukit Malawati. The wells were believed to be magical because they never run dry even during long droughts.

Like Taman Alam Kuala Selangor, Bukit Malawati is home to Selangor silvered langurs (Trachypithecus selangorensis) and long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis).

There are errant vendors who sell monkey food to visitors. Food encourages the monkeys come closer for visitors to take photographs. However, it is not advisable to feed these wild animals as they can become aggressive.

Address: 45000 Kuala Selangor, Selangor
Contact: 03-3289-6115
Business hours: 9:00am-6:00pm

Taman Alam Kuala Selangor (Kuala Selangor Nature Park) is a popular ecotourism destination. The park is managed by the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) on behalf of the state government. The visitor information center is located near the park’s entrance.

The nature park protects 800 acres of mangrove swamp and secondary forest at the foothill of Bukit Malawati.

The Bund Trail, nearly 2 kilometers in length, loops around the park.

As for visitors who wish to explore further, there are several offshoots including a mangrove walkway and a rope bridge.

Taman Alam Kuala Selangor is a sanctuary for a plethora of flora and fauna. The area is an important stopover for migratory birds. Over 150 bird species, such as the great egret (Ardea alba), can be seen here.

To facilitate birdwatching, there are several gazebos and observation towers along the trails. The most accessible observation tower is situated at the end of the Main Trail. The tower gives a panoramic view of the park, including a large brackish lake at the center.

As for visitors who wish to stay overnight, the park provides several types of accommodation.

There are two primate species that dwell near the campground: long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) and Selangor silvered langurs (Trachypithecus selangorensis). Do not approach or feed the monkeys as they may become aggressive.

Admission fee to Taman Alam Kuala Selangor is RM4.00 per adult. Schoolchildren and senior citizens are charged RM1.00 and RM2.00 respectively. Admission is free for children below the age of 7. It is advisable to bring insect repellent as the park is infested with mosquitoes.

Address: Jalan Klinik, 45000 Kuala Selangor, Selangor
Contact: 03-3289-2294
Business hours: 9:00am-6:00pm

Sekinchan Nan Tian Gong Temple (适耕庄南天宫) is an iconic landmark in Kampung Kian Sit (垦殖新村), also known as Site A of Sekinchan. The Taoist temple was founded in 1978, and then rebuilt in 2004 with help from donors.

Surrounded by rice paddy fields, Nan Tian Gong has a majestic appearance from a distance. The temple is flanked by pagodas on both sides. Meanwhile, the roof is intricately adorned with dragon (龙), phoenix (凤凰) and qilin (麒麟) figures.

Nan Tian Gong is dedicated to Nine Emperor Gods (九皇大帝). During the 9-day Nine Emperor Gods Festival (九皇爷诞), the temple and this otherwise quiet village are transformed into a grand fanfare.

There is a wishing tree (许愿树) in front of the Nan Tian Gong, though it is not as popular as the one at Pantai Redang.

Address: Kampung Kian Sit, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor
Contact: N/A
Business hours: 7:00am-6:00pm

Sekinchan is one of the major rice producing regions in Malaysia. The largest rice mill in town is owned by PLS Group, a major player in the cultivation, processing, packaging and distribution of rice.

The visitor section of the rice mill has several pieces of agricultural machinery like rice transplanters. For those who wish to learn more about rice cultivation, Paddy Gallery (稻米展览馆) provides a more in-depth introduction.

The tour begins with a video presentation on rice farming in Sekinchan. The video is available in English or Chinese. Next, visitors can view the rice mill from high above.

Afterwards, visitors can explore the remaining exhibits at their own pace. Learn more about rice farming equipment such as threshers (脱谷机) and winnowers (风谷车). Some of these machines are manually operated, while others are mechanized.

The admission price of Paddy Gallery is RM5.00 per adult. The ticket can be exchanged for a small pack of rice at the end of the tour. The visitor area also has a store where rice and other local products are sold.

Address: Lot 9990, Jalan Tali Air 5, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor
Contact: 016-205-6558
Business hours: 9:00am-5:30pm

Sekinchan Ocean Gallery (适耕庄海洋展览馆) is a little-known attraction in Sekinchan. It is within walking distance of Ah Ma House (阿嬤的家), a popular confectionery shop.

At the entrance of Sekinchan Ocean Gallery is a wooden wishing boat (许愿船) for visitors to take photographs with.

Sekinchan Ocean Gallery is a museum with exhibits on different fishing techniques. The admission price is RM8.00 per person.

Next to the museum is an eatery called Kampung Atuk (阿公的家乡). Unlike the museum, the food stalls are open daily.

Homemade Fishcakes (手工鱼饼) are served in bite-size pieces. The snack is simply irresistible.

Meanwhile, Teochew Png Kueh (潮州桃粄) is filled with glutinous rice, dried prawns and mushrooms. The dough skin is very sticky. Teochew Png Kueh is traditionally made in the shape of a peach.

Address: Lot 10355, Jalan Tali Air 5, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor
Contact: 019-365-3431
Business hours: 9:00am-6:00pm, closed on Mondays to Fridays

Pantai Redang (热浪沙滩) is a popular tourist destination in Sekinchan. The public beach is situated near the end of the town’s main canal.

