Kuala Sepetang is a sleepy coastal town close to Taiping in Perak, Malaysia. It takes around an hour to drive to Kuala Sepetang from the capital city of Perak, Ipoh.
This quaint town is worth visiting for its nature, food and history! There’s a Chinese fishing village (Kuala Sangga) as well as mangroves. Home to fireflies and other wildlife!
History buffs will want to see Port Weld too. Where lingering signage of the very first railway in Peninsula Malaysia can still be seen!
Table of contents:
Ipoh To Kuala Sepetang
Like we said, Kuala Sepetang is just an hour away from Ipoh via Lebuhraya Utara – Selatan/AH2/E1.
To get there, you can:
- Take a bus (Warning: this takes double the time)
- Rent a car from Ipoh
- Take a taxi or Grab service from Ipoh
- Hire a private tour (transport + guide)
Tip: Stop by Taiping Lake Gardens on the way. You won’t regret it!
Kuala Sepetang Tour From Ipoh
A full-day private Kuala Sepetang tour from Ipoh costs around the same price to rent a car. And you get a personal guide too besides the transport to Kuala Sepetang!
Book a package with RayTheTour for an unforgettable Kuala Sepetang day trip!
Advantages of booking a private tour with RayTheTour:
- Friendly and knowledgeable guide who hails from Ipoh
- Easy booking process – just message us through WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger!
- You don’t have to drive or park in an unfamiliar place
- No worries on petrol and toll fees
- Safe
- Affordable for groups of 3 people or more.
13 Top Kuala Sepetang Attractions
You will find you need at least 1 full day to adequately cover Kuala Sepetang . Because there is so much to see from morning until night!
1. Kota Ngah Ibrahim
On the way to Kuala Sepetang, you can stop at Kota Ngah Ibrahim.
This is a historical fort that is well preserved. And has been converted into a museum for Malaysian history which includes:
- Taiping town history
- Kuala Sepetang history
- Malay culture
- Politics before the British colonization of Malaysia
Considering that the entrance is free, it’s not bad at all!
2. Charcoal Factory Kuala Sepetang
Ever seen a traditional charcoal factory before?
This charcoal factory Kuala Sepetang by Khay Hor Holdings Sdn Bhd has been passed down from generations within the family.
The current owner, Mr Chuah does multilingual tours under an hour around his factory. Enthusiastically showing visitors what it takes to make charcoal the old-fashioned way.
See the big kilns up close and how they transport the raw material (i.e. mangrove wood) to the factory!
You will also learn what products can be made from charcoal. Or even buy some if you wish!
Note: It’s quite hot in the factory because of the kilns. Bring some drinking water with you~
Address: http://bit.ly/CharcoalFactory
Opening hours: Daily from 9am to 5pm
Entrance fee: Free but tours cost RM5 per person
Contact: +6012-428 6098
3. Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve
Further up the road from the charcoal factory, is Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve.
The highlight here is a boardwalk that allows you to walk among the mangroves. While you observe swamp life (birds and little marine creatures) without getting your shoes in the muck!
This is not a return track. Since the starting point and the ending point are not connected. Allocate an hour to explore the mangrove.
From the reserve, you can take boat rides (RM30-40/ head) for the eagle feeding tours. Passing through a Chinese fishing village.
Update (March, 2021): The boardwalk is going to open soon. Since it went under maintenance in 2019. To be on the safe side, call up before you go.
Note: Beware that the road to the reserve can be flooded after a heavy downpour.
Address: http://bit.ly/MatangMangroves
Opening hours: Daily from 8am to 7pm
Entrance fee: RM15 per person, parking costs RM2
Contact: +6012-514 5023
Read also: Orangutan Island: A Hidden Orangutan Sanctuary In West Malaysia
4. Kuala Sangga Fishing Village
If you want to see an authentic Kuala Sepetang fishing village, you can consider paying a visit to Kuala Sangga fishing village!
