After being cooped up for months, we are finally able to travel again! Well, domestically at least. But hey, you’ll be amazed at how much your own country has to offer! Road trips are a great way for Malaysians to tour our beloved nation and to cure some of that wanderlust. Plus, taking a drive around our scenic local spots is definitely more wallet-friendly than flying halfway across the globe.

So here we’ve put together five Malaysian road trips that are off the beaten track and perfect for weekend escapes.

Credit: vincekth

1. Kuala Sepetang, Perak

Kuala Sepetang is a small coastal town located close to Taiping in Perak and it’s about an hour drive away from Ipoh city. Formerly known as Port Weld, it is a charming fishing village where you’ll see old-world traditions and generational trades that are still thriving to this day. Speaking of which, a must-visit is the Khay Hor Charcoal Factory - established back in the 1930s and currently run by K.Y. Chuah, who’s the third generation to own this family business and now holds the torch to carry on the family legacy. We’ve all had the pleasure of enjoying charcoal-cooked food but how many of us actually know how painstakingly laborious and tedious the charcoal making process is? A visit to Khay Hor Charcoal Factory will surely change the way you look at and appreciate your charcoal-fried char koay teow.

Further up the road from the charcoal factory is the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve - the largest mangrove forest reserve in Malaysia covering an astonishing area of 40,000 hectares! It was gazetted as a Permanent Forest Reserve in 1906 and today, it’s recognized as one of the best managed sustainable mangrove ecosystems in the world - pretty impressive, huh? Nature lovers will really enjoy the serenity while walking through its scenic footpaths.

Back in Taiping's tin-mining days, Port Weld served as Taiping's link to overseas markets. Did you know that Malaysia’s very first railway line was built between Port Weld and Taiping? Even though the railway track has been removed, the train station's sign board and ticket booth are preserved to this day.

There are also several hawker stalls nearby that are worth visiting. If you're a fan of Penang style curry mee, head over to the Chinese coffee shop just opposite the old Port Weld sign. Their curry mee is similar to the ones in Penang, containing coconut milk, beancurd puffs, fresh prawns and pig blood curd. You might also notice that this coffee shop used to be the old ticket booth - how nostalgic!

There’s so much more that Kuala Sepetang has to offer, we might have to write a whole other article on it. But in short, if you’re looking for a trip filled with culture, history, nature and food, we would 100% recommend Kuala Sepetang.

2. Seraya Hill, Penang

Ah, Penang... Home to some of the best Malaysian street food, and features more than a few tourist-worthy attractions. The island is a fascinating fusion of eastern and western influences - it’s amazing how it has managed to retain its colonial traditions whilst balancing and embracing modernity. With Georgetown being the perfect example and recognised as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, it’s no wonder why Penang is one of Malaysia’s top tourist destinations.

But what you might not know is that Penang is also a treasure trove for nature, especially if you’re a hiking enthusiast. Here’s one you should add to your list of hiking trails to conquer - Seraya Hill.

Mysterious and full of history, Seraya Hill in Bukit Mertajam is one of the least-known hills to Malaysians, even Penangites. This hiking adventure includes enormous trees, picturesque waterfalls, an old disused British reservoir and an interesting collection of flora and fauna.

If you’re curious to know more about the history that surrounds these hills or perhaps want to go on a more adventurous route and meet new friends, let our Buddy and local hiking expert, Jo Leen bring you around! Find out more about the experience here.

3. Bentong

An hour’s drive will take you from the bustling city of KL to the tranquil and friendly town of Bentong - this quaint little town is located in Pahang and it’s the perfect place to escape to when you need some peace and quiet. It’s off the beaten path and filled with hidden gems - both food and nature.

First stop, breakfast at Thong Kee Coffee Shop! A must-visit when you’re in Bentong. They’re famous for their Hainanese style coffee, kaya butter croissant and toast. Do try their signature ‘1+1’ a.k.a. Cham Peng, paired with the flakey croissant and fragrant kaya butter filling - it’s a match made in heaven.

Just a 5-minute walk away is the Bentong morning market - experience the lively morning vibes and feel yourself blend into the daily life of a local. Be sure to take home some of the famous Bentong ginger, soy sauce and other local produce. If you take a stroll around the area, you will spot some beautifully painted street art murals - perfect for the ‘Gram!