Visitors to Pantai Redang usually start with a prayer at Na Tuk Kong temple (拿督公庙). Na Tuk Kong is a guardian spirit revered by local fisherman.

Next to the temple is an old banyan tree, which is believed to be a divine wishing tree (许愿树). To make a wish, write it on a red streamer and then toss the streamer up so that it is caught by a branch. It is said that the higher one tosses, the more likely one’s wish is granted.

There is a colorful pavilion (休凉亭) nearby where visitors can enjoy the breeze while being shaded from the sun.

Be sure to check out the old cabin (休闲旧厝) too. It is constructed from wood and is painted in bright colors.

Nearer to the beach is another interesting landmark, Lucky Red House (幸运小红屋). The wooden tree house was popularized by a romantic comedy, “Outbound Love” (单恋双城).

If you explore the entire length of Pantai Redang, you are likely to get nice views at the Harbour Hut (观航亭) and Sky Hut (仰望亭).

In the evening when the weather is not so not, the sandy beach is a popular place to fly kites. Pantai Redang is also a great spot to watch the golden sunset over the sea. As for dining, there is small food court nearby that serves seafood.

Address: Jalan Pantai Redang, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor
Contact: N/A
Business hours: N/A

After BOH, Cameron Valley is the next largest tea producer in Cameron Highlands. Founded in 1933, the company is currently under the fourth generation of family ownership.

Cameron Valley has 3 tea shops in Cameron Highlands. Today we are visiting Tea Shop 2, the outlet along the main road between Tanah Rata and Ringlet. This location has a viewing platform that overlooks the lush tea plantation in the valley below.

Besides tea products, Cameron Valley sells food and drinks too. We ordered a cup of teh tarik for RM4.50. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery while having their meals. For a fee of RM3.00, visitors may descend into the valley to get a closer look at the tea plantation.

Address: Batu 35, Jalan Besar, Tanah Rata, 39000 Cameron Highlands, Pahang
Contact: 05-491-1133
Business hours: 8:30am-6:00pm (Monday-Friday), 8:30am-7:00pm (Saturday-Sunday)

Raaju’s Hill is a strawberry farm in Kea Farm. The attraction sits on top of a hill just opposite of Kea Farm Market. It is also within walking distance of Copthorne Cameron Highlands.

Admission to Raaju’s Hill is free. Visitors are allowed to visit a small section of the strawberry farm. Should visitors want to pick some strawberries, Raaju’s Hill provides such opportunities for a fee.

The strawberries here are grown in plasticulture. There is irrigation tubing that makes it easier to water the plants.

Strawberry fruits turn from green to red as they become ripe. They do not continue to ripen once picked.

Raaju’s Hill has a small cafeteria that serves desserts and drinks. We ordered a strawberry ice cream for RM7.00. The sundae is topped with fresh strawberries, strawberry sauce and whipped cream. Food can enjoy food at the viewing platform above the souvenir shop.

Address: Batu 43, Kea Farm, 39100 Cameron Highlands, Pahang
Contact: 019-575-3867
Business hours: 8:00am-6:30pm

Butterfly Farm is located within a short distance from Copthorne Cameron Highlands. This attraction should not to be confused with the Butterfly Garden next door, which according to locals, is somewhat similar.

Butterfly Farm has a moderate size butterfly enclosure with free-flying butterflies. Because butterflies need to feed on nectar, the enclosure is filled with many flowering plants.

There are over 40 butterfly species in the Butterfly Farm. However, do not expect to find butterflies fluttering en masse because they spend most of their time hiding in crevices.

The butterfly shown here is called the great eggfly (Hypolimnas bolina). This species is widely distributed in in Asia and Australia. By the way, did you notice the grasshopper on another flower?

Each butterfly undergoes complete metamorphosis during its life cycle. After hatching from an egg, the butterfly larva spends most of its time feeding on leaves. In the next stage, the pupa wraps itself in a chrysalis and hangs head down. After around 2 weeks, an adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis!

Butterfly Farm has a flower garden too, although it is neither as large nor as impressive as those in other farms.

Shown here is anthurium, a type of houseplant best known for its peculiar flowers.

Besides flora, the Butterfly Farm features some fauna too. For example, there is a tabby cat which appears tame. The small zoo also contains a wallaby (small kangaroo) and a den of rabbits.

A pair of hedgehogs have curled up and are napping inside a wooden crate. Hedgehogs have spines all over their bodies.

Besides mammals, the Butterfly Farm also keeps live specimens of reptiles and amphibians. The flying gecko has webbing throughout its entire body. This trait helps lizard to conceal against trees.

There are a number of exotic insects on display too. Two bush crickets blend into the environment by having wings that mimic leaves.

Taking camouflage one step further, the leaf insect is the true master of disguise. Its entire body is almost indistinguishable from a leaf!

The admission price of Butterfly Farm is RM7.00 for adults and RM4.00 for children. Butterfly Farm also operates a restaurant called Jin Jin Steamboat. Unfortunately we did not have the opportunity to try the food here.

Address: Batu 43, Kea Farm, 39100 Cameron Highlands, Pahang
Contact: 017-211-6966
Business hours: 9:00am-6:00pm (Monday-Friday), 8:30am-7:00pm (Saturday-Sunday)