You can take a boat ride for 30 minutes to reach the century-old village from Kuala Sepetang port.
The villagers here live off grid. Without depending on electricity or with access to running water! And it won’t take you long to explore the charming village on wooden stilts!
Address: http://bit.ly/KualaSangga
Read also: Bukit Merah Laketown Resort – Affordable Family Fun Theme Park
5. Wonder Mushroom Farm
Wonder Mushroom Farm is another family business on this list. And they have been cultivating mushrooms from wood powder for more than 30 years!
Among the mushrooms grown here, there are
- White and grey oyster mushrooms
- Reishi (Lingzhi) mushrooms
- Tiger Milk (Susu harimau) mushrooms
It’s free to enter, and the guided tour is very informative. Do drop by if you have a couple of hours to spare!
You can try a hand at growing your own mushrooms by taking some back! Best to call ahead before going!
Read more about Taiping Wonder Farm Mushroom.
Address: Lot 1626, Lorong 1, Kampung Setia, 34700 Taiping, Perak
Opening hours: Daily from 9am to 12pm, and again from 2pm to 4:30pm
Contact: +6016-531 8161
6. Dragon Joss Stick Workshop
Beyond the simple appearance of the ordinary joss stick or incense stick:
Are more intricate versions that require a skill that is not common nowadays.
Particularly so for handmade dragon inspired joss sticks. The process of making these can take anywhere from 3 to 10 months, depending on the size!
You can see this impressive traditional art form at Hun Leng Heong Hang workshop.
Address: http://bit.ly/HunLengHeongHang
7. Old “Port Weld” Railway Station Signboard (十八丁铁路碑)
While not much remains of the once bustling scene at Port Weld, you can still see bits and pieces around.
One of these testaments is an old multilingual signboard for the railway station that was in operation almost 2 centuries ago!
Did you know? This was the very first railway station in West Malaysia!
Address: http://bit.ly/Old-Port-Weld
8. Port Weld Scenic Bridge
Port Weld bridge connects the mainland and Kampung Seberang and overlooks the fishing village below.
This is where you can board a boat tour around the island or head out and see the sea eagles!
You can rent a boat from RM28 and above, depending on where you want to go.
The bridge is covered which makes it ideal for fishing or observing boats coming in. There is an awesome sunset view here too!
Address: http://bit.ly/PortWeldbridge
9. Kuala Sepetang Dried Prawn Factory
Dried prawns are an essential ingredient in many Chinese dishes like radish cake and glutinous rice.
You can even find them in the uniquely Malaysian dish with assorted vegetables stir-fried with belacan (a rather offensive smelling chili paste made from shrimp).
But how is this flavorful ingredient prepared?
The traditional way of drying the prawns relies heavily on the weather, of course.
It is a manual process when it comes to turning over the prawns to ensure an even level of dryness.
Address: http://bit.ly/Dried-Prawn-Factory
10. Cockle Farm
Cockles are another delicacy from the sea that is widely enjoyed by most Malaysians. It is either eaten fried or boiled and dipped in chili.
Witness how cockles are drained and separated from silt, water and other particles before being packed into large barrels.
Note: Water pollution has significantly affected the multi-million-ringgit cockle industry and Kuala Sepetang is no longer the largest cockle breeding ground in Malaysia.
11. Fireflies Kuala Sepetang
Fireflies are not as prevalent as they once were. This is because they only favor a certain type of mangrove species called beremban trees.
Such trees grow in abundance at the mangrove reserve thankfully. And boat tours will take people out to see thousands of the Kuala Sepetang firefly once the sky darkens.
You can go to any of the places below to book a tour to see fireflies:
- Kuala Sepetang Eco Tourism
- Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve
- Kampung Dew Fireflies
This is the main highlight of many Kuala Sepetang tours available.
Read also: Kuala Selangor Fireflies: Nature’s Spectacular Night Show (Don’t Miss Out!)
