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.

5 Underrated Road Trips For A Weekend Escape In Malaysia