Credit: CH Leong

Another noteworthy place is the Chamang Waterfall - located in the Bukit Tinggi Forest Reserve, about a 20-minute drive away from Bentong town. Spend the afternoon mesmerised by the wonders of nature, maybe tapao some food and pack a little picnic to enjoy by the waterfall.

A trip to Bentong would not be complete without eating durian. If you’re fortunate enough, you’ll get a taste of the Musang King - a premium durian variety that can be found in Bentong and its neighbour, Raub. Although feasting on the king of fruits at a roadside stall may not sound glamorous but it surely is an authentic experience that cannot be missed.

Note: Durian lovers, be sure to visit during the durian season from July to August - which is coincidentally right now. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

4. Kuala Selangor

Head west out of KL and you will reach the small coastal town of Kuala Selangor. It might be known for one of the largest firefly colonies in the world, but there is much more to Kuala Selangor than just fireflies. From ancient burial grounds to forts and shrines, this town is practically steeped in heritage.

Credit: sayaanakbangsamalaysia

For a panoramic view of Kuala Selangor and incredible sunsets, Melawati Hill is a popular destination, even for local residents. It’s not just an important historical site that offers interesting insights into Selangor’s fascinating history, but also home to two endangered species - the mischievous Long-Tailed Macaques, and the notably distinctive Silvered Leaf Monkey, which are commonly spotted around the area.

The secret island of Sky Mirror is another must-visit in Kuala Selangor. Named after its mirror-like reflection of the sky, the island offers incredible views and unique photography opportunities. It’s a mysterious island that will only emerge for several days in the month, 4 days before and after 1st and 15th of the Lunar calendar. It's dubbed the Salary de Uyuni of Malaysia after the similar natural wonder in Bolivia.

Instead of spending hours on research and planning, why not explore Kuala Selangor through a local guide? Experience close encounters with the monkeys and fireflies, discover the secret island of the Sky Mirror and many more one-of-a-kind activities. Through Buddyz, you can connect with locals and make the most out of your trip.

5. Klang

For a quick getaway out of the city, Klang may be an underrated choice but that’s what makes it a hidden gem with plenty of attractions to make for a fun weekend.

Klang is such a historic city, among the oldest in Malaysia, and it’s filled with character and charm. With a long history in trade and the confluence of cultures, Klang has become this melting pot of Malaysia's three major ethnic groups - the Malay, Chinese, and Indians.

This royal town also has a reputation for amazing food. If we had to name one dish that has put Klang on the map, it’s gotta be Bah Kut Teh - literally translates to “meat bone tea”. There’s an ongoing debate about the best Bak Kut Teh restaurant in Klang, but among the top spots to indulge in this rich and hearty pork broth are Kedai Makanan Seng Huat (a.k.a. Under The Bridge Bak Kut Teh), Teluk Pulai Bah Kut Teh and Restoran Lai Hing. We’ll leave it to you to decide which one’s best.

When in Klang, you should definitely visit Regent Pandan Layer Cake Shop. Operating since 1977, this old school cake shop's signature delicacy is its five-layered pandan cake. Soft in texture and handmade using freshly squeezed pandan juice and fragrant coconut milk - it’s the perfect afternoon tea snack.

Simply by driving around Klang, you’ll notice the Indian influences. For a more in-depth tour, let our Buddy, Hoong Fai take you on a cultural walk around Little India. You’ll get to try on the stunning Saree - a traditional costume - and get a taste of the huge variety of Indian food and sweets as you stroll along the colourful streets. Find out more about the experience here.

All of the above plus its unique old-world charm makes Klang a great road trip destination. For more guided experiences in Klang, check out ‘Time Travel in Klang: History behind the Chinese exploring Malaya’ and ‘The Chinese Side of Klang That You Never Knew’.

With all that’s going on, a road trip is exactly what we need - one that’s filled with adventure, great company and free of worries. Not to mention, our local economy could use a little boost - it’s so important that we support our local businesses now more than ever. Just remember, #travelsafe. Let us know if you do go on any of these trips, we would love to hear from you!

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Buddyz is a travel platform powered by locals, a.k.a. the most knowledgeable and interesting experts, the ones that know the country best! We want to encourage people to travel more meaningfully, to immerse themselves in local culture, and to connect with people from the places they visit.

So on our platform, you will find what we call ‘Experiences’ for every interest - ranging from cultural walks, intimate meals at secluded local eateries to creative workshops and classes. All of which are led by locals and are vetted for quality.

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