12. Pink River Dophin
Looking for a Kuala Sepetang dolphin tour? There aren’t any boat tours that promise passengers a sighting of the rare mammals.
But if luck is with you, you might just spot a dolphin from the Indo-Pacific humpback species on the boat ride to Kuala Sangga fishing village.
Might as well book an all-inclusive tour like the one offered by Kuala Sepetang Eco Tourism.
If not, then you can have another go at spotting a dolphin at a viewpoint in the middle of the estuary.
13. Eagle Watching
It’s truly a magnificent sight to see dozens of eagles flocking around the boats during an eagle watching tour.
The eagles come for the meat thrown out from the boats by the guides to draw the birds closer for passengers to see.
If you’re interested, you can book a tour with either of these tour operators:
- Port Weld View Tour
- Eagle Sight Seeing Tour Sdn Bhd
- Kuala Sepetang Eco Tourism
Note: The typical cost for just the eagle watching is around RM150 per boat or RM30 per person while the package tours may cost RM200-300 per boat or RM40-50 per person.
To get an idea of where all these places are,
Note: You can click on the map to interact with it.
Kuala Sepetang Seafood
Any self-declared seafood enthusiast cannot afford to miss out on the cheap and fresh seafood from Kuala Sepetang!
Here are some reputable places to get your seafood cravings satisfied:
1. Kuala Sepetang Fish Village Restaurant
A good view of the river, affordable prices for fresh seafood are what draws people to this restaurant!
Address: http://bit.ly/Kuala-Sepetang-Fish-Village-Restaurant
Opening hours: Daily from 11am to 10:30pm
Contact: +6012-500 5325
Remark: Hard to find parking
2. Restoran Tepi Sungai
This restaurant sits at the mouth of the estuary with a commanding view of the river and passing boats!
Tip: Sit upstairs for a better view!
Get seafood at its freshest here – you pick your own and the chef will do the rest!
Recommended dishes are crabs, baby octopus, kangkong with sambal, and curry prawns.
Address: http://bit.ly/Restoran-Tepi-Sungai
Opening hours: 12pm to 8:45pm
Contact: +6010-549 6433
Remark: You can buy salted fish or fresh seafood here
3. Xin Seafood Restaurant 十八丁火车站海鲜
This is another scenic place to get fresh, delicious and affordable seafood.
Must-try dishes include the oyster omelette and steamed flower crab.
Address: 155B, River Side, 34650 Kuala Sepetang, Perak
Opening hours: Daily from 6am to 9pm
Contact: +605-858 1350
4. D’Port Ikan Bakar Seafood
Reasonably priced seafood can be had here. The menu has some Western options as well.
Do try their tomyam prawns, fire chili crab, salted egg crab and fried fish.
Address: http://bit.ly/D-Port-Ikan-Bakar-Seafood
Opening hours: 4pm to 12:05pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: +6016-523 1554
Remark: Halal
Mee Udang Kuala Sepetang
Mee udang is a local dish that consists of noodles in a tasty spicy prawn broth.
And although you can get this dish in many other Malaysian cities, towns and villages:
Mee udang in Kuala Sepetang is famous because they tend to serve large prawns!
Tip: If you want more soup and bigger prawns, go before lunch time!
Here are 3 places where you can try mee udang in Kuala Sepetang:
1. Restoran Mee Udang Mak Jah
The fried version (mee goreng) is arguably better than the soup version. But this is still a popular place to get mee udang!
Address: http://bit.ly/MeeUdangMakJah
Opening hours: 12pm to 10pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: +605-858 1400
2. Salleh Stall Mee Udang Port Weld
Some say this stall has better mee udang than the one at Mak Jah! The open-air stall is easy to find and is sheltered from the sun and rain.
Address: http://bit.ly/SallehStallMeeUdang
Opening hours: 7am to 7pm (Closed on Fridays)
Contact: +6012-571 9372
3. Mee Udang Kak Ana Kuala Sepetang
Very fresh prawns are served at this mee udang spot!
