Kuala Sepetang is a sleepy coastal town close to Taiping. 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 mangrove which are home to fireflies and other wildlife!
History buffs will want to see Port Weld too. This is where you can see the evidence of the very first railway in Peninsula Malaysia.
Table of contents:
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. Charcoal Factory
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. Where he enthusiastically shows 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~
- Opening hours: Daily from 10am to 5pm
- Entrance fee: Free but tours cost RM5 per person
- Contact: +6012-428 6098
2. 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!
If you’re exploring Port Weld, you can spot this signboard close to the local morning market. It’s close to the next item on this list too.
Did you know? This was the very first railway station in West Malaysia!
- Location: Google Maps
3. Port Weld Scenic Bridge
Port Weld bridge connects the mainland and Kampung Seberang and overlooks the fishing village below on both sides.
Close by 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!
Locals frequently ride their motorcycles up and down the steep bridge so be careful when crossing this bridge.
- Location: Google Maps
4. Walk To Shang Di Temple
From Port Weld Scenic Bridge, you can spot what looks like a Chinese style pavilion. Walking in that direction will bring you to the Shang Di Temple.
And you will see that the roof belongs to a tall Guan Yin statue in front of the temple.
A large turtle sits atop the stairs of the temple. And there are Chinese murals around the base of and behind the temple too.
Inside, the praying chamber is dimly lit, and it is filled with incense and praying sticks.
Note: If you’re looking for toilets, they are to the side of the temple building. Not far from a small turtle enclosure.
5. Fireflies
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 fireflies 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.
There’s another place called Kuala Selangor where you can see fireflies in an evening boat tour through the mangroves and it’s closer to Kuala Lumpur.
6. Pink River Dophins
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.
All-inclusive tours like the ones offered by Kuala Sepetang Eco Tourism are popular as they also combine eagle watching (next item list).
Do note that they don’t go searching for dolphins every day. There are only certain days of the month (6-8 trips per month) that they make longer trips to find dolphins.
The boat tour starts from 9:30am until 12:30pm as it takes 40 minutes out from the jetty and to the open sea. And another 1 to 2 hours to look for the elusive aquatic mammals.
There is a guide on board the boat and he will share information about the river dolphins during the ride.
Each boat takes up to 10 pax at RM70 per head. But if you really want to, you can charter a boat for RM700 total if your group is less than 10 pax.
7. 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 raw chicken fat thrown out from the boats by the guides to draw the birds closer for passengers to see. They’re so used to the boats that the sounding of the horn already attracts them to come!
Note: From a sustainable point of view, we’re not sure if this practice has detrimental effects on the environment. It could potentially discourage eagles from eating their natural prey and thus, cause an imbalance of the local eco system. But then again, the locals do depend on these tours for their livelihood.
If you’re interested, you can book a tour with either of these tour operators:
- Kuala Sepetang Port Weld View Tour Boat Ride
- Kuala Sepetang Eco Tourism
Note: The typical cost for just the eagle watching is around RM200 per boat or RM40 per Malaysian while the package tours may cost RM500+ for private mangrove and firefly tours that include a visit to a fish farm and eagle sighting.
8. Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve Eco Park
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!
After closing in 2019, the walkway has been expanded and reopened in Jan 2023. Do take care when crossing after rain as it can be slippery.
This is not a return track since the starting point and the ending point are not connected. Do 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.
Note: Beware that the road to the reserve can be flooded after a heavy downpour.
- Location: Google Maps
- Opening hours: Daily from 8am to 7pm (closes at 6pm on Sundays)
- Entrance fee: RM15 per person, parking costs RM2
- Contact: +6012-514 5023
Read also: Orangutan Island: A Hidden Orangutan Sanctuary In West Malaysia
9. Kuala Sangga Fishing Village
If you want to see an authentic 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!
- Location: Google Maps
- Visiting Hours: 9am to 5pm
10. 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 costs RM3 per person to enter, and the guided half-hour tour is very informative. Do drop by if you have a couple of hours to spare!
Besides buying mushrooms, you can try a hand at growing your own mushrooms by taking some of their DIY kits back!
It is best to call ahead before going though as the tours are not their main source of income.
Read more about Taiping Wonder Farm Mushroom.
- Opening hours: Daily from 9am to 12pm, and again from 2pm to 4:30pm (Closed on Mondays)
- Contact: +6016-438 8161
11. Dragon Joss Stick Workshop (Hun Leng Heong Hang)
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. They are especially busy with orders as Chinese New Year approaches.
- Location: Google Maps
- Contact: +6019-5451668
To get an idea of where all these places are, you can click on the map to interact with it.
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. Rasa Sayang Seafood Restaurant
Ask a local what their favorite seafood restaurant is in Kuala Sepetang and they will probably point you to Rasa Sayang Seafood Restaurant.
The river-side restaurant is spacious and well-ventilated on all sides. You’ll get good views of the river while you wait for the food (which does take a while even when the restaurant is not busy).
The dishes are tasty, the seafood is fresh, and pricing is reasonable. See what we ordered at Rasa Sayang Seafood Restaurant.
- Opening Hours: 11:30am to 9pm
- Contact: +6012-388 6312
- Remarks: They have many vegetarian options
Other options:
- Xin Seafood Restaurant
- D’Port Ikan Bakar Seafood
Hotel
There are a couple of hotels that come highly recommended:
1. Sepetang Inn
Sepetang Inn is a budget hotel that has the basics you need for a short stay. The family-run business has been in operation for close to 10 years.
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
- Price: Starts from RM100 a night
- Facebook: Sepetang Inn
Want more accommodation options?
Homestays
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
- Price: Starts from RM130+ a night
2. Kuala Sepetang CK Homestay
Kuala Sepetang CK Homestay is just driving distance (17km) from Taiping Mall in case you need to grab something.
The homestay is not far from Port Weld Scenic Bridge.
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
- Price: Starts from RM110 a night
3. Kuala Sepetang Love You You Homestay (十八丁乐悠悠民宿)
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
How To Get From 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 service (transport + guide)
A full-day private Kuala Sepetang tour from Ipoh with RayTheTour means you will get a personal guide too besides the transport to Kuala Sepetang!
Book a package with RayTheTour for an unforgettable day trip!
Advantages of booking a private tour with RayTheTour:
- Friendly and knowledgeable guide who hails from Ipoh
- Easy booking process – just message them on WhatsApp
- 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.
Note: Service doesn’t include boat fees, your food, or your accommodation
Conclusion
If you’re in the area, it’s worth stopping by Kuala Sepetang for the fireflies, fresh seafood, fishing village, Port Weld, and more!
Kuala Sepetang is very different from Ipoh since it is close to the sea. It still has an authentic village setting.
Things To Do In Taiping
But while you’re exploring Kuala Sepetang, you can take the opportunity to check out Taiping too. Taiping has its own share of worthwhile attractions – we especially like their museums.
What To Eat In Taiping
Eateries in Kuala Sepetang specialize in seafood so if you need more options, we recommend trying out hawker and kopitiam fare over at Taiping. They are known for their Hainanese chicken chop and, hor ka sai which is a mix of coffee plus milo – a unique beverage that many local eateries offer.