Kuala Sepetang Food
Besides delicious seafood and the infamous mee udang, you can get other yummy dishes and the quintessential Malaysian dessert, cendol!
1. Ah Dai (or Ah Thai) Curry Mee
Ah Dai is a hawker stall in a typical Malaysian food court.
Their specialty is the curry mee. But they also serve a hearty asam laksa (with sardines)!
Address: http://bit.ly/AhDaiCurryMee
Opening hours: 12:30pm to 7pm (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Contact: +6012-505 1475
2. Kuih Teo Chew 十八丁家乡菜粿
Fancy some good old home-cooking? Try this restaurant then.
3. Cendol Kuala Sepetang
When the heat gets the best of you, you can grab a bowl of this popular local dessert.
You can get cendol pulut or cendol jagung here too!
Address: http://bit.ly/Cendol-Kuala-Sepetang
Opening hours: 12:30pm to 5:45pm everyday but 2:30pm to 5:45pm on Mondays and Fridays
Contact: +6019-500 8203
Thinking of staying the night?
Kuala Sepetang Hotel
There are a couple of hotels in Kuala Sepetang that come highly recommended:
1. Sepetang Inn
Sepetang Inn is a budget hotel that has the basics you need for a short stay.
What you’ll like:
- Close to seafood eateries
- Spacious and clean rooms with TV and air conditioning
Good to know:
- No iron or ironing board
- Hot and cold water dispensers are available
- Street parking
- Hotel does not provide breakfast
Address: http://bit.ly/Sepetang-Inn
Contact: +6012-516 9909
Price: Starts from RM100 a night
Facebook: Sepetang Inn
Want more accommodation options?
Kuala Sepetang Homestay
Homestays are a welcome alternative to hotels.
Especially if you have a large family or group of friends that will enjoy the co-living environment that is normal for homestays.
1. KS Homestay
KS Homestay has a splendid view of the village and river from the balcony. Rooms are basic but still homey.
What you’ll like:
- Walking distance to eateries
- Rooms have their own private bathrooms
- Very clean
- Aircon and TV available
Good to know:
- You can rent a motorcycle from the host
- The bridge is walking distance from this homestay
Address: No110,Riverside 34650, 34650 Kuala Sepetang, Perak, Malaysia
Contact: +60 16-780 6325
2. Kuala Sepetang CK homestay
CK Homestay K.Sepetang is just driving distance (17km) from Taiping Mall in case you need to grab something.
What you’ll like:
- Close to town
- Air-conditioned clean and basic rooms in a new modern building
- Free WiFi
- Terrace for lounging
- Great hospitality
- Free parking at the residence (must book ahead)
Good to know:
- Host speaks English and Chinese
- Eateries nearby
- They can arrange boat trips for their guests
- Motorbikes & bicycles are available
Address: C7 Kampung Baru Kuala Sepetang, 34650 Taiping, Perak
Contact: +6011-2955 8118
3. 十八丁乐悠悠民宿 Kuala Sepetang Love You You Homestay
Have a big group with you? This house will be perfect!
This modern homestay is newly renovated and fully furnished. Book the whole single-story house for your trip if you wish!
What you’ll like:
- Convenient location – walking distance to the town
- Host can recommend tours
- Modern and spacious house
- Clean house and rooms
- Kitchen with kettle and cups for guests
- Sheltered and secure parking
- TV with Astro
- Board games provided at the house
- WiFi
Good to know:
- Bicycles for rent
- Late checkout (12pm)
- Water filter and kettle for guests to use
- They do provide a hairdryer
- No stairs (wheelchair friendly)
Address: 64 Kampung Baru Kuala Sepetang, 34650 Kuala Sepetang, Negeri Perak, Malaysia
Contact: +6012-429 3786
Conclusion
If you’re in the area, it’s worth stopping by Kuala Sepetang for the fireflies, sea eagles, fishing village, Port Weld, and more!
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